Red River College opens its doors this week to more than 2,500 prospective students from throughout Manitoba, as part of annual Open House events aimed at showcasing the best the College has to offer.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16 (11am-2 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.) and Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.), attendees can learn about the wide variety of programs and services available at RRC by touring the Winnipeg campuses, meeting with staff and instructors, and taking part in information sessions, career exploration showcases and other interactive events.

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Red River College is proud to once again be recognized for creating a supportive, dynamic, and engaging work environment for more than 2,300 employees who have made their career at one of Manitoba’s largest post-secondary institutions.

“When you think of growing Manitoba’s economy and driving innovation, Red River College plays a central role in moving our province forward,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College. “Our employees are passionate and dedicated in making a difference in the lives of our students, and we strive to make Red River College an attractive place to work and have a fulfilling career.”

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Red River College (RRC) has been recognized as Canada’s top large research college in partnership growth for 2014, as well as 8th overall by Research Infosource in their annual Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges 2015 list.

The College has placed in the top 10 overall every year since Research Infosource first published its Top 50 list in 2013.

“Applied Research & Commercialization at the College continues to create and deliver more applied research and innovation resources for our partners and the communities we serve,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO of Red River College. “Next to workforce-ready graduates, applied research offerings are key to our business community. It has led to many innovations in products, production methods and services delivered by Manitoba enterprises.”

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The keys to a twin- turboprop airliner with a pressurized fuselage were handed over to RRC President & CEO, Paul Vogt at a special ceremony held today to celebrate the history of Swanberg Air and their generous contribution to the staff and students at Red River College’s Stevenson Aviation.

The British Aerospace Model Jetstream 31, along with associated equipment, manuals and training aids, valued at $1M dollars was donated by the Swanberg family of Grande Prairie & Fort St. John, in memory of Sylvan and Dorothy Swanberg.

“There is an increasing demand in the aviation industry for highly skilled graduates and with Manitoba being home to the third largest aerospace sector in Canada, this working aircraft will enhance training opportunities,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College. “We are grateful to the Swanberg family for their impactful donation that allows students to train on state-of-the-art equipment and become leaders in their field.”

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Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology has been recognized for excellence in building management by being awarded the 2015 Earth Award at the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) national conference BOMEX 2015 in Quebec.

The College’s Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre (HETC) received an Earth Award in the Industrial Office Building category.

“We have an excellent Facility Management team and this award further demonstrates our hard work and dedication to sustainability. I wish to congratulate the team for their tireless efforts,” said Tom Skraba, director, Facility Management, Red River College.

The Earth Award recognizes excellence in resource preservation and environmentally sound commercial building management. During the selection process, BOMA evaluated the building’s ability to reduce overall environmental risk, provide good indoor air quality, practice green cleaning, recycling, and energy conservation.

Red River College’s Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre is one of the largest industrial training facilities in Manitoba, and is one of the province’s most environmentally friendly buildings.

This 60,000 square foot facility was one of the first education centers in Manitoba to receive a BOMA BESt Platinum certification, a Silver LEED® certification from the Canada Green Building Council, and has many sustainable features uncommon for a large industrial building:

• Geothermal heating and cooling – A groundwater loop system provides partial heating and cooling of the facility.
• Natural heating – SolarWall systems collect the sun’s energy to preheat outdoor air before it ventilates classrooms.
• Daylight views – More than 90% of regularly occupied spaces have direct views of the outdoors.
• Native vegetation – Plants surrounding the building require little maintenance, are drought resistant, and help control storm water runoff.
• Recycled and regional content – More than 25% of building materials have recycled content, and 35% of materials are from Manitoba, Saskatchewan or North Dakota

Earlier this year, BOMA Manitoba presented a pair of Earth Awards to Red River College’s Exchange District Campus’s Roblin Centre and Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre.

Last year, RRC’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (PGI) was recognized in the Multi-Use Building category. The Roblin Centre, HETC and PGI are all included on BOMA’s BESt (Building Environmental Standards) Certified Buildings list.

Shown above: Randal Froebelius, Chair BOMA Canada, Tom Skraba, Director Facility Management, Red River College, Alex Flemming, President, Demand Side Energy Consultants Inc. , Dave Wozny, Technical Officer, RRC, Darryl Oshanyk, Financial Assistant, Red River College, Murray Hiebert, Maintenance Manager, RRC, Benjamin Shinewald, President & CEO, BOMA Canada

Early numbers from the first week of classes at Red River College are a sure sign that it will be another busy academic year for staff and students.

Fall 2015 numbers compared to the same time last year remain consistent and indicate Red River College continues the trend of experiencing high enrolments.

Over the past 15 years, Red River College has seen an overall increase of 66 per cent in its program enrolments.

“Human capital drives our economy – there is an increasing demand for a workforce with specialized skills and Red River College delivers education and training that keeps pace with industry trends and needs in our Province,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College.

Of particular note, this year’s enrolment saw increases in Business Information Technology (up 24%), Mechanical Engineering Technology (up 11%), Automotive Technician – Diploma (up 50%), and Manufacturing Technician (up 30%).

In addition to some key program areas, Red River College is also seeing continued growth in its Post-Graduate Diploma programs (up 48%) and a continued increase in the recruitment of international students (up 32 %).

The steady growth at Red River College means the College operates at capacity. This spring Red River College and the Province of Manitoba broke ground on a new 100,000 sq.- ft.,  state-of-the-art Skilled Trades Technology Centre at its Notre Dame Campus, which is set to be completed in 2017.

“Red River College has a central role in the creation of careers in Manitoba and the new Skilled Trades Technology Centre will train up to 1,000 students each year to provide industry with highly-trained employees,” said Vogt. “This new facility will be a key factor to increasing Manitoba’s skilled workforce to 75,000 by 2020.”

Over the next few weeks’ enrolment will fluctuate as numbers from Continuing Education programs, Regional Campuses and Apprenticeship programs are tabulated.

Annually, Red River College offers more than 200 full-and part-time degree, diploma, post-graduate diploma and certificate programs. Through award-winning instruction and training on state-of-the-art equipment, RRC prepares its students to become leaders in their fields, while collaborating with industry to conduct research and ensure curriculum remains up-to-date.

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Young Manitobans who want to work as engineers will soon have more opportunities to enter the faculty of engineering thanks to $500,000 in new funding from the province that will create 18 new seats and a new hybrid pathway between the University of Manitoba and Red River College, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.

“Civil, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineers are in demand in our province and increasing the number of engineering graduates is necessary to create more good jobs and keep our economy growing,” Premier Selinger said.

The University of Manitoba (U of M) is the only institution in the province to offer accredited engineering degrees and the current seat capacity in the program is 336.

“The faculty of engineering at the University of Manitoba is in high-demand – attracting the best and brightest students from Manitoba and beyond,” said Dr. David T. Barnard, president and vice-chancellor.  “This investment ultimately will enable us to graduate more engineers, responding to a real and pressing need in our province.”

Undergraduate engineering enrolment has increased by 48 per cent at the U of M since 2008, Barnard noted.

The new hybrid engineering pathway will be introduced over several academic years through collaborative efforts between the University of Manitoba and Red River College (RRC), supporting increased credit transfer and recognition of prior experience for hybrid engineering students.

“Red River College is proud of the quality of its graduates and we welcome opportunities for them to further their education as a result of this pathway program with the University of Manitoba,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO, Red River College.  “When you combine the experience our students receive from both institutions, it’s a recipe for success that will have a considerable benefit to many industries here in Manitoba.”

Once fully established, this new hybrid pathway will transition between 10 and 15 hybrid engineering students annually from RRC and other post-secondary institutions to U of M engineering degree programs.

“Engineers provide services that drive our economy,” said John Bockstael, president and CEO, Bockstael Construction, and graduate of the faculty of engineering at the University of Manitoba.  “It’s important that we provide opportunities for our students to receive a first-rate education in their home province where they can then build careers and contribute to our economy.”

Over the past 15 years, enrolment in Manitoba universities has grown 42 per cent overall, the premier said, adding enrolment in colleges has grown 52 per cent and apprenticeship placements have more than tripled.

Both of the initiatives build on the province’s commitment to provide more seamless pathways to career opportunities for Manitoba students and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow including:

• working with schools, colleges and universities to ensure there are no wrong doors in education and a seamless transition between high school and post-secondary education;
• investing in shops classes and equipment so that students taking high school shops programs get their apprenticeship-certified first year of college instructions for free while still in high school;
• investing in dual-credit programs so students earn both high school and university credits in high school to get a head start on university; and
• hiring career development co-ordinators to work with schools, colleges and universities to help students find co-op and job opportunities while in high school.

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On September 9th there will be a battle of delicious proportions in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, that will pit Red River College’s (RRC) award-winning Chef Tim Appleton against Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis, to see who has the best Jerk Chicken Recipe.

Annually, Chief Clunis hosts a Jerk Chicken event for members of the Winnipeg Police Service to raise money for the WPS Endowment Fund, and after meeting Chef Appleton and exchanging culinary taunts; Chef Appleton served Chief Clunis a grilled habanero pepper and that resulted in a challenge – a Jerk Chicken Cook-off.

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Red River College’s (RRC) Board of Governors announced today that Mr. Paul Vogt will join Red River College as the institution’s fifth President and CEO effective August 17, 2015.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Paul Vogt to Red River College,” said Lloyd Schreyer, Chair, Board of Governors, Red River College. “Paul’s extensive background as an administrator and public service leader and his contributions to education policy in Manitoba will be an asset as Red River College continues to evolve and grow as a leading post-secondary institution in Manitoba.”

Paul Vogt was head of the public service in Manitoba for eight years. He joins Red River College after serving as an Executive in Residence at the University of Manitoba and advising on the development of a multi-year post-secondary education strategy for Manitoba. He also helped to establish the province’s new Advisory Committee on Advanced Education.

“While Paul’s extensive background is well-suited for institutional leadership, his relationships within the community are key to driving strategic planning initiatives with various stakeholders who contribute to the mission of the College,” said Schreyer. “I look forward to working with Paul as the College continues to prepare skilled graduates to drive Manitoba’s economy.”

Education has been a fundamental part of Paul’s career. After completing his B.A. (Honors) in Political Studies at the University of Manitoba, he earned a Rhodes Scholarship and pursued graduate study at Oxford (where he earned an MPhil Politics degree) and Princeton University.  Following his studies he returned to Manitoba to begin a career as an educator and public servant.

Over the past 25 years, Paul taught at the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg and Canadian Mennonite University. He has lectured on a wide range of subjects, including public administration and governance, Canadian politics, political theory, feminist theory and economics.

From 1999 to 2005 Paul served as Policy Secretary to Cabinet for the Government of Manitoba, and from 2005 to 2013 he served as Clerk of the Executive Council and Cabinet Secretary. He was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Manitoba in 2013/14 and taught in the University of Manitoba’s and University of Winnipeg’s Masters in Public Administration program.

“Education is the cornerstone to create a thriving economy,” said Paul Vogt. “I am honoured to join Red River College, an institution that plays a critical role in our community with a proud past and bright future. By building on the College’s impressive track record and working with dedicated employees, labour and government, I am excited by the opportunity we collectively share to continue to evolve creating rewarding and engaging opportunities for students, staff, and faculty at Red River.”

External to his post-secondary contributions, Paul’s community and industry impacts are notable. He was the 2013 recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service, the 2014 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration and the 2015 recipient of the University of Manitoba’s Distinguished Service Award.

He has served on the United Way Cabinet, the Board of the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Advisory Council to the Dean of Science at the University of Manitoba. Paul has also served on a number of scholarship and awards committees, including the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee, the Loran Scholarship Selection Committee, the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council and the selection committee for the Public Service Excellence Awards.

He currently serves as the Chair of the Governance Committee of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy Board, the Fort Whyte Foundation Board and the 2017 Canada Games Committee.

Red River College (RRC) shall pay tribute to two community leaders and passionate Manitobans at RRC’s spring convocation ceremony held June 9 – 10, 2015 at the Centennial Concert Hall where 2600 RRC students will celebrate graduation.

Honorary Diploma recipients this year are President & CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Dave Angus (Business Administration), and local Winnipeg Radio Host and community advocate Mr. Ace Burpee (Creative Communications).

“Both recipients are leaders in their community; their contributions are widely known and well respected,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Awards Committee, I congratulate both individuals for their outstanding contributions to our community and for their work as advocates for Red River College.”

Mr. Angus has been a long-standing fixture in Winnipeg’s business community, having served as the Chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and as the President and CEO since 1999. Under his leadership the Winnipeg Chamber has increased its membership to the highest level in its history and has been recognized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as an Accredited Chamber with Distinction. ++

Mr. Angus also played an instrumental role in bringing a World Trade Centre to Winnipeg; establishing Leadership Winnipeg, Yes! Winnipeg and the BOLD initiative: a grassroots public policy campaign designed to mobilize the community behind forward-thinking BOLD ideas to increase prosperity in the City.

Mr. Burpee has been a celebrity and leader in Winnipeg’s broadcast industry for more than a decade and is well known for the hundreds of charitable events and causes, both local and international, that he donates his time to every year.

Through his tireless efforts Mr. Burpee has helped raise millions of dollars for countless charities and has helped bring awareness surrounding many important social and community issues.

Mr. Burpee’s community work has earned him many national and community-based awards including the Queen’s Diamond Jubliee Medal, the Hero of Mental Health Award, and the Volunteer Manitoba Award for Outstanding Community Leadership and last year he was recognized as a Manitoba Hero.

Mr. Burpee is the current host of The Ace Burpee Show on 103.1 Virgin Radio, a columnist with Metro Winnipeg, and the host of The Great Tastes of Manitoba.

The honorees will receive their diplomas at convocation ceremonies taking place Wednesday, June 10 at the Centennial Concert Hall.

To learn more about RRC’s convocation ceremonies visit: www.rrc.ca/convocation