News

350 pompoms and 365 meters of garland. 2,000 fluffy pancakes and 2,000 savoury sausages feeding 1,000 hungry central Albertans. More than 75 of our faculty and staff greeting thousands of central Albertans along a parade route and at a pancake breakfast. This all adds up to one memory-filled week as Red Deer Polytechnic participated in the 2024 Westerner Days Parade and capped the week off with our first-ever pancake breakfast. Westerner Days Parade The festivities began with our enthusiastic participation in the Westerner Days Parade, on July 17. RDP’s float showcased the creativity and skill of our talented team. Staff from the School of Trades and Technology lent their expertise to build the float, including a rotating sculpture of the RDP logo. Marketing & Communications team members took a couple of hours to decorate the float, complete with RDP’s signature green and purple colours showcased in pompoms, garland and other décor. As the parade kicked off on a beautiful, sunny morning, RDP’s float, accompanied by Rufus, our beloved mascot, President Stuart Cullum and numerous faculty and staff, walked through the streets of downtown Red Deer, greeting thousands of central Albertans, spreading cheer and showcasing our post-secondary institution’s vibrant community spirit

Recently, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) celebrated its faculty’s scholarly activity and independent applied research at the Recognition of Scholarly Activity (RoSA) Awards and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (ETaL) Capstone Recognition Event. “At RDP, we are proud to acknowledge the diverse scholarly activity and applied research projects that has been conducted by faculty during the past year,” says Dr. Alison Jeppesen, Associate Dean, Division of Teaching, Learning and Scholarship. “The RoSA Awards and ETaL Capstone Recognition Event is one example of how we demonstrate our commitment to teaching development, life-long learning and the advancement of research that creates positive impact across Alberta, Canada and the world.” RDP faculty were recognized for their breadth of scholarly activity in four categories: Discovery, Integration, Application/Engagement and Teaching. The following 16 award recipients were honoured at the event for their influential and broadly disseminated scholarly activity during 2023: Dr. Fola Oluwasina, University Sciences Diploma instructor Co-authored article titled Burnout among Residents: Prevalence and Predictors of Depersonalization, Emotional Exhaustion and Professional Unfulfillment among Resident Doctors in Canada, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Dr. Kristy Erickson, University Sciences Diploma instructor Authored article titled More than Marshmallows: Implementation and Assessment of

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and Actua have renewed their partnership to continue offering central Alberta youth innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experiences. Recently, RDP received a renewed grant of $135,000 from Actua, Canada’s leading STEM youth outreach organization to continue advancing scientific discovery through the institution’s Red Hot Science program. This funding from Actua is through the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund, intended to grow the nation’s science, technology and innovation communities. “We appreciate the ongoing collaboration and support from Actua,” says Dr. Robbie Halonen, Dean, Donald School of Science, Business and Computing. “Through the Red Hot Science program at RDP, central Alberta youth receive unique scientific exploration opportunities in collaboration with the Polytechnic’s faculty, staff and students. As a result, youth are inspired to pursue a career in STEM, helping to fulfill the needs of the province and nation.” The Polytechnic’s Red Hot Science program, which is designed for students from kindergarten to grade 12, offers customizable hands-on activities while helping to remove barriers to STEM experiences. Classes and youth groups have several options for activities, including to learn more about technology and engineering. Students may also create simple coding, build robots and enhance their digital

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Athletics has been recognized as the third most successful program in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) during the past 50 years. At its recent 50th Anniversary Gala in Ottawa, the CCAA honoured the cumulative achievements of its member varsity programs for the past five decades. “We are very honoured to be recognized as one of the top performing athletics programs in the country. Our third place ranking is a testament to the legacy that was established by previous student-athletes, coaches and athletics staff,” says Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life. “The current student-athletes work hard to continue this tradition as they strive for excellence in the classroom, communities and during competition.” Humber College and Mount Royal University, which is now a member of U Sports, are the only two athletics programs that rank ahead of Red Deer Polytechnic from 1974 to 2024. Two current member institutions from the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) join RDP in the top ten. NAIT ranks fifth and SAIT is ninth. The CCAA also ranked the top 10 member institutions in 11 sports for the past 50 years. Some of Red Deer Polytechnic’s prominent rankings include second in Men’s

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has received a significant Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI) grant from the Government of Canada to help advance applied research and scientific discovery at the post-secondary institution. The ARTI grant received by RDP is valued at $170,802. Canada’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry announced the approval of RDP’s application titled Materials Characterization Facility for Metal and Ceramic Additive Manufacturing Assessment. This ARTI grant will help the Polytechnic purchase an optical microscope and metallurgical sample preparation equipment to optimize the 3D binder jetting printing process in the Polytechnic’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing -Technology Access Centre ( CIM-TAC). “We are grateful for this investment from the Government of Canada to help advance our applied research capacity, addressing more industrial challenges and contributing to the prosperity of Alberta,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research. “This grant will also help to enhance teaching and learning at Red Deer Polytechnic and amplify knowledge throughout industry and communities.” The CIM-TAC houses the ExOne Innovent+, a binder jet 3D printer for metal, ceramics and composites, which has a variety of industrial applications that include aerospace, automotive and health care. While the ExOne Innovent+ has tremendous capabilities, an

The partners of the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI) program were pleased to showcase career pathways learning underway in Central Alberta, at an event at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology held on June 20. They were also pleased to host Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, who spoke about the importance of helping students have career based learning opportunities that lead directly into their career training. “I am firmly committed and confident that through collaboration, like the ones we see here in Central Alberta, and by sharing knowledge and ideas we can continue to build opportunities for students to flourish in school and in life,” said Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides to the gathering. Nicolaides spoke about initiatives underway at the provincial level, referencing the Career Education Task Force established a few years ago, and a dual credit review group that will meet over the summer. He said the group will review dual credit programming and its components to gain a “better understanding of how to eliminate barriers, improve transferability, and explore the role that collegiate schools play in improving course offerings.” The gathering welcomed dozens of senior leaders from CACI partner organizations, as well as elected board members, staff members

The Graduating Class of 2024 has been etched into Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) history. On June 7, more than 800 of RDP’s record number 1,853 graduates crossed the stage at the Polytechnic’s 60th Convocation Ceremonies. For Lauren Milne, a recent graduate of RDP’s Cook Apprenticeship program, being involved in the milestone Convocation Ceremonies was special. “I am honoured to be part of RDP’s history,” says Lauren, who has called central Alberta home for the past 10 years. “It has been a very enriching and truly enjoyable experience at Red Deer Polytechnic. I am a little sad to close this chapter but am very excited to see what lies ahead.” Following high school graduation in Kitchener, Ontario, Lauren began working in the service industry and found her passion. After gaining several years of work experience, she made the important decision to pursue a post-secondary education and advance her competencies. Lauren’s return to the classroom was made easier by the welcoming learning environment at Red Deer Polytechnic. “My instructors were very supportive and helpful which made the process of going back to school less intimidating." As a mother and wife, Lauren wanted to take a program that suited her lifestyle and fulfilled

At its 2024 Convocation Ceremonies, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) awarded Honorary Degrees to both Dr. George Littlechild and Sheldon Kennedy for providing meaningful impact provincially, nationally and globally. Dr. Littlechild, a graduate of RDP’s Art and Design Diploma program, conveys messages through art that showcase the beauty, pride and strength of Indigenous Peoples. His vivid use of colour represents Indigenous being, history and two spiritedness, focusing on cultural, social and political injustices. Through his advocacy, creativity and leadership, Dr. Littlechild encourages individuals to embrace their authenticity while respecting others, contributing to a more inclusive society. His expressive art has become a pathway toward Healing, Truth and Reconciliation. Dr. Littlechild has received numerous honours and awards. This recognition includes a REVEAL Indigenous Art Award which recognizes Indigenous artists who have shown leadership in their home communities and worldwide. As an instructor at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Dr. Littlechild has inspired students to tell stories through a variety of creative mediums by sharing his knowledge, skills and experiences. Dr. Littlechild’s artwork has been featured in over 200 solo and group exhibitions and 40 public collections worldwide, including at Red Deer Polytechnic. In September 2023, RDP’s public employees, Students' Association

Two Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welding journeypersons have been recently appointed to an Advisory Council of Skilled Trades Youth Ambassadors by Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney. Eden Marklund and Ben Rainforth are among 12 young adults on the Advisory Council actively engaged in skilled trades. In this role, they will help the Government of Alberta to promote skilled trades to youth and grow the industry. The ambassadors were nominated by their post-secondary institutions based on performance excellence during their apprenticeships. “We are very proud of Eden and Ben as they begin roles on the Government of Alberta’s Advisory Council and help to advance the future of skilled trades across the province,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology at RDP. “They are talented and hardworking journeypersons, who reflect the quality education and training opportunities available at RDP in collaboration with industry partners.” While Alberta’s apprenticeship registration has increased during the past few years, more skilled trades workers are needed to build housing and expand infrastructure. Marklund, who is from Hinton, is thrilled to be a Youth Ambassador and play a role in helping to fulfill labour market demand in the province. “As I support the Minister

Having earned a GPA of 4.0 during the 2023/2024 academic year, Catrina Amendt received the Governor General’s Academic Medal (Collegiate Bronze Level) at Red Deer Polytechnic’s 60th Convocation Ceremonies. This honour is awarded to a graduate with the highest grade point average. Catrina decided to pursue the Social Work Diploma program at RDP to elevate her knowledge, skills and community impact. In conjunction with past work experience in the human services field, Catrina believed this credential at the Polytechnic would prepare her to assist more individuals, challenge barriers and advocate for social change. While earning the two-year diploma, Catrina appreciated the smaller class sizes at RDP which fostered greater connections and collaborations with peers and instructors. These experiences helped to increase learning and create more opportunities for personal growth. While Catrina had several memorable moments throughout her time at the Polytechnic, she is proud of speaking at a Red Deer City Council meeting, advocating for vulnerable populations in the community. Catrina, who is from Hepburn, Saskatchewan, is grateful for the community of people who supported her throughout her educational journey. In particular, she appreciates the roles that her parents, grandparents, friends and mentors played in helping her achieve her goals

A new agreement signed by Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and SVG Ventures|THRIVE will bring together entrepreneurs, industry experts, researchers and students to support economic growth and sustainability in Alberta at the intersection of the agriculture and energy sectors. The synergy between agriculture and energy is a topic of increasing importance around the globe. Nowhere is this synergy more profound than in Alberta where these sectors are not only essential drivers of the provincial economy, but also take the lead on the international stage. This memorandum confirms both parties’ mutual interest in working toward initiatives in central Alberta that bring awareness and build Alberta’s ag-energy innovation ecosystem for local and global impact; foster the start-up, scaleup and applied research community at this nexus; and increase competitiveness across central Alberta’s agriculture and energy industries through effective technology demonstration and adoption. “We are building this relationship with Red Deer Polytechnic with a view to strengthen Alberta’s innovation ecosystem with a specific focus on technology-driven solutions to support the vital agriculture and energy sectors,” says John Hartnett, CEO, SVG Ventures|THRIVE. “Since establishing our Canadian operations in 2021, we’ve seen first-hand the innovations that are coming from Alberta and this partnership allows us to support

The Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre is excited to announce the launch of MyExperience! MyExperience is an interactive platform that provides RDP students and alumni with the capability to build their professional profile; develop career skills and pathways; engage with our RDP Career Advisors; apply for employment and work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities; take part in employer-hosted information sessions; attend on campus career fairs; receive information and announcements to attend career events; and more! The CEED Centre is excited to offer this new full-featured tool to facilitate engagement with students, employers, and our Career Services department! MyExperience is being rolled out in phases over the next several months, with Phase 1 providing students with access to a modernized job board and Career Services on Friday, June 14. Questions can be directed to the CEED office at employmentservices@rdpolytech.ca