RED-enewsletter-November2011.htm

Winnipeg will soon be home to a truly world-class learning centre: the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, sure to be one of the most culturally and historically significant destinations on the planet.

But the $310-milllion facility -- currently taking shape at its future home near The Forks -- will be much more than just a tourist draw. It will also be a global agent of change, one that’ll encourage people to spread its message here at home and throughout the world.

"The whole brand promise of the Museum is to, 'Empower you to change thought and action,'" says Kim Jasper, Director of Brand and Business Development for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR). "It's here to build on people's skills and experience, and to create a world in which people are respected and valued ... It just takes one person to create that ripple of change."

A 1979 graduate of RRC’s Creative Communications program, Jasper now oversees a number of key operations within the CMHR, including restaurant and retail services, destination marketing, and the Museum's much-anticipated opening ceremonies.

Once operational, the Museum will shine a spotlight on the subject of human rights in a global context, via interactive exhibits exploring such topics as Canada’s Human Rights Journey, Concepts of Rights and Responsibilities, International Human Rights events and other related topics. The Museum will also inspire dialogue while using history as a springboard for social change -- by arming visitors with the knowledge and skills to affect change in their own communities, and encouraging them to take action that will improve the world in some way.

Click here to learn more about Jasper's work with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

If you’re interested in being profiled in the RED alumni e-newsletter, e-mail Dale Oughton, Alumni Coordinator, at alumni@rrc.mb.ca.

We raised a glass to the achievements of our graduates last week, as current and former students -- along with a host of community partners -- gathered at Red River College's 2011 Alumni Dinner.

The event -- held Friday, Nov. 18th, at The Fairmont Winnipeg -- gave those in attendance a chance to pay tribute to their peers, among them entrepreneur Wayne Morsky, the recipient of this year's Distinguished Alumni Award.

A 1981 graduate of RRC's Business Administration program, Morksy has been working for his family's business since the age of 13, and now -- as President and CEO of Morsky Group of Companies -- oversees a thriving infrastructure development operation. Since graduating from RRC, Morsky has helped take the business to new heights, while maintaining his commitments to the profession and the community.

While accepting his award, Morsky praised RRC for helping transform him from a lacklustre student to an industry over-achiever. He also issued an appeal to fellow business owners, reminding them of the growing importance of skilled trades training.

"For a long time, we told all of (our) kids, 'Go to university,' because that's what we were told," said Morsky. "But today we have an epidemic across Canada and across the world ... As business leaders in this room, we need to spread the word about how important it is that kids look at the college system as an option."

Emceed by Global National anchor Dawna Friesen (a graduate of RRC's Creative Communications program, and a fellow Distinguished Alumna), the event also featured tributes to recent RRC grads Eman Agpalza (CreComm, 2011) and Christina Caperina (Tourism Management, 2011), winners of this year's Alumni Spirit Awards.

Money raised by the event will be used to support RRC's Alumni Scholarships. A portion will also go towards the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute and the Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre.

Click here to see a gallery of photos from the event. Click here to see Morsky's video tribute.

RRC Grad Helps to Preserve Aboriginal History

She wanted to learn more about the history of Aboriginal people in Canada. Now, she's helping to shape their future.

As Events Coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, RRC grad Janell Melenchuk (Aboriginal Self-Government Administration, 2010) plays an integral role in giving voice to survivors of the residential school system.

"I'm constantly learning," says Melenchuk, one of hundreds of success stories who graduate each year from RRC's School of Indigenous Education.

"To be involved with this work -- to meet with survivors and hear their stories, and to be part of something that will have an impact on Canada's history -- is really amazing."

Click here to learn more about Melenchuk's work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Promoting the Biggest Story in Town

The return of the Winnipeg Jets is the feel-good story of the year. But here at Red River College, we've got a different reason to be proud.

The Jets' entire communications team -- responsible for coordinating the May 2011 -- is comprised entirely of graduates from our Creative Communications program.

Even better, the head of the department -- CreComm grad Scott Brown (1998) -- has for years enjoyed a close working relationship with the program, which he feels provides grads with relevant, real-world training.

"No amount of training can ever prepare you for what actually happens in the the day-to-day of your job, particularly in the sports and entertainment industry," says Brown (shown above, at right), Senior Director of Corporate Communications for the Jets, the MTS Centre and True North Sports & Entertainment. "But I know the (CreComm) grads coming in are prepared to learn, and prepared to apply the tools they've been taught in a very flexible manner."

Click here to learn more about Brown and his team, and here to learn more about the Creative Communications program at Red River College.

There's certainly no joy in Swaggerville this week, following the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' loss to the B.C. Lions at the Grey Cup.

But the team's performance should in no way diminish the very worthy work performed year-round by RRC alum Kelly Seifert, a graduate of the Volunteer Management program.

Seifert, who earned her credentials via distance education, is the Volunteer & Event Staff coordinator for the Bombers. She oversees the Big Blue Flight Crew, the team of 200-plus volunteers who provide such game day services as ticket scanning, ushering, shuttle service, and on-field promotions.

Click here to learn more about Seifert's work with the Flight Crew, and here to learn more about Volunteer Management at RRC.

Red River College alum Brad Froehlich recently found himself cooking for some high-profile company.

Last month, the Culinary Arts grad led a dinner service for Queen Elizabeth II, as part of the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings held in Perth, Australia, from Oct. 23-30, 2011.

Froehlich is Executive Chef at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth. He and his kitchen team worked with Buckingham Palace officials for more than a year prior to the dinner, ensuring every last detail -- from menu to service -- met the Queen's high standards.

After the service, Froehlich said Buckingham officials were pleased with its timing, presentation, and taste.

Congratulations to RRC alum Michael Dacquisto (Culinary Arts, 1996), who took top prize at last month's Gold Medal Plates gala at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

The annual event, held in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committe, marks the ultimate celebration of Canadian excellence in food, wine, athletic achievement and entertainment.

Dacquisto, head chef at the Kenaston Avenue restaurant of the same name, faced stiff competition from a number of the city's best chefs, among them fellow RRC grads Cameron Huley (12 Resto Bar), Adam Donnelly (Segovia Tapas Bar), Terry Gereta (Mise, Haute Prairie Cuisine), and Osten Rice (Wasabi Sabi).

Having won the gold medal, Dacquisto now moves on to the Canadian Culinary Championships in Kelowna, B.C., in February, where he'll compete against chefs from all over the country. Click here to learn more about his achievement.

Red River College recently produced a special report entitled Building the Community, which outlines the tremendous economic and social impact the College has throughout Manitoba.

"Community is a concept that resonates throughout our academic programs, our institutional activities, and our partnerships with industry and non-profit organizations," says Stephanie Forysth, President of RRC.

The report shares the success stories of our alumni, and highlights important College initaitives such as the development of the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, the growth of our applied research program, and our work with community organizations to enhance child care services in Winnipeg's North End.

Building the Community was distributed province-wide in the Nov. 26th edition of the Winnipeg Free Press. An expanded version of the report is available here.

Click here to learn more about Planned Giving opportunities at Red River College.

Alumni Membership Advantages

Did you know that as a Red River College alum, you are eligible to receive exclusive discounts at several local businesses?

Stay Connected

Make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information so you can stay current with College news, learn about exclusive Alumni events and find out about the latest job opportunities.

To update your information, visit the Address Update webpage at www.rrc.ca/alumni or call (204) 632-2359.

Alumni Profile - Kim Jasper

RRC Grad Helps to Preserve Aboriginal History

Promoting the Biggest Story in Town

Alumni Membership Advantages

Stay Connected