A convocation ceremony was held Wednesday for 40 graduates from Red River College's Winkler campus.
Director Shaun Hillman says it was a great feeling to celebrate the students, noting the pandemic really shuttered their chances to properly do that for grads. He says despite the additional challenges, the determination of this graduating class was evident.
"The pandemic really forced everyone to go online, and I just keep on remarking about how resilient they (the students) were," said Hillman. He says these graduates were able to overcome those challenges and get through. "When they were in class, yes, they had this great team of their cohorts that they got along with well, and they relied on each other to help them through."
Jennifer Ducharme who graduated with an Early Childhood Education Workplace Diploma said it's a fabulous feeling to be graduating.
"It's exciting to be with my classmates, we were together for two years, and coming back together after all that time, you know, we're just happy to see each other."
Hillman says the RRC Class of 2023 included graduates in the health care aide program, as well as the business administration, early childhood education, and education assistant programs.
"Graduation is truly a milestone achievement, and I'm honoured to be here to recognize this and to celebrate with every one of you on this hard work," shared RRC Polytechnic President and CEO Fred Meier during Wednesday's Convocation.
"I also commend your drive and your determination to achieve your academic goals. As a graduate of Manitoba RRC Polytechnic, you've also developed much more than just tangible work-related skills in your time with us, giving you an important advantage in a very competitive world. Your ability to adapt quickly and to embrace different approaches and procedures and changing technology positions you as uniquely qualified and inherently valuable as you enter or even as you re-enter the workforce."
Meier had an opportunity to have a sit-down chat with Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens. He said it was a great conversation about the growing needs of this community and surrounding communities, and how Red River College Polytechnic can play a role in that as well.
"We're lucky to have Red River College here in Winkler serving the whole Pembina Valley community," added Hillman. "We offer programs that are needed in the Community such as Health Care Aide and Business Administration, and it's great that we have a campus here in the community, to serve our community."
Like every institution, Hillman said they took a bit of a hit with enrolment during the pandemic, and this year's graduating class of 40 students reflects lower numbers for the Campus in Winkler. He said they're anticipating a rebound next year and the year after with a much stronger graduating class.
- with files by Abby Wall -