News

Program exhibits. Hands-on activities. Campus tours. Prizes. And free food. Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) was a buzz of activity on Saturday, October 26, as more than 1,500 future students, family members and community members explored main campus during our fall Open House. Instructors and staff from RDP’s more than 80 industry-relevant programs shared information with future students about the breadth of education, training and applied research opportunities that are part of the unique experiences that they can expect when attending the Polytechnic. Open House guests also enjoyed learning about the Polytechnic through a variety of hands-on demonstrations hosted by our faculty members and staff in classrooms and labs across RDP. Red Deer Polytechnic staff members helped 323 future students as they applied to attend Red Deer Polytechnic in the Winter 2025 or Fall 2025 Terms. Learn more about how to apply to RDP. Lots of information was shared with Open House attendees through presentations, including details about scholarships and funding, as well as a special session to help inform parents and guardians about post-secondary education. Resident assistants and staff provided tours of RDP’s Residence living spaces, while also sharing information about the variety of activities that take place each year

More than 350 central Albertans enjoyed an elegant event at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) on October 24, tempting their tastebuds with a variety of food and beverages from diverse local vendors. Spirits were high as people gathered for RDP’s annual signature event, Palate: A Taste of Local. Palate vendors from across central Alberta offered guests a variety of food items, including sweet, savoury and international dishes. Guests also enjoyed sampling various small batch spirits, craft beer and soda, hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails, and other beverages. Event attendees enjoyed the evening’s experiences which included meeting the chefs, makers, owners and mixologists that bring these food and beverage flavours to life, while networking with RDP alumni and other guests. Attendees also enjoyed live entertainment performed by local Soul, Jazz, Funk, and R&B band, Soul Balm, and viewing art created by the Polytechnic’s Visual Art students. Thank you to the more than 40 vendors who shared their food and beverage offerings with “Palate” attendees. And special thanks to the generous sponsors who supported this event. View the list of vendors and sponsors. Palate: A Taste of Local was held in the Cenovus Energy Learning Common on RDP’s main campus, during the Polytechnic’s 60th

One coach and nine Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) student-athletes have been recognized by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) for their impactful contributions to the Kings and Queens Soccer programs this season. Admir Sarcevic, Kings Soccer Head Coach, has been named the 2024 ACAC Men’s Soccer South Coach of the Year, guiding the team to first place (6-2-2) in the South Division during the regular season. As a reflection of Sarcevic’s exceptional coaching abilities, five Kings have made the 2024 ACAC Men’s Soccer South All-Conference team. Goalkeeper Brian Murray (Open Studies), defenders Njegos Bajovic (Open Studies) and Ibukunoluwa Oyawale (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), and midfielders Ajdin Sarcevic (Business Administration General) and Jaxon Fernandes (Open Studies) have earned spots on the ACAC Men’s Soccer South All-Conference team. Over nine starts, Red Deer’s Murray ranked third in the South Division with a 1.67 goals against average. He recorded five wins in the Kings’ net, including two shutouts. While defenders Bajovic (one goal and three assists) and Oyawale (one goal and one assist) were strong in their own zone, both student-athletes helped quickly transition the ball up the field to ignite the Kings’ potent offence. Both the RDP Kings and SAIT Trojans

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welcomed the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould on Wednesday, October 23, as its latest speaker in the post-secondary institution’s long-running Perspectives: Canada in the World series. Wilson-Raybould is a former Member of Parliament, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. As an accomplished author, she has published three books: From Where I Stand: Rebuilding Indigenous Nations for a Stronger Canada, ‘Indian’ in the Cabinet and True Reconciliation. Her fourth book Reconciling History: A Story of Canada will be released near the end of October 2024. Speaking first to a group of more than 100 students enrolled in various programs at RDP, Wilson-Raybould shared her life experiences as a descendant of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-Kwil-Tach peoples, who are part of the Kwakwaka’wakw, as well as speaking about her journey in Canadian politics. Among topics she shared in her presentation, she inspired the gathered students by sharing ways they can speak up and advocate for constructive change in our society. In the evening, Wilson-Raybould continued to share her insights with almost 400 people, including faculty, staff and students from RDP, as well as citizens from across Alberta. Through her topic “Being an Agent of Change and the

Individuals and organizations who have made lasting contributions to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and the region were celebrated during the post-secondary institution’s 2024 Community Awards, held yesterday. “Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to recognize and celebrate the impact of alumni, partners and community members who contribute to the success of our institution, students and community,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “The individuals and organizations we recognized at the 2024 Community Awards are all outstanding citizens, having also contributed to the economic priorities and social vibrancy of our region and province.” At the 2024 Community Awards Ceremony, the following recipients were honoured: Marty Vellner - G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence This award is given to an individual in recognition of outstanding contribution to Red Deer Polytechnic and the central Alberta community. Through their contributions, this individual exemplifies the values of Mr. G. Harold Dawe, including: commitment to education and student success; leadership, vision, and integrity; and dedication to the community. Marty Vellner is one of central Alberta’s most respected business leaders and community builders. Since 1983, Marty has owned and operated Vellner Leisure Products, a family-centered business founded by his grandfather and father in 1951. Under Marty’s

Red Deer Polytechnic partnered with ReThink Red Deer to host the inaugural Energy Innovation Fair Green Awards Gala, an event recognizing energy innovation across Alberta. The awards night (held Friday, October 18) opened the Energy Innovation Fair, which took place this past Saturday on RDP’s main campus. “Recognizing energy innovation in Alberta is crucial, as it highlights the region’s leadership in sustainable practices and technological advancements,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research at Red Deer Polytechnic. “By promoting energy innovation, RDP contributes to the local economy, addresses global sustainability challenges and establishes itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals for Alberta’s workforce.” The three Energy Innovation Fair Green Awards recognized entrepreneurs, small-medium enterprises and community organizations, with the awards themselves being produced using a laser engraver by team members in the Polytechnic’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC). The Entrepreneur honour was awarded to Savick, which is striving to bridge the gap between farmers' fields and straw-insulated homes. During the past two years, Savick has developed a prefabricated straw panel product, manufactured near Edmonton. The company is addressing various technical and operational challenges to make energy-efficient, carbon-storing and healthy homes

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is ready to welcome prospective students and their families to the post-secondary institution’s Fall 2024 Open House: Saturday, October 26 | 9 am - 1 pm Main campus (100 Donald Boulevard, Red Deer) This interactive event will provide opportunities for attendees to learn more about the Polytechnic’s breadth of industry-relevant programming and student services. “We are excited to welcome high school students, their families and mature learners who are considering a dynamic post-secondary education at Red Deer Polytechnic to our Fall 2024 Open House” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “At RDP, we offer enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities that equip graduates to become leaders in their fields, helping to address labour market demand in Alberta.” In addition, prospective learners can interact with RDP’s faculty and staff to learn more about specific programs. Individuals can attend demonstrations, participate in try-a-trade activities and tour the Polytechnic’s main campus and Residences. There will also be sessions about funding and scholarships, including one specifically for parents. A complimentary lunch will be provided to guests in the FarSide Bar & Grill, beginning at 11 am (while supplies last). With credentials that include degrees, diplomas, certificates

Red Deer Polytechnic is excited to be launching two new Artificial Intelligence programs for fall 2025. Applications are now open for the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Analytics Diploma and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Analytics Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. "By fostering expertise in Artificial Intelligence, we are preparing students to lead in this rapidly advancing field and help shape the future of technology,” says Dr. Robbie J. Halonen, Dean, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing. " These new programs will equip students with the necessary skills to meet the growing demand for expertise in this field and capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Students will gain the skills to develop intelligent systems, drive data-driven decisions and contribute to groundbreaking research and technological innovation in Alberta and beyond." The Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics Diploma provides students with diverse skills to apply AI technology in developing innovative solutions for modern industry challenges. Students will have the opportunity to customize their learning path to align with their career goals by specializing in one of three focus areas: Machine Learning, Business Intelligence or Bioinformatics. The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is designed for professionals who have existing degrees to add to

Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to partner with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) to raise awareness about child abuse this October. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, the CACAC encourages all Albertans to shed light on the pressing issues they encounter daily while promoting education on child abuse and celebrating the resilience of those who have experienced it. “Through the Polytechnic’s partnership with the CACAC, we are advancing efforts to create a safer, more supportive environment for vulnerable children across the region,” says Emile Johnson, Director, Child Advocacy and Resiliency. “The CACAC’s impact on children and families in our community is profound, providing essential support, healing and justice. Together, RDP and CACAC are dedicated to strengthening, education, prevention and response to child abuse and trauma.” In collaboration with RDP Athletics, the CACAC has placed stickers on every third chair of the bleachers in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre to represent 1-in-3 Canadians who have experienced some form of child abuse. Consider coming out and supporting the Kings and Queens throughout the month of October while also checking out this display. The lights of the Gary will also be blue in recognition of Go Blue Month. On Friday, October

As part of its popular Perspectives: Canada in the World speaker series, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is excited to welcome the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould. She will speak at a public event on October 23 at Westerner Park. As a former Member of Parliament, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Wilson-Raybould will discuss Being an Agent of Change and the Nature of Integrity, sharing valuable insights about creating meaningful change and fostering ethical environments. Wilson-Raybould will share her experiences and transformative journey in Canadian politics. She will explore the fundamental changes needed in our political culture and inspire audience members to advocate for change. “This is a marquee event in the Red Deer Polytechnic calendar and for the region,” says Dr. Jonathon Penny, Dean, School of Arts and Education. “We are excited that on the heels of a very successful event in January, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould will come to Red Deer to share her perspective, wisdom and advice on how we can broker positive change with integrity.” For more than two decades, RDP has provided opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members to engage with impactful, national speakers who have included Margaret Atwood, Amanda Lindhout and

At its fifth annual Building on Excellence event, Red Deer Polytechnic celebrated a talented group of apprentices who showcased exceptional knowledge and skills in various Skills competitions over the past year. In 2024, Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices earned one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the Skills Canada Alberta competition. After winning RDP’s fifth straight gold medal at last year’s Skills Canada National competition, Ben Rainforth (Welding) was given the opportunity to compete at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France this year. With the help of Lee Yasinski, Welding Instructor and Skills Coach, Rainforth came home with a bronze medal which is a first for an RDP apprentice. “We were proud to gather as a Polytechnic community with industry partners, alumni and supporters to celebrate the remarkable achievements of RDP apprentices at Skills competitions,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology.” The continued success of our apprentices highlights the expertise and commitment of RDP’s instructors, as well as industry-relevant learning opportunities offered at our institution, which are further strengthened by the support of employers.” Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices consistently rank among the top post-secondary achievers in Alberta and across Canada. Since 2003, the Polytechnic’s apprentices

Red Deer Polytechnic brought practitioners last week to host a sold-out workshop focusing on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Scale Masterclass in collaboration with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC), Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence and the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI). Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur throughout a child’s life, which can have significant and lasting effects on their overall well-being and development. Throughout the workshop, Resilience Reboot: Empowering Minds, Strengthening Spirits, people gained valuable insights and tools from experts, including Red Deer Polytechnic instructors. Attendees learned about resilience through research and evidence-based materials that will help people explore the lifelong impact of resilience on individuals and communities. Dr. Anomi Bearden and Dr. Jamie Prowse-Turner, two RDP Psychology instructors, contributed to the workshop by displaying their research in their field of study. Bearden presented how the use of psychology can lead to positive youth development and promote resilience following childhood trauma while Prowse-Turner spoke on post-secondary students’ procrastination and self-efficacy in relation to Adverse Childhood Experiences. RDP students, Seyi A. Alabi and Jocelyn Wynnychuk, also showcased their applied research at the workshop. Alabi, a Social Work student, presented on turning challenges into opportunities