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Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has received a $200,000 donation from central Alberta’s Vellner Family, aimed at benefiting students enrolled in arts, business, and education programs. Marty Vellner and Susan Vellner Snell made the donation to RDP in memory of their parents, Loree Martin Vellner and James Robert (Bob) Vellner. The donation has led to the creation of the Loree Martin Vellner Fund. This generous gift allows RDP to invest in technology and equipment that will strengthen the in-class experience for learners within the Donald School of Business and the School of Arts and Education. In addition, it provides much-needed funding to elevate programming in areas such as entrepreneurship, and to enhance spaces that benefit students and the many community stakeholders who utilize and enjoy facilities such as RDP’s Arts Centre. "We sincerely appreciate the Vellner Family's generous contribution, which demonstrates their dedication to education and community," stated Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. "This donation will significantly benefit our students by enriching their educational experiences and equipping them for successful careers." The Veller Family donation is allocated to program areas representing important parts of their family’s story. Loree’s background in dance is honoured through support for the arts, while

The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Queens Volleyball program (1981–1989) has been honoured for its legacy of excellence, unwavering dedication and profound impact on Alberta and Canada’s sports landscape. On June 7, the RDP Queens Volleyball team (1981-1989), was officially inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame—a prestigious recognition of their unparalleled achievements. Dominating Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women’s Volleyball from 1981 to 1989, the Queens set an exceptional standard with a stunning 178–5 regular-season record. Their reign included three undefeated seasons and an astonishing 90-set winning streak, cementing their legacy as one of the most formidable collegiate teams in Canadian history. “We are extremely proud of the student-athletes, coaches and staff who contributed to the unmatched success of the RDP Queens Volleyball program in the 1980’s,” says Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life, Red Deer Polytechnic. “With eight consecutive ACAC Championships and eight national medals, they continue to inspire current RDP student-athletes to seek excellence in the classroom, during competition and as leaders in our communities.” The Queens’ success on the national stage was equally remarkable, capturing Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) gold in 1984, five CCAA silver medals and two national bronze medals—including one bronze when

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) apprentices continue to showcase their industry-leading expertise on the national stage, earning gold in six of the past seven years in welding, and sixth place in sprinkler systems installer. At the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition, held May 29 and 30 in Regina, Saskatchewan, RDP Welding apprentice Lucas Stang earned gold, earning a coveted spot at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China. His victory extends RDP’s impressive track record in welding, with apprentices from the Polytechnic clinching national gold in six of the past seven years—a clear testament to the program’s prominence in Canada. Stang was trained by Lee Yasinski, RDP Welding Instructor. Adam Moore, an RDP Sprinkler Systems Installer apprentice, also made his mark at the national level, ranking sixth. Adam was mentored by Chris McCloskey, Polytechnic Sprinkler Systems Installer Instructor. “We are incredibly proud of Lucas and Adam for representing RDP well at the Skills Canada Alberta Competition,” says David Pye, Dean of the School of Trades and Technology at Red Deer Polytechnic. “They exemplify the success that comes from collaboration between instructors, staff and industry partners, which helps create dynamic education and training opportunities. As Alberta’s third-largest provider of skilled trades education

Gail Surkan, who grew up on a farm outside Regina, has dedicated her life to community building, education and public service, leaving a lasting impact on Red Deer Polytechnic, the City of Red Deer and Alberta. Her career has been defined by collaboration, strengthening institutions and advancing opportunities for education and economic growth. As Red Deer’s first female Mayor, serving from 1992 to 2004, Gail led the city through a transformative era. Her leadership in regional partnerships and strategic planning also helped shape her advocacy for Red Deer Polytechnic. Early in her career, Gail served on the 1989 RDP Foundation Board of Directors, where she began the critical role of strengthening ties between the Polytechnic and community. Ten years later in 1999, she was instrumental as Mayor in securing a $1 million partnership between the Polytechnic and the City, leading to the development of a new on-campus library accessible to both students and residents. This initiative spurred additional fundraising efforts, ultimately raising more than $7 million to enhance educational resources and opportunities. Her ability to bridge municipal leadership with higher education underscored her commitment to fostering academic prosperity. Gail’s contributions to Red Deer Polytechnic extend beyond financial advocacy. In 2019

Aubrey Reed, a dedicated and accomplished student, has earned the 2024/2025 Governor General’s Academic Medal (Collegiate Bronze Level) at Red Deer Polytechnic. This prestigious award recognizes the student who achieved the highest overall academic average upon graduation from a diploma-level post-secondary program. Completing RDP’s two-year Legal Assistant Diploma this year, Aubrey, who is from Red Deer, demonstrated remarkable ability, commitment and perseverance. Throughout the duration of the diploma, she achieved 11 grades of A+ and maintained a 4.0 GPA. This award is a testament to her unwavering dedication to academic excellence. Balancing rigorous studies with a part-time job demanded effective time management skills, something Aubrey embraced. These skills ensured that she stayed ahead of deadlines and maintained her high standard of producing quality work. By setting clear goals and staying organized, she ensured she fulfilled academic requirements while successfully managing her responsibilities. Throughout her journey, family support played a crucial role in her success. Her husband Andy, parents Tyler and Stacy, siblings Luke and Tatum, sister-in-law Mckayla and faculty members were all instrumental in providing encouragement and motivation. Aubrey has expressed immense gratitude for her instructors at RDP, whose compassion and dedication made her learning experience both engaging and fulfilling

Joan Donald’s legacy is defined by her unwavering generosity, visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to strengthening education and communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. For more than 60 years, she has been a driving force for progressive change at Red Deer Polytechnic and throughout the region. Raised as the second youngest of 11 children on a family farm near Millet, Alberta, Joan learned early the values of hard work and collaboration—principles that have guided her throughout her life and career. These values are reflected in her many impactful contributions, including at Red Deer Polytechnic, where her support has helped expand academic excellence, foster innovation and create meaningful opportunities for students, community members and industries alike. Joan’s deep commitment to RDP is evident in both her leadership and philanthropy. She served on the institution’s Board of Governors and spearheaded a major fundraising campaign that raised more than $7 million for the Polytechnic’s library. Together with her late husband Jack, Joan and her family are RDP’s most generous benefactors, having donated more than $26 million. Their contributions include a transformative $20 million gift to establish the Donald Family Institute for Healthtech Innovation, designed to advance health care education, training and applied research. This

For as long as she can remember, Haley Nelson has dreamed of becoming a teacher. From childhood moments spent teaching pretend lessons to her sister Emma in Hanna, Alberta, to shaping her skills through academic experiences, her passion for education has always defined her. Now, as a Bachelor of Education Middle Years graduate, that dream has become reality at Red Deer Polytechnic, where she has turned her aspirations into success. Haley’s dedication to educating youth was recognized with the 2024/2025 Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) Gold Medal in Education, awarded to a student demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to teaching. This honour validates the years she has devoted to growing as an educator. Receiving the ATA Gold Medal is deeply meaningful to Haley. She holds herself to lofty standards, striving for excellence in academics and professional development. The award confirms that her dedication has made a lasting impact—not only on her students but on her own growth. Strong organizational skills helped Haley succeed. She balanced part-time work while maintaining exceptional grades as a full-time student. Her ability to excel in demanding situations was one of several factors to earning this prestigious medal. Haley also benefited from unwavering support from family, friends

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will celebrate the Class of 2025 with families, community members, faculty and staff at its 61st Convocation taking place on June 6. More than 918 RDP graduates from 2025 will attend the morning and afternoon ceremonies in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, marking the largest graduating class in the Polytechnic’s history. “We are excited to celebrate the achievements and successes of our graduates,” says Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “I would like to congratulate the Class of 2025 on achieving this important milestone. As graduates, they will be stepping into a world evolving at an accelerating pace. Innovation, technology and limitless possibilities will shape their careers, offering extraordinary opportunities to lead, create and make meaningful impact in industries and communities across Alberta.” Aubrey Reed is receiving the Governor General’s Academic Medal (Collegiate Bronze Level), achieving the highest overall academic standing amongst the 2025 graduating class. Reed completed a Legal Assistant Diploma, earning 11 A+s and maintaining a GPA of 4.0 throughout the program. Haley Nelson is being acknowledged as the recipient of the Alberta Teachers' Association Gold Medal in Education. Nelson was selected by RDP faculty for demonstrating the highest general proficiency in

Over 400 attendees from across Canada have gathered at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) for the third annual Transforming Practices Conference. The annual Transforming Practices Conference, co-hosted by the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) and RDP, stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts in addressing child maltreatment, while fostering resilience within communities. “The Transforming Practices Conference is a great example of how RDP is working together with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre to strengthen the social fabric of our communities,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. Over 40 speakers will be leading sessions throughout the two-day conference to a sold-out crowd of attendees made up of professionals from a variety of sectors, including educators, healthcare, social agency, students and more. Cullum continues, “at RDP, we talk a lot about innovation ecosystems. An innovation ecosystem is a dynamic learning environment where people from different fields come together to solve real-world problems. At RDP, these ecosystems are living labs where students, faculty and industry experts work side by side to improve our communities and industries—technically, economically, and socially. Our partnership with the CACAC is an excellent example of an RDP innovation ecosystem providing important opportunities for us to create positive social

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has become the first polytechnic to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shad Canada, a summer enrichment program for high-achieving high school students, to advance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). “We are very excited to partner with Shad Canada and provide grade 10 and 11 high school students with immersive post-secondary opportunities to foster collaboration and innovation on our campus,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. “These unique experiences will help inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue careers in STEAM, contributing to the economic and social development of Alberta and Canada.” This partnership creates opportunities for at least 80 talented high school students annually to join the competitive Shad Program held every July at RDP. During this month-long experience, participants will engage in hands-on activities that foster creativity, problem solving and teamwork. Central to this five-year MOU is the emphasis on collaborating and leveraging diverse perspectives to accentuate learning. High school students from various backgrounds will have the opportunity to work in design teams, forge meaningful connections and tackle real-world economic and social challenges through innovative STEAM-based solutions. The Shad Program offers an array of

RDP apprentices continue to shine on the provincial stage, bringing home a total of nine medals from the 2025 Skills Canada Alberta Competition, held recently in Edmonton.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and Bethany Care Society have renewed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing their long-term partnership that brings continued social and economic benefits through collaborative teaching, learning and applied research. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are committed to working with our industry partners to enable dynamic, interdisciplinary environments for teaching, learning and applied research,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “These innovation ecosystems allow our faculty and students to engage in real world challenges and opportunities that advance practice, technology adoption and skills development. It is enhanced work-integrated learning for our students, and what makes this partnership even more unique, is that Bethany CollegeSide and CollegeSide Gardens are located on our campus.” “This renewed MOU is a meaningful step in continuing to support quality of life and wellbeing for the residents and families we serve,” says Jennifer McCue, President and CEO, Bethany Care Society. “Our partnership with RDP is resulting in care innovations, deeper community connections and enhanced training opportunities for future health care professionals.” This renewed agreement enhances RDP’s industry-relevant programming. During the past year, approximately 100 students enrolled in programs such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nurse Diploma, Occupational and Physical