2007 Recipients

Cameron Tait, Commercial Cooking, 1989

Cameron Tait reached his goal of becoming a Head Chef by the age of 30. It comes as no surprise, considering that the 36-year-old Red River College Polytechnic graduate has been accumulating professional achievements since graduating from Red River College Polytechnic with a Commercial Cooking Diploma in 1989,

He has tempted palates while working at a number of restaurants prior to arriving at his current position of Executive Chef at Glendale Golf and Country Club, where he’s been for six years. Along the way, Cameron has been recognized for professional excellence via numerous appointments, medals, and awards – and was recently named one of the 10 best chefs in Winnipeg, in a feature article written in the Winnipeg Free Press.

While conducting a busy professional career, Cameron gives generously of his time – volunteering and fundraising for a multitude of worthwhile causes. He also believes in sharing his knowledge and experience, acting as a mentor to current and former staff members, and making presentations on the food service industry and culinary arts.

Joan Jack, Business Teacher Education, 1984

Since graduating from RRC Polytech’s Business Teacher Education Program in 1984, Joan Jack has enjoyed a diverse career as an educator, policy maker, lawyer and entrepreneur. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba (1986) and a Law degree from the University of British Columbia (1991). She was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1995.

Ms. Jack has taught communications, business and native studies at the U of M and Northern Lights College in BC; developed and delivered more than 45 sessions of a two-day aboriginal cross-cultural seminar to participants throughout Western Canada; and worked extensively as an aboriginal governance consultant and policy analyst in British Columbia, Manitoba and Yukon.

In 2003, Ms. Jack established her own legal practice, specializing in aboriginal, family and corporate law. She operates law offices in Berens River and Brokenhead First Nations, as well as a retail store in Berens River, with her family.

Loren Cisyk, Computer Analyst/Programmer, 1982

Loren Cisyk is a dynamic young leader within Manitoba’s information technology sector. Since 2003, he has been IBM Canada’s general manager for Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, overseeing more than 600 employees in the region. He also serves as Chair of the Information & Communication Technologies Association of Manitoba.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mr. Cisyk has devoted many hours to community organizations such as the Manitoba Museum, the Manitoba Business Leaders Network, the United Way of Winnipeg and the Dakota Community Centre.

Mr. Cisyk graduated with a Computer Analyst/Programmer Diploma from Red River College Polytechnic in 1982, and subsequently earned designations as a Certified Management Accountant (1990) and a Project Management Professional (2000).