For the first time in its history, RRC Polytech will be hosting ten convocation ceremonies across the province to celebrate the largest graduating class in three years, having added an additional ceremony at the RBC Convention Centre to bring the total Winnipeg ceremonies up to five from the previous four.
Nearly 3,750 students will receive their degrees, certificates or diplomas this year across the Polytech's eight campuses. Winnipeg campuses alone have seen a ten percent increase in graduates compared to Spring 2024, with a total of 1,670 graduates having registered to attend the Winnipeg ceremonies this 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 Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. "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 increasing by 29 per cent from the year before. Enrollment numbers for domestic students also jumped by four per cent in Fall 2024 from the previous year.
Three Lieutenant Governor's Medals Awarded
A community advocate from Peru, a compassionate caregiver from Nigeria, and a data scientist from the Dominican Republic are the three outstanding graduates who have been selected to receive the Lieutenant Governor's Medals this week. The medals are awarded to students who exemplify high academic and technical achievement, community and college involvement, and overall good character.
- Daniela Ruiz Fernandez, graduate of the Social Innovation and Community Development Program with a Major in Indigenous Social Enterprise.
- Deborah Modupe, graduate of the Disability and Community Support Program.
- Yanna Polonia Gutierrez, graduate of the Data Science and Machine Learning Program.
Read more about the 2025 Lieutenant Governor's Medal Recipients here.
Maria Pacella awarded Honorary Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management
RRC Polytech's Honorary Diploma is awarded to an individual who demonstrates high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized. This year, RRC Polytech is honouring Maria Pacella, Executive Director of Skills Manitoba, with an Honorary Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration for her nearly two-decade-long career with Skills Manitoba, championing skilled trades education and career development across Manitoba, Canada, and beyond.
Read more about the 2025 Honorary Diploma recipient here.
"We are thrilled that three exceptional students trusted RRC Polytech with their education, and it will be an honour to present them with the Lieutenant Governor Medal Awards this year," says Aileen Najduch, Executive Director, Student Services & Global Partnerships, RRC Polytech.
"Similarly, the significant impacts of long-time RRC Polytech partner Maria Pacella make her a highly qualified candidate for the Honorary Diploma, and I know her story of leadership within the skilled trades field - particularly her commitment to providing opportunities for students - will resonate with graduates."
RRC Polytech's Spring 2025 Convocation celebrations occur across the province throughout June and are live-streamed worldwide. The first of five Winnipeg convocation ceremonies takes place this evening at the RBC Convention Centre, with five more ceremonies being held for the Polytech's Regional Campuses. Peguis-Fisher River, Selkirk and Winkler ceremonies occurred earlier this month, and Portage la Prairie and Steinbach ceremonies will follow next week.
For a full list of graduates and award winners, and to stream the ceremonies, please click on this link to our convocation webpage.
