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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

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to recognize and celebrate its culture of creative activity and research by hosting the Third Annual Research Showcase . “The Research Showcase demonstrated the innovative research that is initiated by students, faculty and staff from a variety of disciplines across our institution, providing significant impact for learners, RDP and communities across Alberta,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “As a polytechnic institution, we are committed to growing our scholarly and applied research capacity to solve real-world challenges.” This year, the Polytechnic’s Research Showcase featured 53 poster displays and presentations about diverse subjects. Two concurrent sessions, which included topics in science, technology, humanities and skilled trades, enhanced the experiences of attendees. Dr. Anomi Bearden, RDP Psychology instructor, was the keynote speaker. She shared her research about how applying social and positive psychology promotes well-being. Dr. Bearden also spoke about the benefits of collaborative applied research for a range of partners, which includes promoting work-integrated learning and future opportunities for students. “RDP's Research Showcase is invaluable to students, providing opportunities to explore many paths of academia. It allows students to enhance their communication skills as they present their findings to an engaged audience,” says

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to announce Chad Flinn is the institution’s new Associate Vice President, Academic (AVPA). Bringing a wealth of experience in education, research and administration, Mr. Flinn is an excellent addition to the Polytechnic’s leadership team. In this role, Mr. Flinn will play a key part in promoting teaching excellence and academic integrity across RDP. He will lead efforts in program expansion, quality assurance and the enhancement of learning and teaching standards. His responsibilities include guiding the Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) department and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Scholarship (CTLS). “Mr. Flinn’s extensive experience and innovative approach to education make him the ideal candidate to help us continue to evolve and meet the needs of our students and the community,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “His proven leadership and commitment to Indigenization, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion, align well with our strategic goals and the type of institution we strive to be.” “I am deeply honoured and excited to join the Red Deer Polytechnic team. Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about creating an environment where every student can thrive, innovate, and contribute to our

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to welcome Cristal Glass-Painchaud to the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Executive Director of People & Culture. An experienced and thoughtful human resources leader, Ms. Glass-Painchaud brings over 25 years of experience as an educator, post-secondary leader, and human resources (HR) professional. “We are very pleased to have Ms. Glass-Painchaud join the Red Deer Polytechnic team. Her experience as an HR executive within higher education and her emphasis on diversity and collaboration in the workplace will make her a valuable addition to RDP,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. “An advocate for the polytechnic model of experiential education, innovative learning methods and spaces, and a believer in the power of lifelong learning, Ms. Glass-Painchaud will play a key role leading our dedicated People & Culture team and advancing the implementation of our 2030 Strategic Plan – in particular, Strategic Driver #7: Employer of Choice.” Ms. Glass-Painchaud joins RDP from CGP HR Services where she was Principal Consultant. Prior to that she held the role of Associate Vice President, Human Resource at Royal Roads University, as well as senior administration and faculty positions at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She holds a BEd from the University

Recently, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provided 55 high school students in central Alberta with an opportunity to explore careers in skilled trades at the World of Choices Summit . At the event, the high school students learned about careers in Carpentry, Heavy Equipment Technician and Welding through interactive activities and discussions with career mentors. Through these initiatives, students were able to better identify the skills, knowledge and post-secondary pathways that they need to enter the workforce as skilled trades professionals. “The World of Choices Summit is a great opportunity to showcase Red Deer Polytechnic’s dynamic programming and facilities while helping youth to prepare for the future,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “We are proud to offer more than 80 industry-relevant programs in a variety of credentials, including 17 apprenticeships, that prepare students for rewarding careers and help to meet Alberta’s labour market demand.” The World of Choices Summit is held as part of the Explore Trades and Technologies program , a one-year national program delivered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Canada and funded by the RBC Foundation. Through the program, 20 summits will be held across the country from