News

Alicia Cafferata has been recognized by Colleges and Institutes Canada ( CICan ) for her extraordinary contributions to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and innovation communities.   Cafferata, an Applied Research Specialist in RDP’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre ( CIM-TAC ), was named the silver recipient of the Leadership Excellence Award for Non-Managerial Staff.   CICan, of which RDP is a member, presents the Awards of Excellence annually to highlight the role of institutions in social, cultural and economic development.  “I want to congratulate Alicia on receiving this prestigious honour,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research. “She has played a pivotal role in championing our institution in advancing our applied research capacity, enhancing opportunities for students and contributing to the communities we serve. Her leadership in regional innovation and entrepreneurship is outstanding.” Through expertise and persistence, Cafferata has helped the Polytechnic receive several grants and awards that are collectively valued at nearly $5 million. These funds have helped to upgrade technology in the CIM-TAC and grow applied research at RDP, addressing challenges in society and industry.  Since Cafferata began working at RDP in 2008, she has supported students in multi-faceted ways. She has provided learners

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and FortisAlberta have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions by renewing their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an additional five years. The renewal marks the continuation of a productive partnership that leverages both organizations' strengths in innovation and sustainability. Janine Sullivan, President and CEO of FortisAlberta, expressed her enthusiasm for the extended partnership: “When I reflect on Red Deer Polytechnic’s 2030 strategic plan and their focus on energy innovation, it’s clear that our organizations are aligned. We are both community builders with a commitment to learning and we are working towards managing an evolving energy landscape to enable a positive future for Albertans.” Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic, also shared his vision for the partnership's impact: "This renewed agreement between RDP and FortisAlberta extends our collaborative efforts to innovate within the energy sector. Our joint initiatives are set to enhance our campus as a living lab, where new sustainable technologies not only take shape but also lead to practical applications in our communities." The signing demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to push the boundaries of energy innovation and to support energy innovation applied research. This renewed MOU underscores Red Deer Polytechnic’s

Red Deer Polytechnic continues to provide opportunities for students to engage in applied research that advances the economic and social priorities of communities.   Recently, Red Deer Polytechnic hosted the Student Science Conference and Agora Conference which celebrated and shared the research that was conducted by RDP learners.   “As a polytechnic institution, we provide enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities that prepare students for the workforce and meet the needs of industry,” says Chad Flinn, Associate Vice President, Academic. “The Student Science Conference and Agora Conference showcased diverse projects and applied research that was conducted by students in several academic disciplines, complementing their education and helping to create real-world solutions.”  At the two-day Student Science Conference, attendees were able to view a range of posters and discuss the findings with student researchers. Guests also had opportunities to expand their learning by attending formal student presentations on a variety of scientific topics.   In addition, the Student Science Conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Jeff Biernaskie, Professor of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Biernaskie’s research focuses on stem cell biology and tissue regeneration in the skin and brain.  The Agora Conference also provided opportunities for RDP students

Recently, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) hosted a successful Earth Day Open House in the Alternative Energy Lab (AEL), welcoming community members and stakeholders to explore the Polytechnic’s sustainability initiatives. The AEL, which is a component of RDP’s Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), serves as a research, teaching and data hub to increase knowledge about alternative energy technologies. The Earth Day event demonstrated RDP’s commitment to environmental responsibility and its role in advancing renewable energy solutions. "Our participation in Earth Day events is important," says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Applied Research at RDP. "The EIC fosters collaboration between industry partners like FortisAlberta and CBI Solar, and our applied research directly contributes to developing innovative solutions for a more sustainable future." Red Deer Polytechnic’s commitment to this avenue of applied research is evidenced by the nearly 4,200 solar panels installed on main campus. The panels, along with a combined heat and power unit, generate 60 per cent of the Polytechnic’s power. A lab scale geothermal unit is operational in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre for research and demonstration purposes. Red Deer Polytechnic also hosts a battery storage system and has plans to install two heat pumps soon. In

Red Deer Polytechnic has become the first post-secondary institution in Alberta to offer an accelerated pathway for health care professionals to complete the Practical Nurse Diploma program. This program is designed for internationally educated nurses or internationally trained health care professionals and Canadian health care professionals interested in completing the Practical Nurse program at an accelerated pace. Applicants must have earned a domestic or international health care credential within the past 10 years. Through a variety of evaluation tools, applicants may receive prior learning credit toward courses in the first year of the two-year diploma, potentially reducing the duration of the program in half. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are extremely proud to be a leader among post-secondary institutions in providing an accelerated Practical Nurse pathway for health care professionals,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “This program demonstrates the commitment from RDP to align learner-centric programming with industrial and societal needs, helping to fulfill labour market demand within the health care sector.” Students can demonstrate prior learning and competencies in first-year Practical Nurse courses that include Anatomy and Pharmacology by completing individual assessments, such as case studies, exams and presentations. “This accelerated Practical Nurse Diploma program

Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Hockey goaltender Arik Weersink (Kinesiology and Sports Studies) has created a lasting impact on and off the ice. At the start of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season, Weersink committed to donating a dollar for every save he made during the regular season to the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind (ASRAB). ASRAB is a not-for-profit organization that provides sports and recreation opportunities for blind and partially sighted Albertans to promote physical and mental wellness. The fifth-year goaltender made 265 saves in 11 games played during the regular season while steering aside 141 in the playoffs and leading the Kings to back-to-back championships and their 10th gold medal in program history. On top of his personal donation, the Logan Boulet Inclusive Education Fund supported Weersink with a 50-cent donation per save during the season, bringing the total gift to more than $600. Dustin Butterfield, ASRAB’s Director of Competitive Sport, explained this donation will make an impact on and off the ice. “This donation will go towards ice time and is almost enough for two practices. This contribution also helps to lower participant fees which keeps the parasport of Blind Hockey accessible.” Butterfield added

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) have partnered with HelpSeeker Technologies to release a new report that looks at the current state of child wellbeing within central Alberta. The 2024 State of Child Wellbeing in Central Alberta Report explores child welfare in central Alberta, including maltreatment trends, family violence, community characteristics and data-driven insights. “The goal of the report is twofold: one we want to highlight the specific needs of vulnerable children, families and communities focusing on qualitive data related to socioeconomic factors,” comments Dr. Alina Turner, CEO, HelpSeeker. “The second is to use offer informed recommendations that align with evidence-based best practice and foster community responsibility for children’s rights, well-being, and safety.” The report looks at national and provincial trends, along with central Alberta community trends. A key dataset of the report came from the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, where researchers looked at data collected from February 2020 to August 2023. Based on the analysis of several data points three priority recommendations have been highlighted, including: Schools and health and community-based support should be involved much earlier in prevention. Ensure that various communities are engaged in coordinated efforts that support their unique

In a significant act of generosity and commitment to education, Zainul & Shazma Holdings Ltd (ZS Holdings) has pledged $50,000 to establish the ZS Holdings 50th Anniversary International Student-Athlete Success Fund at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). This donation marks a new chapter in the longstanding partnership between ZS Holdings and RDP, specifically aimed at supporting the bright futures of international student-athletes. Fifty years ago, founders Afzal and Gulzar embarked on a journey from Tanzania to Canada, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful family-run business encompassing seven hotels and two restaurants across Alberta. Inspired by their parents' entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, daughters Zainul and Shazma have continued to build on this legacy through ZS Holdings, a testament to the family’s dedication to community development and support. This generous donation from the Rajan family, through ZS Holdings, celebrates Afzal’s own journey to Canada and his family’s desire to give back to the community that has supported them. During the next five years, the ZS Holdings 50th Anniversary International Student-Athlete Success Fund will provide scholarships for international student-athletes at RDP, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed both in their studies and in their respective sports within the Alberta

One hundred ninety student-athletes. Thirty-six coaches. Ten student-trainers. One night to cap off an incredible 2023/2024 athletics season at Red Deer Polytechnic where three championship banners were hung in the rafters inside the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Tonight, Red Deer Polytechnic held its annual Athletics Banquet which highlighted the academic and athletic achievements of student-athletes, along with the support from coaches, student-trainers, staff, sponsors and donors throughout the 2023/2024 season. Multiple awards were given out, including the Allan Ferchuk Leadership Award, Red Deer Bottling Male and Female Athletes of the Year and Team Awards (Coaches, Most Improved, Most Valuable and Rookie of the Year). Randy Stewart, Manager of Athletics and Student Life, explained that this event is a yearly reminder of what makes coming to the office every day so rewarding. “It’s one of the most enjoyable evenings of the year as we celebrate all of the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of so many people. This event not only provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes and coaches, but we also get to recognize our donors, sponsors, medical network, minor officials, volunteers and so many more that make RDP Athletics the incredible success that

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Griffith as the Director of Government Relations and Institutional Engagement. This highly strategic and collaborative position will lead RDP’s relations with all levels of government and facilitate strategic engagement and projects involving the President’s office. “I am excited to welcome Ms. Griffith to the Red Deer Polytechnic Leadership Team,” comments Stuart Cullum, President. “With her extensive experience in government, healthcare and post-secondary, Ms. Griffith will bring a valued strategic focus to this very important role. With the launch of our new Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact, we have important work ahead of us, and it is imperative that our engagement across the institution and our relations with government are both well supported.” Ms. Griffith previously held the role of Senior Advisor, Communications & Engagement within the President’s office and Manager, Academic Executive Operations within the VP Academic and Student Experience office at RDP. Prior to joining RDP, Ms. Griffith held several Chief of Staff positions with both the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments, served as Director of Strategic Operations, Community Engagement & Communications for Alberta Health Services and Executive Director, Office of the Provost at the University of

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to welcome Emile Johnson as our new Director, Resiliency & Child Advocacy Research. This important role will lead the growth of RDP’s applied research program in resiliency and child advocacy that focuses on integrated practice and harnessing the power of data analytics to advance new best practices that will shape the future of child advocacy. “Integrated practice involves the seamless coordination of various disciplines such as Psychology, Social Work, Education, Justice Studies and Healthcare to create holistic solutions that cater to the diverse needs of our vulnerable population,” comments Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research. “By working with key partners like the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, our researchers can analyze vast datasets and derive meaningful insights to inform evidence-based interventions.” The Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence, home to the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, several Alberta Health Services supports and programs, and The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre is located at Red Deer Polytechnic. The new Centre is an excellent example of integrated practice, where our most vulnerable children can access multiple supports and services in one building. Having the Centre located at RDP provides enhanced applied research and work-integrated learning

SUNDRE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) have signed an agreement that will benefit nursing students, nursing staff and healthcare as a whole. Under the agreement, AHS nurses can take on RDP clinical instructor placements on a temporary basis when RDP is unable to recruit a qualified instructor. This joint appointment fills RDP’s need for instructors while students are completing their placements and, at the same time, enables AHS to preserve its valuable and experienced nurses. “There is significant demand for registered nurses across the province and the Government of Alberta has responded with an investment for more post-secondary spaces to teach them,” says Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health and MLA for Red Deer North. “Through collaboration between AHS and RDP, more instructors become available, more nursing students from rural areas can learn in their home communities, and more nurses graduate to provide care at sites across the province. We are grateful for the innovation of these partners in providing sustainable healthcare solutions.” RDP has created 192 more spaces in its nursing program through 2022-2025 as part of the Government of Alberta’s investment in more seats for post-secondary programs across the province. The Myron Thompson Health