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Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is highlighting its unique programs, hands-on training and applied research through a new “Polytechnic Means More” campaign. With more ways to learn and more industry connections, Red Deer Polytechnic provides its students with more opportunities to attain rewarding careers. “Within a polytechnic model, our students receive outstanding learning experiences, focused on where industry is going, and the innovations required to get there. Through this campaign, our learners share their experiences about Red Deer Polytechnic’s impact,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. The “Polytechnic Means More” campaign also highlights how applied research benefits students. By collaborating to solve complex social, technical and business challenges with industry, community partners, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, RDP students are gaining the skills and competencies needed for their success in work and life. “The ‘Polytechnic Means More’ campaign will be shared in a variety of ways across Alberta during the next six months. We’re excited for this opportunity to engage with people across the province as we share more about our institution’s impact,” says Richard Longtin, Vice President, External Relations. Red Deer Polytechnic is proudly rooted in central Alberta while making an impact across the province and around the world

I’ve always tried to give back to students at Red Deer Polytechnic because of the help that I received. When I was a student in the final semester of my final year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, I applied for the Student Emergency Bursary. Our van had broken down and I was due to go to my Home Care clinical placement. At this time, we had a four-year-old daughter and a fifteen-year-old son and were caring for my ill parents. Even though I had been working part-time through all four years of my program, we had run through our savings. I received $500 and a trip to the Students’ Association Food Bank. This support at this critical time allowed me to finish my program and graduate rather than withdraw and go back to work full-time. It’s because of this support that I have the career I have now, and that I can give back to students in so many ways. I have donated to scholarships and the Student Emergency Bursary and have participated in many projects that give back to the Students’ Association Food Bank. As Nursing instructors, we used to have a social committee for our

Red Deer Polytechnic is excited to host Perspectives: Canada in the World, featuring Timothy Caulfield, author and Professor of Health Law & Science Policy at the University of Alberta, on January 26, 2023. Professor Caulfield, who is also Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the U of A, has published more than 350 articles and book chapters about a range of compelling health topics. These topics have included stem cells, research ethics, health policy issues, and myths and assumptions in health. “After a pandemic-enforced hiatus, we are thrilled to bring back Perspectives: Canada in the World, one of the premier public outreach events at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Dr. Jeff Wigelsworth, History Instructor and Chair of the Perspectives Committee. “Perspectives is an opportunity for the Red Deer and central Alberta communities to hear world-renowned speakers address timely topics that are of interest to all Albertans. Past speakers at Perspectives have included Margaret Atwood, Murray Sinclair, Amanda Lindhout, Roméo Dallaire, and many other notable Canadians.” At Perspectives: Canada in the World, Caulfield will explore decisions that individuals are faced with daily. These decisions are influenced by beliefs, which can be misperceptions and cause unnecessary stress, lost time and money

Red Deer Polytechnic hosted a variety of events and initiatives during Métis Week to provide learning opportunities about Métis culture and history, to celebrate the contributions of Métis people and to commemorate the legacy of Right Honourable Louis Riel. On November 16, Canadians recognized Louis Riel Day, which honours the contributions of Right Honourable Louis Riel as a political leader, an advocate for Métis rights and the founder of Manitoba. The week surrounding Louis Riel Day is recognized as Métis Week (November 14-18). “Throughout Métis Week, Red Deer Polytechnic students, employees and community members had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about Indigenous ways of knowing and being by engaging with Métis knowledge keepers and partaking in daily cultural opportunities,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “These collaborations and learning opportunities help to advance Truth and Reconciliation and to contribute to a culturally diverse campus.” Over five days, there was a range of learning opportunities that included a session about Indigenous war veterans and a presentation of “ Métis Memories of Residential Schools,” which is a collaborative project between the University of Calgary, Métis Nation of Alberta and Rupertsland Institute. In addition, there was also a screening of “Hiding

At an on-campus event earlier today, Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic, signed a new Collaborative Agreement with Kern Dass, President of NESC Technical Institute, to extend the collaboration and support for apprenticeship training in Trinidad & Tobago until 2031. “As Red Deer Polytechnic, we are excited to continue our valuable partnership with the NESC Technical Institute and our global outreach,” says Mr. Cullum. “This ongoing collaboration is an example of how Red Deer Polytechnic helps to contribute to the accessibility of high-quality educational opportunities, skill development, and economic growth around the world.” Red Deer Polytechnic and the NESC Technical Institute’s partnership began in 2008 and has evolved over the years. Over 14 years, Red Deer Polytechnic has provided skilled trades training, Red Seal Exam preparation, quality assurance, certification and access to its Learning Management System which allowed the NESC Technical Institute to offer blended online delivery to apprentices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the collaboration evolved into an Affiliation Agreement in 2016, more than 375 learners have graduated as skilled trades professionals in Trinidad & Tobago. The new Collaborative Agreement affirms a commitment to increase the offering of skilled trades programs through the NESC Technical Institute and to

Red Deer Polytechnic Apprentice Tristen Hatto is set to demonstrate his national-leading Electrical Installations competencies at WorldSkills International Competition in Salzburg, Austria. Twenty-four contestants from post-secondary institutions around the globe will vie for top spot in Electrical Installations from November 24-26, 2022. Hatto qualified for the prestigious competition after earning gold in Electrical Installations at both Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National Competitions in May. He is excited about many components of the WorldSkills experience. “I’m looking forward to meeting and talking with electricians from all over the world, as well as learning new skills and techniques within our trade,” he says. Hatto’s journey to WorldSkills began four years ago. During this span, Red Deer Polytechnic instructors, including Terry Welch (Electrician Instructor and Skills Coach), have played integral roles in training Hatto for the provincial, national and global competitions. “Since I started my Electrician Apprenticeship back in 2018, RDP instructors have encouraged and prepared me to compete in the Skills Canada National Competition,” explains Hatto. “They have stayed late and taken extra time to explain topics more in depth and that has helped a lot. I’m very grateful Terry has offered his free time to help prepare me for

At the 2022 Community Awards on October 20, Cory Kaun was named the recipient of Red Deer Polytechnic’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award. He received this honour for his involvement in a variety of community organizations and initiatives, which include providing a range of supports for learners at the Polytechnic. Kaun, who is a founding partner of Larkaun Homes, has remained deeply connected to Red Deer Polytechnic since he completed his welding apprenticeship at the post-secondary institution. Valuing education and community prosperity, Larkaun Homes has contributed to Red Deer Polytechnic scholarships, providing students with additional resources to pursue their academic endeavors. Larkaun Homes has also contributed additional support and sponsorship at the post-secondary institution, including for Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics. As an additional way of providing support to the Polytechnic community, Larkaun Homes offers discounts to RDP Alumni through the Alumni Perks program. In addition to his dedication to his family and career, Kaun has served as Co-Chair on the Builder Council with Building Industry and Land Development of Central Alberta (BILD-CA) and Director for the Red Deer Airport in a volunteer capacity. This generosity and value placed on developing community has reached many areas of central Alberta. Larkaun Homes supports

At the 2022 Community Awards on October 20, Chris Rolida was recognized with the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award for his advocacy and passion for increased learning opportunities at Red Deer Polytechnic. A graduate of the Polytechnic’s Electrical Engineering Technology program, Rolida has been a dedicated supporter of the Makerspace and Makerspace Movement at the post-secondary institution since he was a student. In 2016, Rolida served as Volunteer Coordinator at the Makerfaire event on campus. His organizational skills, dedication, and warm personality helped to create a welcoming environment for exhibitors and volunteers, and ultimately a very successful experience for all stakeholders. Rolida’s efforts and expertise extended to the first Makerspace pilot, providing tours, creating operating procedures for equipment, running workshops, and mentoring students on a variety of projects. Valuing education at all levels, Rolida has worked to include elementary and middle school students in the developing learning opportunities at the Polytechnic’s Makerspace. He has developed a kit to help youth to create their own robot. Always displaying a positive attitude, Rolida is a superb representative of Red Deer Polytechnic and is willing to promote the post-secondary institution whenever possible. He has discussed the advantages of the Polytechnic’s programs at several technology

At the 2022 Community Awards on October 20, philanthropist Gary W. Harris was posthumously named the recipient of the 2021 Red Deer Polytechnic Alumni Legacy Award. Harris has made a tremendous impact in the city of Red Deer, the region, and at Red Deer Polytechnic. Always conducting himself with integrity, Harris committed his career to law and business, while prioritizing family and volunteerism. Born in Manitoba, Harris and his family moved to Red Deer when he was young, and this was where Harris’ leadership qualities and community involvement began to evolve. He became the first Student Council President at Lindsay Thurber High School and eventually attended Red Deer College for two years. Harris reflected fondly on his time at Red Deer College, which included meeting influential instructors and classmates and playing basketball for the Kings. In 1978, Harris graduated near the top of his class from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Law degree and was quickly recruited to article for a prestigious law firm in Edmonton. As a result of his vibrant personality and range of talents, Harris was asked to be a sessional instructor at both the University of Alberta and Red Deer College. He excelled

Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Director of the Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation at Red Deer Polytechnic, recently accepted an ASTech Award in Women in Manufacturing. She accepted the award representing the team of colleagues who work within the Polytechnic’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC) and Energy Innovation Centre. The ASTech Awards, which are presented by Technology Alberta, recognize outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations in the Alberta science and technology innovation community. “I want to congratulate Tonya and her team and acknowledge their impact supporting women, gender diverse people and under-represented individuals as they grow their competencies in manufacturing and energy innovation,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “These Red Deer Polytechnic employees provide expert guidance and state-of-the-art technology for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to fruition. These collaborative efforts contribute to the economic diversity and prosperity of Alberta.” The individuals who contribute to the success of the CIM-TAC and Energy Innovation Centre and who were recognized with this award include: Alicia Cafferata-Arnett (Applied Research Specialist), Jennifer Dornstauder (Manufacturing Design Engineer), Eryn Beddoes (Project Manager of Facility Infrastructure and Engineering), Prateeksha Aggarwal (Applied Research Technician), Dylann Sikstrom (Engineering student), and Sherri O’Muir (Marketing Strategist). The Women in

Red Deer Polytechnic formally welcomed Stuart Cullum as the 12th President of the institution with an installation ceremony. Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, was on campus and officially installed Mr. Cullum as President of Red Deer Polytechnic after he took the Oath of Office and accepted his responsibilities of the Office of the President. “As a Board, we are very grateful to have Stuart as the President of Red Deer Polytechnic to lead the institution into the future,” says Guy Pelletier, Chair of Red Deer Polytechnic’s Board of Governors. “His experience, skillset, and vision for polytechnic education will serve learners, communities and the province extremely well for many years to come.” Prior to joining the Polytechnic, Cullum served as President of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology for five years. With his leadership, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology experienced unprecedented growth in several key areas. Some examples included the increase of student enrolment by 12 per cent, more than $23 million in applied research funding, and the establishment of the College’s Smart Farm, which secured partners around the world and more than $40 million in investment. “I am thrilled to join Red Deer Polytechnic

Red Deer Polytechnic has signed the United Nations SDG Accord, demonstrating its commitment to inspire, to celebrate and to advance the important role that education has in achieving sustainable development goals. The United Nations SDG Accord provides a framework where post-secondary institutions can collaborate and report on their contributions to sustainable development around the world. The 17 goals include the responsible use of resources, equality, sustainable economic growth, and commitment to innovation. “The signing of the SDG Accord is a meaningful day in the history of Red Deer Polytechnic. It is our way of demonstrating our commitment and contribution to their achievement and allows us to highlight the ways that we are making a difference toward global sustainability,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “As a polytechnic institution, we are dedicated to supporting the work of our industries and communities, through our education, training and applied research programming as well as how we develop and operate our campus and serve our community of faculty and staff”. While the Polytechnic is a leader among post-secondary institutions in environmental sustainability, it values all the goals. Red Deer Polytechnic’s International Education department and Indigenous Initiatives department are active in the Polytechnic