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The Graduating Class of 2024 has been etched into Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) history. On June 7, more than 800 of RDP’s record number 1,853 graduates crossed the stage at the Polytechnic’s 60th Convocation Ceremonies. For Lauren Milne, a recent graduate of RDP’s Cook Apprenticeship program, being involved in the milestone Convocation Ceremonies was special. “I am honoured to be part of RDP’s history,” says Lauren, who has called central Alberta home for the past 10 years. “It has been a very enriching and truly enjoyable experience at Red Deer Polytechnic. I am a little sad to close this chapter but am very excited to see what lies ahead.” Following high school graduation in Kitchener, Ontario, Lauren began working in the service industry and found her passion. After gaining several years of work experience, she made the important decision to pursue a post-secondary education and advance her competencies. Lauren’s return to the classroom was made easier by the welcoming learning environment at Red Deer Polytechnic. “My instructors were very supportive and helpful which made the process of going back to school less intimidating." As a mother and wife, Lauren wanted to take a program that suited her lifestyle and fulfilled

At its 2024 Convocation Ceremonies, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) awarded Honorary Degrees to both Dr. George Littlechild and Sheldon Kennedy for providing meaningful impact provincially, nationally and globally. Dr. Littlechild, a graduate of RDP’s Art and Design Diploma program, conveys messages through art that showcase the beauty, pride and strength of Indigenous Peoples. His vivid use of colour represents Indigenous being, history and two spiritedness, focusing on cultural, social and political injustices. Through his advocacy, creativity and leadership, Dr. Littlechild encourages individuals to embrace their authenticity while respecting others, contributing to a more inclusive society. His expressive art has become a pathway toward Healing, Truth and Reconciliation. Dr. Littlechild has received numerous honours and awards. This recognition includes a REVEAL Indigenous Art Award which recognizes Indigenous artists who have shown leadership in their home communities and worldwide. As an instructor at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Dr. Littlechild has inspired students to tell stories through a variety of creative mediums by sharing his knowledge, skills and experiences. Dr. Littlechild’s artwork has been featured in over 200 solo and group exhibitions and 40 public collections worldwide, including at Red Deer Polytechnic. In September 2023, RDP’s public employees, Students' Association

Two Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welding journeypersons have been recently appointed to an Advisory Council of Skilled Trades Youth Ambassadors by Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney. Eden Marklund and Ben Rainforth are among 12 young adults on the Advisory Council actively engaged in skilled trades. In this role, they will help the Government of Alberta to promote skilled trades to youth and grow the industry. The ambassadors were nominated by their post-secondary institutions based on performance excellence during their apprenticeships. “We are very proud of Eden and Ben as they begin roles on the Government of Alberta’s Advisory Council and help to advance the future of skilled trades across the province,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology at RDP. “They are talented and hardworking journeypersons, who reflect the quality education and training opportunities available at RDP in collaboration with industry partners.” While Alberta’s apprenticeship registration has increased during the past few years, more skilled trades workers are needed to build housing and expand infrastructure. Marklund, who is from Hinton, is thrilled to be a Youth Ambassador and play a role in helping to fulfill labour market demand in the province. “As I support the Minister

Having earned a GPA of 4.0 during the 2023/2024 academic year, Catrina Amendt received the Governor General’s Academic Medal (Collegiate Bronze Level) at Red Deer Polytechnic’s 60th Convocation Ceremonies. This honour is awarded to a graduate with the highest grade point average. Catrina decided to pursue the Social Work Diploma program at RDP to elevate her knowledge, skills and community impact. In conjunction with past work experience in the human services field, Catrina believed this credential at the Polytechnic would prepare her to assist more individuals, challenge barriers and advocate for social change. While earning the two-year diploma, Catrina appreciated the smaller class sizes at RDP which fostered greater connections and collaborations with peers and instructors. These experiences helped to increase learning and create more opportunities for personal growth. While Catrina had several memorable moments throughout her time at the Polytechnic, she is proud of speaking at a Red Deer City Council meeting, advocating for vulnerable populations in the community. Catrina, who is from Hepburn, Saskatchewan, is grateful for the community of people who supported her throughout her educational journey. In particular, she appreciates the roles that her parents, grandparents, friends and mentors played in helping her achieve her goals

A new agreement signed by Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and SVG Ventures|THRIVE will bring together entrepreneurs, industry experts, researchers and students to support economic growth and sustainability in Alberta at the intersection of the agriculture and energy sectors. The synergy between agriculture and energy is a topic of increasing importance around the globe. Nowhere is this synergy more profound than in Alberta where these sectors are not only essential drivers of the provincial economy, but also take the lead on the international stage. This memorandum confirms both parties’ mutual interest in working toward initiatives in central Alberta that bring awareness and build Alberta’s ag-energy innovation ecosystem for local and global impact; foster the start-up, scaleup and applied research community at this nexus; and increase competitiveness across central Alberta’s agriculture and energy industries through effective technology demonstration and adoption. “We are building this relationship with Red Deer Polytechnic with a view to strengthen Alberta’s innovation ecosystem with a specific focus on technology-driven solutions to support the vital agriculture and energy sectors,” says John Hartnett, CEO, SVG Ventures|THRIVE. “Since establishing our Canadian operations in 2021, we’ve seen first-hand the innovations that are coming from Alberta and this partnership allows us to support

The Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre is excited to announce the launch of MyExperience! MyExperience is an interactive platform that provides RDP students and alumni with the capability to build their professional profile; develop career skills and pathways; engage with our RDP Career Advisors; apply for employment and work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities; take part in employer-hosted information sessions; attend on campus career fairs; receive information and announcements to attend career events; and more! The CEED Centre is excited to offer this new full-featured tool to facilitate engagement with students, employers, and our Career Services department! MyExperience is being rolled out in phases over the next several months, with Phase 1 providing students with access to a modernized job board and Career Services on Friday, June 14. Questions can be directed to the CEED office at employmentservices@rdpolytech.ca

Today, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) celebrated the Class of 2024 with families, community members and employees at its historic 60th Convocation Ceremonies. More than800 of 1,853 eligible RDP graduates from 2024 atte nded the ceremonies in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. “We are delighted to celebrate our largest Convocation ceremony and graduating class in our institution’s history,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “I would like to congratulate the Class of 2024. I encourage all of our graduates to utilize the skills and competencies they have earned at RDP to create positive change within their organizations, their communities and our country, as they begin the next chapter of their lives.” Catrina Amendt received the Governor General’s Academic Medal (Collegiate Bronze Level), achieving the highest overall academic standing amongst the 2024 graduating class. Amendt completed a Social Work Diploma, earning a GPA of 4.0 during the 2023/2024 academic year. “I congratulate Catrina on earning the Governor General’s Academic Medal, one of the most prestigious awards that a student in the Canadian educational system can receive,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “It is truly a testament to her hard work and dedication to her studies

Earlier today, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) raised a Progressive Pride Flag, joining citizens around the world in recognizing June as Pride Month in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. “The Progressive Pride Flag Raising is one of several events throughout the year when Red Deer Polytechnic demonstrates our community’s commitment to providing an inclusive learning and working environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to succeed,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “Diversity strengthens communities and enriches the experiences of RDP students, faculty and staff.” The Students’ Association of RDP ( SARDP) partnered with the Polytechnic to host the Progressive Pride Flag Raising event. Throughout the year, the SARDP supports its diverse student population in several ways, which includes various student groups. These groups include Pride on Campus. “We raise the Progressive Pride Flag at Red Deer Polytechnic to embody sentiments of equality, belonging and empathy,” says Devyn Shannon, President, SARDP. “Today’s event demonstrates that Red Deer Polytechnic is an ally and home for everyone. Pride is an irreplaceable ideal – it is kindness compassion and respect.” During the past few years, RDP and the SARDP have increased their collaboration with the Central Alberta Pride Society on

In collaboration with regional partners, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welcomed educators, faculty, staff and students to Indigenous Culture Camp May 30 and 31. Alongside Indigenous leaders, Red Deer Public Schools and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, RDP offered this culturally immersive professional and personal development opportunity on RDP’s main campus. “Indigenous Culture Camp provided an opportunity for participants to connect and expand their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being through land-based learning,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives. “This event is one example of how RDP creates meaningful reconciliation initiatives and educational enhancements for diverse stakeholders.” Indigenous Culture Camp featured a variety of sessions that provided authentic outdoor teaching and learning opportunities in tipis, Métis trapper’s tents and an Inuit tupiq. The sessions included a Métis Fiddling and Jigging Demonstration, Traditional Parenting: Medicine Wheel Teachings and Blackfoot Teaching History, Traditions and Language. Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders from the region played significant roles in the teachings at the Camp, leading sessions by sharing their culture and knowledge. As a benefit to students of all ages, teachers and post-secondary instructors will be able to integrate the knowledge and experiences they have gained from

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to increase practical learning opportunities for students with the launch of a two-year Executive Assistant Diploma program in Fall 2024 Term. The Executive Assistant Diploma program builds on the Polytechnic’s one-year Administrative Professional Certificate. Students will expand their knowledge and skills in several areas of business that include accounting, computer software training and human resources. Graduates of RDP’s Administrative Professional Certificate are eligible to enter the second year of the Executive Assistant Diploma. “As a polytechnic, we are proud to offer enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities among a growing breadth of credentials,” says Dr. Robbie Halonen, Dean, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing. “The new Executive Assistant Diploma will help to increase the employability and earning potential of graduates while helping to fulfill the demand of Alberta’s labour market.” As essential members of professional workplaces, executive assistants provide exceptional management and human resources skills to help foster productive work environments. Throughout the diploma program, students will develop skills in communication, technology and relationship building to effectively support senior executives and colleagues. In addition, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings through work-integrated learning. These opportunities

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to announce Isaac Nyamekye as our institution’s new Executive Director, Institutional Planning.  “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Nyamekye to Red Deer Polytechnic. As a collaborative leader in institutional research, planning and analytics, Mr. Nyamekye has a proven track record of leveraging data to inform strategic enrolment management and enhance efficiencies in project management. His strong leadership in institutional planning and research will support the important work we are doing to achieve our 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity and Social Impact.”  - Patrick Machacek, Vice President, Development and Partnerships. Mr. Nyamekye joins RDP from Athabasca University where he was Director of Institutional Research and Data Analytics. In that position, he fostered a culture of data-informed decision-making and data literacy across the university.   Prior to that role, he held positions of Manager of Institutional Data Analysis at Athabasca University, along with Senior Analyst of Program Analytics and Evaluation for the Government of Alberta. Mr. Nyamekye implemented business intelligence solutions that helped to increase operational efficiencies.  “I am excited to join RDP at this important time. I look forward to forging relationships across the institution and collaborating with the RDP community to drive evidence-based decision-making, continuous improvement, effective

At the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Athletics Awards student-athletes who competed on the RDP Royals Rodeo and Dance teams were recognized for their individual and team accomplishments during the 2023/2024 season. At the event, multiple awards were handed out, including the All Around Cowboy and Cowgirl along with additional Rodeo and Dance team awards. Trina Carroll, RDP Royals Program Lead, explained she was extremely proud of both the Dance and Rodeo teams and their accomplishments this season. “It was a big one and a little overwhelming. Our Rodeo team competed at the Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association’s first-ever collegiate event held at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer while our Dance team performed on the national stage when the Polytechnic hosted the Women’s Volleyball National Championship. Hard to sum it all up, other than being extremely proud of how they all represented Red Deer Polytechnic. Student-athlete Cayden Nickel took home the All Around Cowboy Award. After a successful 2022/2023 season when he earned first in Steer Wrestling and second in Tie Down Roping, Nickel had another impressive campaign, winning his way to the Canadian Collegiate Finals Rodeo (CCFR), once again. At the CCFR in Brooks this past weekend, Nickel put