This spring, Todd Burns got up on stage at one of RRC Polytech’s convocation ceremonies for the first time ever. Not to graduate – he did that more than 20 years ago in 2001. Back then, Burns didn’t attend his own convocation; this time though, the Business Administration alum and CEO of Cypher Environmental took to the stage, donned in cap and gown, and even invited his parents out to see him.

Why?

Because he loves sharing his story and encouraging young people to know that success is possible for them too, even—and especially—when “you have to dig deep to find the motivation to keep going.”

Today Cypher Environmental is an internationally recognized Cleantech leader selling in more than 50 countries, but it started as a one-man operation in a tiny house in the River Heights neighbourhood of Winnipeg where Burns grew up. His connection to preserving the world around him started with his exposure to the outdoors in Manitoba and Ontario as a child, so he channeled his passion into Cypher from day one. He refers to the company as his “first baby” before he had any kids of his own. He did everything himself in the beginning, and he said that’s where he really grew a passion for it.

“I’ve always been a salesman at heart. I love to tell stories. I didn’t gravitate towards the operational side of things, but as a one-man operation, I had to learn — and RRC Polytech was instrumental in teaching me those skills that didn’t come as naturally to me,” said Burns.

“The knowledge I gained in the Business Administration program is what enabled me to really survive on those initial days until I could bring people on that were specialists and more passionate about doing those roles in the business.”

He also noted that a presentation he did in the program is what made him more comfortable with public speaking – something integral to his role now as a CEO. “It gave me the confidence to go out and keep doing it.”

The RRC Polytech connection didn’t end the day Burns graduated. In fact, RRC Polytech has continued to be a part of his and Cypher’s story — from supporting product and Intellectual Property (IP) development, to bringing on students in work-integrated learning opportunities and hiring them to become a part of the Cypher team.

Burns recognized that he needed top-tier technical talent to continue to grow Cypher. Now in 2026, nearly all of the folks hired at Cypher are RRC Polytech grads, with some going into important senior roles like Dr. Teaghan Wellman, who is the Vice President of Research and Development and Executive Vice President at Cypher.

She started at Cypher in a short-term research role, and has now spent more than a decade leading the technical team in one of Manitoba’s most innovative environmental companies. But her story started in an RRC Polytech classroom.

“The hands-on training I received at RRC Polytech gave me a strong foundation in applied problem-solving. At Cypher, we are constantly taking ideas from the lab and trying to make them work in the real world, so having that practical, hands-on mindset has been invaluable,” she said. “Red River taught me not only the technical side of the work, but also how to troubleshoot, adapt, test, and keep working toward a solution when things don’t go exactly as planned.”

Burns said he loves taking on RRC Polytech grads because they are motivated and willing to “take the reins,” create solutions, and help solve problems in the business.

“We like that their knowledge isn’t just theoretical. They’ve learned from instructors who have done the same thing.”

The opportunity to work with students still in their programs provides benefits both ways: students gain hands-on experience working on real commercial projects, while Cypher benefits from students’ technical knowledge and fresh perspectives.

Cypher’s work with RRC Polytech extends into its Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) labs, too. RPI leads the applied research enterprise across RRC Polytech and is a gateway to a vast base of knowledge, capabilities, facilities, and industry networks. With access to these resources, Cypher has developed new products that are solving real-world challenges.

The RRC Polytech Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes the outstanding personal and professional achievements of RRC Polytech’s most accomplished alumni.

This year’s recipient is graduate Sean Rayland-Boubar, who completed his studies in Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship in 2021.

Rayland-Boubar is the founder of Indigenous-led streetwear brand Red Rebel Armour, a social enterprise rooted in culture, community, and purpose. Rayland-Boubar has deliberately used Red Rebel Armour to create opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, including people transitioning out of incarceration, while creating a culturally-safe environment where people can develop skills, confidence, and stability. Red Rebel Armour reinvests profits to maximize its social mission, while grounding its business practices in traditional Indigenous ways of knowing.

At the heart of Red Rebel Armour is Rayland-Boubar, whose vision goes far beyond apparel. He has worked hard to build a self-sustaining business that not only supports his own community but also helps uplift others. One of the ways he does this is by collaborating with and showcasing the work of other Indigenous artists, incorporating their art and stories into products and helping amplify Indigenous voices through fashion and design.

Rayland-Boubar’s own journey is equally powerful – he has transformed difficult lived experiences into a platform for entrepreneurship, mentorship, healing, and community empowerment. An ex-gang member and recovering addict, he started Red Rebel Armour after learning graphic design, screen printing, and basic business skills through YouTube tutorials. But he knew he wanted to take Red Rebel Armour further – so he enrolled in RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship program to learn how to grow his brand and business.

“Everything I was learning in school and ceremony became merged with the business – this gave birth to Red Rebel Armour. Everything I’ve experienced, lived, and been through…that’s Red Rebel Armour. It’s a reflection of me,” Rayland-Boubar shared during the keynote at a CreativeMornings Winnipeg event in February 2022.

Driven by a desire to help people, Rayland-Boubar turned a course lesson on social enterprise models into a business plan.

“The social purpose I was passionate about was helping my brothers and sisters find their way after being released from prison. I knew having access to Indigenous ways of knowing could transform a person’s life if they decided to practice it,” he said.

By removing barriers, Red Rebel Armour provides people with the chance to gain meaningful employment, learn new skills, rebuild confidence, and work toward a brighter future. For many, it becomes more than a job — it becomes a place where they feel respected, valued, and supported.

The impact of Red Rebel Armour has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the organization received the Canada Post Tales of Triumph Doing Good Award, recognizing the company’s outstanding commitment to community, social impact, and positive change.

Since graduating, Rayland-Boubar has become a role model for Indigenous entrepreneurs and young people, including in northern and remote communities, and continues to share his story to show others what can be possible. His honesty, resilience, and willingness to speak openly about overcoming adversity has inspired many people who may be facing barriers and challenges in their own lives. Through these conversations, he encourages others to believe that change and growth are possible, while also helping build greater understanding and reconciliation within the broader community.

Rayland-Boubar was nominated for the Distinguished Graduate Award by fellow RRC Polytech graduate Shaun Vincent (Advanced Graphic Design, 2003), founder of Vincent Design, an Indigenous-led marketing company in Winnipeg.

“Sean has always had a remarkable ability to bring people together, and it is inspiring to see him surrounded by so many genuine, caring, and supportive people. Watching Red Rebel Armour evolve into something that positively impacts so many lives has been both inspiring and deeply meaningful to me,” Vincent shared in the nomination.

We are thrilled to honour Rayland-Boubar’s leadership as an entrepreneur and community builder at the Auntie Awards at the 2026 Manito Ahbee Festival on Friday, October 30 at Canada Life Centre. RRC Polytech alumni and supporters are warmly invited to attend.

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is looking for individuals to help select board members for the 2026-2027 term. The Appointment Panel will be made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including alumni, RRCSA staff, past executives and board members, and current students.

The Appointment Panel plays a key role in selecting the newest members of the RRC Polytech Students’ Association Board (SAB), which guides major decisions and governs the RRCSA. Panelists will review board member applications and select new members that will uphold the SAB’s mission, vision, and values, ensure that the SAB operates with openness & transparency, and provide diverse perspectives.

All alumni interested in lending their expertise and wisdom as members of the Appointment Panel are invited to apply starting September 1, 2026. Applications close September 11, 2026 and selected members will receive detailed instructions by September 25, 2026. 

Time Commitment: Appointment panelists must be available the weeks of September 29 – October 5, 2026 and March 24 – March 31, 2027
Tasks: Review and grade SAB nominations
Honorarium: Provided upon completion (per term)

Learn more about the role of the Appointment Panel on the RRCSA website.

Be a part of something impactful — apply now!

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 presence of an alumni representative on the SAB helps steer and shape our future. It’s a great opportunity to share new ideas, wisdom, and experience gained since graduating,” said Mohammad Butt, President of the Students’ Association for the 2026-2027 academic year.

“We also appreciate how the alumni representative lends perspective that will help us make sound judgments regarding student decisions. This is just a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, connect with the community, and truly make a difference.”

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.

We’d love your feedback! RRC Polytech is guided by a Strategic Plan that shapes how we support students, partners, and communities – and how we respond to the opportunities ahead.

As we begin developing our next Strategic Plan, we’re inviting input from across our community. Your perspective matters as an alum and we’d love for you to fill out a short survey by April 25 to help inform our priorities for the future and ensure our plan reflects the voices of the people and communities we serve.

The survey takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous and will be reported in aggregate form.

Thank you for sharing your insights and helping shape what’s next at RRC Polytech.

Winnipeg’s business leaders are in the hotseat.

In a good way.

RRC Polytech is title sponsor of the Exec(utive) Hotseat Podcast. It’s a new venture featuring entrepreneurs and CEOs in conversation with hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse – both proud RRC Polytech alumni and successful business owners in their own right.

“It motivates me when I see executives around the world getting their message out,” said Thompson, president and creative force behind Brand Revival & Design Inc. (BRD), a marketing and design agency that helps B2B brands stand out.

 “There isn’t a lot of attention on the many great leaders in Winnipeg and from Winnipeg. They’re doing interesting things; for example, one of our guests is doing important environmental work, while also giving back to causes that save wild animals.”

“We want to make our Winnipeg leaders findable.”

Some twenty years or so into her sales and marketing career, Thompson remains eager to keep learning about business. She studied Business Administration in 2006, with her final year focusing on entrepreneurship. She describes herself as “obsessed” with entrepreneurs, drawing inspiration from their passion.

“Entrepreneurs are on an island. Once you build a community of fellow entrepreneurs, of peers, you’ve got help. I could not have gotten where I did in business without those people, but I had to really fight to find them.”

She came up with the Hotseat concept in part to address that gap, launching the podcast on her own in 2024.

An early guest was Amanda Buhse. A 2006 graduate of RRC Polytech’s Advanced Graphic Design program (now Communication Design), Buhse went on to co-found the upscale scented-candle brand Coal and Canary in 2014. With an aesthetic including cheeky product descriptions and a cheery graphic identity, Coal and Canary has achieved widespread success across Canada and internationally.

Though Lisa and Amanda had met in passing over the years (because Winnipeg!), it was during a pre-episode meet-up that the two felt their good chemistry. Thompson invited Buhse to become co-host and the answer was an enthusiastic “yes!”

“It was so cool because I’ve been wanting to get into podcasting,” said Buhse. “It’s an emerging medium for business. Lisa had done the legwork.”

“We have a lot in common. Even though my company provides a product and Lisa’s provides a service, it’s the same fundamental processes and passion. And the same pressure points. That drew us together.”

Thompson appreciated Buhse’s willingness to take a risk.

“We clicked right away; we could be sisters. Our feeling was ‘Let’s go for it!’.”

Together they’ve leaned into the medium with the drive that led to their individual successes in business. Along with the humility to learn what they don’t know.

“At first it was a little bit like ‘what are we doing?’,” said Thompson.” But because of our backgrounds and because we’ve had a lot of meetings with entrepreneurs, we have a comfort level with those conversations. But we are still learning the world of podcasting.”

“We’re both networkers and we talk to people,” added Buhse. “In my head, it’s easy to converse. But a podcast – there’s a lot that goes into it. In front of the mic, you need to be ten steps ahead but also be present. Having a partner is challenging too, in a fun way. We need to be in sync with each other and make sure the spotlight is on the guest.”

Episodes touch on a wide range of business topics, including startup advice, global brand management, finances, mindset, and community building.

The aim is for listeners to get tangible takeaways in less than an hour, Thompson said. Thus the signature “Hotseat” segment of each episode, when guests share their top three strategies for success in their areas of expertise.

A career in surveying can take someone to an exciting variety of job sites — from rural to urban, populated to remote.

That’s where Colin Rivard started after graduating from the Civil Engineering Technology program, specializing in Geomatics, at RRC Polytech in 2012. With an entrepreneurial background, though, there was always a desire to build something of his own.

“My dad and his dad started a small business together. I saw how they got to see the tangible efforts of what you put into owning a business. There’s a direct correlation to the harder you work, the more benefit there is. I’ve always liked that.”

In 2018, Rivard founded RivaCore Surveys and Locates as a one-person operation, and since then he’s adapted his focus to building the ideal team and overseeing a period of fast expansion.

“Starting in the field, you just get a love for surveying and being by yourself with an instrument,” said Rivard. “The biggest thing that drives me now, though, is being able to work with a team that we’ve really developed over the years.”

Just last year, RivaCore had a small team of eight — today, they’ve grown to a staff of 23, with at least five more coming on for long-term projects before the end of 2025.

RivaCore, which provides services including pipeline, construction, topographic, heavy civil surveys and beyond, hasn’t just grown in numbers — it’s grown in reputation as well. The organization has clients across multiple provinces and its reputation for inclusion as a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, as well as teamwork and community, have been at the core of their growth and success.

“I come from a soccer background,” said Rivard. “It’s a team sport, and now I’m sitting here with work and I really enjoy it because I’m with this great team where everyone has each other’s back and tries to make it the best they can.”

One of the key aspects to the company’s growth has been bringing on students new to the world of surveying. Many of these students come from RRC Polytech.

“This was actually our first year hiring a Civil Engineering Technology summer student and it’s already become a company model for us,” said Rivard.

“We had an opportunity with the Alamos Gold project in Lynn Lake where we could have multiple surveyors on site, which was the perfect chance to bring in juniors and grow our team for the next few years.”

By bringing in students, Rivard is looking to provide a work environment that can inspire them to stay on board with RivaCore and support a positive cycle of learning.

“We can pour into these students… and build a loyal, knowledgeable surveyor base. Then, we continue to develop people from within, get them into higher positions, and we know what we’re getting. The RRC Polytech program is a huge resource for that.”

One of the students who joined the team this summer was Aidan Pacey, who is entering his second year in Civil Engineering Technology. His co-op at RivaCore saw him build experience as a survey assistant across Manitoba.

RRC Polytech presented Tessa Potter, an Emmy-award-winning broadcast technician, with the 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award at the Electrical Engineering Technology Homecoming event for the program’s 60th anniversary. The award celebrates the remarkable personal and professional achievements of RRC Polytech alumni.

Since graduating from RRC Polytech’s Electronic Engineering Technology program in 2000, Potter has built a successful career in television, radio, and live sports broadcasting, earning two Sports Emmy Awards for her technical work on the 2022 Beijing and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“I’m thankful to RRC Polytech for this opportunity…I feel very honoured,” said Potter. “It’s surprising, when you see the list of other Distinguished Graduates, that someone like me, who’s still maybe considered a ground-floor worker, would be honoured.”

Potter credits the program for giving her the technical foundation that’s supported her throughout her career.

“Learning electronics isn’t something that happens through osmosis…you have to work at it,” said Potter. “Those classes where we took apart computers or wired up microcontrollers on a breadboard were valuable because they gave us space to experiment and make mistakes in a safe environment.”

She went on to roles with CTV and Rogers Media before joining True North Sports + Entertainment (TNSE) as a Broadcast Liaison, where she has supported NHL and AHL broadcasts for more than a decade. Today, she balances her work at TNSE and her role as a Senior Broadcast Technician at SBL Engineering with freelance broadcast contracts, which have taken her to international sporting events, such as the UEFA EURO Finals, the FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics.

“Tessa’s career shows how far a polytechnic education can take you, particularly in technical industries,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Tessa has built an incredible career through collaboration, hard work, and continuous learning, which are all qualities that reflect her character and RRC Polytech’s values. We’re proud to count Tessa among our alumni and pleased to recognize her with this award.”

Potter is also an advocate for representation in her industry, a mentor to the next generation, and a leader committed to strengthening the broadcast community.

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is looking for individuals to help select board members for the 2025-2026 term. The Appointment Panel will be made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including alumni, RRCSA staff, past executives and board members, and current students.

The Appointment Panel plays a key role in selecting the newest members of the RRC Polytech Students’ Association Board (SAB), which guides major decisions and governs the RRCSA. Panelists will review board member applications and select new members that will uphold the SAB’s mission, vision, and values, ensure that the SAB operates with openness & transparency, and provide diverse perspectives.

All alumni interested in lending their expertise and wisdom as members of the Appointment Panel are invited to apply starting August 26, 2025. Applications close September 5, 2025 and selected members will receive detailed instructions by September 22, 2025. 

Time Commitment: Appointment panelists must be available the weeks of September 29 – October 3, 2025 and March 24 – March 31, 2026
Tasks: Review and grade SAB nominations
Honorarium: Provided upon completion (per term)

Learn more about the role of the Appointment Panel on the RRCSA website.

Be a part of something impactful — apply now!

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.