Energies were high and the chatter around the room was loud at Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) annual Directions Business Conference where 500 students and 240 industry partners gathered at the Victoria Inn Hotel in late February to make connections, share information and explore new directions.  

“I wouldn’t say I was nervous going into it, but I wasn’t really sure what to expect or what it would look like, but at the end of the day, I was quite happy I went. It was really powerful to hear the keynote speakers and the guest speakers that were there,” said Shane LeBlanc, second year Business Administration student.  

The half-day conference connected students from Business Administration, Indigenous Education, Continuing Education and Hospitality and Tourism with professionals and industry leaders throughout Manitoba.  

The conference featured messages from RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier and RBC Regional Vice President, Chris White and keynote speaker Amanda Buhse, Graphic Design alumni and CEO of Coal and Canary Candle Company, a local luxury candle company.  

“Directions offers a unique relationship-building experience that benefits everyone who takes part,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for students to grow and learn by connecting with an unparalleled network of industry leaders and proud alumni who are driving the economy and are making a positive impact in our community, and for our partners to network with the future leaders in their respective industries – some they may work alongside one day very soon.” 

A highlight of the event for students was the roundtable sponsored by RBC Future Launch, as a part of its Reaction by Collision initiative.  This partnership between RBC and RRC Polytech is aimed at helping students expand their networks, explore roles in various fields, and discover how industry is innovating and solving programs.  

Students circulated between four tables according to their field of interest and explored four different skill areas in 20-minute sessions. These sessions provided an intimate session where students were able to sit down with some of the top employers in Winnipeg and connect with organizations looking to hire new graduates.  

“It was a great opportunity to be able to have conversations like this.  For me, as a student, I would not have the opportunity to talk with people from RBC if it was not for events like this. I was able to clarify and understand their jobs, what they do and make sure that it’s something that I want to pursue,” said Lara Andrade, Business Administration student. 

“RRC Polytech Directions is a unique format bringing together the aspirations and curiosity of bright young minds with the experience of seasoned professionals and alumni,” shared Chris White, RBC Regional Vice President joined by 25 RBC employee volunteers. “Directions is a tremendous opportunity for students to make connections and shape their growth.” 

The conference also provided students an opportunity to participate in the RBC Headshot Lounge and the RRC Polytech Proud Alumni Panels where they heard from former students who are working in the industry.  

“They shared how they went from being students to where they are now in their career and they gave us great advice,” said Lara.  

Lara, an international student, started attending RRC Polytech after having spent a semester at a different institution in Manitoba and transferred to the Business Administration program at the College.  

“I really enjoy how things are more direct and hands-on, because that’s what I need. RRC Polytech gives you all the tools you need to be ready for the work environment. And this experience and having the ability to make these contacts is a perfect opportunity for students,” Lara added.  

The Reaction by Collision event series hosted one more event for the 2023/24 academic year, the RBC Reaction by Collision Indigenous Career Fair on March 21, where students were able to connect with employers from over 40 organizations who have job openings and opportunities for Indigenous students and graduates.  

Watch the short recap video of the Directions Business Conference here.

Snow-body embraces winter fun and teamwork like our students, faculty and staff – and now, with a little cooperation from Mother Nature, you can prove it! 

Snow Me the Money! is returning for a second year and in addition to teaming up with your classmates, colleagues or co-workers to create epic snow sculptures, (click to see last year’s recap) we’re adding a singing element to RRC Polytech’s Winter Engagement Contest.

It hasn’t been a typical Manitoba winter which highlights the importance of prompting climate action – so let’s bank on some snow and cold coming our way so you can show off your creativity and win cash and prizes.

Snow Building Element

Our goal, once again, is to create a welcoming “snow village” on the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) and near the main entrance off Notre Dame Avenue.

• Staff, students and faculty are encouraged to register teams (family members are welcome to participate) and our facilities staff will try to stockpile any snow reserves nearby so you can build your creations.
• Deadline to register is EXTENDED TO MONDAY, March 4th, 2024, at 5:00 pm CT.
• Snow building can take place at the assigned locations any time starting at 8:00am CT on March 4, 2024, and ending at 12:00pm CT on March 7, 2024.
• Snap a photo of your finished work of art and email it in to be eligible for both judged and randomly drawn cash prizes.

 Singing Element (NEW!)

• Teams are also encouraged but not obligated to submit a video recording of them singing the song Tell me Where the Snowmen Are by Ria den Oudsten, sung to the tune of Tell Me Where the Flowers Are composed by Pete Seeger for an additional chance to win. 
• Sheet music and instrumental audio will be provided and may be used in the recording.
• Professional recording equipment is not required, smartphone recordings will be accepted.
• You do not have to build a snow sculpture to submit a singing video.

Deadline and Celebration    

• Deadline to submit your entries to Lisa Moore limoore@rrc.ca is noon CT on March 7, 2024.
• Winners will be announced at a lunch hour wrap up celebration at NDC on Friday, March 8, 2024.
• Chili, soup, and hot beverages will be provided.

You must register properly to be eligible to win prizes. Assemble your team, collect each member’s email address and decide on a team name. Elect a team captain who will formally register your group by completing this form. Prize money will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team. You may also register as an individual.

A full list of rules and regulations for participants can be found HERE.

Our judge is Maria den Oudsten, a generous member of our donor community who has a passion for snow and has been organizing similar competitions through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation
for years. Her main goal with these competitions is to raise awareness about global warming and to encourage climate action around the world.

Her family’s generosity for helping spread the word is extended to you in the way of prize money for the most creative, elaborate and impressive designs and her favorite rendition of the song.

The team that builds Maria’s favorite snow sculpture at NDC will split $1000 and the runners-up will be awarded $500. The winning team between EDC, Stevenson and the Regionals will also split $1000 and the runners-up will be awarded $500.

*Teams from EDC are encouraged to come to NDC to build your masterpieces where space and snow are more accessible. Teams from Stevenson and some of our regional campuses can take part at designated locations on their property.

Another $1000 will go to Maria’s favorite singers from any campus. Even if you can barely carry a tune don’t be shy and have fun with it, as a little effort and creativity could still make your team the winner!          

Four more prizes of $250 will be won by participating teams selected at random. If you register and submit an entry your team will be entered in the draw, so everyone has a chance to cash in – Snow Me the Money!

Our Advancement Team will gather other prizes and souvenir shwag to reward your efforts, but every participant will feel like a winner as you show off your creativity and collaboration skills, enjoy a break from your daily routine, beautify the campus and encourage climate action around the world.

There is snow time to waste, so choose your “winspiration” – an animal, an object, a landmark, a symbol, a vehicle, a superhero or an abstract interpretation of a feeling or emotion – big, small, short or tall, hopefully we’ll get enough snow to build them all!

Captains, please register your teams HERE

First place winners, Snowcanics

You’re invited to team up with your classmates, colleagues, or co-workers to create an epic snow sculpture and show off your singing voices for a chance to win cash and prizes in RRC Polytech’s Winter Engagement Contest – Snow Me the Money!

This year, in addition to the snow-building contest, participants will get to take part in a singing contest, singing their version of the original climate change anthem, “Tell Me Where the Snowmen Are” to help raise climate crisis awareness and win additional prizes!

• Registration

You must register to be eligible to win prizes. Participants can register as a team or individual to participate in the snow-building and singing contests.

To register as a Team:

• Assemble your team, collect each member’s email address and decide on a team name.
• Elect a team captain who will formally register your group by completing the entry form that includes each team member’s name and email address.
• Team captains must be a student or staff member at RRC Polytech, but anyone is eligible to participate as a team member: family members, friends, etc.
• Prize money will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team.
• There is no limit on the number of members per team.

Individuals can register by completing the entry form. RRC Employees and students are eligible to register as individual participants or students are eligible to register as individual participants.

The registration deadline is EXTENDED to Monday, March 4th, 2024, at 5:00 pm CT.

The contest is free of charge, and no purchase is necessary to register.

• Snow Building Contest

Weather permitting, the goal is to create a welcoming “snow sculpture village” at the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) and near the main entrance, off Notre Dame Avenue.

Teams from EDC will need to come to NDC to build their masterpieces where space and snow are more accessible.

Teams from Stevenson and our regional campuses can take part at designated locations on their campuses and submit their entries.

Snow building can commence at the assigned locations from 8:00 am CT on March 4, 2024, and end at 12:00 pm CT on March 7, 2024.

Snap a photo of your finished work of art and submit your entry to Lisa Moore limoore@rrc.ca by noon CT on March 7, 2024.

Teams are encouraged to use snow reserves that our facilities staff will stockpile (if available) to build their creations.

Participants must not interfere with the building of competing sculptures or deface, devalue, or destroy them.

Sculptures will not be monitored, and contest organizers are not responsible for any random acts of vandalism.

No power tools can be used in the construction of your sculptures.

Participants in the snow sculpture contest can also participate in the singing contest.

If there is not enough snow left to sculpt due to unseasonably warm temperatures as of March 1^st, 2024, the snow-building portion of the contest may be altered or cancelled. Registrants will be informed via email.

Participants who fail to comply with RRC Polytech’s safety guidelines and our Respectful College and legal policies as outlined at RRC.ca may be removed from the contest.

• Singing Contest

This year, we are also introducing a singing competition to the Snow Me The Money Contest with additional prizes to be won.

To participate in the singing contest,  teams/individuals will submit a video recording of the song Tell me Where the Snowmen Are by Ria den Oudsten, sung to the tune of Tell Me Where the Flowers Are composed by Pete Seeger. 

Sheet music and instrumental audio will be provided by email and may be used in the recording.

Professional recording equipment is not required, smartphone recordings will be accepted.

You can participate in the singing contest without participating in the snow-building contest.    

The deadline for emailing singing submissions to Lisa Moore limoore@rrc.ca is also noon CT on March 7, 2024.  

Winners will be announced at a lunch hour wrap-up celebration at NDC on Friday, March 8, 2024.

• Prize Structure

$1000 for the most creative, elaborate and impressive design at NDC as judged by Maria den Oudsten.

$1000 for the most creative, elaborate and impressive design away from NDC as judged by Maria den Oudsten.

$500 for the Runners-up at NDC as judged by Maria den Oudsten.

$500 for the Runners-up away from NDC as judged by Maria den Oudsten.

Four prizes of $250 for registered teams (any campus) selected by random draw.

$1,000 for Maria den Oudsten’s favorite singing submission from all campuses.

The skill-testing question of (10 × 4) – (15 ÷ 3) =? provided on the entry form must be correctly answered to be eligible for the randomly drawn prizes. The odds of winning the grand prizes or raffle depend on the number of entrants.

Additional prizes may include small amount gift cards and various small tokens of participation.

Fittingly, teams comprised of staff and students snagged the top prizes at RRC Polytech’s Snowbuilding Contest – Snow Me the Money! But everyone involved got a taste of victory with a free lunch, souvenir books and plates, and the good vibes generated by working together on a fun outdoor project while raising awareness about climate change.

The College community embraced the challenge of creating a “snow village” to welcome visitors along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) as well as near the main entrance of the Notre Dame Campus. Remote entries from our regional campuses were also submitted and rewarded.

In total, 28 teams and almost 200 individuals took time out of their busy schedules to have some winter fun between February 13 – 17, 2023, to show off their creativity and enjoy the company of classmates, colleagues, friends and family, while working together to beautify the campus at NDC and prompt action to slow climate change. 

Among the truly epic snow sculptures now on display you’ll find a campfire setting, a full-sized car, a massive owl, a turtle and an Indigenous drum circle, just to name a few. And of course, snow people of every shape and size including a hockey team, a snow judge, a snow tanner, and even a snow speaker at a podium with an ASL interpreter – bearing an incredible resemblance to RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier!

Teams pulled out all the stops to impress the event’s judge, Maria den Oudsten, a generous member of our donor community who has a passion for snow and has been organizing similar competitions around the world for years through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation.

“I love encouraging people to embrace winter and celebrate its beauty with these competitions because it draws attention to the danger that climate change presents,” said den Oudsten. “Playing in the snow is something Winnipeggers often take for granted but without a collective change in our habits and behaviour, global warming could rob even the coldest areas of the planet of this joy. We must act now to ensure that these aren’t the last snowmen on earth.”      

Her family’s generosity for helping spread the word was extended in the way of prize money for the most creative, elaborate and impressive designs.

Maria’s favourite design and the winner of the $1000 first place prize was the Snowman Inukshuk built by the Snowcanics – a team of students from the Heavy Equipment Mechanic Program led by their instructor, Shelby Livetsky. 

“Taking part in this contest brought the class closer together as it allowed us to share our different cultural backgrounds, learn about teamwork, and most importantly have a ton of fun!” said Livetsky. “When our Indigenous students explained the importance of the Inukshuk and the significance the direction the arms point, our plan was set but we had to work together to make it a reality. It was such a rewarding experience for everyone that we named it Kuviasuk, the Inuit word for happy.”

Another staff and student team, Team Munsters was chosen as the runners-up at NDC. The Auto Mechanics class named after their instructor Chase Munsters won $500 for putting their coursework in the spotlight by building a full-sized sportscar with blue tinted windows.   

Team Tweedledee and Tweedledum from Steinbach was selected as the Regional Campus winner and will also share a $500 prize.

The contest lived up to its name by splitting another $2000 donated by the den Oudstens into eight prizes of $250 drawn at random during the wrap up celebration. Just making the effort to get outside and get involved paid off for the following teams:

• Swagalicious
• The Mighty Wheel
• Snow Holds Barred
• Goofy Goobers
• Red Bean Shark
• Just Me
• Snowlutions
• Manitoba Dreaming

Maria‘s generosity also included providing soup, chili and refreshments, Journey to Snowmanland photobooks and souvenir plates for all the competitors. Peak of the Market donated carrots so no snowperson was left without a nose.   

“Thank you to our eager participants for their passion and creativity, as well as the Culture Champions, facilities staff, and the organizing committee for adding to our culture of caring,” said Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer. “This event was about building relationships as well as snow sculptures, so we’d also like to thank Maria and Jan den Oudsten for their ongoing support of the College and for reminding us to enjoy the perks of a Winnipeg winter here at RRC Polytech.”

Manitoba’s skilled trades and technology sector is experiencing significant labour shortages, and RRC Polytech graduates – including those from underrepresented groups – are the key to sustaining and strengthening its workforce.

That was the message delivered to more than 250 students attending the kick-off event for National Skilled Trade and Technology Week at the Notre Dame Campus on November 2. A panel of industry reps who spoke at the event said they hope to build a stronger workforce by embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) across the sector.

For instance, speakers at the event described how companies are changing the way they operate – by designing gender-appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment, updating hiring practices and policies, supporting employees from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and more.

“So much has changed in our industry over the past 10 years. Companies have come to recognize that a strong, sustainable future depends on attracting and supporting people from groups often underrepresented in the trades, including women, Indigenous people, new Canadians, and people with disabilities,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech. “As Manitoba’s only polytechnic, we have a critical role to play in bridging those gaps.”

The event was sponsored by RBC Future Launch as part of its Reaction By Collision series in partnership with RRC Polytech. Its goal was to build connections between skilled trades and technologies students and representatives from 16 companies that hire graduates in those fields.

“The world needs talent who believe in the power of their dreams like never before.  Canada stands at the cross-roads as we look to a horizon with the potential to shine bright through a restart,” shares Raj Patel, Vice President, RBC.  “To reach this horizon, Canada needs the people and skills to build and innovate for the future economy.  This is particularly true when speaking to skilled trades and technology.  But none of us can go it alone.  We are at our absolute best when we go together. That is why we at RBC proudly partner with Red River College Polytechnic in delivering RBC Reaction by Collision.”

One of the event panelists was Jamie McMillan from KickAss Careers, who became an ironworker in 2002 when women only represented two per cent of the workforce across Canada and the United States.  She talked about the strong determination it took to keep going and the people who didn’t let her give up.

For CNC Machinist Technician student Jesse Lindsey, the event affirmed his own convictions about the importance of EDI in the workplace.

“An interest in working with your hands is not limited to any sex, race, or creed,” he says. “I’m happy to see those who would otherwise feel unwelcome be encouraged to follow their passion.”

Automotive Technician student Mithat Singh says she spoke to several industry reps who highlighted promising career opportunities for women in a range of fields. She moved to Canada from India for a hands-on education that would hit the gas on her employment options.

“I’m the only woman in my class, but I’m treated like an equal. I’m excited that I could turn my love of luxury sports cars into a career after this.”

For Automotive Technician student Leon Mann, the event opened his eyes to opportunities outside his field he might consider pursuing after he graduates.

“My ultimate goal, however, is to return to my home community in Lake Manitoba First Nation with the certification I need to run my own garage and pass on what I’ve learned to others.” On the same day, RBC Future Launch also sponsored a parallel event at RRC Polytech’s Stevenson Aviation Winnipeg campus. There, panelists and representatives from several local, national, and international aviation, aerospace, and manufacturing companies underscored the wealth of opportunities available for qualified workers in those fields and related disciplines.

Do you have the top job skills employees will need in the year 2025?

Students in Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) Business, Information Technology, Creative Communications, and Indigenous Education programs had the chance to find out at a unique roundtable event on November 3.

Part of RRC Polytech’s annual Directions Conference, the roundtable session moved students through a series of intensive discussions with local industry experts about the attributes needed to succeed in their chosen field as businesses respond to constant economic and technological change.

“You don’t have to be strong in every area, but you need to know where to put in the most work to build those muscles,” says Business Information Technology (BIT) student Don Zhu, a member of the conference’s planning team.

For instance, building up leadership, negotiation, and communication skills can put  students ahead of job candidates or coworkers who struggle to demonstrate those qualities.

The roundtables were sponsored by RBC Future Launch as part of its Reaction by Collision initiative, a partnership between RBC and RRC Polytech aimed at helping students expand their networks, explore roles in various fields, and discover how industry is innovating and solving problems.

 “Opportunity is that special space where we can create exciting new tomorrows for ourselves today,” shares Laurie Cox, RBC Community Manager. “Opportunity is ours for the taking by knowing our worth and stepping outside of our comfort zone to form new connections.  A spark of opportunity also goes by another name – RBC Reaction by Collision.  It is the spark that brings industry and students together in a collision to grow networks and launch careers.”

More than 1,000 students and 200 industry representatives took part in this year’s conference. During the roundtable event, students circulated between four tables according to their field of interest while exploring four different skill areas in 25-minute sessions. Planners assigned topics to the experts hosting each table according to the skillsets most relevant to their industry.

“Diplomats”, for instance, promoted the value of leadership and negotiation in their field, while “Analysts” highlighted the importance of analytic thinking and problem solving. “Explorers” emphasized the need for employees capable of critical thinking and creativity. “Sentinels” championed resilience and emotional intelligence.

The roundtables also presented an invaluable opportunity for students to network with potential employers, and for industry representatives to get to know future candidates.

“This was the first in-person Directions Conference since the pandemic, and the energy was unbeatable,” says Amanda Gibson, a Business Administration student and planning team member.

Students eager to know more lined up to ask questions during the conference’s breakout sessions, where experts discussed topics such as growth and strategy, entrepreneurship, inclusive and diverse leadership, and digital transformation.

Students were also active on social media during the event, sharing their experiences and connecting with companies attending the conference, says Business Technology Management (BTM) student Victoria Llumiquinga Zaldumbide, who helped manage the conference’s marketing and social media.

In fact, Directions 2022 had students included in every aspect of planning and executing the event. A team of 60 volunteers managed everything from marketing and hospitality to session moderation and risk management.

“The college gave us the freedom to focus on topics we could relate to, and people really responded,” says Victoria.

One of those topics was the conference’s theme, Smashing Stereotypes, the focus of the morning’s panel discussion where speakers demolished preconceptions about the kind of people who work in particular fields and the pathways that lead to success.

BIT student and event volunteer Sam Lee says she was inspired by keynote speakers Cassandra and Stefanie Lepp, founders of The Tulepps, a grain farming operation in southwestern Manitoba.

“They smashed the stereotype that only men can run farms, drive trucks, get their hands greasy. They taught me that the worst anyone can say to me is no – and if they do, I go on to the next person until someone says yes and takes a chance on me. That was incredibly empowering.”

“It was January 2020 when I arrived for my education,” said Manraj Kaur, former international student and Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) Electrical Engineering Technology graduate, “And right after COVID hit.”

Some students would be nervous about starting an engineering program without the support of their family in a new country with a global pandemic on the horizon – but not Manraj. Her family back home owns a company that makes different kinds of roads, so she was raised in an environment with large machinery and mechanical work.

“I always wanted to be an engineer, and I chose electrical because that was the one which fascinated me most,” said Manraj. “[and] RRC Polytech makes you ready for the after-school things,” said Manraj on why she enrolled at RRC Polytech and how she knew she would be ready to hit the ground running after she finished her program.

When asked about her favourite part of learning at RRC Polytech, Manraj quickly responded with the instructors.

“The teachers would give you thousands of assignments, and as a student you feel like you couldn’t do them, but then they always help you push through it. So, the teachers give you work and motivate you at the same time,” said Manraj.

Manraj received four scholarships while studying at RRC Polytech, including two general awards that are fully supported by individual donors. Your support on Giving Tuesday goes towards furthering these awards and supporting the next generation of learners.

“There’s so many other things we are a part of at the college, you’re not just developing your hard skills, but the soft skills that you get from talking to other people, going to events, and other things,” said Manraj about her experience at RRC Polytech over the last three years.

Manraj is currently employed as a Junior Electrical Designer with a new job lined up next week as a Junior Electrical Technologist.

“It’s just the start of my career and it sometimes feels overwhelming because I am the least experienced person working here. I constantly apply what I learned in school, but I am also constantly learning. I want to be good at what I do, and obviously the more experience you have, the more valued you are,” said Manraj when asked what she wanted to achieve now that she’d graduated.

It has been one year since launching RRC Polytech’s largest fundraising initiative where staff, alumni, parents, friends, and countless supporters have embraced the College’s commitment to transform today’s learners into a force for change. Your generosity shows students that we can achieve amazing things when we work collaboratively toward common goals.

Manraj is just one example of this force for change. Just before getting ready to cross the stage and collect her diploma a few weeks ago, she shared her appreciation of the financial support she received with the donors who made it possible, and more recently she shared why she thinks it’s important that RRC Polytech’s community support the College.

“Giving to RRC Polytech is basically giving to yourself, and students in return. The students coming out of [the College] are gonna be the future of Canada, I would say at least Manitoba. So, it’s like investing into your own city’s future,” said Manraj. “Some students want to study but then due to resources, lack of money, they are not able to. But they have the potential to do everything. It’s not like donating to RRC Polytech – it’s like donating to society.”

Only with donors is RRC Polytech able to produce job-ready graduates, who are ready to be tomorrow’s innovators, professionals, leaders and change makers. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, there’s another day to celebrate – Giving Tuesday.

During this time of year, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season, and support RRC Polytech and creating a positive impact on the next generation.

Click here to give today.

On November 30, 2021, we launched In Front of What’s Ahead, the single largest fundraising campaign in RRC Polytech’s history. This event outlined a bold new vision: one that calls upon people like you to be the change we want to see in our province. The change we so urgently need.

By helping us transform our learning spaces, attract research talent, and enhance our student experience, you will create more pathways for students and industry partners to make a meaningful difference in our communities and around the world.

This campaign is your opportunity to shape the next generation of skilled professionals, problem solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders.

At this event, our community heard from four alumni speakers whose lives have been changed by their experiences at RRC Polytech.

Chef Joseph Alex, a graduate of our Culinary Arts program, shares the story of how RRC Polytech helped him transform a Grade 9 education and limited restaurant experience into a professional career, and inspired him to give back – by teaching Indigenous culinary arts students how to realize their own dreams.

Allison Enns tells the story of how RRC Polytech said YES when other post-secondary institutions said NO to her learning disabilities, opening the door to a career in civil engineering that has allowed her work on innovative, high-profile building projects.

Sean Rayland, now a successful entrepreneur and full-time business owner with his own line of streetwear, explains how our Social Innovation and Community Development program gave him a second chance in life after a struggle with gangs, drugs, and time in prison.

Yuriy Hlukh P.Eng. recounts how RRC Polytech’s language skills and engineering technology programs made it possible for him to overcome communication challenges and build on his previous education in Ukraine to become a manager and project engineer, stewarding some of Manitoba’s largest Infrastructure projects.

It’s a donation 35 years in the making.

Red River College grads Ron Margolis and Tony Balaz have gifted nearly $1,000 to RRC’s annual Directions Conference with money from a group project they helped complete in their graduating year – 1984.

[Editor’s Note: 1984 was the year the World Wide Web and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg were born, Steve Jobs launched a boxy little number called the Macintosh PC, and Bill Gates shared the cover of Time magazine with a floppy disk. Historical records indicate that 1984 was also the epoch of the cassette tape, pager, answering machine, and peak Murder, She Wrote.]

At that time, Margolis (shown, above) and Balaz (below) were studying Business Administration and working on a huge final project with a team of over a dozen other students. The group raised funds to pay for the layout and printing costs needed to produce their group’s business plan, only to find out, just before the plan was due, that the printing company couldn’t produce the accounting tables and wouldn’t be able to complete the job.

“Cut to a dozen of us hammering away on typewriters around the clock, trying to get this thing into some kind of presentable form when we should have been prepping our oral presentation instead,” Margolis recalls.

[Editor’s Note: 1984 was also before word processing and layout software were basic human rights.]

“The final result wasn’t pretty, but we ended up with something we could hand in.”

The money to cover the printing costs sat in the account in case it was still needed, and was then forgotten – until Margolis discovered the bank statement book in a pile of papers just over a year ago.

The discovery prompted Margolis, now president of Margolis Capital Group Inc., a commercial mortgage firm, to reach out to Balaz, another member of the group still living in Winnipeg. (Balaz is vice-president of Kensington Homes.)

“It made sense to both of us to donate it back to the College on behalf of our group, Seminar 13.”

They earmarked their donation for this year’s Directions Conference, which connects RRC Business and Applied Arts students with industry and business leaders through a series of speakers, information sessions, and a roundtable networking event. Obby Khan, local restaurateur and former Blue Bomber, will share his story of family, football and entrepreneurship at the conference’s keynote address on Thu., Feb. 6, inspiring the next generation of professionals and leaders.

“We love how this donation gives a group of our grads the opportunity to bring their Red River College experience full circle,” says RRC Alumni Engagement Officer Katrina Sklepowich. “We couldn’t be more grateful to this awesome group of people for boosting the impact of potentially career-shaping networking events like Directions for our students.”

Thinking of making a gift to Red River College? Donate now!