Jan den Oudsten standing outside of the building named after him at RRC Polytech. He stands with his wife and son.

It was just four years ago that Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) celebrated one of the largest gifts in our history from an individual donor – that donor was Jan den Oudsten and his wife Maria den Oudsten and the gift was $1.5 Million to support students and research in Manitoba’s heavy vehicle sector, including transit.

Jan den Oudsten passed away on Wednesday, March 29 in the Netherlands, at the age of 92.

Jan den Oudsten was the founder and former president of New Flyer Industries and the inventor of leading-edge transit technology. He spent the latter years of his life supporting the next generation of heavy equipment and vehicle technology students, and he was a true pioneer in his contributions the vehicle research sector.

Through the generosity of the den Oudsten family, RRC Polytech’s Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology & Research Centre (VTRC) has been an integral part of milestone events including creating a course for electric buses for Winnipeg Transit and the Canada’s National Defense, as well as partnerships with Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) to create Certification for Electric Vehicle Technicians.

“The generosity of Jan den Oudsten and his family have truly benefited thousands of students every year – our graduates are equipped with the skills and education necessary to become leaders in their fields because of the training they receive at VTRC,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO.

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC), housed in VTRC, has helped develop the first electric Tundra Buggy and supported the testing on New Flyer Industries Group electric transit bus and coach, including the latest generation of hydrogen fuel cell bus. Many of these developments would only be possible through the philanthropy and support of the den Oudsten’s.

“We send our deepest condolences to Maria den Oudsten, their son Bob den Oudsten and their families. Jan den Oudsten’s innovative spirit, gift of leadership, and generous nature will be always remembered,” added Fred.

Den Oudsten’s contributions to the vehicle research has made significant impact around the world. Jan den Oudsten purchased New Flyer in 1986 and introduced European accessible low-floor technology to North American transit market. He was also involved in pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology applications and introduced a 60-food articulated diesel-electric hybrid bus.

He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2021 for his innovations and contributions to the North American transportation market.

To acknowledge Jan den Oudsten’s passing, RRC Polytech will be lowering flags to half-mast on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

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.”

Richard Chisel felt a pull to pursue the Environmental Engineering Technology program at RRC Polytech. It wasn’t the prospect of employment or his passion for chemistry – it was his Indigenous culture.

“The whole field gets me right in the heart, being Indigenous, we’re supposed to be land defenders, and yet corporations are polluting the lands and only getting minor fines for doing so much damage,” said Richard. “There should be more responsibility to the damage done.”

His path to RRC Polytech wasn’t linear, but that’s what makes Richard so passionate. Richard suffers from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and is on medication to manage the trauma he experienced at a young age. After run-ins with law enforcement and feeling held back, Richard made a choice to do something different.

“I grew up in the North End [of Winnipeg] and I saw a lot of stuff happen when I was younger,” said Richard. “And when I got older, I started looking into education – I wanted to be able to support myself and realized it was time to get educated.”

Richard started his journey at RRC Polytech with the Pathway program, which he said prepared him to enter the Environmental Engineering Technology program. Pathway programs help to provide the skills and support needed to transition into college programs.

“The Indigenous supports that are available are amazing and they go above and beyond to make sure that you fully understand the content,” said Richard of his favourite part of studying at RRC Polytech.

Richard is currently working on a project for one of his classes where he’s reviewing the Brady Landfill’s plan to have a greater focus on composting.

“I love chemistry, I excelled in chemistry, and I made the decision to purse this field because it made sense – environmental organic chemistry – it just seemed to fit,” said Richard. “After I’m done at RRC Polytech, I think I want to take the joint program called Applied Environmental Sciences.” 

With graduation only being one year away, Richard is getting ready for what’s next.

“I want to help counteract climate change by reducing emissions from waste,” said Richard. His passion coming through as he goes on to explain the damage people are committing. “By educating people to reduce the amount of waste and begin composting, things can be processed in a controlled environment and the gases are captured and used for energy,” Richard shared.

With no shortage of future plans, Richard is incredibly grateful to Akman Construction for a $1,500 scholarship towards his program.

“I would like to thank Akman Construction for selecting me as a recipient of this award. The additional financial support contributed to my learning outcomes by assisting with my medication costs which aided in regulating my sleep schedule and helped me focus on my learning,” said Richard.

Richard is the first recipient of the Akman Construction Environmental Engineering Technology award. The award is given to a student who has a focus on the environment and sustainability. Akman Construction recently pledged $150,000 to RRC Polytech to create the scholarship as well as support for the College’s In Front of What’s Ahead Comprehensive Campaign.

“Akman Construction is proud of our commitment to LEED goals in building construction, and we believe being sustainable is imperative to our company,” said Jared Akman, Director of Operations, Akman Construction. “Richard is the perfect recipient of our first award. He truly embodies the spirit of building a sustainable community. I look forward to working with him one day.”

In 2018, Akman Construction began working on RRC Polytech’s newest building, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, which one of the most innovative buildings in Canada featuring little to no carbon emissions. Another stipulation in this project was the Indigenous Employment Strategy, which ensured that 20 per cent of all workers were to be of Indigenous decent – Akman Construction went beyond that, estimating 45 per cent Indigenous participation, as well as offering training, support, and mentorship for those on site – many of whom are RRC Polytech grads. 

“We are constantly looking for talented people who share our values when it comes to sustainable construction, and the grads that come from RRC Polytech constantly meet the industry needs,” said Akman. “We are excited to be supporting the next generation of students who will shape the future of construction in Manitoba.”

Akman Construction was established in 1912 by the Akman family after Aaron Akman immigrated to Winnipeg from Russia and has been a family business for over 100 years. Akman Construction began by constructing single family homes and has grown to develop residential apartment building and several commercial projects across Manitoba, including RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and Roblin Centre at the Exchange District Campus and the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre at the Notre Dame Campus. Akman Construction has been a proud supporter of RRC Polytech since 2002.

“Snow-body” embraces winter fun and teamwork like our students, faculty and staff – now here’s your chance to prove it!  

You’re invited to team up with your classmates, colleagues or co-workers to create an epic snow sculpture at NDC for a chance to win cash and prizes in RRC Polytech’s Snowbuilding Contest.

Our goal is to create a welcoming “snow village” 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 make use of snow reserves that our facilities staff will stockpile nearby to build their creations.
• Deadline to register is Friday, February 10^th at noon.
• Snow building for the contest can take place at the assigned locations any time between February 13 at 8:00am and February 16 at 12:00pm.
• Snap a photo of your finished work of art and submit your entry by noon on February 16.
• Winners will be announced at a lunch hour wrap up celebration on Friday, February 17 at NDC. Chili, soup, and hot beverages will be provided.

What you build is totally up to you. A classic Frosty-style snowperson is a great place to start – but here in Manitoba, we continually prove that creativity never freezes, so all entries that are made out of snow will have an opportunity to win.

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. 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.

The winning team at NDC will split $1000 and the runners-up will be awarded $500.  Eight 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!

*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. The top snow sculpture built by a team away from NDC could also win $500 and all registered teams are eligible for the eight randomly drawn prizes.        

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.

Our Culture Champions network is engaged, eager to connect and excited to see your creations during this friendly competition.   

Our partners from Peak of the Market have even generously donated carrots that will be available at NDC upon request, if your snowperson is in need of a nose!   

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, we’ve got enough snow to build them all!

You’re invited to team up with your classmates, colleagues or co-workers to create an epic snow sculpture at Notre Dame Campus (NDC) for a chance to win cash and prizes in RRC Polytech’s Snowbuilding Contest – Snow Me the Money!

Our goal is to create a welcoming “snow village” 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.

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 the entry form that includes each team member’s name and email address.

Prize money will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team.

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.

There is no limit on the number of members per team.

Your team must answer the skill-testing question of (12 × 5) – (16 ÷ 4) =? that is provided on the entry form to be eligible for the randomly drawn prizes.

You may also register as an individual.

Deadline to register is Friday, February 10^th 2023 at noon CT.

Teams are encouraged to make use of snow reserves that our facilities staff will stockpile at NDC to build their creations.

Snow building for the contest can take place at the assigned locations any time starting at 8:00am CT on February 13, 2023 and ending at 12:00pm CT on February 16, 2023.

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 and submit their remote entries.

Snap a photo of your finished work of art and submit your entry to Taryn Michie tmichie@rrc.ca by noon CT on February 16, 2023.

Winners will be announced at a lunch hour wrap up celebration at NDC on Friday, February 17, 2023.

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

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 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.

No need to purchase anything from the College and no fee will be charged to enter this contest.

Prize Structure

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

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

$500 for Maria den Oudsten’s favorite build away from NDC.

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

The odds of winning the grand prizes or raffle are dependent upon the number of entrants.

Additional prizes may include donated souvenir plates, small amount gift cards and various small tokens of participation.

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.”

As 2022 comes to an end and Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign turns one, we want to take a moment to thank you for your kindness and support. Your generosity is supporting a new generation of learners at RRC Polytech, while creating a better province for all Manitobans.

In just one year since publicly launching our fundraising campaign, staff, alumni, parents, friends, and countless supporters have embraced our bold course forward and we have raised $31.5 million towards our $60 million goal. Thank you for being a part of the largest fundraising initiative in our history.

Our goal this year was to increase campaign awareness with our community. It is with much gratitude and joy, we announce that our College community engaged more than 2,000 conversations around partnerships this year, which resulted in more than 700 supporters of our Comprehensive Campaign and over 300 of those being new donors to RRC Polytech. That’s more than 2,000 opportunities that are having a direct impact and helping us share the incredible accomplishments happening on campus, which include:

• hosting the largest-ever Directions conference which saw more than 1,000 students making connections with potential employers;
• funding of a first-in-Manitoba Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Community Services Simulation Centre where students will be able to train in an immersive lab that simulates real-life scenarios, mock disasters, in-home emergencies and care in community health spaces;
• and supporting 4,438 students with scholarships, awards, and bursaries, including 54 new awards. For one example, read about the impact donor funded scholarships have on students like Manjar Kaur, recent Electrical Engineering Technology graduate.
• With the support of a donor, we have created a new Indigenous Pathway to Information Technology program, providing the opportunity for Indigenous students who are interested in computers and technology to jumpstart their post-secondary education and prepare for a rewarding and challenging career in information technology.

Your generous support has taught our students that we can achieve amazing things when we work collaboratively and with intention toward common goals.

While we still have important work ahead of us and many critical targets to reach, we are grateful for the support of our staff, donors, alumni and friends. Only through your investment is RRC Polytech able to produce job-ready graduates, who are ready to be tomorrow’s innovators, professionals, leaders and change makers. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students and we invite you to celebrate our donor community here.  

Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,
Fred Meier, President & CEO and David Petis, Executive Director, Advancement

“Donors like you make life brighter for us and I can only hope that one day, I too will be able to bring a smile to future students.”

Scholarship recipient

“Thank you so much for everyone’s generosity who made this bursary possible and was able to provide a student like me support.”

Scholarship recipient

“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.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) loves to hear success stories from graduates making a mark on their community. It’s particularly special when they include RRC Polytech as a part of their story. Kevin Gill, Founder and President of the Staffmax group of companies, has done just that.

“I’m a proud graduate of RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program and was recently appointed to the Board of Governors where I want to contribute to the continued success of the College,” says Kevin. “It’s important to me that I recognize how my education helped me grow my career and give back where I can.”

“But my support of RRC Polytech also helps my recruiters,” says Kevin. “Staffmax wants to provide the best talent to fill roles across the country and if we support the best grads, we can get the best employees.”

Kevin founded Staffmax in 2007 when he saw a gap in how companies recruited and staffed positions. Growing from one office in Winnipeg to locations in Canada, USA, Australia, and Europe, Staffmax has become of the largest staffing and recruiting agencies in Canada.

“As an alumnus and now Board member, it’s important for me to give back to an organization that makes a difference for the future of our province,” says Kevin. “I love Manitoba, it’s why I made the headquarters of Staffmax here, and I know that this province has so much talent and opportunity and I want it to grow and succeed.”

“Finding ready, reliable, and experienced employees for all types of roles is our priority at Staffmax and the grads that come from RRC Polytech continuously meet the emerging needs of employers,” says Kevin. “When Staffmax was looking for community organizations to give back to, RRC Polytech was at the top of my list.”

Staffmax Staffing and Recruiting recently pledged $150,000 to RRC Polytech to create ten years of one $1,000 scholarship for Welding and two $1,000 scholarships for Business Administration as well as support for the College’s In Front of What’s Ahead Comprehensive Campaign.

“As an alumnus and now Board member, it’s important for me to give back to an organization that makes a difference for the future of our province,” says Kevin. “I love Manitoba, it’s why I made the headquarters of Staffmax here, and I know that this province has so much talent and opportunity and I want it to grow and succeed.”

As we celebrate National Philanthropy Day on November 15^th, Kevin’s story is an important one and highlights how giving back can make an incredible difference. Only with the support of the community, is RRC Polytech able to enhance student experiences, strengthen and transform learning models and help shape the future for students. Simply put, RRC Polytech’s community helps build the foundation on which we are transforming today’s learners into a force for change. Thanks to all who support RRC Polytech, you allow the College to create an impact for generations.