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

Keeper and the Soberings were awarded their diplomas at the Spring 2026 Convocation ceremonies held last week at the RBC Convention Centre. The diplomas are awarded to individuals who demonstrate high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.

“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 RRC Polytech President Fred Meier.

“The values that Don and Joyce Sobering and Tina Keeper bring to their work align with those that drive our mission — learning, respect, integrity and collaboration. This makes them a natural fit.”

Keeper — whose multifaceted career spans film, television and theatre production, as well as acting, advocacy and public service — received the Honorary Diploma in Creative Communications.

“I am beyond honoured and delighted to be accepting this,” said Keeper (shown above). “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. 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 TV’s 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 to Jordan’s Principle, which ensures Indigenous children have equitable access to public services.

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

Don and Joyce Sobering (shown at left) received Honorary Diplomas in Automotive Technician in recognition of their lifelong dedication to Manitoba’s automotive sector, apprenticeship training, and mentorship.

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

“We are extremely humbled to be receiving this honorary distinction,” said the Soberings. “We are accustomed to being the ones who are honouring 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.

“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, a scholarship initiative that has supported hundreds of apprentices pursuing Red Seal certification.

This week’s ceremonies saw 3,273 new highly skilled graduates introduced to Manitoba’s workforce — with nearly half of them beginning careers that will help fill key gaps in health care and skilled trades sectors.

“The strong demand for training in skilled trades and health care reflects something we’ve known since our institution was established — that a polytechnic education is a deliberate and respected first choice for post-secondary training,” said Meier.

“Celebrating our graduates is always a meaningful opportunity to come together as a community and recognize the talent, dedication and potential that will help shape and support our province for years to come.”

A highlight of the week’s ceremonies was the conferring of three Lieutenant Governor’s medals, which are awarded to students who exemplify high academic and technical achievement, community and college involvement, and overall good character.

This year’s recipients included:
• Victoria Archambault (Advanced Care Paramedic)
• Amanda Haley Maxwell (Creative Communications)
• Teddy Lands (Social Innovation and Community Development)