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Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), the Students’ Association and PRIDE on Campus Student Group are collaborating to support members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through hosting a series of events during Pride Week, from March 24 to 29, 2025. Festivities begin on March 24 at 9:30 am with a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony outside the main entrance of RDP’s main campus. Additional activities include: a Pride Fair featuring opportunities to learn about the Pride community, as well as supports available for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members at RDP and in the surrounding community. Pride pin-making and Dreamcatcher making discussions and workshops that include topics such as allyship, intersectionality and peer support a Queer Prom where everyone is invited to join the party. Week-long activities as part of Pride Week festivities include: opportunities for people to make friendship bracelets & other Pride crafts in the Makerspace (in RDP’s Library) writing a message to an individual’s younger self to be added to a patchwork quilt. Tables will be set up across campus to contribute messages to the quilt. the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on main campus illuminated in rainbow colours each night reading various books and resources available at RDP’s Library Book Display. View

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to welcome Rafael (Raf) Mohammed to its academic leadership team, as Dean of the Donald School of Business.

RDP & Sunchild First Nation have signed an agreement that will enable Sunchild First Nation School students an opportunity to gain firsthand experiences of trades work in carpentry, plumbing and electrical under RDP’s instruction and supervision, while also helping build homes for Elders near the Nation’s school.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to recognize and celebrate its vast applied research that helps create tangible outcomes to specific challenges across our province, and beyond. On March 12, members of the Polytechnic community shared its innovative research projects and scholarly activity at RDP’s Fourth Annual Research Showcase. “The Research Showcase demonstrated the multi-disciplinary research that is initiated by students, faculty and staff across the Polytechnic, providing significant impact for academia, industry and communities,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. “As a polytechnic institution, we strategically integrate applied research with education and training to help advance Alberta’s priorities and productivity.” This year, the Polytechnic’s Research Showcase featured three poster displays and 18 presentations about a variety of subjects. Many of the applied research projects that were presented involved interdisciplinary collaboration between students, faculty and partners, highlighting actionable outcomes in communities and industry. Seven breakout sessions, which covered topics in humanities, science, technology and wellness, complemented the experiences of attendees. As an example, one session featured a research project titled Identification of Vertebrate Prey Within Black Bear Scat. It showcased collaboration between Taylor Eaton, an RDP student, Ramona Maraj, Ecologist Team Leader II with Parks

Through grants and funding, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), Canadian Sport Institute Alberta (CSIAB) and Bowhead Corp. are collaborating to revolutionize the parasport equipment used by para-athletes across the country in training and competition. This project, titled Increasing Accessibility to Specialized Parasport Equipment Across Canada Through Advanced Design and Manufacturing, is worth $860,000. It is supported by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Applied Research and Development (ARD) grant ($450,000) and an Alberta Innovates Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) grant ($300,000). In addition, CSIAB has contributed $110,000 toward this project. These funds will be distributed over three years. “We are grateful for these investments which help integrate sports, multi-disciplinary applied research and advanced manufacturing to develop customized parasport equipment and reduce barriers for Canadian athletes,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic. “This is an exciting project and is one example of how RDP’s multi-disciplinary approach in applied research and enhanced partnerships help to address the needs of people, industry and communities across Canada.” Red Deer Polytechnic staff and the institution’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing–Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) will play an integral role in helping to create inclusive and cost-effective

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) was recently recognized on the national stage for creating innovative experiences for Indigenous youth. Actua, Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization, presented RDP with the Actua Experience Award at its 2025 National Conference. The Polytechnic was acknowledged for advancing scientific knowledge and discovery with Indigenous youth through the institution’s Red Hot Science program. “We appreciate this recognition by our valued partners at Actua to continue supporting Indigenous youth in STEM education through our dynamic Red Hot Science program,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology. “These innovative opportunities incorporate STEM experiences, cultural relevance and community connections. They may inspire youth to pursue a career in STEM, helping to fulfill the needs of communities and industry across Alberta.” The Polytechnic’s Red Hot Science program, housed within RDP’s School of Trades and Technology, 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 engineering and technology. Students may also create simple coding, build robots and enhance their digital skills. In addition, youth can perform experiments in

PrairiesCan is investing $899,500 into the Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems (P2INACLE). P2INACLE will drive social, economic and technological innovation across western Canada by providing businesses access to polytechnic facilities, equipment and research expertise. P2INACLE members include Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Northwestern Polytechnic, RRC Polytech and Saskatchewan Polytechnic—all leading polytechnic institutions located across the Canadian prairies. P2INACLE, led by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will launch its first pilot with the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) this spring. This pilot will bring together polytechnics and industry partners from across the prairies to develop a collaborative network that will fund and work on applied research projects. The goal is to identify challenges and develop innovative solutions for the mining and minerals sector in western Canada. “Success on the Prairies has always been built on cooperation. That’s why our government is supporting P2INACLE—a partnership bringing Prairie polytechnics together to turn research into practical solutions. By working together to tackle challenges in the mining sector and beyond, P2INACLE is driving economic growth, creating quality jobs, and setting a new standard for how applied research can empower communities far beyond the

Meet Nikeisha Sewell Lewis, Operations Manager of People and Culture department at RDP. First, Nikeisha Sewell Lewis described her experience as a member of the Black community in central Alberta and as an employee at Red Deer Polytechnic. "Having moved to Central Alberta, I have become more aware of how I present myself and how I interact in different spaces. As a Black person, I am accustomed to a range of reactions—both positive, like the many warm smiles I encounter, and more challenging ones, like when I sense being viewed with uncertainty or fear. While navigating this in Central Alberta can be difficult, I am grateful for RDP where I feel safe. I also appreciate that Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is taking steps in the right direction through initiatives like the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, which shows a growing commitment to recognizing and addressing these issues." How do you celebrate your identity (heritage)? "I celebrate my identity in everything I do. It is reflected in the food I eat, the language I speak—including Jamaican Patois at home and with my friends and family—and the music I listen. My Caribbean and Jamaican heritage is deeply connected to who I

Through Campus Alberta Central, rural learners will now be able to enrol in Red Deer Polytechnic’s Practical Nurse Diploma in Camrose, Alberta. Students will be able to access theory courses online, and labs will be done in-person at the Central Alberta Campus community partner site, the Bethany Group’s Rosehaven building in Camrose, Alberta. “Our Practical Nurse Diploma is a high-demand program, we often see waitlists for the program offered at our main campus in Red Deer,” comments Heather Dirks, Dean, School of Health and Wellness at Red Deer Polytechnic. “By expanding our program to community sites through Campus Alberta Central, we are able educate more nurses, while also addressing the rural nursing shortage that we are experiencing in Alberta.” Camrose, Alberta is the newest Central Alberta Campus Location to offer RDP’s Practical Nurse Diploma and is now accepting 16 students for fall 2025. To encourage local students to apply, eight of the 16 seats will be reserved for local learners, students who live in the Camrose area. “We’re very excited to expand the RDP Practical Nurse program to Camrose, Alberta,” comments Cody McCarroll, Executive Director, Campus Alberta Central. “When we talk to our rural community partners, they identify a need

RDP Athletics Recap This past week, the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Volleyball team won gold at the ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championship. The Queens Volleyball team sealed bronze in Camrose. The Kings and Queens Hockey teams wrapped up regular season competition with back-to-back victories. The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Futsal squad qualified for the ACAC Championship. The Queens Futsal team missed the postseason. ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championship | Lakeland College | February 20-22 The RDP Kings Volleyball team won its 21st gold medal at the ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championship held in Lloydminster. On Thursday, the Kings opened the championship with a sweep over the University of Alberta Augustana Vikings (25-19, 25-21 and 25-13). Colby Nemeth led the Kings with 12 kills (0.526). The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings downed the host Lakeland College Rustlers in straight sets on Friday (25-20, 25-23 and 25-17), advancing to the gold medal match. Owen Langberg contributed six kills and two blocks. In Saturday’s final, the RDP Kings defeated the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks in four sets (25-23, 22-25, 25-16 and 25-18). Setter Brett Theise accumulated 31 assists, two digs, one block and one service ace. The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings will compete at the 2025 Canadian Collegiate

Meet Issac Nyamekye, Executive Director of Institutional Planning at RDP. First, Isaac describes his experience as a member of the Black community in Central Alberta and as an employee at Red Deer Polytechnic? "My journey as a Black leader at Red Deer Polytechnic has been both enriching and nuanced. As a Ghanaian immigrant, I bring a deep appreciation for community and collaboration rooted in my upbringing —principles I've found reflected in many of my interactions at RDP. Colleagues have consistently demonstrated openness, support, and a shared commitment to fostering meaningful connections and collaboration. The recent launch of RDP's EDI plan and the creation of advisory committees also show the institution's commitment to further enhancing inclusivity and a sense of belonging among staff, faculty, students and partners. While I've found RDP welcoming, I have also had to navigate some unique challenges, like receiving a "compliment" about speaking "good English," which, given Ghana's colonial history, carries complex undertones. Overall, I feel encouraged by the progress I've witnessed and remain optimistic about contributing to a culture where diversity is celebrated as a cornerstone of excellence." How do you celebrate your identity (heritage)? "My Ghanaian heritage is a vibrant part of who I am

Meet Dr. Juliet Onabadejo (she/her), a faculty member of the BScN program at RDP. First, Juliet describes her experience as a member of the Black community in Central Alberta "My experience as a member of Black community in Central Alberta and RDP has been great. Within RDP, it is nice to see more blacks coming in. We seem to be growing here as a community." How do you celebrate your identity (heritage)? "As a child I was told that Black is beautiful and that is what I hold on to. I celebrate my 'Black is beautiful' every day in the way I carry myself. I also celebrate my identity by enjoying music and food from my culture and country of birth, as well as integrating with the community." Who (or what event/moment) do you think about when you hear Black resistance? "My thought goes back to the Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977 which helped to end segregated schools in Canada. Of recent, is the Black Lives Matter which is a movement that advocates for racial justice. Why? If schools were still segregated, we would not have a good environment like RDP where people work together regardless of their race