Kate Rudnyk, a graduate from the Digital Media Design program, will be awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal – the highest award that may be obtained upon graduation from RRC Polytech – at the Fall Convocation ceremonies next week.

The recipients of these medals are selected by a standing committee comprised of representatives from Polytech management, students and instructors. This outstanding graduate has been selected in recognition of their academic and technical achievement, involvement in Polytech and/or community activities, and overall good character.

Kate Rudnyk, who specialized in Interactive Design and Development, is a passionate community builder whose journey has been shaped by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others.

After years of searching for direction, she found purpose at RRC Polytech, where collaboration replaced competition and belonging came naturally. Kate now leads student tours and draws from her own experience to mentor others through uncertainty.

Her Ukrainian heritage inspires her desire to make a difference – from volunteering at Holy Family Home to working with MBHelpsUkraine, a grassroots initiative that has raised more than $5,000 for humanitarian aid.

Whether through quiet acts of kindness or bold community action, Kate leads with heart, proving that success is found not in having all the answers, but in showing up, listening, and lifting others along the way.

For the first time ever, RRC Polytech has earned a Gold rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System known as STARS. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS is the most widely recognized framework for measuring sustainability performance in post-secondary institutions, with over 1,200 participants across 52 countries. 

Improving by more than 20 points in the comprehensive scoring system from the previous submission, Gold STARS status acknowledges RRC Polytech’s deep commitment to sustainability across academics, operations, engagement, planning, and innovation. It’s a testament to the Polytech’s collaborative, campus-wide efforts to embed sustainability into every facet of its mission. 

“This achievement represents much more than just a framed certificate to be proud of – it’s a reflection of the collective effort across our campuses to build a better tomorrow and the real, positive impact we’re making in our community,” said Giselle Martel, Vice President, Finance and Administration at RRC Polytech. “From tangible results, like our ongoing efforts to reduce water and energy use in our buildings and applied research partnerships in clean energy technologies to the long-term investment to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into our daily actions, the sustainability principles we champion today will shape the innovators and decision-makers of tomorrow.” 

Submitted every three years, the STARS ratings motivate organizations to assess how they approach the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability and develop methods and programs to address the global challenges that we’re all facing.

RRC Polytech was the first post-secondary in Manitoba to sign the SDG Accord and commit to pursuing and delivering the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals – measuring and reporting progress is critical to success.   

“We have a shared responsibility to take better care of our planet, people, and community and every effort makes a difference,” said Stephanie Fulford, Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal at RRC Polytech. “Opportunities to do more in both our personal and professional lives are everywhere, we just need to look for them and decide we’re going to lead by example and do something about it.”    

The list of sustainability efforts at RRC Polytech is long and varied and connects all areas – Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, Operations, Culture and Community, and Leadership, across all campuses.  

Every academic department at RRC Polytech offers sustainability-focused or inclusive courses. Programs like Environmental Engineering Technology, Nursing, and Social Innovation & Community Development integrate sustainability into their core. Applied learning opportunities – such as the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Co-op and Indigenous Diplomacy Forum ensure students gain real-world experience in creating positive change. 

Programs like SDG Month Canada, the SDG Student Competition, and events such as Bike to Work Day and the Commuter Challenge foster a culture of environmental and social responsibility among students. Staff engagement is equally robust, with additional offerings like the Homeowners & Renters Workshop Series, Diversity Champions network, and promotion of online learning courses. 

RRC Polytech’s sustainability leadership is also helping to drive Manitoba’s growing green economy. The province’s transition to net zero requires a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of emerging industries, and RRC Polytech is playing a key role in that effort. From supporting innovation through applied research partnerships to providing training and upskilling opportunities, RRC Polytech ensures students gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. 

This is reflected by a perfect score in the STARS category of Innovation and Leadership, citing examples such as:  

• Climate-Resilient Nursing Education Initiative: curriculum development on climate-related health impacts. 

• Electric School Bus Conversion Project: applied research with industry partners on low-emission transportation. 

• Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah and Pow Wow Pitch Partnership: entrepreneurship support for Indigenous learners and community members. 

“Students are learning sustainability in the classroom and seeing it in action on campus, and when they graduate, they take those values into their careers, amplifying the impact we make,” said Fulford. 

State-of-the-art buildings like Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, part of the Exchange District Campus, featuring integrated solar panels and a rooftop rainwater capture and re-use system demonstrate that energy efficiency approaching net-zero is possible. The strategic enhancement of operational sustainability also includes the development of a socially responsible procurement policy, prioritizing environmentally certified products, and Indigenous, diverse, and social enterprise suppliers – aligning purchasing power with RRC Polytech’s values.  

Finally, STARS is designed to support continued improvement by helping RRC Polytech’s internal sustainability leadership network, led by Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal, to identify strengths and next steps in teaching, research, engagement, and operational practices. 

The Gold rating is a tremendous milestone but also serves as a starting point for new strategies and practices that can be adopted to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for everyone. 

“As an organization committed to innovation and excellence, we’re not only going to work hard to maintain our top-performing areas but to improve our scores in every area,” said Fulford. “We’re excited to continue leading with purpose and driving even greater impact in the years ahead by learning from others, exploring new ideas, and finding creative ways to embed and advance sustainability in everything we do.” 

As shared on the WPC Team Canada website:

Let yourself be inspired by the extraordinary exhibition of photographs that represented Team Canada on the world stage in this year’s World Photographic Cup – an Olympic-style team competition. This stunning collection will be exclusively on display at the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae from November 21 to December 4, 2025.

Featuring 30 stunning images from the current Canadian entry, along with 15 award-winning images from past Canadian medalists, this collection is a testament to the country’s talent, creativity and artistic excellence.

The collection also features local photographer, Jocelyne Hebert, whose image endured three rounds of curation for the opportunity to represent Canada. Her haunting natural portait titled “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was created to capture the deep struggles faced by youth and the challenges of living with mental illness.

WPC Team Canada would like to invite you to the opening reception on Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. where Jocelyne Hebert will present “Behind the Story – A Journey from Concept to Creation” about the process and inspiration of image competition.

Public Viewing

The exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, November 21, to Thursday, December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae at RRC Polytech Exchange District Campus. Make sure to present your Eventbrite ticket to enter the building.

Tickets for the opening reception and the exhibition are free and can be reserved using the button below.

This is exhibit supported by RRC Polytech’s Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts. The Schroeder Institute supports creative industries and Manitoba in reaching the next level in this period of growth by ensuring that a pipeline of newly skilled local talent continues to flow and fill crucial industry roles, while engaging more deeply with industry partners and undertaking exciting opportunities to foster innovation through applied research.

Manitoba is increasingly becoming more competitive in creative areas across the prairies, the country and beyond. More productions are being filmed in Winnipeg and throughout the province, and more creative businesses are opening their doors while local companies are making their mark beyond our borders. Local training and talent are crucial to the success of the businesses that choose to operate here, and that is where RRC Polytech — and the Schroeder Institute — come in.

A recent graduate of RRC Polytech’s Creative Communications program was named 2025 Student Journalist of the Year last month by J-Schools Canada. The following was posted on the Creative Communications LinkedIn page:

He’s curious, hard-working and thoughtful.

And now, he’s Canada’s student journalist of the year.

Matthew Frank (Creative Communications class of 2025; journalism specialization) has been selected for the top honour by J-Schools Canada for their inaugural student journalism awards.

Judges praised Matt for his “outstanding reporting and deep storytelling ability.”

Now a full-time reporter for The Carillon in Steinbach, Matt produced a number of news and feature stories for the Winnipeg Free Press, the Globe and Mail and CBC Manitoba while in school.

J-Schools Canada will host a networking event for award winners later this year. Selections of their winning work will be featured on the j-source website.

A great example of journalism Matt produced for the Winnipeg Free Press in conjunction with his CreComm studies, looks closely at Manitoba’s lack of options for inmates leaving prison.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be awarded Student Journalist of the Year from J-Schools Canada!” he said on his own LinkedIn page. “I would’ve never gotten this recognition without my supportive colleagues, instructors and friends. Them and so many others have helped me grow into the journalist I am now.”

With the fall term underway, there are important updates to share, to ensure the safety, health and security of our campus community. RRC Polytech is committed to keeping you informed and connected with helpful resources and information, so that you can feel supported throughout the semester and into the winter term.

Campus hours

A reminder that campus hours for the Exchange District Campus (EDC) and Notre Dame Campus (NDC) are as follows:

• Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and student and staff access only from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday – swipe card or buzz-in access only at EDC and enter through Building C at NDC.
• All RRC Polytech campuses are closed in observance of Remembrance Day, Tuesday, November 11.

Changes to entry at the Exchange District Campus

As of January 2025, we made the shift to requiring students and staff to present their valid RRC Polytech-issued ID upon arrival. Alongside this new requirement, we added additional card readers for accessing elevators and spaces above the first floor.

These changes ensure that students and staff have the access to the spaces they need, while balancing the need for people to access public spaces on campus, including Tim Hortons, the Campus Store, and Student Services.

As shared in previous safety updates, changes are coming to the entry process at EDC to best support the safety and security of everyone on campus. The new barcode entry process is an evolution of how students, staff and visitors enter campus and access its spaces.

Starting November 10, 2025, RRC Polytech will be moving to card scan access at EDC. Students, staff and visitors can access campus through the designated entrances:

• The Roblin Centre – North and South Atrium doors
• Manitou a bi Bii daziigae – Elgin Plaza doors
• Paterson GlobalFoods Institute – Main Street and King Street doors

What to expect when arriving at EDC

Upon arrival at a designated campus entrance, please ensure you have your valid RRC Polytech ID available. Students and staff will scan their IDs at card readers similar to the fitness facility at EDC, or how you scan a membership card at Costco.

Security personnel will remain stationed at campus entrances to welcome you and provide any guidance as needed.

During the week of November 10, there will be a grace period while everyone gets familiar with the new process. During this time, if you forget your ID card or do not have one yet, you will be asked to report to the Security Desk, and a member of the security team will look up your student or staff ID for verification.

Everyone is encouraged to get or replace their RRC Polytech ID card in advance of November 10, to avoid any delays. To learn about how and where to get your student or staff ID, visit rrc.ca/ID.

Visitor and contractor access

Members of the public must have a stated reason for visiting the campus such as going to Tim Hortons, Student Services, the Campus Store, Culinary Exchange, or Jane’s. All visitors must check in with security upon arrival.

Approved visitors, such as service personnel, guests, contractors and people accessing the campus in support of our programs, will continue to be permitted on campus. A member of the security team will direct them to their destination on campus.

Accessing the Notre Dame Campus

To access NDC during regular weekday hours, students and staff can enter through available building entrances. Contractors and visitors must check in with Security Services in Building C upon their arrival.

For campus entry between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, students and staff members are permitted to enter through Building C, using the doors on the east side. On weekends, campus is only accessible through the Building C doors.

Update on the Health Centre at the Exchange District Campus

As shared in the last update, a new health centre space is coming to EDC. While the initial opening date was slated for late fall, we are experiencing some delays. The anticipated opening date is now early 2026.

Services will include mental health support, sexual health education, injury and illness assessment, student medical plan development, and connections to internal and external resources like Student Support Services, Klinic, and the Crisis Response Centre.

In the interim, students and staff at EDC seeking health centre services, please call 204-632-2238 or email HealthServices@rrc.ca.

We welcome your feedback

RRC Polytech continues to work collaboratively to proactively introduce safety and security measures to best support our campus community. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact the Safety, Health and Security Services team at safety@rrc.ca.

Organized, attentive and eager to help students, family members, faculty and administrators – administrative assistants routinely score top marks for effort, especially in the offices of thriving schools. Recognizing the critical role that these friendly and helpful faces play in creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment, Winnipeg School Division (WSD) chose the position as a natural starting point for a training partnership with RRC Polytech.

Determined to shape a stronger, more vibrant community, one learner at a time, WSD and RRC Polytech teamed up last summer to make post-secondary training more accessible. Together, they developed a specialized program that removes barriers for under-represented and Indigenous learners to acquire the technical skills needed to accomplish an administrative assistant’s ever-evolving list of tasks and requests – while working toward their shared goal of inspiring and elevating underserved communities.

“The partnership between Winnipeg School Division and RRC Polytech has made post-secondary education both attainable and accessible for our students, right within their own community. It opens doors and reinforces the belief that higher education is within reach for everyone,” said Sylvia Martin, Divisional Principal of Career Lab at R.B. Russell Vocational High School. “We are deeply grateful for this opportunity, which has made a profound difference in the lives of our learners and their families.”

By offering RRC Polytech’s Administrative Assistant training free of charge to employees and area residents and making it available in local schools, WSD is addressing the ongoing challenge of attracting and training new support staff while cultivating a path to a better life for the citizens it serves.

“Many of our students live nearby and were able to walk to class — a significant factor in their ability to participate,” added Martin. “The familiar environment, proximity to their children’s school, and access to essential supports such as food and community connections all play a vital role in their success.”  

The 8-month program’s collaborative learning activities and real-world practicums in WSD schools emphasize communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that result in a well-rounded professionalism that sets up future employees to succeed, regardless of their career path.

“Using RRC Polytech’s vast network of expertise, we work with industry partners to develop customized training that provides workers with the applied skills and experience they need to achieve both the organization’s objectives and their own personal goals,” said Emmanuel Abba, Business Development Manager for Corporate Solutions at RRC Polytech. “In this case, WSD serves learners with diverse needs, so we augmented the traditional curriculum for our Administrative Assistant Program with academic, social, emotional, and cultural supports to encourage greater success.”

Karyss-Leigh Beaulieu took advantage of the opportunity and completed her work-integrated-learning experience at École LaVérendrye in June. Her improved public speaking and communication skills led to a newfound confidence that recently helped her navigate WSD’s hiring process for a substitute clerk position and she is currently looking forward to orientation for new hires.

“Happy and proud of what I accomplished, for sure. Although the first few weeks were rough, it was hard to adjust to the schedule and adapt to the new environment at first, but I was determined, and my instructor was super supportive,” said Beaulieu. “Soon I was answering phones, doing filing, helping substitute teachers to print their lessons, getting kids snacks and ice packs if they needed.”

Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, a deepening connection to her culture and a renewed purpose. A proud member of Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, she moved away from home at 17, facing homesickness and the emotional challenges of adjusting to a new environment while transitioning to life in the city, first in Brandon and then in Winnipeg.

 She occasionally reached out to RRC Polytech’s Indigenous support navigators and counsellors but eventually found free access to the Mindwell app (offered to all staff and students at RRC Polytech) was enough to ground her when she felt overwhelmed.  

Beaulieu says she looks forward to becoming the supportive presence that she remembers from her school office growing up and continuing to explore and re-connect with her heritage. 

“I started wearing a medicine pouch every day and I found that it helped me get through the day,” said Beaulieu. “Working in the school inspired me to be more involved and support Indigenous youth, to help them feel connected, supported, and proud of who they are. As an Indigenous person who has felt a sense of disconnection living away from home and feeling that loneliness is the worst feeling. So, now I want to help prevent that feeling for others, by creating spaces of connection and belonging.”

Beaming with pride in the success of the program so far, Sylvia Martin and her WSD colleagues are eager to increase participation and continue building future opportunities. She says it was deeply moving to witness the motivation and determination of every student working toward the goal of creating a better life for their families.

“This transformative partnership has provided a pathway to stable, meaningful careers and empowered students to overcome personal and systemic barriers. The ripple effect on their families and the broader community is immeasurable.” said Martin. “We welcome the chance to collaborate further, expand outreach and celebrate the positive impacts of the program.”

RRC Polytech is hosting information sessions for its next intake at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on November 13 at R.B. Russell Vocational High School (364 Dufferin Ave.) and is planning to welcome a new cohort of eager WSD learners to its Administrative Assistant program in January. Other programs being offered through the partnership include Library & Information Technology and 5th Class Power Engineering.

For more info: rbrussell@wsd1.org

For immediate release: October 30, 2025

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory – the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – RRC Polytech joins the inaugural consortium for the AI Workforce Readiness (AIWR) program, a national initiative led by Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute), one of Canada’s three national AI centres and a recognized leader in AI literacy.

Supported by Google.org, the AIWR program convenes 29 Canadian polytechnics, colleges, and universities, collectively representing over 500,000 students, in a collaborative effort to close the national AI skills gap and prepare the next generation of workers. This initiative is set to impact an estimated 125,000 students per year across the country.

“AI is a transformative force shaping every industry and the future of work. By embracing AI literacy, we can equip students with the essential tools and knowledge to succeed now and in the future,” says Rebecca Molly Hiebert, Senior Strategic Advisor, AI Initiative, RRC Polytech. “Our participation in Amii’s AI Workforce Readiness consortium ensures that our students are receiving the most current, evidence-based AI education available. By working with national leaders and peers, we are proactively embedding these crucial skills into the core of RRC Polytech’s curriculum, giving our graduates a clear advantage in the evolving job market.”

As a member of the consortium, RRC Polytech will send subject matter experts (SMEs) to collaborate with Amii’s AI specialists to collaborate in dedicated working groups. This effort will result in the creation of AIWR Curriculum Resource Packages—specialized, open-source teaching materials designed to seamlessly integrate relevant AI skills and knowledge into existing programs and courses.

The resources will focus on giving students in the field of community services the AI competencies they need. Each package will include learning assets, such as:

• Reading and discussion materials
• Real-world use cases and case studies
• Videos, activities, and lab assessments

 “Amii’s goal has always been to make AI education accessible, and the AI Workforce Readiness program is the culmination of that commitment. We are excited to work with our inaugural group as part of a growing national network,” says Cam Linke, Amii CEO. “By fostering a strong national collaboration, we are directly addressing the urgent AI skills gap and empowering both instructors and students—especially those in underserved communities—with the necessary AI literacy skills and resources. This foundational work ensures that post-secondary students across the country are equipped for the future of work.”

RRC Polytech will  be working with Amii to support the integration of program-specific AI resources into the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program curriculum. “At RRC Polytech we are leaders in early childhood education and collaborating with Amii on the AI-Powered Curriculum Design for Early Learning project, will further support future early childhood educators to build AI competency that enhances creativity, strengthens workforce readiness, and increases confidence as leaders in their field,” says Kelsey Shay Regnier, Chair, Early Childhood Education, RRC Polytech.

RRC Polytech is proud to be part of this strong national network that is leading the way in building Canada’s AI-ready workforce. View the complete list of consortium members.

About Amii: Guided by our mission of AI for Good and for All, Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) is an Alberta-based non-profit that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and translates scientific advancement into industry adoption. As one of Canada’s three centres of AI excellence, Amii strives to make AI & ML the primary drivers of sustainable economic growth by advancing leading-edge research, delivering exceptional educational offerings, and providing business advice—all to bring AI out of the lab and into the real world.

About RRC Polytech: As Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, RRC Polytech prepares students to become leaders in their fields — while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands and contribute to the province’s economic growth. RRC Polytech is actively developing an institutional AI strategy, led by a Senior Strategic Advisor and guided by working groups and an AI Steering Committee, to support responsible and innovative integration of AI. The institution is also collaborating with local and national partners to advance AI education and share best practices.

For Kiara Carpenter, nursing was never just an option – it was a calling. When she enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing program at RRC Polytech she knew she wanted a career where she could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives – and now in her senior practicum, she describes her education as a transformative experience.

“Through my training, I’ve learned that I am more resilient and adaptable than I thought. Nursing school challenged me academically, emotionally, and personally, but I discovered I can thrive under pressure, think critically in fast-paced environments, and grow from every experience,” she said. “The program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and prepared me to work in diverse clinical areas, from medical-surgical to pediatrics and palliative care. The instructors and preceptors have been supportive mentors, and I’ve developed lifelong friendships with classmates who share the same passion for nursing.”

A pivotal moment in Carpenter’s journey at RRC Polytech was when she received a bursary from the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) iHUB.

“Receiving a bursary eased the financial stress that often comes with being a full-time student. It allowed me to focus more on my studies and clinical learning rather than worrying about balancing extra work hours. This support gave me the peace of mind to fully commit myself to my training and clinical experiences,” said Carpenter. “I felt incredibly grateful and relieved when I learned I was a recipient. It was encouraging to know that others believed in my potential as a future nurse and were willing to support me in achieving my goals.”

Carpenter was one of more than 700 students from the Nursing and Dental assisting programs who have received a bursary from the CEWIL Canada iHUB since the Fall 2024 term, after a pilot program provided 60 recipients in senior practicums with bursaries last year.

“These opportunities for on-the-job learning are invaluable to students, and this support from CEWIL Canada allows them to focus more fully on getting the most out of their practicums as they prepare the enter their fields after graduation,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “RRC Polytech is proud to be the largest trainer of health-care professionals, and these hands-on opportunities are an important part of the training that ensures graduates are well-prepared and confident from day one.”

The senior practicum marks the culmination of nursing students’ academic journey however it can be expensive with financial demands extending beyond the classroom. Nursing and Dental Assisting students have a rigorous practicum schedule that leaves little room for part-time employment, amplifying this financial strain. The bursaries from CEWIL are aimed at helping to alleviate that financial burden in the final stretch of their program.

“CEWIL Canada is pleased to support innovative WIL experiences for students at RRC Polytech where students are able to receive financial support and recognition for their WIL experience,” says Charlene Marion, Executive Director at CEWIL Canada. “Funds such as these aim to eliminate barriers to WIL and increase access for all post-secondary students.”

The $620,000 of support for nursing and dental assisting students at RRC Polytech comes from CEWIL Canada’s iHUB grant, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative , and funds various work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students in Canada, including unpaid clinical practicums.  The bursary was tiered and the amount determined by the number of hours spent in clinical practicum.

Joshua Salisi, who was a recipient of one of the first bursaries in 2024, said the support was appreciated and would help him stay focused on his training before he entered the workforce.

“The bursary from CEWIL Canada helps alleviate the added stressors during our senior practicum experience,” said Salisi. “In addition to tuition, many of us must cover the cost of extra scrubs, parking, and other miscellaneous expenses. Parking around hospitals is often expensive, and with us being there full-time, the costs quickly add up. This bursary gives us more breathing room to better focus on ensuring we have a successful senior practicum experience and help as many patients as we can!”

RRC Polytech establishes long-standing partnerships with industry and community partners in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiatives, such as practicum experiences, which rely on an engaged partnership between RRC Polytech, a host organization, and a student. These opportunities integrate academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting and focus on the development of student learning objectives and outcomes related to employability and life-long learning.

For Carpenter, she is looking forward to continuing her journey and completing her senior practicum ready to transition into career.

“I’ve not only developed the skills and knowledge to begin my career, but I’ve also grown personally. Nursing school has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of lifelong learning. I’m excited to take everything I’ve gained at RRC Polytech and begin my career as a nurse, carrying forward the values and experiences that shaped me here,” she said.

Sarah Coyle, an Instructor at RRC Polytech in the Applied Commerce and Management Education program, successfully competed at the World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Pontevedra, Spain in June 2025.

The championships attract 3,500 athletes representing 44 countries. The largest delegations hail from Great Britain, Spain and the United States, with passionate teams ready to chase world titles across a diverse range of disciplines. With a field comprising 69 per cent men and 31 per cent women, the Championships also highlight the increasing diversity of the global multisport community.

“The championships were fantastic overall,” Coyle said. “My goal was to finish strong and see what I was capable of. I achieved that by racing strategically and managing the risks I had, especially during the bike segment of my initial Duathlon—all without overcommitting.”

Coyle showed notable improvement across her age-group events. After securing a 23rd place in the Sprint Duathlon (Run-Bike-Run), she finished 16th in her preferred race, the Aquathlon (Swim-Run).

“I’m incredibly pleased with how I managed my energy throughout the competition, delivering some surprisingly strong run segments,” Coyle added. “My teaching journey at RRC Polytech helped prepare me for and contribute to my achievement on the international stage in many ways.”

Coyle draws a direct parallel between the world of sport and teaching.

“In both the classroom and in sports training, structured planning, long-term goal setting and time management help drive success,” she explained.

“The rapid problem-solving and continuous self-assessment required when teaching a diverse group of students are the exact skills I deploy when dealing with a fast-changing racing environment. Self-discipline and patience are key.”

“I’m grateful for all of the opportunities and camaraderie that working at RRC Polytech has provided to me.”

Following her performance in Spain, Coyle competed in a long-course distance race later this summer, which earned her a qualification spot for the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

A team of four RRC Polytech Civil Engineering Technology (CET) students made an impressive debut at the GEOWALL student competition during the 2025 GeoManitoba conference, earning third place among undergraduate and graduate teams from across Canada.

The team – made up of Wynter Peterson, Felix Brandt, Phyllis Arent, and Darrion De la Ronde – was tasked with designing and constructing a Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall capable of supporting a load of 800 N (approximately 176 lbs). Despite being early in their academic journey and not yet formally trained in MSE wall design, the students took the initiative to study and prepare over the summer, dedicating personal time to learn the theory and practice.

“Over the summer, we went from knowing nothing about MSE walls to knowing enough to build a miniature wall,” said Phyllis Arent. “But as much theory and practice we had, the competition taught us to think on the spot and to roll with the last-minute changes we weren’t expecting. But especially it taught us that working together as a team is not only so rewarding, but a lot of fun.”

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls use alternating layers of soil and specialized reinforcement – usually fabric, plastic, or steel strips – to allow soil to stand at steeper angles and support heavy loads.

In the Geowall competition, RRC Polytech students built a scaled-down version using paper materials, applying real-world soil mechanics principles to test how design choices like reinforcement spacing, wall connections, and soil compaction affect performance. This hands-on experience gave them valuable insight into how these structures behave and fail – knowledge that’s essential for future engineers working with retaining walls and earthworks.

RRC Polytech instructor Steven Harms, who mentored the team, praised their dedication and said participating in competitions like this will give the students additional confidence for their careers.

“The team has been preparing since May. They started by learning the basic theory of MSE walls and spent weekends testing and refining their design. They were also working full-time in summer co-op positions, so their commitment was truly impressive,” said Harms.

The competition, part of the Canadian Geotechnical Society’s annual conference, offered students a chance to engage with industry professionals and peers from across the country.

“It’s a great opportunity to develop technical skills, gain teamwork experience, and build professional networks,” Harms added. “I’m proud of their third-place finish, but even more proud of their dedication and professionalism throughout the journey.”

Arent also credited the polytechnic education model for the team’s success.

“We don’t think we would have been so prepared for the competition without all the hands-on experience we got in the lab. The breaks in-between learning to test our knowledge were really helpful to further our knowledge. The co-op terms RRC Polytech offers are a great opportunity for us to do exactly that. To further our knowledge with hands on experiences, and that was really important to all of us when looking for a place to pursue an education,” she said. “We’re especially grateful to Steven for spending part of his summer teaching us everything we know about MSE walls.”

RRC Polytech’s CET program is a three-year diploma that prepares students for careers in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects. Students gain a strong foundation in engineering principles, surveying, materials testing, and project management, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning.