RDP Recognizes 2025 Employee Awards of Excellence
(l-r) Back row – Cristal Glass-Painchaud, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Director of People and Culture at RDP; Stuart Cullum, President of RDP; Caitlyn Charles, Placement Coordinator, Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre; Raigne Symes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing instructor; Randy Daniels (accepted an Excellence in Teaching Award on behalf of his late spouse, Sara Daniels); Kristine Plastow, Associate Vice President, Student Experience; Shauna Philip, Early Learning and Child Care instructor;
Front row – Deanna Morin, Marketing and Promotions Strategist, Continuing Education and Corporate Training; Lacey Fittes, Interim Operations Manager, Academic, School of Health
and Wellness; Breanna Mass, Operations Coordinator, Academic, Donald School of Business; Dr. Stephanie Powers, instructor in the Donald School of Business;
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has recognized nine dedicated faculty and staff members who have made impactful contributions in serving students, the institution and communities during the past year. The awards were presented at the annual RDP Employee Awards of Excellence event held on August 21 on Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus.
“The Employee Awards of Excellence celebrate the dedication and expertise of the Polytechnic’s faculty and staff,” says Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “Our employees contribute immensely to the success of our institution, our students, and the industries and communities that we serve across Alberta.”
This year, there were 31 nominations for faculty and staff demonstrating excellence in innovation, leadership, service and teaching. In addition, support staff were recognized in two categories—Grace Taylor Memorial Award of Excellence and Vicki Mix Administrative Excellence Award.
The Polytechnic is pleased to announce the following 2025 Awards of Excellence Recipients:
- Excellence in Innovation
- Raigne Symes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) instructor, was acknowledged for enhancing nursing education through innovative teaching methods and the integration of resources that support student engagement. Her focus on ethical technology use and immersive clinical experiences have helped create an inclusive environment that prepares students for rewarding careers in health care.
- Excellence in Leadership
- Kristine Plastow, Associate Vice President, Student Experience, was celebrated for fostering an inclusive, supportive campus by advocating for equity initiatives and mental health services for learners. Her leadership in a variety of programs has strengthened the student experience and deepened RDP’s ties with the broader community.
- Excellence in Service
- Lacey Fittes, Interim Operations Manager, Academic, School of Health and Wellness, was honoured for her commitment to student and institutional success. Her cross-department work and efforts to improve faculty evaluations have enhanced the Polytechnic community. Lacey has consistently demonstrated RDP’s core values: agility, bravery, connection and empowerment.
- Deanna Morin, Marketing and Promotions Strategist, Continuing Education and Corporate Training, was recognized for providing exceptional service to students, business partners and stakeholders. These efforts have enhanced RDP’s reputation as a leading provider of education and training opportunities.
- Shauna Philip, Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) instructor, was acknowledged for supporting student growth and building strong community ties. Her leadership in restructuring ELCC programs and fostering partnerships with the Sun Child and O’Chiese Nations—enabling on-reserve course delivery—highlights her commitment to accessible, community-focused education.
- Excellence in Teaching
- Sara Daniels, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) instructor, was posthumously honoured for her immense contributions to student success and BScN faculty development at RDP. Through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to student-centred learning, Sara has left an indelible mark at the Polytechnic and in health care communities across Alberta.
- Dr. Stephanie Powers, instructor in the Donald School of Business, was recognized for enhancing student learning through experiential activities, innovative technology and ethical use of artificial intelligence in her Business Intelligence and Analytics courses. Her commitment to student growth and collaborative leadership have made her a valued mentor at RDP.
- Grace Taylor Memorial Award of Excellence
- Caitlyn Charles, Placement Coordinator, Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre, was celebrated for being a detail-oriented staff member who produces high-quality work. She has fostered collaboration and genuine connections with others through humour, empathy and clear communication.
- Vicki Mix Administrative Excellence Award
- Breanna Mass, Operations Coordinator, Donald School of Business, was recognized for demonstrating creativity and a commitment to growth while supporting students, faculty and administrative teams. While reviewing processes, she has identified and adopted efficiencies that have enhanced the operations of the Polytechnic.
Learn more about the 2025 Awards of Excellence and view all nominees
