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Today, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) celebrated the Class of 2024 with families, community members and employees at its historic 60th Convocation Ceremonies. More than800 of 1,853 eligible RDP graduates from 2024 atte nded the ceremonies in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. “We are delighted to celebrate our largest Convocation ceremony and graduating class in our institution’s history,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “I would like to congratulate the Class of 2024. I encourage all of our graduates to utilize the skills and competencies they have earned at RDP to create positive change within their organizations, their communities and our country, as they begin the next chapter of their lives.” Catrina Amendt received the Governor General’s Academic Medal (Collegiate Bronze Level), achieving the highest overall academic standing amongst the 2024 graduating class. Amendt completed a Social Work Diploma, earning a GPA of 4.0 during the 2023/2024 academic year. “I congratulate Catrina on earning the Governor General’s Academic Medal, one of the most prestigious awards that a student in the Canadian educational system can receive,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “It is truly a testament to her hard work and dedication to her studies

Earlier today, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) raised a Progressive Pride Flag, joining citizens around the world in recognizing June as Pride Month in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. “The Progressive Pride Flag Raising is one of several events throughout the year when Red Deer Polytechnic demonstrates our community’s commitment to providing an inclusive learning and working environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to succeed,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “Diversity strengthens communities and enriches the experiences of RDP students, faculty and staff.” The Students’ Association of RDP ( SARDP) partnered with the Polytechnic to host the Progressive Pride Flag Raising event. Throughout the year, the SARDP supports its diverse student population in several ways, which includes various student groups. These groups include Pride on Campus. “We raise the Progressive Pride Flag at Red Deer Polytechnic to embody sentiments of equality, belonging and empathy,” says Devyn Shannon, President, SARDP. “Today’s event demonstrates that Red Deer Polytechnic is an ally and home for everyone. Pride is an irreplaceable ideal – it is kindness compassion and respect.” During the past few years, RDP and the SARDP have increased their collaboration with the Central Alberta Pride Society on

In collaboration with regional partners, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welcomed educators, faculty, staff and students to Indigenous Culture Camp May 30 and 31. Alongside Indigenous leaders, Red Deer Public Schools and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, RDP offered this culturally immersive professional and personal development opportunity on RDP’s main campus. “Indigenous Culture Camp provided an opportunity for participants to connect and expand their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being through land-based learning,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives. “This event is one example of how RDP creates meaningful reconciliation initiatives and educational enhancements for diverse stakeholders.” Indigenous Culture Camp featured a variety of sessions that provided authentic outdoor teaching and learning opportunities in tipis, Métis trapper’s tents and an Inuit tupiq. The sessions included a Métis Fiddling and Jigging Demonstration, Traditional Parenting: Medicine Wheel Teachings and Blackfoot Teaching History, Traditions and Language. Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders from the region played significant roles in the teachings at the Camp, leading sessions by sharing their culture and knowledge. As a benefit to students of all ages, teachers and post-secondary instructors will be able to integrate the knowledge and experiences they have gained from

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to increase practical learning opportunities for students with the launch of a two-year Executive Assistant Diploma program in Fall 2024 Term. The Executive Assistant Diploma program builds on the Polytechnic’s one-year Administrative Professional Certificate. Students will expand their knowledge and skills in several areas of business that include accounting, computer software training and human resources. Graduates of RDP’s Administrative Professional Certificate are eligible to enter the second year of the Executive Assistant Diploma. “As a polytechnic, we are proud to offer enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities among a growing breadth of credentials,” says Dr. Robbie Halonen, Dean, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing. “The new Executive Assistant Diploma will help to increase the employability and earning potential of graduates while helping to fulfill the demand of Alberta’s labour market.” As essential members of professional workplaces, executive assistants provide exceptional management and human resources skills to help foster productive work environments. Throughout the diploma program, students will develop skills in communication, technology and relationship building to effectively support senior executives and colleagues. In addition, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings through work-integrated learning. These opportunities

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to announce Isaac Nyamekye as our institution’s new Executive Director, Institutional Planning.  “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Nyamekye to Red Deer Polytechnic. As a collaborative leader in institutional research, planning and analytics, Mr. Nyamekye has a proven track record of leveraging data to inform strategic enrolment management and enhance efficiencies in project management. His strong leadership in institutional planning and research will support the important work we are doing to achieve our 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity and Social Impact.”  - Patrick Machacek, Vice President, Development and Partnerships. Mr. Nyamekye joins RDP from Athabasca University where he was Director of Institutional Research and Data Analytics. In that position, he fostered a culture of data-informed decision-making and data literacy across the university.   Prior to that role, he held positions of Manager of Institutional Data Analysis at Athabasca University, along with Senior Analyst of Program Analytics and Evaluation for the Government of Alberta. Mr. Nyamekye implemented business intelligence solutions that helped to increase operational efficiencies.  “I am excited to join RDP at this important time. I look forward to forging relationships across the institution and collaborating with the RDP community to drive evidence-based decision-making, continuous improvement, effective

At the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Athletics Awards student-athletes who competed on the RDP Royals Rodeo and Dance teams were recognized for their individual and team accomplishments during the 2023/2024 season. At the event, multiple awards were handed out, including the All Around Cowboy and Cowgirl along with additional Rodeo and Dance team awards. Trina Carroll, RDP Royals Program Lead, explained she was extremely proud of both the Dance and Rodeo teams and their accomplishments this season. “It was a big one and a little overwhelming. Our Rodeo team competed at the Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association’s first-ever collegiate event held at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer while our Dance team performed on the national stage when the Polytechnic hosted the Women’s Volleyball National Championship. Hard to sum it all up, other than being extremely proud of how they all represented Red Deer Polytechnic. Student-athlete Cayden Nickel took home the All Around Cowboy Award. After a successful 2022/2023 season when he earned first in Steer Wrestling and second in Tie Down Roping, Nickel had another impressive campaign, winning his way to the Canadian Collegiate Finals Rodeo (CCFR), once again. At the CCFR in Brooks this past weekend, Nickel put

Alberta’s government is expanding student capacity and creating a modern learning environment at Red Deer Polytechnic that will help graduates succeed in the economy of tomorrow. To support emerging opportunities for students, Alberta’s government will invest $12.9 million to expand the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). CIM-TAC is an applied research and innovation centre that gives companies access to state-of-the-art prototyping and manufacturing equipment, along with a multi-disciplinary team with the expertise to turn brilliant ideas into market-ready products. As Alberta’s economy grows and diversifies, job creators will increasingly seek employees with the skills required to work in advanced manufacturing. Construction will begin in early 2025 and will increase the centre’s applied research, education and training capacity. The expanded CIM-TAC will grow to provide work-integrated learning opportunities for an estimated 450 post-secondary students and training through workshops and events to an additional 2,000 students annually by 2030. Additionally, more than 500 junior and senior high school students will take part in dual credit programs at the CIM-TAC. “Investing in this expansion of CIM-TAC will give students at RDP access to cutting-edge technology and skills to succeed in the economy of tomorrow

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has received a significant boost in education and cultural enrichment with a generous $250,000 pledge from ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank’s social impact initiative that helps remove barriers to career advancement and employment. The funding will contribute to the establishment of the Land Based Learning and Reconciliation Initiative that aims to create a dedicated space on campus for learning, community engagement and the promotion of Indigenous traditions and teachings. “Elders and staff at RDP have identified an on-campus location which is an ideal setting for an Outdoor Learning Space, located on the south side of the campus adjacent to Waskasoo Creek, the space features a natural amphitheater, pathways and ample open space suitable for a range of programming,” comments Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives. “The space, surrounded by abundant wildlife and access to naturally growing medicinal plants sacred to Indigenous communities, will serve as a dynamic venue for integrating cultural and Indigenous perspectives across all of our academic programs.” Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic, emphasized the significance of Scotiabank's contribution: "We are immensely thankful for this generous donation from Scotiabank, which will allows us to offer distinct educational and cultural experiences to our students, faculty, staff, and

Recently, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provided opportunities for students to explore career pathways and engage with central Alberta employers at its 2nd Annual Education and Career Expo. Almost 3,000 middle and high school students, along with current RDP learners, attended the interactive event, which featured 53 employers from the region. “The Education and Career Expo provided an immersive platform for youth to create industry connections and to receive guidance in achieving their career aspirations,” says Chad Flinn, Associate Vice President, Academic. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we provide enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities that prepare students to become leaders in their careers and contribute to the economic prosperity of Alberta.” The Education and Career Expo offered unique experiences for attendees that extended beyond a traditional career fair. Students had opportunities to attend presentations, labs, interactive demonstrations and career spotlights, which provided insight into specific occupations. In addition, students were able to engage with RDP faculty and staff from a range of programs to discuss educational pathways that will help fulfill their goals. “As a polytechnic institution, we are proud to offer more than 80 industry-relevant programs across a breadth of credentials that prepare graduates to help fulfill labour market

Inclusion Alberta has acknowledged Dr. Dan Haas, Associate Dean, School of Arts and Education at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), with a Community Inclusion Award.   Dr. Haas was recognized for creating an inclusive community for individuals with developmental disabilities.  “We are so proud of Dan for his exemplary work as a teacher and leader at RDP, and are chuffed that Inclusion Alberta has recognized him as one of their own,” says Dr. Jonathon Penny, Dean, School of Arts and Education.   As an advocate of inclusive post-secondary education, Dr. Haas has positively impacted the lives of students with diverse needs since he began working at RDP in August 2017. He has been a champion for including students with intellectual disabilities in the humanities and all programs of study.   “Dan is deeply convinced of the importance of the humanities to every person and is committed to ensuring that people have the opportunity to read, think, talk, and practice those arts as they learn and as they live,” adds Penny. “He works hard to include students who face unique barriers to learning.”   Dr. Haas eagerly collaborates with a variety of stakeholders to enhance experiences for RDP learners with intellectual disabilities through inclusive programming, services

Alicia Cafferata has been recognized by Colleges and Institutes Canada ( CICan) for her extraordinary contributions to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and innovation communities.   Cafferata, an Applied Research Specialist in RDP’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre ( CIM-TAC), was named the silver recipient of the Leadership Excellence Award for Non-Managerial Staff.   CICan, of which RDP is a member, presents the Awards of Excellence annually to highlight the role of institutions in social, cultural and economic development.  “I want to congratulate Alicia on receiving this prestigious honour,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research. “She has played a pivotal role in championing our institution in advancing our applied research capacity, enhancing opportunities for students and contributing to the communities we serve. Her leadership in regional innovation and entrepreneurship is outstanding.” Through expertise and persistence, Cafferata has helped the Polytechnic receive several grants and awards that are collectively valued at nearly $5 million. These funds have helped to upgrade technology in the CIM-TAC and grow applied research at RDP, addressing challenges in society and industry.  Since Cafferata began working at RDP in 2008, she has supported students in multi-faceted ways. She has provided learners with guidance

Red Deer Polytechnic continues to provide opportunities for students to engage in applied research that advances the economic and social priorities of communities.   Recently, Red Deer Polytechnic hosted the Student Science Conference and Agora Conference which celebrated and shared the research that was conducted by RDP learners.   “As a polytechnic institution, we provide enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities that prepare students for the workforce and meet the needs of industry,” says Chad Flinn, Associate Vice President, Academic. “The Student Science Conference and Agora Conference showcased diverse projects and applied research that was conducted by students in several academic disciplines, complementing their education and helping to create real-world solutions.”  At the two-day Student Science Conference, attendees were able to view a range of posters and discuss the findings with student researchers. Guests also had opportunities to expand their learning by attending formal student presentations on a variety of scientific topics.   In addition, the Student Science Conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Jeff Biernaskie, Professor of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Biernaskie’s research focuses on stem cell biology and tissue regeneration in the skin and brain.  The Agora Conference also provided opportunities for RDP students