News

RDP continues to demonstrate its commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) by becoming a participant in Dimensions: equity, diversity and inclusion Canada, a federal initiative to enhance EDI in post-secondary institutions.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to welcome Owen Zarazun as the post-secondary institution’s new Director, Campus Management. He began his new role on June 23, 2025. In his role as a member of the Polytechnic Leadership team, Mr. Zarazun will oversee a diverse portfolio of departments. This includes providing strategic direction and leadership in maintaining facilities (including renovations and new construction projects). He will also oversee key support services, including security, occupational health and safety, materials management, janitorial services, bookstore and food services. “We look forward to having Owen join us in his new role,” says Jim Brinkhurst, Vice President, Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer. “Owen’s leadership experience and technical expertise will serve him well as we continue to enhance RDP’s facilities and services to best serve our students, industry partners and community members, creating welcoming learning and working environments across our campuses.” Mr. Zarazun joins the Polytechnic after his most recent role at Equs REA Ltd., where he served as Vice President of Operations. Prior to that, he served as Director, Facility Operations, at Mount Royal University. Taking on his new role at RDP, Mr. Zarazun is pleased to return to Alberta's post-secondary sector. “I am

Elevating visual arts through creative connections during summer art workshops tradition. Somewhere between a blank canvas and the final brushstroke lives a quiet transformation. Sometimes it begins with the sound of charcoal on paper, the warmth of sunlight through tall windows or simply showing up to try. It happens in studios where the air is thick with turpentine, stories and shared silence. In spaces like these, time slows. Something shifts. And without fanfare, a person begins to remember who they are when they create. For Laurel Corbiere, that moment arrived under the soft hum of fluorescent lights in a Red Deer Polytechnic studio, the smell of paint and possibility mingling in the air. “I unlocked something I wasn’t sure I still had,” she said. “Drawing again renewed my confidence.” Laurel was one of nearly 300 artists who joined Red Deer Polytechnic’s Series Summer Art Workshops last year. The program is more than just painting and pottery. It is a reclamation of something deeply human: the joy of making, the vulnerability of learning and the rare luxury of spending uninterrupted days inside a studio, hands covered in clay, glass, graphite or ink. And while this revival is powerful, it is also

With support from a $230,000 Alberta Innovates grant, RDP, U of A and FMC have partnered to advance urban planning and environmental efficiencies across Alberta.

The newly established Tristin Brisbois STEM Scholarship Fund will enhance opportunities for Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This fund will help address Alberta’s evolving labour market needs by equipping future professionals with the skills necessary for innovation and economic growth. “We are extremely grateful for Dr. Brisbois’ investment which helps to reduce barriers for RDP students to study in STEM programs,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. “The impact of these funds will be vast, helping prepare the next generation of industry leaders while contributing to Alberta’s productivity and economic prosperity.” Dr. Brisbois’ academic journey began at Red Deer Polytechnic, where she studied for one year (1999-2000) before transferring to the University of Alberta (U of A) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science. Her passion for learning propelled her to further academic achievements, including a Master of Business and Science from Rutgers University in New Jersey and a Doctor of Philosophy from the U of A. With more than 15 years of experience in research and development, Dr. Brisbois has held various STEM-focused roles in Canada and the USA. As Senior Director

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has sold the Welikoklad Event Centre in downtown Red Deer to a new owner who has plans to revitalize the facility as a movie theatre. RDP purchased the Welikoklad Event Centre in 2012. For many years, the Centre served as a valuable learning space for students in a variety of programming, including arts and business. The facility also served as a community hub, where RDP hosted a variety of events for different organizations. With the evolution of time, and RDP’s mix of industry-relevant arts and business programs transitioning back to main campus, the Welikoklad Event Centre no longer serves the same purpose for the post-secondary institution as it once did. “As we’ve reviewed our future strategic plans relating to program growth and facility usage, to best serve our students, industry partners and community members, we are confident we can meet everyone’s needs at our other campuses,” says Jim Brinkhurst, Vice President, Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Red Deer Polytechnic. “We feel that now is a good time for the institution to sell this facility and we are pleased to see it repurposed for other community uses that will continue to serve Red Deer and

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