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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

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) faculty, staff and students continue to address the needs of communities in unique ways. Recognizing the demand for blood, plasma and stem cells, RDP’s Employee Wellness Group is collaborating with Canadian Blood Services in Red Deer to host an on-campus radiothon on February 11. This event will share information about blood and stem cell donation. RDP faculty, staff and students are encouraged to donate blood and to consider joining Canada’s Stem Cell Registry. “Today’s event showcases how the Polytechnic community’s partnership with Canadian Blood Services makes meaningful impact in communities,” says Megan Andruik, Safety Coordinator and member of the Polytechnic’s Employee Wellness Group. “RDP’s Employee Wellness Group has launched a 60 for 60 Campaign that encourages 60 blood donations throughout the Winter term from the Polytechnic community in celebration of 60 years of faculty, staff and students creating positive impact in our community and beyond.” Depending on the blood type, the national supply of blood products ranges from a few days to weeks, with the O- blood type having the most demand. It is even more challenging to find prospective stem cell donors who have a one-to-one genetic match with patients. As a result, Canadian Blood

Meet Emile Johnson, Director of Resiliency & Child Advocacy Research, Applied Research at RDP. First, Emile describes his experience as a member of the Black community in Central Alberta "As a Black professional in Central Alberta and an employee at Red Deer Polytechnic, my experience has been a blend of resilience, advocacy, and hope. While I have encountered the challenges that come with systemic gaps affecting marginalized communities, I have also witnessed the commitment of our central Alberta communities and RDP in fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers. In my roles as Director of Resiliency, Child Advocacy Research, and a board member of Canadian Mental Health Association Red Deer, I actively promote cultural understanding and equity. Additionally, my work with the RCMP's Diversity Advisory Council has reinforced my belief in the power of representation and dialogue in public institutions. These experiences have shaped my passion for creating meaningful change and ensuring that all voices, especially those from underrepresented communities, are heard and valued." How do you celebrate your identity (heritage)? "I celebrate my identity and heritage through active participation, continuous learning, and open dialogue. As an active member of the Sierra Leonean and Afro community, I engage in cultural events

If we want to invest in the future of a prosperous, and more self-reliant Canada, we need to invest in post-secondary education. By Stuart Cullum, President of RDP February 6, 2025 Political and industry leaders, academics, journalists, business experts and everyday Canadians are actively engaged in the necessary – and frankly overdue – exchange of ideas on the tools and tactics needed to secure our national economic and social interest in the face of external threats. Nothing focuses our minds like a crisis. Lagging productivity, rising inflation, and deteriorating access to housing and essential public services have set Canada’s economic and social progress back in comparison to other developed countries. This time of uncertainty, is the perfect time for governments to take decisive action and bolster the one sector most critical to developing the talent, technology, and highly skilled innovators that will drive Canada’s future success. If governments want to invest in the future of a strong, prosperous, and more self-reliant Canada, they need to invest in post-secondary education. In recent weeks, our Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) community and stakeholders came together to discuss the deepening impact our institution, its students, faculty, researchers, and staff have within our region and

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to provide opportunities for the community to advance their knowledge about cultures and history through a series of events and experiences. In collaboration with the Students’ Association of RDP (SARDP), the Polytechnic welcomes students, faculty, staff and community members to participate in a variety of on-campus initiatives throughout Black History Month. In February, the Polytechnic community will honour the contributions, achievements and lived experiences of Black community members, including students, faculty and staff. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are committed to continue fostering an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment that values all students, employees and guests,” says Rambo Nyirimihigo, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor, Red Deer Polytechnic. “By offering a variety of culturally immersive opportunities at RDP, members of our campus community are able to expand their perspectives and engage in meaningful conversation about a variety of topics.” At RDP, Black History Month will begin with a Flag Raising outside the Polytechnic’s main entrance on Monday, February 3 at 10:45 am. Additional Black History Month initiatives and events at RDP include: Book and Fabric Display | February 3-14 | RDP Library Anti-Racism Workshop | Wednesday, February 5 | 12-3 pm | The Loft Panel

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has partnered with BorderPass, an innovative platform to streamline the immigration process for international students. “We are excited to collaborate with BorderPass which provides international students with cost-effective, legal support as they navigate the immigration process to study, live and work in Canada,” says Werner Beylefeld, Dean, International Education, Red Deer Polytechnic. “As we increase our global presence and opportunities at RDP, we anticipate that interest from international students to attend the Polytechnic will continue to grow. We will continue to welcome both domestic and international students on our campuses as diversity strengthens the entire RDP community.” BorderPass will complement the student services and supports provided by Red Deer Polytechnic, assisting international students throughout their entire journey from being accepted into an academic program to employment after graduation. Used by thousands of international students, BorderPass provides access to Canadian immigration lawyers who provide legal expertise about preparing and filing study permit applications, along with exploring permanent residency pathways. BorderPass also helps to keep important immigration documents organized and provides automatic updates about the individual’s immigration process. Through RDP’s robust student services that include academic advising, health and wellbeing, and tutoring, the Polytechnic offers a variety of

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has released its 2024 Impact Report, showcasing the progress made in the 2023-24 academic year toward achieving the institution’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact. In 2023-24, RDP launched seven new credit programs, welcomed over 11,000 learners to their campuses (an increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year), received a historic $20 million dollar gift from the Donald Family to create the Donald Family Institute for Healthtech Innovation, and was once again named to the Top 50 Research Colleges/Polytechnics in Canada. These are just a few of the positive highlights featured in RDP’s 2024 Impact Report. “Our 2024 Impact Report showcases RDP’s many successes and progress made to achieving our 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact. Launched in December 2023, our plan is bold and ambitious; it provides the blueprint for our polytechnic journey,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “By sharpening our focus on the issue of productivity, we are increasing and diversifying the talent base for Alberta’s economic growth and producing a community of innovators and entrepreneurs for our essential industries to compete and thrive. As we look forward to 2025, we will continue to work alongside our

RDP celebrated the completion of the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on January 23, 2025, highlighting its cultural and community significance.