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Red Deer Polytechnic has received CIHR Eligibility and renewed SSHRC and NSERC Eligibility following a rigorous application process. CIHR is the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and is part of the Tri-Council (also known as the Tri-Agency) together with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The Tri-Councils are the three Canadian Government research funding agencies and hold Canadian post-secondary research to the highest standard of quality and accountability. The ability to hold grants across the three Federal Councils is key to RDP’s vision of expanding the scope and impact of RDP’s research in central Alberta and beyond. As a Polytechnic, RDP’s Applied Research Centres and faculty engage in research across all disciplines that positively impacts community and industry partners, our region, and beyond. Tri-Agency Eligibility permits RDP to actively pursue and hold grants in areas such as science, engineering, health, and social sciences. This will continue to support RDP’s pillars in Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Clinical Psychology, Social Innovation, and Energy and Environmental Sciences. CIHR Eligibility increases RDP’s ability to pursue greater funding in health research. As an established leader in applied research within NSERC’s and SSHRC’s mandates, CIHR

At its annual Building on Excellence event, Red Deer Polytechnic celebrated a talented group of apprentices who demonstrated high-level knowledge and superb abilities at Skills competitions during the past year. In 2023, Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices earned two gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the Skills Canada Alberta competition. Ben Rainforth (Welding) also achieved gold at the Skills Canada National competition. Rainforth’s accomplishment was the fifth consecutive gold medal that was earned by RDP Welding apprentices at the national level. As a result of his achievements, Rainforth qualified to compete at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France which will be held in September 2024. “We were proud to gather as a Polytechnic community with industry partners, alumni and supporters to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of RDP apprentices at Skills competitions,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology. “The ongoing success of our apprentices reflects the expertise and dedication of RDP’s instructors and the quality, industry-relevant learning opportunities that are available at our institution and are complemented by employers.” Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices continue to be among the top post-secondary achievers across Alberta and Canada. Since 2003, the Polytechnic’s apprentices have incredibly achieved a total of

In the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future, collaboration and innovation are our greatest allies. The Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is leading the way and now a partnership with Lacombe County is poised to spark new possibilities in the world of solar energy. "We're bridging the gap between theory and practice, between research and real-world impact," explains Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Applied Research. “The Energy Innovation Centre has always been focused on helping the industry to explore emerging net zero technologies, and this partnership is no exception.” The Data Sharing Alliance: A Catalyst for Progress At the core of this partnership lies the Data Sharing Alliance (DSA). This collaborative initiative, hosted within RDP's Energy Innovation Centre, leverages weather and power data gathered from partner sites around the province and uses it to develop best practices for modeling and installing solar photovoltaic systems optimized for Alberta's unique conditions. The DSA has already made significant strides in gathering and aggregating photovoltaic operational data across multiple sites, including two on the RDP campus, one in rural Innisfail and one at the Fortis facility in High River. The recent installation of an eGauge at Lacombe

Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to education as reconciliation through action and proud to release our Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-2028. The plan represents an important step in Red Deer Polytechnic’s commitment to the recognition of Treaties, advancement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, allegiance to Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Indigenous Education Protocol and our responsibility to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Reconcili-Action Plan is created on four key themes: Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Eyes and Open Voices, and has actions and measures created around each theme. “With open hearts, open doors, open eyes and open voices, the Reconcili-Action Plan recognizes our responsibility to honour those that came before us by building meaningful relationships so that we can listen and grow together on this journey of learning to shape positive change,” comments Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives. “I would like to thank everyone who helped create this meaningful plan.” The Reconcili-Action Plan was prepared by the RDP Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenization (EDII) Indigenous Working group in consultation with Indigenous Peoples including: RDP Indigenous students, Red Deer Native Friendship Society, Sunchild First Nation, Montana First Nation, Ermineskin First Nation

Tim Tamashiro, Bright Boy of Blackfalds and one of Red Deer Polytechnic’s (1988) favourite grads, is coming home this December. Since graduating from then-RDC’s Music Merchandising program, Tamashiro has had a varied career as a recording artist, broadcaster, author, speaker, performer, and part-time Buddhist monk. He owes his adventures to a moment of clarity and a nearby opportunity. Early in 1986, at twenty years old, Tamashiro was working in Red Deer for the Government of Alberta as a survey technician: “making bank” at $8 an hour, happy enough in his occupation and in the company he kept, but knowing he wanted something else, something more in tune with his own private hopes and joys. “Was it possible,” he wondered, “to make a living doing something you love?” And he loved music. So: musical but without much formal training and next to no theory, Tamashiro auditioned for the program at RDC. Two instructors in the music program—Keith Mann, whom Tamashiro describes as having “Tommy Banks-like energy” (yes, I had to look him up, too), and Ken Mallett—saw potential. “Go learn some theory over the summer,” young Tim was told, “and we’ll let you in.” He did. And they kept their word

Earlier today, Red Deer Polytechnic celebrated its 2023 Community Awards which honour the meaningful impact of individuals, partners and alumni who contribute to the success of RDP and its students. "Red Deer Polytechnic is fortunate have such a strong and vital community of supporters and champions who genuinely care about the future of our institution and its students,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “These awards recognize the individuals and organizations who have helped us deepen our economic and social impact through their selfless contributions and partnership.” At the ceremony, the following award recipients were honoured: Lyn Radford - G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence Lyn Radford is known for her unparalleled and passionate dedication as a community builder and leader. She has contributed to the success of many organizations in support of central Albertans. Her commitment to RDP includes past service as a member of the Board of Governors, and Chairing the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society, which contributed to the construction of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Lyn also received an Honorary Degree from RDP in 2019. Gord Inglis - Alumni Legacy Award (awarded posthumously) Gord contributed to the Polytechnic community for 32

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will showcase its range of programs, student services and facilities at the post-secondary institution’s Open House: Saturday, October 28 | 9 am - 1 pm on Red Deer Polytechnic's Main Campus Attendees are encouraged to register to attend (drop-ins are also welcome) “We look forward to welcoming prospective students and their supporters, who are looking to explore a variety of careers, to attend RDP’s Open House,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are proud to offer more than 80 programs across a range of credentials that prepare students for rewarding careers and that contribute to Alberta’s diverse workforce.” Through collaboration with industry, RDP students receive enhanced work-integrated learning and applied research opportunities while making connections in their field. The Polytechnic also offers diverse cultural, social health and well-being opportunities for students. “Through Residence life, student groups, intramurals and much more, Red Deer Polytechnic has many opportunities for students to have a robust post-secondary experience and meet new people in fun and supportive environments,” says Ms. Engel. “Alumni often share their fond memories of attending RDP, making life-long friends and achieving their personal and professional goals.” During Open House

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is excited to welcome former Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, as its next speaker in the institution’s Perspectives: Canada in the World series. Preparing for the Unexpected: How to Manage Through Complexity and Change  Thursday, January 18, 2024 | 7:00 pm   Red Deer Polytechnic, Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre   A uniquely experienced leader who shares best practices and tactics on leading teams through complexity and change, Hadfield is known for sharing the marvels and wonders of science and space with everyone he encounters. Formerly NASA’s director of operations, Hadfield spent more than three decades working for NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. During his career, Colonel Hadfield flew in three space missions, was involved in building two space stations and performed two space walks. He also crewed and commanded the Shuttle and Soyuz. In 2013, Hadfield became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, a role he held for six months.   “RDP is thrilled to welcome Chris Hadfield,” says Dr. Jonathon Penny, Dean of the School of Arts and Education. “Colonel Hadfield is a known supporter and sometime practitioner of the arts, an ardent humanist, and an exemplar of what it is to

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will welcome alumni, partners and community members to Homecoming from October 19 to 21, 2023. “We are proud to reconnect with RDP alumni and community members throughout Homecoming weekend and showcase the unique opportunities that our institution has to offer,” says Richard Longtin, Associate Vice President, External Relations. “In RDP’s 60-year history, the institution has evolved into a premier polytechnic that provides exceptional education, training and applied research opportunities. Our connections with alumni, partners and communities enrich the experiences of RDP students and help us contribute to the prosperity of Alberta.” Since 1964, Red Deer Polytechnic has contributed to more than 80,000 students reaching their academic, personal and professional aspirations. RDP alumni make impactful contributions to industry, communities and students. They support RDP learners in several capacities, which include volunteering, providing work-integrated learning opportunities and contributing to scholarships and awards. Alumni, partners, students and members of the public will have the opportunity to partake in a variety of academic, athletic, cultural and social events on the Polytechnic’s main campus over three days. Here is a summary of the Homecoming events: Thursday, October 19 Palate: A Taste of Local (sold out) | Cenovus Energy Learning Commons |

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) student Keanna Richards was one of 40 Canadian post-secondary learners who were selected to share their international experiences at CICan on the Hill in Ottawa. Richards, who is a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences student, recently attended the prestigious event alongside Canadian parliamentarians to discuss her participation in the RDP Abroad Biology Experience. This innovative project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Global Skills Opportunity ( GSO), which is administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and Universities Canada. “The Global Skills Opportunity program helps to create life-changing academic, cultural and social opportunities for RDP learners in Biological Sciences and Practical Nursing,” says Werner Beylefeld, Dean of International Education at RDP. “These study abroad experiences highly complement the education, training and applied research opportunities that are available at the Polytechnic.” During three months in Costa Rica, Richards worked as a Research Assistant with the Center for Rescue of Endangered Marine Species ( CREMA). While immersing herself in local culture, Richards conducted research on the relationship between the egg sizes of sea turtles and maternal and hatchling body size. After growing her skills and knowledge about sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, Richards travelled

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has increased its additive manufacturing capacity in the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) with an additional federal investment of $1.07 million through PrairiesCan. The funding increases RDP’s ability to collaborate with industry on health care device development and additive manufacturing. Applied research activity occurs across RDP in many disciplines and the CIM-TAC is the institution’s flagship research centre. The CIM-TAC is a hub for collaborative problem-solving in society and industry, including the creation of healthcare device prototypes for humans and animals. “We thank the federal government for this new funding and for recognizing RDP’s role in spurring technology adoption, increasing productivity and ultimately helping to create the innovations that will improve the lives of Albertans and Canadians,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “With this recent investment, RDP will expand our impact in the manufacturing sector while providing our students with new applied learning and research opportunities.” “Alberta’s post-secondary institutions such as Red Deer Polytechnic are uniquely positioned to lead collaboration between industry and innovators to transform new ideas into reality,” says the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.“Our government’s investment in this Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing will

With two recent investments by the Government of Alberta in skilled trades programming, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will add 360 apprenticeship seats, helping to address labour market demand. On September 25, the Government of Alberta announced $12.4 million in funding to create almost 2,000 new apprenticeship seats across the province. Red Deer Polytechnic received almost $800,000, supporting 138 additional seats for students. This is in addition to the almost $1.3 million that RDP received in June as part of the Apprenticeship Learning Grant (ALG) to support the delivery of instruction for high-demand programs during the Fall 2023 Term. Through the ALG, RDP has added 222 new seats for apprentices. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are grateful for the Government of Alberta’s growing investment in skilled trades programming to help fulfill labour shortages,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “As Alberta’s third largest educator of apprenticeship programming, we are proud to train more than 2,000 apprentices this year, contributing to the economic prosperity of the province.” Red Deer Polytechnic offers diverse apprenticeship programming in 17 skilled trades programs that meet the changing needs of industry and students. With flexible learning options at RDP, apprentices can take courses and