The achievements of Red River College grads were celebrated yesterday, as more than 150 former students gathered for the College’s second annual Alumni Wine & Cheese reception.

Held in the Loewen Atrium of RRC’s Exchange District Campus, the event gave grads a chance to get caught up with former classmates and instructors, and to shake hands with RRC’s newest President and C.E.O., British Columbia transplant Stephanie Forsyth.

“You are some of the living examples of the work this College has done,” said Forsyth, who for the last 10 years has served as president of Northwest Community College in B.C.

“We have graduates in every sector of the economy, and I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible.”

In her address, Forsyth gave reasons for her decision to join the RRC team, citing the College’s national reputation, its growing focus on research and its plans for expansion into other areas downtown.

Alumnus Ryan Garriock, owner and president of Garriock Insurance (and a member of RRC’s Alumni Advisory Board), spoke of the 100,000-plus College grads now working in all corners of the globe. 

Garriock also spoke of his excitement over efforts to convert downtown’s Union Bank Tower to the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (future home of RRC’s hospitality programs), before announcing the rooftop garden patio on the third floor of the finished building will be dedicated as an RRC alumni space.

Current and former RRC staff were on hand to provide tours of the Exchange District campus and to take donations for the Alumni Spirit Awards, which are awarded annually to recognize students’ commitment to their programs and to the College.

RRC Alumni Wine & Cheese from Red River College on Vimeo.