News

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Polytechnics and Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. Ranked 43 overall, Red Deer Polytechnic attracted nearly $2.4 million in applied research investment, up 14.8 per cent from the previous year. Research partnerships also increased from 13 to 29, along with the number of paid student researchers increasing from 17 to 37 individuals. “We are proud to be recognized across Canada for our growing multi-disciplinary and collaborative applied research,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research. “This ranking reflects RDP’s commitment to advancing our impact in applied research, helping to address industrial and societal challenges and contributing to economic prosperity across the province and nation. RDP is committed to growing applied research in our four areas of focus: Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing, Energy Innovation, Health Care and Health Technology, and Social Innovation.” While applied research occurs across RDP, the institution’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre ( CIM-TAC) and Energy Innovation Centre ( EIC) are key on-campus applied research, teaching and learning facilities. The CIM-TAC, which houses $7.6 million in prototype and advanced manufacturing equipment, completed 45 projects for 46 companies and had 1,300

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to increase opportunities for students in the thriving IT sector through a new two-year Network Administration Diploma credit program. Learners can apply now to begin classes in Fall 2025 Term. “We are excited to offer the Network Administration Diploma credit program which provides a strong foundation for graduates to pursue a growing number of careers in information technology,” says Dr. Robbie Halonen, Dean, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing. “At RDP, we offer enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities that help to fulfill Alberta’s labour market demand.” This diploma program will provide students with knowledge, skills and hands-on experiences that align with industry standards and certifications. Leveraging their curiosity, logical thinking and affinity for technology, students will learn how to maintain a resilient and high-quality network by planning and enhancing network capacity. “While students receive robust experiences throughout the Network Administration Diploma program, they can effectively build on this credential if they decide to further their post-secondary education,” adds Dr. Halonen. “As part of credit programming, students receive enhanced work-integrated learning experiences and have increased access to student scholarships.” The Network Administration Diploma program has two work-integrated learning components with industry partners that

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to share our new five-year Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: Connection. Empowerment. Bravery. The strategy highlights RDP’s commitment to creating a learning and work environment where everyone feels welcome and valued and has equal opportunities. As an educational leader, Red Deer Polytechnic plays a pivotal role in shaping and responding to the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion landscape of central Alberta,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. “Through a collaborative effort with RDP faculty, staff and students, including active listening and continuous feedback, we are collectively creating a culture of belonging where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals are supported to reach their full potential.” Centered around three guiding principles, Connection, Empowerment and Bravery, the EDI Strategy provides a clear roadmap for RDP to achieve our desired EDI outcomes. The RDP EDI roadmap is built on a bottom-up approach, deeply rooted in the belief that meaningful change is driven by the collective voices and actions of our community members. Based on the approach of active engagement and empowerment of students, staff and faculty, RDP has created a new EDI governance structure that includes both student and employee advisory groups. “Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to creating an

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is proud to continue its magical holiday tradition by presenting Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet through matinee and evening performances: Thursday, December 12 | 12 pm Friday, December 13 | 7 pm Saturday, December 14 | 1 pm and 7 pm Sunday, December 15 | 1 pm Main Stage Theatre - Arts Centre, RDP main campus ( view map) “Once again, we are proud to host The Nutcracker and continue the longstanding legacy at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Trent Rix, Director, Ancillary and Sport Services at RDP. “This classic ballet is a collaborative effort between RDP, youth dancers and community members which contributes to the festive spirit throughout communities across the region.” The Nutcracker will inspire wonder among audience members as they immerse themselves in one of the most famous ballets of all time. Adopting Tchaikovsky’s impeccable score throughout the performance, central Alberta youth will artistically recreate the legendary battle between mice and toy soldiers, which has delighted audiences for over a century. During the ballet, young Clara receives a cherished Nutcracker from her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer. After everyone has turned in for the evening, strange and mystical things begin to happen. The Nutcracker, which is adapted

Members of the Pride community connected with one another at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) on November 18 as they explored learning opportunities highlighting careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The gathering of six attendees was organized by RDP to encourage awareness of the International Day of LGBTQIA+ People in STEM. The event included individuals who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community working in STEM. The occasion was attended by students who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community interested in STEM careers. Participants spent time at the Polytechnic’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) with activities that included live demonstrations of industrial robots, laser cutting and 3D printing. The event continued with a panel discussion and Q&A session involving RDP instructors and researchers who spoke about their successes and how they’ve overcome challenges they have faced as 2SLGBTQIA+ people working in STEM.

Applications are now open for Red Deer Polytechnic’s (RDP) new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma. The newest health tech program to be offered at RDP, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma will provide students with hands-on learning for a rewarding in-demand career as a medical sonographer. “Diagnostic medical sonographers are highly skilled professionals who support patients through the use of specialized ultrasound equipment to create images of the internal body structures that help physicians diagnose and deliver optimal patient care,” explains Sheldon Bailey, Associate Dean, School of Health and Wellness. “Students will be trained in all the required skills needed to practice as Generalist Sonographers, with particular focus given to the development of effective communication and interpersonal skills needed to deliver ethical, professional, and patient-focused care.” Students enrolled in the new two-year diploma will advance their knowledge and skills with hands-on learning in RDP’s state-of-the-art sonography lab that is currently being built as part of the Donald Family Institute of Health Tech Innovation. Students will take courses such as General Sonography, Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography, and Vascular Sonography, while receiving training in ethical and other non-technical concepts that are relevant to the practice of Sonography. The new sonography lab will provide students

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is celebrating the contributions of a talented group of students, faculty, staff and alumni who have made a significant impact within our region and our province. Almost half of the recipients of the United Way of Central Alberta’s inaugural Top 40 Under 40 initiative have a connection to Red Deer Polytechnic. The RDP students, faculty, staff and alumni who are among the 2024 recipients include: Current students: Devyn Shannon, student leader Melissa Ray, student and student-athlete RDP’s Queens Cross Country Running team Faculty & staff: Brandon De Jong, Philosophy instructor, School of Arts and Education Eryn Beddoes, Project Manager - Facility Infrastructure and Engineering, Campus Management Joe Ireland, Lead Game Day Attendant, Athletics; RDP alum and a former student-athlete on the Polytechnic’s Mixed Curling team Sarah Steinbach, Science Curriculum Instructor, School of Arts and Education; RDP alum RDP alum: Courtney Avram, Chair, Alumni Association Jeff Palmer, Director, Alumni Association Cassandra Curtis Chris Windrim Cory Kloss Joshua Graber Kaelyn Gillard Michael Yargeau Ryan Keely Savannah Snow, former Students’ Association President Steven Wheeler Fellow central Albertans nominated the community leaders who were honoured with the 40 Under 40 recognition. The United Way’s GenNext Committee selected the 40 recipients

Program exhibits. Hands-on activities. Campus tours. Prizes. And free food. Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) was a buzz of activity on Saturday, October 26, as more than 1,500 future students, family members and community members explored main campus during our fall Open House. Instructors and staff from RDP’s more than 80 industry-relevant programs shared information with future students about the breadth of education, training and applied research opportunities that are part of the unique experiences that they can expect when attending the Polytechnic. Open House guests also enjoyed learning about the Polytechnic through a variety of hands-on demonstrations hosted by our faculty members and staff in classrooms and labs across RDP. Red Deer Polytechnic staff members helped 323 future students as they applied to attend Red Deer Polytechnic in the Winter 2025 or Fall 2025 Terms. Learn more about how to apply to RDP. Lots of information was shared with Open House attendees through presentations, including details about scholarships and funding, as well as a special session to help inform parents and guardians about post-secondary education. Resident assistants and staff provided tours of RDP’s Residence living spaces, while also sharing information about the variety of activities that take place each year

More than 350 central Albertans enjoyed an elegant event at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) on October 24, tempting their tastebuds with a variety of food and beverages from diverse local vendors. Spirits were high as people gathered for RDP’s annual signature event, Palate: A Taste of Local. Palate vendors from across central Alberta offered guests a variety of food items, including sweet, savoury and international dishes. Guests also enjoyed sampling various small batch spirits, craft beer and soda, hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails, and other beverages. Event attendees enjoyed the evening’s experiences which included meeting the chefs, makers, owners and mixologists that bring these food and beverage flavours to life, while networking with RDP alumni and other guests. Attendees also enjoyed live entertainment performed by local Soul, Jazz, Funk, and R&B band, Soul Balm, and viewing art created by the Polytechnic’s Visual Art students. Thank you to the more than 40 vendors who shared their food and beverage offerings with “Palate” attendees. And special thanks to the generous sponsors who supported this event. View the list of vendors and sponsors. Palate: A Taste of Local was held in the Cenovus Energy Learning Common on RDP’s main campus, during the Polytechnic’s 60th

One coach and nine Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) student-athletes have been recognized by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) for their impactful contributions to the Kings and Queens Soccer programs this season. Admir Sarcevic, Kings Soccer Head Coach, has been named the 2024 ACAC Men’s Soccer South Coach of the Year, guiding the team to first place (6-2-2) in the South Division during the regular season. As a reflection of Sarcevic’s exceptional coaching abilities, five Kings have made the 2024 ACAC Men’s Soccer South All-Conference team. Goalkeeper Brian Murray (Open Studies), defenders Njegos Bajovic (Open Studies) and Ibukunoluwa Oyawale (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), and midfielders Ajdin Sarcevic (Business Administration General) and Jaxon Fernandes (Open Studies) have earned spots on the ACAC Men’s Soccer South All-Conference team. Over nine starts, Red Deer’s Murray ranked third in the South Division with a 1.67 goals against average. He recorded five wins in the Kings’ net, including two shutouts. While defenders Bajovic (one goal and three assists) and Oyawale (one goal and one assist) were strong in their own zone, both student-athletes helped quickly transition the ball up the field to ignite the Kings’ potent offence. Both the RDP Kings and SAIT Trojans

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welcomed the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould on Wednesday, October 23, as its latest speaker in the post-secondary institution’s long-running Perspectives: Canada in the World series. Wilson-Raybould is a former Member of Parliament, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. As an accomplished author, she has published three books: From Where I Stand: Rebuilding Indigenous Nations for a Stronger Canada, ‘Indian’ in the Cabinet and True Reconciliation. Her fourth book Reconciling History: A Story of Canada will be released near the end of October 2024. Speaking first to a group of more than 100 students enrolled in various programs at RDP, Wilson-Raybould shared her life experiences as a descendant of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-Kwil-Tach peoples, who are part of the Kwakwaka’wakw, as well as speaking about her journey in Canadian politics. Among topics she shared in her presentation, she inspired the gathered students by sharing ways they can speak up and advocate for constructive change in our society. In the evening, Wilson-Raybould continued to share her insights with almost 400 people, including faculty, staff and students from RDP, as well as citizens from across Alberta. Through her topic “Being an Agent of Change and the

Individuals and organizations who have made lasting contributions to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and the region were celebrated during the post-secondary institution’s 2024 Community Awards, held yesterday. “Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to recognize and celebrate the impact of alumni, partners and community members who contribute to the success of our institution, students and community,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “The individuals and organizations we recognized at the 2024 Community Awards are all outstanding citizens, having also contributed to the economic priorities and social vibrancy of our region and province.” At the 2024 Community Awards Ceremony, the following recipients were honoured: Marty Vellner - G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence This award is given to an individual in recognition of outstanding contribution to Red Deer Polytechnic and the central Alberta community. Through their contributions, this individual exemplifies the values of Mr. G. Harold Dawe, including: commitment to education and student success; leadership, vision, and integrity; and dedication to the community. Marty Vellner is one of central Alberta’s most respected business leaders and community builders. Since 1983, Marty has owned and operated Vellner Leisure Products, a family-centered business founded by his grandfather and father in 1951. Under Marty’s