Nearly 800 RRC Polytech graduates will cross the convocation stage today, ready to help build Manitoba, literally and figuratively. They are entering careers across Manitoba’s key industries and essential services, including the skilled trades and transportation, health care and community services, business and information technology, as well as emerging areas such as data science and machine learning.

“Convocation is an important milestone where graduates, their friends, family and loved ones, and the Polytech community come together to celebrate the future leaders who will build Manitoba’s industry and economy, and care for its people and communities,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

As technology rapidly evolves and changes how people teach, learn and work, a polytechnic education is more relevant than ever. Through applied education, learners gain hands-on skills training and human-focused skills such as collaboration, communication and problem-solving to enter the workforce ready to contribute on day one.

This fall’s honorary degree and diploma recipients, along with the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recipient, exemplify leadership in building up people and communities through their professional and personal commitments.

Honorary Degree and Diploma Recipients

Dr. Gerry Price – Honorary Degree, Bachelor of Technology in Advanced Manufacturing

RRC Polytech recently launched the new Bachelor of Technology in Advanced Manufacturing degree program, and Dr. Price will be the first person to receive the degree.

Dr. Gerry Price grew Price Industries from 250 to more than 4,400 employees while keeping its headquarters in Winnipeg. Through the Price Family Foundation, he supports hundreds of RRC Polytech students with Price Scholarships and helped establish the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics in 2023. 

Dr. Price will be presented with his honorary degree at the evening convocation ceremony.

Ron Brown – Honorary Diploma in Child and Youth Care

Ron Brown dedicated 16 years as President and CEO of BGC (formerly Boys and Girls Club) Winnipeg to empowering children, youth and families, building on a lifelong commitment to community service. His leadership reflects RRC Polytech’s Child and Youth Care program’s focus on supporting young people, families and communities, making him a fitting recipient of an honorary diploma in Child and Youth Care.

Brown will be presented with his honorary diploma at the evening convocation ceremony.

Read more about honorary degree and diploma recipients, Dr. Gerry Price and Ron Brown.

Lieutenant Governor’s Medal

Hevyn-Lee Martens – Honours graduate, Foundations in Social Innovation and Community Development Certificate program

Martens will be recognized at the afternoon convocation ceremony on November 9. Read more about Hevyn-Lee Martens.

Convocation Ceremonies

Two ceremonies will take place in person at the RBC Convention Centre, Ozhaawashko-Giizhig (formerly known as the City View Room), 375 York Avenue, and will be live-streamed at rrc.ca/convocation. Graduates from the following schools will cross the stage at each ceremony: 

November 9 – 1:30 p.m.:

• School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts
• School of Continuing Education
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts
• School of Indigenous Education
• School of Education, Arts and Science

November 9 – 7 p.m.:

• School of Health Sciences and Community Services
• School of Skilled Trades and Technology

In total, 1,777 students are graduating this fall, and 770 of them are registered to attend their ceremony.

RRC Polytech’s spring convocation will take place June 14-16, 2027, and will include a cohort of MITT graduates who will cross the stage to receive their MITT credentials.