It’s a familiar story: student becomes graduate, graduate becomes industry professional, industry professional comes back to teach. At least, it’s a familiar story at RRC Polytech – in fact, more than 900 current staff are RRC Polytech graduates.

And there’s no mystery why alumni make the career transition from industry to classroom: as students, they loved learning from instructors with real-world experience; after working in industry and gaining expertise, they want to pay it forward by teaching the next generation of graduates. Talk about coming full circle!

From Industry to Classroom: Become an Instructor

All alumni are warmly encouraged to attend RRC Polytech’s first-ever Industry to Classroom networking event to discover the rewards and impact of teaching at RRC Polytech.

Over two evenings at the end of April, alumni can visit the Exchange District Campus or Notre Dame Campus — or both! — to learn about RRC Polytech’s mission, the impact you can make as an instructor, and the comprehensive supports available to help you succeed. Discover the flexibility of teaching, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to shape the future workforce.

Event Details

Both evenings will follow the same agenda with scheduled tours, presentations, light refreshments, and the opportunity to connect directly with Deans, Associate Deans, Chairs, and other instructors that have made the career transition from industry to the classroom.

This free come-and-go event will also feature incredible alumni guest speakers, who will be sharing their experiences from classroom to industry and back again, during the “Power of Teaching” presentation.

Meet our Alumni Panelists:

Exchange District Campus – Maria Jose Eguigure Torres

Maria Jose (MJ) studied Industrial Business and Project Management in Honduras before coming to Winnipeg in 2022 to study Hospitality and Tourism Management at RRC Polytech. Since graduating in 2023, she has worked as an Event Coordinator at Assiniboine Park Conservancy and is the president of the Honduran Community in Winnipeg. You can learn more about MJ’s career journey on the Alumni Blog.

Notre Dame Campus – Silas Meeches

Silas graduated from RRC Polytech’s Manufacturing Technician program (now CNC Machining and Advanced Technology) in 2016. Between 2016 and 2017, he competed in all three levels of Skills competitions (provincial, national, and world) for CNC machining, winning gold at the provincial level and silver at the national level. For the past 7 years, Silas has been working at Magellan Aerospace’s Winnipeg division as a CNC programmer.

Notre Dame Campus – Julie Sundara

Julie graduated from RRC Polytech’s Medical Radiologic Technology program in 2008. For the past 16 years, she has worked as an X-ray Technologist at Manitoba’s busiest trauma hospital – Health Sciences Centre. She currently serves as a clinical instructor, which involves overseeing hands-on training, and providing guidance, support, and feedback to MRT students. You can learn more about Julie’s career journey on the Alumni Blog.

On Friday, April 25, award-winning artist and RRC Polytech Advanced Graphic Design grad Roberta Landreth will be the guest speaker at CreativeMornings Winnipeg’s free event taking place at Launch Exchange (5th floor, 167 Lombard Street). All RRC Polytech alumni and community members are warmly invited to attend.

More than a decade ago, CreativeMornings was launched out of a desire for ongoing, accessible events for creative communities to connect. Today, these communities gather in 247 cities across more than 60 countries — including right here in Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg chapter of CreativeMornings not only celebrates our city’s creative talent, but also promotes an open space to connect with like-minded individuals. From marketing legends to hometown heroes, speakers are selected by each chapter based on a global theme.

April’s theme is CROSSROADS: we all reach turning points in life that change the course of our destiny – no wonder that in folklore and mythology, crossroads represent a gateway between our mortal coil and the supernatural realm. An in-between place of transition, where worlds collide, and anything can happen next. So, how do you decide which way to go next? Just pick what feels right. Because there’s no wrong choice. Only different journeys to where you’re meant to be.

A graduate of RRC Polytech’s Advanced Graphic Design program (2012), Roberta is a multiple-award winning artist and designer, working primarily in the music industry. Her designs are widely celebrated, notably earning a JUNO, four WCMAs, and two Covenant Awards. Roberta has worked on album artwork for more than 200 albums, as well as on posters, merch, and other graphics with artists such as The National, Luke Combs, Jully Black, Serena Ryder, the Bros. Landreth, William Prince, Dan Mangan, Natalie MacMaster, Big Wreck, Ani DiFranco, and many many more. She’s also worked on festival artwork for Winnipeg Folk Fest (including this year’s 50th anniversary artwork!) – and that’s just scratching the surface.

Join CreativeMornings Winnipeg on April 25 as Roberta shares her creative crossroad as a freelance designer and how she chooses an abundance mindset over scarcity (and how you can, too!).

You’re invited! In partnership with Ten Thousand Coffees, we’re excited to offer a virtual ‘Office Hour’ to RRC Polytech alumni, students, and staff with an industry expert who will share valuable insights on leveraging existing skills to land your dream job. This free virtual event will take place on Thursday, March 27 at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Unlock the secrets to transforming your job search and converting applications into offers. Join this interactive event to gain insider knowledge from Jasmeen Sindu, Ph.D., Associate Director of Partnerships and Special Projects at CEWIL Canada.

In this dynamic session, you’ll:

• Discover what your transferable skills are and how to articulate them
• Learn strategic upskilling techniques for job readiness – directly from a career expert!
• Gain a simple 3-step framework for building confidence and landing opportunities
• Participate in a self-assessment exercise to recognize your strengths

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and tools to turn your job applications into job offers so you can unlock your potential and launch your career with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out, looking for new opportunities, or shifting your career, RRC Polytech alumni at any stage of their career journeys are warmly invited to attend.

Register now for this free webinar on Thursday, March 27 at 4 p.m. CT.

RRC Polytech alumni and film buffs of all stripes are invited to discover the pulse of Canadian cinema at an event presented by the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts. All alumni are warmly invited to attend.

This free event — Telefilm Canada: A Reel Conversation — is taking place Thursday, March 20, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Round Room at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, 319 Elgin Avenue.

There, the College will host Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, for an engaging fireside chat. With nearly three decades dedicated to the film industry, Roy brings a wealth of experience, having served in pivotal roles at the National Film Board (NFB) and leading positions in programming, distribution, and innovation.

The event presents a unique opportunity for alumni, students, faculty, and industry professionals alike to delve into the insights and trends shaping Canadian media today. Whether you’re passionate about film production and storytelling, or simply curious about the future of Canada’s cinematic landscape, the discussion promises valuable takeaways and networking opportunities.

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided before the conversation begins.

About RRC Polytech’s Schroeder Institute

The Schroeder Institute serves as a dynamic hub for creative arts education and research in Manitoba. Established through a generous $15-million gift from the Schroeder Foundation in September 2024, the Institute bridges classroom learning with industry demands, offering programs in animation, digital film and media production, video and motion graphics, and more.

Students benefit from hands-on experiences, industry partnerships and applied research opportunities, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to Manitoba’s burgeoning creative industries.

RRC Polytech is proud to recognize aerospace leader Ron Drepaul (Business Administration, 1987) with a Distinguished Graduate Award.

This award recognizes the outstanding personal and professional achievements of RRC Polytech’s most accomplished alumni.

A graduate of RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program, Ron Drepaul joined Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg in 1988, “pretty much right out of Red River,” taking a job on the shop floor. Since then, he’s held roles in production control, material planning, contracts, and procurement – roles that have taken him across the globe. Now, he’s General Manager, leading 700 employees.

Drepaul’s experience at RRC Polytech not only equipped him with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success, but also instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for continuous learning. He loved his time at the College and now he’s looking ahead to the future – to the new graduates that serve as a pipeline of young talent to Magellan.

“We all bring our education. Hard work and a good attitude will help you stand out. Those are the two things I brought with me,” Drepaul said in a recent interview as one of 41 phenomenal graduates featured in the College’s Polytechnic Proud campaign.

Drepaul’s journey from RRC Polytech grad to industry leader showcases the power of education, dedication, and community support, and also demonstrates the endless possibilities that await those with passion and determination.

Current RRC Polytech Dental Assisting instructors. Top row (left to right): Charlene Howe, Michelle Hannesson, Janet Neduzak. Bottom row (left to right): Athena Wilford, Sina Allegro-Sacco, June Kraushar.

In early 1973, an exciting collaborative vision was born when the Department of Education, the Manitoba Dental Association, and RRC Polytech came together to create a dental assisting program at the College.

Today, RRC Polytech is proud to mark an incredible milestone: half a century of elevating the field of dental care and ensuring exceptional training for dental assisting professionals in Manitoba. As we look back on the program’s history and progress, we also look forward to the future, as we continue to deliver dental assisting education that’s in front of what’s ahead.

Building a Foundation

The program, which broke new ground for dental assisting training in Manitoba, would be 10 months long and offer two certificate options: a Chairside Dental Assisting Certificate, which learners could attain after seven months of comprehensive training; or the coveted, 10-month Dental Assisting Expanded Duties Certificate. This marked a new era of choice around how students entered the workforce after their studies and the program remains a cornerstone of dental education in Manitoba to this day. 

The program was slated for kick off in September 1973. Tokeep everything on track and ensure the wheels of progress kept turning, the College hired Iris Gold as program coordinator and Diane Porter as instructor. The pair developed the curriculum from scratch and led the program with passion, determination, and a willingness to throw themselves into any task. They even oversaw the construction of a two-chair dental clinic and a platform where students would take notes. As luck would have it, construction delays gave them an extra month to refine the program curriculum.

2024 marks half a century of excellence in Dental Assisting education at RRC Polytech. An incredible milestone and a historic moment for the College, we invite members of the RRC Polytech Dental Assisting community to join us in November to celebrate this milestone. 

Date:         Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time:         7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location:  RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (2055 Notre Dame Ave.)
Menu:       Refreshments will be served

Please share with any RRC Polytech Dental Assisting grads in your network!

A confirmation email will be sent out with event and parking details a couple of days prior to the event. If you have any questions, please email lifesciences@rrc.ca. 

We look forward to seeing you on November 14!

You’re invited! In partnership with Ten Thousand Coffees, we’re excited to offer a special panel discussion with experts from across the country to RRC Polytech alumni and current students. This free virtual event will take place on Tuesday, June 18 at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Unlock the secrets to landing your dream job by honing your very own personal brand and learning how to make your resume stand out. Join this interactive Office Hour event to gain insider knowledge from industry experts from EY and RBC as they share valuable insights on personal branding for career success in today’s competitive job market.

In this dynamic session, you’ll:

• Discover how to define and showcase your unique value proposition
• Learn effective strategies to leverage social media for career growth
• Uncover insights into talent acquisition and career development from industry experts

Panel includes:

• Clodagh Scannell, Director of Talent Strategy and HR Tech Solutions, 10KC (Moderator)
• Lynette Jack, Senior Associate, Canada’s Talent Attraction and Acquisition Team, EY
• Swati Sriram, Manager, Early Talent Acquisition, RBC

Win coffee on 10KC!

Ten Thousand Coffees has an exciting offer for you! Every Office Hour registrant has a chance to win one of five $20 coffee gift cards. These cards can support your networking coffee chats, making your experience even more enjoyable. They’ll randomly select the winners and notify them via email within two business days of the event. Don’t let this fantastic opportunity pass you by!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn essential skills and build a personal brand that sets you apart – click here to register for this free webinar on Tuesday, June 18 at 4 p.m. CT.

RRC Polytech President and CEO Fred Meier with 2004 Culinary Arts grad Jacqueline Hildebrand, Executive Chef at Hy’s Winnipeg, and Neil Aisenstat, President and CEO of Hy’s Canada, at the 2023 Hy’s Patio Party in support RRC Polytech students.

All RRC Polytech alumni are invited to a phenomenal culinary experience in support of RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality students at Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar on Thursday, June 13.

Get ready for an evening of delicious appetizers, fantastic libations featuring ROKU Gin, and live music on Hy’s beautiful patio at the iconic intersection of Portage and Main in downtown Winnipeg. This annual patio party celebrates the future of culinary and hospitality excellence here in Manitoba and supports the Hy’s – John Aisenstat Memorial Award, which is dedicated to assisting graduating students from RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs.

By purchasing a $100 ticket, you’ll make a meaningful impact on the next generation of culinary and hospitality talent and receive a $50 tax receipt. Your entire contribution will go directly to the John Aisenstat Memorial Fund at RRC Polytech. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support a great cause and have a fantastic time. Purchase your tickets now and be part of this memorable evening!

RRC Polytech alumni and community members are warmly invited to join us in celebrating Pride Month this June. Throughout the next month and beyond, RRC Polytech has resources and activities planned to support you in learning how to best be an ally, amplify 2SLGBTQIA+ voices, and take action in creating greater inclusion in your personal and professional life.

The Forecast is Calling for Rainbows: Winnipeg Pride Parade and Rally

For more than a decade, RRC Polytech has brought together students, staff, and their friends and family members to walk alongside the College’s float in the Winnipeg Pride Parade and Rally. All RRC Polytech alumni are welcome – please join us!

On Sunday, June 2, everyone in the RRC Polytech community is invited and encouraged to bring friends, family, and pets downtown for a few hours to celebrate inclusivity and feel the love, as we show our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

A hard-working crew is once again preparing our elaborate float, tailgating festivities are being planned for prior to the event, and each registered participant will receive a complimentary RRC Polytech Pride themed t-shirt.