RRC Polytech Winkler Campus hosted its convocation ceremony Thursday afternoon at the P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall. Acting Regional Campus Manager Shaun Hillman noted just over fifty graduates received diplomas in various programs.

"It's really great to have post-secondary, here, in the community," shared Hillman. "The people who come here, and learn here, are the people who want to stay and build their lives here and have families here. It's just so important to have Red River in the community, and we're just really proud of all our students."

One of those graduates was Emily Tardiff who received her diploma from the online two-year Early Childhood Education program.

"It's really exciting, and the time flew by," said Tardiff, who noted she was a little nervous about walking across the stage to accept her diploma. "It's a huge difference at the daycare with everything we've learned in our schooling. (I'm) just really thankful for everyone, and all of their participation, in making it a friendly environment."

Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens, Morden-Winkler MLA Carrie Hiebert and Jenaya Hunt on behalf of Poartge-Lisgar MP Branden Leslie were some fo the speakers during the ceremony.

RRC Polytech President and C.E.O. Fred MeierRRC Polytech President and C.E.O. Fred Meier

RRC Polytech President and C.E.O Fred Meier also participated in the event, noting in his remarks a record number of grads are receiving their diplomas from the school this year, with more than 3,000 grads expected across the province and all the school's programs.

"Graduation is a milestone achievement, and I'm honoured to be here as you are recognized for everything you've accomplished and to celebrate what you've worked so extremely hard for over this last period of time," he shared with the crowd.

As for those record setting grad numbers, in an interview with PembinaValleyOnline, Meir noted it means the school's programming is hitting the mark.

"It's meeting the needs of what industry is looking for, but what are learners looking for, or students," offered Meier. "We work very closely with industry, we have many of them sitting on our advisory councils to help us shape our programs. We're really proud to say over 90% of our graduates link into the labour market right after they graduate, within the first six months, in fact. It's really a celebration for students and for their families, recognizing all the hard work they put into it."

- With files from Abby Wall -