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Opportunity for Alumni: Join the RRCSA Board

July 8, 2025

Stay connected, give back, and mentor current students.

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is currently accepting applications to fill its opening for an ex-officio alumni position on it’s board – and they’re looking for a passionate graduate like you! All proud RRC Polytech alumni are warmly invited to apply.

This volunteer opportunity allows alumni to share their professional experience and insights with a dynamic, student-led board of directors. The alumni representative on the Students’ Association Board (SAB) brings industry knowledge and provides direction and mentorship to the team.

“The alumni representative on the SAB plays a vital role in shaping our direction. They have the chance to bring fresh insights, real-world experience, and a unique perspective that helps shape better decisions for students. It’s also a chance to stay connected, make an impact, and share what they’ve learned since graduating,” said Jasmine Lucero, President of the Students’ Association for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The SAB oversees a $3 million budget, which funds student initiatives and trust funds, and supports donation requests and capital projects. Your voice will help shape the decisions that directly impact the student experience and the broader RRC Polytech community.

“Being the alumni member on the SAB allowed me to give back to RRC Polytech and share some of my work and board experiences with student members since graduating many years ago,” said Colin Tirschmann (Business Administration, 1992), who served on the SAB for the 2024-2025 term.

“The SA Board is one of my favourite boards – the students bring a lot of energy and take their roles seriously. The bonus is that you meet a lot of nice people.”

The alumni representative will contribute to the development of the RRCSA’s Strategic Plan and serve on the Building Trust Fund Committee, which guides key campus infrastructure and improvement projects. They will also have the opportunity to provide invaluable mentorship to emerging student leaders who are committed to making a difference on campus.

This volunteer board member position is a one-year term from September 2025 to September 2026, with an opportunity to extend per interest and approval. Meetings are held in-person monthly, with nine meetings a year. Make a meaningful impact on the future of RRC Polytech – apply today!

Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. For more information and to apply, visit the RRCSA website.

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A meaningful journey: RRC Polytech is updating its Indigenous visual identity

January 29, 2025

Reflecting the College’s deep commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous student success, and our Strategic Plan priorities, we’re honoured and excited to embark on a journey to update our Indigenous visual identity. And, we’d like your help along the way.

To lead this important work, we have partnered with Narratives Inc., a creative agency specializing in culturally grounded consultation and design, who is supporting us with an Indigenous-led team

Narratives is working with a Steering Committee, representing areas from across the College, and alongside the Knowledge Keepers Council, to ensure this work is led with care, integrity, and Indigenous ways of knowing.

Together, we will undertake a collaborative process with input from students, staff, and community partners, including you – our alumni.

A key component of the College’s brand, the updated Indigenous visual identity will serve as a guiding resource for how RRC Polytech visually represents Indigenous cultures (Inuit, Métis, Status and Non-Status First Nations), stories and relationships across formal communications such as marketing materials, business cards, advertising, signage, and presentations.

It will complement our corporate visual identity, while highlighting and celebrating Indigenous knowledge, innovation and leadership at RRC Polytech.

Learn more about why this matters and why we’re embarking on this journey.

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Aerospace Leader Ron Drepaul Receives Distinguished Graduate Award from RRC Polytech

December 2, 2024

RRC Polytech is proud to recognize Ron Drepaul, General Manager of Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg, as the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award, one of the College’s highest honours. The award was presented last week at the Manitoba Aerospace All-Star Awards dinner, where Ron’s career achievements and dedication to mentorship were celebrated by colleagues, friends, and industry leaders.

“Receiving this award from RRC Polytech feels like a full-circle moment,” Drepaul said. “The College gave me my start and instilled values I carry with me to this day—collaboration, hard work, and a willingness to learn. I hope this recognition encourages students to see that they, too, can build careers that go beyond what they might imagine.”

Drepaul graduated from RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program in 1987 and joined Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg the following year. Starting out on the shop floor, he took on roles in production control, material planning, contracts, and procurement, eventually leading him to his current role as General Manager, overseeing 700 employees.

RRC Polytech President and CEO Fred Meier commended Drepaul’s impact on the industry and the College community. “Ron’s journey is a powerful example of what RRC Polytech graduates can achieve,” said Meier. “His dedication to his team, industry, and community speaks volumes, and his support for RRC Polytech’s mission is unwavering. He reminds us of the value of hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of community.”

RRC Polytech graduate Ron Drepaul speaks at a podium at the Manitoba Aerospace All-Star Awards dinner.
Business Administration graduate Ron Drepaul accepted the 2024 Distinguished Graduate Award on November 28 at the Manitoba Aerospace All-Star Awards dinner.

Raised in Winnipeg after immigrating from Belize, Drepaul credits RRC Polytech with giving him a foundation that’s supported him throughout his career. For him, the Distinguished Graduate Award is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of the mentors, colleagues, and community who have supported him along the way – and a reminder of the importance of paying it forward.

Throughout his career, Drepaul has remained closely connected to RRC Polytech, giving back through partnerships, mentorship, and advocacy for new graduates entering the workforce. Under his leadership, Magellan Aerospace has become a valuable partner to the College, offering co-op placements and career pathways for graduates and collaborating on research initiatives, such as the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre.

“I look at RRC Polytech graduates as a pipeline of fresh talent with the skills and dedication we need for the future of aerospace in Manitoba,” said Drepaul.

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The sky is the limit: aerospace leader and distinguished grad to be recognized with top RRC Polytech honour

November 20, 2024

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.

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Polytechnic Proud: RRC Polytech alumni Highlighted in New Campaign

April 4, 2024

Last fall, we reached out to our alumni community, industry partners, and the public to nominate RRC Polytech graduates that work with and for them to be part of a co-operative advertising opportunity: the Polytechnic Proud campaign.

Now, 41 RRC Polytech grads are being highlighted in billboards across the province. Over the next two months, you will see dozens of proud RRC Polytech alumni featured in billboards in Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie, and Selkirk, and in print and online versions across Manitoba. We look forward to share their success stories with you in the coming weeks and months.

The campaign aims to represent diversity across programs, industries, and generations. From recent to seasoned graduates, the alumni featured are CEOs, directors, entrepreneurs, engineers, account managers, nurses, horticulturists, teachers, chefs, and many more from a variety of industries.

“The partnerships we have with industry are so valuable to the work we do here at RRC Polytech, and we are thrilled that so many nominated their talented employees – our proud alumni – for this campaign,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The diversity represented in Polytechnic Proud is a testament to the quality of work that our grads are doing and the wide variety of career paths that a polytechnic education prepares them for.” 

The first feature story being released as part of the campaign is Amanda Buhse of Coal and Canary Candle Company, who started her business in 2014 and has since had products sold across the world and featured at The Oscars and The Grammys. 

“RRC Polytech provided me with an environment where ideas weren’t just encouraged, they were also celebrated,” says Amanda Buhse, Founder of Coal and Canary Candle Company and a 2006 graduate of RRC Polytech’s Advanced Graphic Design Program (now the Communication Design program). “My experience at RRC Polytech really was a catalyst for my success today in so many ways. It was honestly one of the best times of my life – both fun and challenging and prepared me for where I am today.”  

Profiles for more than half of these grads, including Amanda, will also be published on our Alumni News page and shared with the wider RRC Polytech community throughout the year – including the more than 80,000 RRC Polytech graduates in Manitoba and around the world. Subscribe to our blog to follow along with these incredible stories.

RRC Polytech Students’ Association seeks Alumni Board Member – apply now!

August 2, 2023

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is accepting applications to fill its opening for an ex-officio alumni position on the Board of Directors. All interested alumni members are invited to submit an application!

The RRCSA is run by a student-led board of directors. The alumni representative on the RRCSA board brings industry knowledge and experience, and provides insight, direction, and mentorship to the team.

“The presence of an alumni representative on the SA board is invaluable. We are incredibly fortunate to have the wisdom and guidance of a graduate who brings their expertise to aid in our planning and decision-making processes,” said Prachi Ravi Chawla, President of the Students’ Association for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The SA board oversees a $3 million budget for projects, initiatives, trust funds, and donation requests, all to support and enhance the student experience at RRC Polytech. Decisions made by the board impact the RRC Polytech student body, the entire RRC Polytech ecosystem, and the wider community. The alumni representative will help guide the creation of the SA’s Strategic Plan and sits on the trust fund committee, which oversees capital projects.

“Being able to give back to RRC Polytech by working alongside and supporting students is a really rewarding experience — especially those students who have stepped up to be a part of the RRCSA. It was amazing to see what they are capable of and help cultivate that possibility,” said past alumni ex-officio board member Jerri-Lynn Orr (Honours Graduate, Aboriginal Language Specialist, 2007).

This volunteer board member position is a one-year term from September 2023 to September 2024, with an opportunity to extend per interest and approval. Meetings are held in-person monthly, with nine meetings a year.

Applications open on August 4 and the deadline to apply is August 19, 2023, at 3 p.m. For more information and to apply, visit the RRCSA website.

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Celebrating a distinguished alum: RRC Polytech to present Civil Engineering grad with top honour

April 12, 2023

RRC Polytech is proud to honour engineering expert Robert Okabe (Civil Engineering Technology, 1983) with a Distinguished Graduate Award.

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

As CEO of the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM), Okabe leads an organization that certifies aspiring engineering and applied science technicians and technologists, while connecting them to important resources — and to each other.

It’s a role he’s been in since 2015, and one that keeps him close to his RRC Polytech roots.

“Most of our members are graduates of the College,” said Okabe. “So I find it a really good experience for me to interact with future graduates or current students and hopefully, in some way, be able to mentor them and make it easier for them post-graduation.”

Both Okabe and CTTAM have generously supported the College over the years. Okabe participates in all nine of the school’s Engineering Technology Advisory Committees — which provide direction and curriculum support from those working on the ground — and in 2008, established the Robert Okabe Achievement Award for Civil Engineering Technology.

His reasoning for the support is simple: he recognizes how important a helping hand can be in propelling students from the world of academia into a lifelong career. You can learn more about Okabe’s career journey here.

A well-deserved celebration

We’re thrilled to recognize Okabe’s leadership in the fields of engineering and education, as well as his support of RRC Polytech students, at the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Manitoba chapter’s annual Awards of Excellence, taking place on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.

RRC Polytech alumni and supporters are welcome to attend. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit acec-mb.ca.

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RRC Polytech Honorary Diploma recipient dances into a new decade

February 14, 2023

Manitoba Moose celebrate Gabriel “Dancing Gabe” Langlois’s 60th birthday with a special on-ice tribute

On Sunday, January 29 RRC Polytech Honorary Diploma recipient Gabriel “Dancing Gabe” Langlois was given star treatment at a Manitoba Moose game as he danced his way into a new decade.

From left: RRC Polytech President and CEO Fred Meier, Gabriel Langlois, Mayor Scott Gillingham. (Photo: Darcy Finley).

To mark Gabe’s 60th birthday, the Manitoba Moose invited RRC Polytech’s President and CEO, Fred Meier, Mayor Scott Gillingham, and mascots from several Winnipeg sports teams, to sing ‘happy birthday’ on the ice with fans in the stands joining in.

A Manitoba icon, Gabe received a diploma in Community Development from the College in 2021 for his devotion to volunteerism and the positive impact he has on our community. Gabe was presented with his honorary diploma during a virtual convocation ceremony in the height of the pandemic, so having the opportunity to celebrate Gabe and all his achievements publicly was nearly two years in the making.

Birthday cake supplied by Jenna Rae Cakes, co-owned by RRC Polytech grad Ashley Kosowan. (Photo: Darcy Finley)

Along with a rousing rendition of ‘happy birthday’, Gabe was honoured with a video tribute featuring fans, athletes, and dignitaries across the province, as well as a stellar cake designed by Jenna Rae Cakes, courtesy of RRC Polytech graduate Ashley Kosowan (Advanced Graphic Design, 2009), who is the co-owner and Creative Director of the beloved Winnipeg bakery. Eight lucky RRC Polytech alumni also won pairs of premium tickets to the game to help cheer Gabe on.

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Share your feedback! RRC Polytech’s alumni survey is live

February 7, 2023

RRC Polytech wants to better serve our alumni community and we’re asking for your help.

We have engaged Probe Research, an independent public opinion research company, to conduct a confidential survey of RRC Polytech alumni. You are invited to share about your experience while you attended RRC Polytech and how you want to stay connected to the College. All alumni are invited to participate.

In appreciation for completing the survey and providing your feedback, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of three prizes:

  • Grand Prize (1): Dinner for Four at Jane’s (value $400)
  • Secondary Prizes (2): New RRC Polytech merchandise from the Campus Store (value $100)

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please share this survey with other RRC Polytech alumni in your network!

*Survey Closed Friday, February 17, 2023. Thank you for sharing your feedback with us!*

Join RRC Polytech’s Animal Care Committee

November 9, 2022

Red River College Polytechnic’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) is seeking applications to fill the role of community representative – all interested RRC Polytech alumni members are encouraged to apply!

The ACC is dedicated to setting and maintaining high standards for animal use and care at RRC Polytech. The ACC community representative brings an outside perspective to the committee, providing insight, direction, and unbiased feedback.

Who should apply?

  • You’re an RRC Polytech alumni member who has a love for animals and care for their wellbeing.
  • You want to provide feedback and assist in the approval of Animal Use Protocols that we follow at the College.
  • You care about the Veterinary Technology program and want to make sure the program continues to receive accreditation by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
  • You are passionate about volunteering for a good cause.

By joining the ACC as the community representative, you’ll gain valuable experience on a committee that is essential for the operations of our Veterinary Technology program. The community representative will sit as a volunteer on the committee and attend two to three meetings per year. Community representatives on the committee cannot be employees of RRC Polytech or employed in the Veterinary field.

The ACC seeks to fill this role before the next committee meeting, scheduled for early December. To apply, send a short biography and describe your interest in the role to Curtis Aab, Chair, RRC Polytech Life Sciences.

Deadline to apply is November 21, 2022. For more information, please contact Curtis Aab at caab@rrc.ca.

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RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, 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.