Convocation

Alumni Engagement

Bird Construction launches new scholarship; channels alumni pride into student support

December 18, 2017

Last month at the College’s annual Technology Awards Reception, longtime industry partner Bird Construction launched a new scholarship that exemplifies what it means to be a proud RRC grad.

The first-ever Bird Construction Employee Red River College Alumni Scholarship for the Construction Management Degree Program was awarded to Philipe Bras, who’s currently completing his final year of studies.

Terry Jacobson (shown at right), an RRC alum and 40-year Bird Construction employee, presented the $1,000 award, along with Dom Costantini, the company’s vice-president and district manager.

The new scholarship — the fourth RRC financial award to be made possible by Bird Construction — was created to give company employees a chance to have a positive impact on the lives of College students. It will be presented each year to a student who has achieved outstanding academic success in Construction Management, and is enrolled in their final year of studies.

Bird and its staff — 60% of whom are proud RRC grads — play a vital role in fostering positive relationships with the College through long-term investments in the development of both students and programming.

Many past and current Bird employees volunteer on RRC advisory committees, and the company helps students build successful careers by facilitating project site visits and taking part in the co-operative education program each year.

Building on the company’s commitment to the College, Bird will recognize the generosity of its alums by matching every contribution of $25, $50 or $100 made to RRC.

“Red River College has been an integral part of Bird Construction since 1968, when they first Bird Scholarship was awarded,” says Costantini.

“We are proud of our 50-year history of supporting students who are working to complete their studies, and proud to help them build rewarding careers. This new alumni award is our way of helping our employees give back.”

The College is grateful to Bird Construction, its alumni, and all those who invest in our students through scholarships, bursaries and other financial awards — a full listing of which can be found here.

To find out how you can provide financial support to students, please contact Elena Grinshteyn in our Development Office, at 204.631.3324.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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