RDP Celebrates 2024 Employee Awards of Excellence

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has recognized 11 outstanding faculty and staff who have made impactful contributions in serving students, the institution and communities throughout the past year. The awards were presented at the annual RDP Awards of Excellence event held August 28 on RDP’s main campus.

“We are proud of our faculty and staff who consistently demonstrate excellence in their roles. The Awards of Excellence celebrate the dedication, expertise and innovation that our team embodies every day,” says Cristal Glass-Painchaud, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Director of People and Culture at RDP. “This year’s recipients have set a remarkable standard, inspiring us all to strive for greatness in service, teaching, leadership and collaboration. We are honoured to celebrate their achievements and are grateful for their unwavering commitment to advancing education and fostering a vibrant learning environment at RDP."

This year, there were 34 nominations. Faculty and staff were nominated by colleagues and students for demonstrating excellence in innovation, leadership, service and teaching. Support staff were recognized in two categories – the Grace Taylor Memorial Award of Excellence and Vicki Mix Administrative Excellence Award.

The Grace Taylor Memorial Award of Excellence is awarded to support staff who embody competence, humour, kindness, patience and understanding. This award was instituted in 1987 in remembrance of Grace Taylor, a valued member of the RDP community.

The Vicki Mix Administrative Excellence Award is awarded to a support staff member who performs their duties in an exceptional fashion, demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth, cooperates and fosters positive relationships with colleagues. This award is in remembrance of Vicki Mix, a dedicated RDP employee.

Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to acknowledge the following 2024 Awards of Excellence recipients: 

Excellence in Innovation 

• Leanne LaBrash, Training Development Lead in Continuing Education and Corporate Training, was recognized for her innovative and collaborative approach to exploring new program development.
• Dr. Jessica Legacy, English Literature and Language instructor, was acknowledged for cultivating creative learning environments and contributing to student growth and success.

Excellence in Leadership

• Trent Rix, Director of Ancillary and Sport Services, was celebrated for his progressive leadership and role in RDP successfully hosting local, provincial and national events. 
• Dr. Krista Robson, Sociology instructor, was recognized for her guidance and commitment to advancing applied research and learning at RDP. 

Excellence in Service 

• Eryn Beddoes, Project Manager – Facility Infrastructure and Engineering, Campus Management, was acknowledged for her expertise in sustainability and dedication to serving RDP and innovation communities. 
• Dr. Brent Galloway, Education instructor, was celebrated for his service to learners, the teaching profession and academia. 

Excellence in Teaching 

• Megan Bylsma, Art History and Animation History instructor, was recognized for creating dynamic and engaging academic environments that contribute to student success. 
• Patrick Conner, Math instructor, was acknowledged for implementing innovative and effective teaching methods that inspire students. 

Grace Taylor Memorial Award of Excellence

• Nicole Dawe, Accounts Payable Technician, was celebrated for her collaboration, expertise and kindness, which includes helping to recognize workplace milestones for colleagues.
• Tyrell Wesenberg, Operations Coordinator in theCentres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation, was acknowledged for his patience, professionalism and immense contributions to RDP and innovation communities.

Vicki Mix Administrative Excellence Award

• Brianne Nettelfield, Development Consultant in the Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre, was celebrated for her expertise, impact and commitment to personal and professional development. 

Learn more about the 2024 Awards of Excellence and view all nominees