Red River College earned a bronze award for Innovation in Applied Research this week, during the closing gala of College and Institute Canada’s (CICan) annual conference in Winnipeg.

The award celebrates the College’s dynamic applied research partnership with Manitoba Hydro.

“We are pleased to be recognized for the work we have done with Manitoba Hydro, one of our most important research partners and graduate employers,” said David Rew, interim president and CEO of RRC. “What an excellent opportunity to celebrate our research achievements in sustainable technology and design.”

The College’s research collaboration with Manitoba Hydro has focused primarily on green building design and technology, and on the electrification of vehicles. Two of its most notable projects include Manitoba Hydro’s award-winning energy efficient downtown office tower and more recently, the all-electric transit bus.

“Our partnership with RRC has fostered an environment for creative integration on leading-edge technology that contributes to a more sustainable future,” said Scott Thomson, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “We view our relationship with the College as an important driver for long-term change that will promote continued innovation and advancement of energy efficiency in Manitoba.” Read More →

Nancy Wheatley, Dean of the School of Construction and Engineering Technologies at Red River College, is pleased to welcome Shari Bielert as the new Chair of RRC’s Civil Engineering Technology department, effective May 4, 2015.

Bielert is a graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology’s former Engineering Design and Drafting program (now Architectural/Engineering Technology). She also earned her Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Architecture) from the University of Manitoba, and recently completed a Master of Education degree, also at the U of M.

After completing her RRC diploma and (first) degree, Bielert was employed as a structural design technologist in the building components industry. She was a founding member of the Canada Green Building Council’s MB Chapter, and continues to be a green building advocate.

Over the past 15 years, Bielert has served as an instructor for three Civil Engineering Technology programs – Architectural/Engineering Technology, Environmental Technology and the Construction Management degree.

Her most recent experience in the department has been as the coordinator for Technology Solutions for the Workplace, and as the program coordinator for Construction Management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technology.

National Leasing has opened up new doors for students in Red River College’s Business Administration and International Business programs, through a $50,000 donation that has enabled research in the emerging area of social innovation.

The first step of the resulting student project — which culminated last week with a series of judged presentations — was for students to learn exactly what social innovation is, and to identify ways in which it can be implemented in different communities.

Tatjana Brkic, instructor of Applied Commerce and Management Education at RRC, says the ‘social innovation’ tag is one people are still struggling with.

“Social innovation is something that we as a global community have to figure out how to unravel,” Brkic said.

In its most basic form, social innovation occurs when an organization or concept meets a community’s needs. Social innovation fills gaps, addresses social issues, and develops the community. It’s about reducing negatives — like crime and poverty — and boosting economic development. Read More →

She’s devoted years to the development of a global online resource that links early childhood educators with the latest in research and knowledge.

So it’s no surprise that Red River College’s Janet Jamieson — Research Chair for the School of Health Sciences and Community Services, and the driving force behind the College’s world-renowned Science of Early Child Development (SECD) research project — has been nominated for a 2015 Women of Distinction Award.

Jamieson (shown above, at centre) was nominated in the category of Community Activism and Social Enterprise — a perfect match, given she’s been the principal researcher and lead developer on a series of projects for RRC that are grounded in the advancement of social equity, and have in turn led to the advancement of economic and environmental priorities.

The most notable of these is SECD, a knowledge mobilization initiative designed to make current research accessible to anyone interested in learning more about the profound impact of the early years on lifelong health and well-being.

First developed as a tool to help share the emerging science about early brain development and its implications for practice across sectors, SECD has grown and evolved into three online living textbooks, as well as other educational resources. Updated regularly, it brings research and concepts to life with hundreds of readings, videos, links and interactive activities. There have been many versions and modules developed to support its use with a variety of audiences throughout the world. Read More →

Red River College is proud to be named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2015. This prestigious recognition highlights employers that stand out through their efforts to create diverse, inclusive workplaces.

This is the first time the College has been recognized with this distinction. The full list of employers for 2015 was announced earlier today, with 65 organizations leading the nation in creating inclusive workplace cultures.

“At Red River College, we strive to ensure that equity and diversity are embedded in the College’s practices and that it is demonstrated in the classroom, and throughout the workplace,” said David Rew, Interim RRC President. “Equity and inclusion are an integral part of our values that allow the College to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. I know I speak for the entire organization when I say how honoured we are to have [been] recognized with this distinction.”

As part of the College’s submission, many areas were highlighted as initiatives that support an inclusive and open environment, including the College’s LGBTT* Initiative and Mental Health First Aid resources, along with a number of wellness and staff awards, and recognition programming to support staff success and well-being. Read More →

Congratulations to Red River College instructor Tim Appleton, who was recently named Chef of the Year by the Winnipeg branch of the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC).

An instructor in RRC’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Appleton (shown above, third from left) has been an active member of the Winnipeg Chefs Association for years, and has been involved in the CCFCC at both the board and national level.

The Chef of the Year Award recognizes a deserving chef who has demonstrated both commitment to (and involvement in) the CCFCC Winnipeg Branch, as well as the community in general.

The award is voted on by a committee within the CCFCC, based on nominations brought forward by membership. The CCFCC is Canada’s national association for chefs and cooks, with 40 branches throughout the country providing links between industry and career development.

You know what they say about March: In like a lamb, out like a linebacker. (Out like a line dancer? Lion tamer? Something like that.)

Anyway, March is well underway, the snow is starting to melt, and as always, the Red River College Students’ Association has a full slate of activities on tap to help students and staff celebrate spring.

From pub nights and karaoke jams to cultural showcases from around the world, there’s no shortage of seasonal events in store. See below for details, or visit rrcsa.ca for more.

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Night

Tuesday, March 17
Kings Head Pub
Cover: $5

Sample from the Kings Head’s extensive selection of draft beer, while enjoying sets by local Celt-rockers Dust Rhinos and Celtic Way. Read More →

It could be a while before it’s warm enough for tents and trailers, but here at Red River College, camp season is already in full swing.

In the coming weeks and months, we’ll host a number of specialized camps and workshops designed specifically for younger students interested in exploring the following areas:

Electronic/Electrical Engineering Technology

First up are the Saturday Kids Kamps offered by RRC’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering Technology programs. From now until April 4, students in Grades 7 and 8 can take part in day-long sessions that introduce them to basic concepts and theory, while also giving them the chance to put their new knowledge into practice through fun activities and assignments.

In the Electronic Technology camps (9 a.m.-noon at the Roblin Centre), kids learn about basic electrical concepts such as voltage, current and resistance; work with lab instruments like digital multimeters and oscilloscopes; and study pitch, volume and timbre by observing sounds created by guitars and amplifiers.

In the Electrical Engineering Technology camps (1-4 p.m. at Notre Dame Campus), kids are introduced to robotics and robotic programming via the Lego NXT-G system. After learning about sensors and actuator functions, they’ll work in groups to program solutions to increasingly difficult problems, before building their own robots using a selection of available materials.

Both camps are free of charge; click here for more information or to register. Read More →

Following a comprehensive search, Red River College is pleased to announce Debbie Frankel will take over the role of Vice-President, Finance and Administration, commencing May 19, 2015.

A Certified General Accountant, Frankel joins RRC from the Misericordia Health Centre, where she served as chief financial officer for the past three years, managing a large operating budget with a diverse area of responsibility that included finance, supply chain management, food services, plant services, security and parking and project coordination.

Frankel has an extensive financial background serving Manitoba’s healthcare industry. Her roles have included administrative director, director of finance, and chief administrative officer at the Grace Hospital, as well as director of finance for CancerCare Manitoba.

At RRC, she will serve as chief financial officer and treasurer for the Board of Governors. In her role, she will oversee all aspects of the current Finance and Administration portfolio.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Frankel to Red River College’s executive team,” said David Rew, Interim President and CEO. “Her skills and experience will be a tremendous asset to our organization. She brings the necessary expertise and leadership to the College in the areas of finance and administration and we are pleased to welcome such an accomplished and qualified individual to our team.”

Red River College will soon begin providing hope and educational opportunities to student refugees in Winnipeg, thanks to a new humanitarian aid initiative launched in partnership with World University Services of Canada (WUSC).

The College’s newly announced Student Refugee Program will allow the RRC community to support one passionate and dedicated student per year, as they arrive in Canada as permanent residents to pursue post-secondary education.

Each year in Canada, similar Student Refugee Programs allow more than 55 student refugees to enter the country and begin their studies.

The program’s success is ensured by WUSC, whose members facilitate the overseas selection of the student refugees, place them at Canadian universities and colleges, and provide training and guidance to local WUSC committees. Each refugee is sponsored by a campus-based Local committee, whose members raise any necessary funds ahead of time, and provide students with at least 12 months of financial, social and academic support.

“In addition to the compelling nature of the program on humanitarian grounds alone, the Student Refugee Program is an extremely valuable way of promoting peace and social justice, facilitating learning and understanding, and establishing on-campus opportunities for all staff and students to become involved through volunteerism,” says Lauren Konrad, Student Integration Coordinator with RRC’s Diversity and Intercultural Services office.

The College’s first student refugee will arrive in Canada in August 2015. The student will be enrolled in RRC’s Applied Accounting program, and will live on-campus at the College’s student residence downtown. Read More →