Edwards School at Assiniboine emulates Russ Edwards’ love of the land, represents leadership in ag innovation

Assiniboine Community College unveiled the new brand of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment today, alongside Edwards and family, Edwards School staff and students, and agriculture and community partners.

“Russ Edwards is an icon when it comes to ag-related industries in Manitoba and Canada,” said Tim Hore, Dean of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment. “We’re very similar in the values that we share with Russ. Having his name connected to the school is an honour and will have a long-lasting impact as our college continues to advance its vision for leadership in agricultural education.”

“Being brought up on a farm since I was four years old, you learn to love the land. If there’s one thing you cannot manufacture, it’s land,” said Russ Edwards, Founder of Westman Group Inc (WGI).

The Edwards School brand emulates Edwards’ love of the land. The agriculture lifecycle is represented in the logo through visuals connected to water, plants, and harvest. The open Prairie skies and bodies of water are symbolized by a deep blue that represents Assiniboine’s environmental programming and vision, and is complemented by an earthy colour and seed and swath imagery to represent crop and plant growth.

In fall 2022, Assiniboine announced the first ever naming of one of its academic schools after Edwards. Today’s event launched the identity of the Edwards School that will represent the college as a leader in hands-on education and training, using technology and innovation to effect change for agriculture and the environment for years to come.

“We looked at the project very closely, as to what the plans and intent were, and what the theme of the college was going to be. The Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment is the legacy that my wife, myself and my family wish to leave for Western Canada," said Edwards. “We believe that the proper education students will receive in this school will be tremendously important going forward. Brandon is an agricultural centre of the West and this school is right in the heart of Canada.”

Edwards has been a leader in the business community for nearly 50 years, and a champion at the forefront of the agricultural sector across the Prairies. His business roots stem back to his first business in Winnipeg in 1976, constructing culverts, steel roofing, and siding. In the 45 years following, WGI has carved out a remarkable and uncharted path under Edwards’ leadership. It has grown into one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of steel products.

Edwards and family announced a gift of $4 million dollars for the college’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture last year.

The college has been fundraising for the Centre, which will advance education, research and industry engagement, has raised more than $17 million to date. The formal branding of the School, in honour of Edwards, represents another step in this journey.

“Assiniboine is thrilled to establish the Edwards School. Agriculture is key to the Manitoba economy, and has long been a foundation of our programs,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine. “When you look at the amount of private sector investment we’ve had in Manitoba, we know that we need to have more people prepared to take those jobs, work in that sector and continue to leverage that investment for the future of the Manitoba economy.”

“We are honoured that Mr. Edwards would allow us to include his name so prominently in a school so core to our vision for the college.”