Tina Keeper, Don and Joyce Sobering latest Manitobans to receive prestigious distinction 

Three outstanding Manitobans are the latest recipients of RRC Polytech’s Honorary Diploma: acclaimed creative leader and former politician Tina Keeper (Creative Communications) and respected automotive industry champions Don and Joyce Sobering (Automotive Technician). 

The Polytech will award Keeper and the Soberings with their Diplomas at the Spring 2026 Convocation ceremonies today at the RBC Convention Centre. Tina Keeper will receive her award at 1:30 p.m., and the Soberings will receive theirs at 7 p.m. 

“This year’s Honorary Diploma recipients represent very distinct fields, yet they are connected by a common drive to improve their communities through a deep passion and dedication to their work,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The values that Don and Joyce Sobering and Tina Keeper bring to their work align with those that drive our mission at RRC Polytech – learning, respect, integrity, and collaboration. This makes them a natural fit for this year’s Honorary Diplomas.” 

Celebrating leadership in creative industries 

Tina Keeper, whose multifaceted career spans film, television, and theatre production, acting, advocacy, and public service, is receiving the Honorary Diploma in Creative Communications. 

“I am beyond honoured and delighted to be accepting this Honorary Diploma in Creative Communications. While I have been actively involved in serving as an advisor on RRC Polytech’s Advisory Committee, this opportunity is truly a wonderfully unexpected surprise,” said Tina Keeper. “For the institution to recognize my work and efforts through Kistikan Pictures and its impact on the local creative landscape is an extraordinary honour.” 

A Gemini Award-winning actor for her role in North of 60, Keeper has also made significant contributions off-screen. She served as Member of Parliament for Churchill and has been a strong advocate for Indigenous rights, including introducing legislation related to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Jordan’s Principle.  

As President of Kistikan Pictures, Keeper continues to champion Indigenous storytelling, creating opportunities for Indigenous creators and crews across Canada while helping shape a thriving local production industry.  

Recognizing a legacy in the automotive industry 

Don and Joyce Sobering will receive Honorary Diplomas in Automotive Technician in recognition of their lifelong dedication to Manitoba’s automotive sector, apprenticeship training, and mentorship. 

Together, the Soberings have built a legacy defined by entrepreneurship, leadership, and community service.  

“We are extremely humbled to be receiving this honorary distinction. We are accustomed to being the ones who are honoring others, so this is a surprise. Our belief that our community and our industry is only as good as we all make it, is how we chose to do things that will exemplify that belief as we try to build a tomorrow for our industry, leaving it in the very capable hands of our future technicians,” said the Soberings. 

“We’ve had the privilege of being involved with many of the staff and instructors of RRC Polytech over the years, so being nominated and chosen to receive this award is truly amazing. It will be a memory that we cherish forever.” 

In 1971, the Soberings purchased and grew Sobering Auto Electric into a cornerstone business in Manitoba’s automotive community. Both have played influential roles in advancing the industry through leadership with the Automotive Trades Association and other boards and committees. They are also co-founders of the Motor Vehicle Industry of Manitoba (MVIM), a scholarship initiative that has supported hundreds of apprentices pursuing Red Seal certification.  

Honorary Diplomas celebrate individuals whose achievements inspire students and strengthen industry connections. To learn more, please click here. 

To learn more about this year’s recipients, please click here.