This month, for the first time in its history, RRC Polytech hosted 10 spring convocation ceremonies across the province to celebrate its largest graduating class in three years.
Nearly 3,750 students from the Polytech's eight Manitoba campuses crossed stages to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates this month. Winnipeg campuses alone saw a 10 per cent increase in graduates compared to spring 2024, with a total of 1,670 grads registering to attend ceremonies last week.
The increase prompted the addition of a fifth ceremony at the RBC Convention Centre, up over four events in the previous year.
"Convocation is a wonderful celebration not only of our students' hard work, but for the future of Manitoba, whose workforce is now receiving this influx of thousands of talented, job-ready individuals," says RRC Polytech President Fred Meier.
"Our role as a polytechnic is to provide students from across the province with the education, skills and support to become industry leaders as soon as they leave our campuses. Graduation numbers have been increasing year to year a clear demonstration that our commitment to meeting the emerging needs of both students and industry is working."
RRC Polytech has seen considerable growth in domestic applications year-over-year, with fall 2024 applications rising 14 per cent since 2023, and winter 2025 applications increasing by 29 per cent from the year before. Enrolment numbers for domestic students also jumped by four per cent in fall 2024 from the previous year.
Among those honoured at this year's ceremonies were a community advocate from Peru, a compassionate caregiver from Nigeria and a data scientist from the Dominican Republic; all three were recognized with Lieutenant Governor's Medals.
RRC Polytech's highest graduation honour, the medals recognize graduates who exemplify high academic and technical achievement, community and College involvement, and overall good character.
Learn more about this year's recipients:
- Daniela Ruiz Fernandez, Social Innovation and Community Development (Indigenous Social Enterprise major)
- Deborah Modupe, Disability and Community Support
- Yanna Polonia Gutierrez, Data Science and Machine Learning
Convocation also provided an opportunity to recognize a longtime champion of education and career development: Maria Pacella, Skills Manitoba's Executive Director, who received an Honorary Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.
Over her nearly two-decade-long career with Skills Manitoba, Pacella has built strong partnerships, developed inclusive programming, and created opportunities for students, apprentices and underrepresented groups in the trades.
Learn more about her career and accomplishments.
In addition to the five Winnipeg events, convocation ceremonies were also held at campuses in the Interlake, Peguis - Fisher River, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach and Winkler.
Visit RRC Polytech's Convocation page for a full list of graduates and award winners, and to stream the ceremonies as they're posted online.
