Academic News

Meaning of the Pin

A nursing pin is a badge worn by nurses to identify the nursing school from which they graduated. They are traditionally presented to newly graduated nurses by faculty at a Pinning Ceremony as a symbolic welcome into the profession.

Most pins have a symbolic meaning, often representing the history of the nursing program for that school. The Red River College Polytechnic pin was designed by graduates of the program and incorporates the following symbols:

• The vine that encircles the school and program name symbolizes growth, prosperity and continual development.
• The traditional medical caduceus (two snakes wrapped around a staff with wings at the top) is understood to represent the image of a nurse as a guardian angel who provides guidance and protection.
• The three dots surrounding the caduceus represent the students’ past, present and future.
• The lamp at the base of the pin references Florence Nightingale, the “lady with the lamp,” who cared for injured soldiers during the Crimean War and revolutionized the art and science of nursing practice.

Agenda

Processional

Introduction of Guests
Tasha Gregory, Chair, BN Program-Curriculum, Research, Planning and Quality Control

Welcome Remarks
Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean of Nursing

Congratulations
Fred Meier, President and CEO
Kerri Korabelnikov, Acting Dean, School of Health Sciences and Community Services

Greetings
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, Deputy Premier of Manitoba, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care

Greetings from College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM):
Deb Elias CEO/Registrar College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba

Greetings and Presentation of the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) Medal of Excellence
Ken Borce, President, Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba

History of the Pinning Ceremony / Significance of the BN Pin
Allyson Cooper, Chair, BN Program – Nursing Labs and Simulation

Introduction of Graduates
Myrna Davis, Chair, BN Program – Clinical Year 1 and 2

Presentation of Nursing Pins and Roses
Joanna Simmons-Swinden, Chair, BN Program – Theory Year 3 and Offsite Programs
Sandra Holben, Chair, BN Program – Year 3 Clinical and Senior Practicum
Allyson Cooper, Chair, BN Program – Nursing Labs and Simulation

Closing Remarks
Tasha Gregory, Chair, BN Program – Curriculum, Research, Planning and Quality Control

Recessional

Audience to stand as graduates leave.

Graduates

Congratulations to all our 2024 graduates!

Sprint to Innovate, powered by Canada Life, brings together post-secondary students from varied disciplines such as technology, business, entrepreneurship, and more. Sprint to Innovate is brought to you by University of Manitoba, Red River College Polytechnic, and Tech Manitoba. All Winnipeg Post Secondary Students are invited to participate. Students will learn about innovation while collaborating in a fun and exciting challenge to build a minimum viable prototype in two days.

We are pleased to announce that our next Sprint to Innovate: The Innovation Challenge is the weekend of Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2, 2025! We start the event with a Networking session on Thursday, January 30 with a training session at University of Manitoba.

We invite all companies to review our sponsorship and mentorship opportunities, and to consider submitting a business challenge; and for post-secondary students to consider participating.

How the Event Works

Teams of 4 to 6 students will choose from available business challenges provided by industry. Students will then work together with support from mentors to create a solution, including developing a prototype to be presented to judges on the final day.

A prototype is a simple experimental model of the proposed product used to learn from. Prototypes range from low-fidelity (paper-based) prototypes that are used to explain concepts all the way to high-fidelity prototypes that have functional elements with more detail.  Teams may consist of technology and business students.

How To Get Involved

As an Organization

We are looking for a sponsor to provide $3500 for our student participants on Sunday, February 2. Your $3500 sponsorship would earn you:

1. Sponsor the event.
2. Volunteer your time as a mentor.
3. Provide us with a Business Challenge that your organization has by emailing ckubara@rrc.ca.

As a Student

Students from any Manitoba post-secondary school may participate in a team at Sprint to Innovate.

Register your team today! (Make sure you know the names and Email addresses of all team members.)

Challenges

Student teams will have the opportunity to request which challenge they want to work on January 27.

CHALLENGE #1 Popp3r Cybersecurity

REVISED: How can we transform CYB3RGURU into the go-to solution to quickly and affordably detect and address cybersecurity gaps?

CHALLENGE #2 My Student Wellbeing

With billions of dollars lost to scams every year in North America, how can we prevent this from continuing to happen?

CHALLENGE #3 Talnetics

How might we create a solution that bridges the gap between talented individuals and talent recruiters by increasing visibility, fostering collaboration, and providing data-driven insights to ensure successful partnerships?

CHALLENGE #4 Exera Solutions

How might we develop an AI-powered HR platform that identifies and mitigates workplace biases and provides organizations with actionable, predictive recommendations to foster a more inclusive employee experience throughout the entire employee lifecycle?

CHALLENGE #5 City of Winnipeg

How might we transform vacant buildings into opportunities for a safer, more vibrant city?

CHALLENGE #6 Canada Life

As companies evolve their way of working, team members are finding challenges with respect to commuting to work (be it parking, transit, driving, biking). How might we develop a technology-based solution that can help employees reduce the challenges associated with coming into the office – and to make it fun?

CHALLENGE #7 WeMB

How might WeMB reduce barriers for women in Manitoba to access existing capital (loans and investors)?

Judges

Ashley Richard

Ashley Richard is Ojibway and Métis and her family is the Richard Family from Pine Creek First Nation and the McLeod Family from Camperville Manitoba. Ashley currently runs her own consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and project management. She is excited to be leading the Indigenous Entrepreneurship program at United College – University of Waterloo, where she is also a lecturer. Other exciting projects include the Indigenous Workforce Development Strategy with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters of Manitoba and working with The Forks North Portage on developing their Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy. Ashley is married and has 2 Siamese cats, Taco and Armani. She is following the footsteps of her grandmother, Mary Richard.

Daniel Blair

Daniel Blair is a dynamic and innovative leader in technology and digital media. As the founder and Chief Technology Officer of BSD XR, he has been at the forefront of creating innovative research projects in areas like AI and spatial computing for various industries, including construction, defence, aerospace, mining, and utilities. His passion for innovation and commitment to excellence have earned him recognition as an award-winning entrepreneur and software developer.

Daniel’s influence extends beyond his company. He is the chair of the board for the Interactive Digital Media sector council, New Media Manitoba, where he guides the growth and development of Manitoba’s interactive digital media industry. In 2023 Daniel joined the board of directors for the Virtual World Society to help drive their mission of ethical thought leadership and responsible application of emerging technology.

Corinne Gusnowsky

As a passionate Winnipegger, Corinne Gusnoski is committed to enhancing our community through economic development and volunteering. As New Media Manitoba’s (NMM) Senior Manager of Business Development, Corinne leads strategic initiatives that help grow Manitoba’s interactive digital media, including working with entrepreneurs and business owners in video game development, extended reality, and more. Corinne is an experienced coach and judge for student competitions and volunteers with the Young Associates (including as current Chair), the Stu Clark Centre, JDC West, and the We Believe in Winnipeg Toastmasters Club.

Noah Wilson

Noah is a Senior Business Development Manager for the Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-up Program (IESP) at Futurpreneur Canada, overseeing the Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut regions. As a member of the IESP team, Noah has supported numerous Indigenous start-ups in developing viable business plans and financial projections to gain access to start-up capital and a mentor for two years with Futurpreneur. A devoted advocate for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Noah is committed to advancing Economic Reconciliation across Turtle Island. Since joining Futurpreneur, Noah has become Co-Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Council for The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, been recognized on The Peak’s 2023 Emerging Leader’s List in Entrepreneurship, and received an Indigenous Achievement Award from the Indigenous Professionals Association of Canada (IPAC).

Joseph Brekelmans

Joe works at Canada Life as Vice-President, Investment Technology, a position he has held since 2017.  Joe provides technical strategy and consulting to Investment division executive and leads a team of 60 people that deliver and support the technology solutions used within the Investment division.  Joe’s current area of focus and interest is in machine learning and artificial intelligence and its application to the investment industry.

In his professional career spanning 40 years, Joe has worked for several companies, including MTS, Centra Gas and Ceridian Canada, where he held several positions within the software development field, including: Software Developer; Manager of Software Development; and Director of Information Systems.

Joe has taught several courses at the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg on topics such as Systems Analysis & Design and Database Management Systems.

Joe has a BCSc (Hons) degree, and MSc in Computer Science and an MBA in Finance, all from the University of Manitoba, as well as the CFA designation.

Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Thank you to our Title Sponsor Canada Life!

Thank you to our Event Sponsors!

Thank you to our supporting sponsor Red River College Polytechnic

Thank you to our Refreshment Sponsor Access Credit Union

It’s a given that the ways we communicate with one another… and the ways we get informed about the world around us… have changed dramatically over the last decade or two. 

Professional communicators (journalists, organizational communicators, advertisers, marketers, and folks who create visual, video and audio content) know this better than anyone: not just because it affects them like everyone else, but because their professions are constantly changing with the times. This can bring stress nobody needs or wants.

A “CreComm” extension for working communication professionals

In 2020, RRC Polytech introduced a new post-graduate diploma program in Communication Management, designed to help Creative Communications graduates working in communications update their digital media skills, build business knowledge, and develop management and leadership abilities.

“We’ve had many successful CreComm grads reach out to ask about training tailored to the next step in their careers,” says Melanie Lee Lockhart, Chair of the Creative Communications and Communication Management programs. “Some want to move into management, and others want to build digital communication skills that may not have existed when they were in school. This program offers both.”

The Communication Management program was designed to provide the knowledge and skills CreComm grads had been asking for… and in a format that’s friendly to an already-busy professional person’s schedule. Classes take place online one or two evenings a week in the fall and winter terms.

“The knowledge and skills I’ve gained in Communication Management have already provided me new opportunities at work,” said Megan Dudeck-French, Marketing Officer at the Asper School of Business and Communication Management student. “I have been able to expand my portfolio and contribute in a leadership capacity.”

Since students in this post-graduate program are generally working professionals, they can choose to use their employer as their client for most class assignments – adding value to their workplace performance before each course is even over.

If you’ve been thinking about updating your digital communication skills, here’s your chance. Register here, or contact Melanie Lee Lockhart at mleelockhart@rrc.ca for more information.

The RRC Polytech Fall Market is on Wednesday, October 2 at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Exchange District Campus.

We are thrilled to invite you to the second Annual Fall Market, showcasing a range of handcrafted items, artwork, crafts and innovative products. All created or curated by our talented RRC Polytech students, staff and alumni.

Entry is free for visitors, and all are welcome.

Mark your calendars for October 2nd, bring your friends and family, and enjoy the bounty and creativity of the season at our Fall Market. We look forward to seeing you there!

Activities

50/50 Draw – License LGCA-16191-SOR

1 ticket for $2.00 or 3 tickets for $5.00. See us at the Information Table at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae to buy a ticket. Draw at 2:00 PM. Proceeds will be donated to the RRC Polytech Student Association Food Bank.

Thanks to those who purchased tickets! We donated $81.50 to the Student Association Food Bank.

Jenga Tournament

Join us for a Jenga Tournament on October 2 at 11:00 AM in Roblin Centre Cafeteria. Prize TBD.

Bingo Game

Join us for a Bingo Game on October 2 at 12:00 PM in Roblin Centre Cafeteria. Prizes TBD.

Ping Pong

Grab a friend and play Ping Pong at the tables in the Plaza. Check with security for supplies.

Food Trucks

Have a bite at one of the food trucks that will be parked outside.

Vendors

We are looking forward to having the following vendors at the Fall Market!

• Kazaeki – Art
• Starphim – Prints
• 1velle – Art
• Yarned n Dangerous xo – Crochet items
• Bracken Design – Digital prints
• Swearina Designs – Crafts
• ARW Handmade Crafts
• Electric Impression – Art
• Little Cedar Designs – Jewelry, crochet, art
• Warm and Cozy – Mittens
• GMB Chomichuk – Art and books
• Marceleria – Clothes
• Lov Boutique – Custom tumblers
• Choiyeekay Nail Studio – Press on nails
• Pixie Design – Jewelry
• Marcella’s Craft Stuff – Crafts
• Raise the WOOF – Dog lover items
• Snuggle Knots – Crochet
• Bear and Beans Design – Jewelry
• Anishinaabe Girl – Jewelry
• Violeta Crochet – Crochet
• Pinaymootang Flair – Leather products
• Creative Healing Stitches – Crochet
• Tays Creation Co – Vinyl products
• MCB Ceramics – Pottery
• Elemental Memories – Ceramic ornaments
• Interlake 3D Printing – Gaming miniatures
• OtakuCorp – Custom embroidery
• Bright Butterfly Beads – Beaded art
• Crochet Bazaar – Crochet
• Tia’s Craft – Art crafts
• Emily’s Handicraft – Creative Handicrafts
• While in Lockdown – Resin Accessories
• Jon Philpott Ceramics – Ceramic mugs
• Lizzy Rose Dubois – Prints
• Saysoles – Handmade shoes
• My PACK Inc. – Crafts
• Tian’s Accessories – Hair clips
• Tay’s Trinkets – Jewelry and keychains
• School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts – Chocolates
• Vivid Club – vintage clothing
• Epoxy Resin Crafts
• Nimis Design – Indigenous Art

Tuesday, June 18 – 7:00 p.m. Ceremony

See photos from the convocation ceremony ›

Tuesday, June 18 – 1:30 p.m. Ceremony

See photos from the convocation ceremony ›

Monday, June 17 – 7:00 p.m. Ceremony

See photos from the convocation ceremony ›

Monday, June 17 – 1:30 p.m. Ceremony

See photos from the convocation ceremony ›

Congratulations to the awards recipients on their achievements — we wish all our students much success in their chosen fields!

RRC Polytech wishes to thank the donors of the awards, bursaries, and scholarships for their continuing support of our programs and students.

Please view our program, agenda and list of award winners:

RRC Polytech and University of Winnipeg Joint Applied Commerce Education Program

Who is the program for?

Do you have a passion for teaching and inspiring others? Do you want to leverage your business or commerce degree? If so, our Applied Commerce Education program is tailor-made for you!

What is the program? What is this teachable about?

At Red River College Polytechnic, our Applied Commerce Education program empowers business/commerce grads to become the next generation of influential commerce educators. Help shape young minds and cultivate a deep understanding of business technology, finance, entrepreneurship, management and marketing.

After graduation from our program, you will be certified to teach in a K-12 Manitoba School with a specialty in Applied Commerce Education. This Senior Years (9-12) stream program prepares you to teach the 14 Manitoba Education Commerce courses.

How to apply to the program?

• Apply directly to the University of Winnipeg for admission  
• June 1, 2024 deadline
• Applicants for this program: must meet the U of W admission requirements of a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit your undergraduate transcript
• All undergraduate coursework must be completed successfully by the Fall term in the year of admission and include 18 credit hours in a teachable minor subject

What are the opportunities for students holding an undergraduate degree in commerce/business?

• Recognition of up to 30 credit hours from your degree
• Graduate with your Bachelor of Education degree in just two years
• Contact RRC Polytech directly for individual consultation regarding credit transfer

For example, some of the courses that would provide the opportunity for credit transfer in the Applied Commerce teachable major include:

Who to contact with questions?

Daryl McRae
Chair of Teacher Education at RRC Polytechnic
E: teachered@rrc.ca
P: 204.632.2300