Alumni Legacy Award

First awarded in 2004 in conjunction with the Polytechnic's 40th Anniversary, the Alumni Legacy Award was established as a posthumous recognition to recognize an individual alum's contribution to the community.

Alumni Legacy Award Nomination

It's easy to nominate someone for an alumni award! Visit our online Nomination Form, or alumni [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (subject: Alumni%20Legacy%20Award%20Nomination%20information) (contact us) for more information. The deadline for nominations is August 15, 2023.

Award Recipients

2021 - Gary W. Harris - 1952 - 2020

• Bachelor of Arts, 1971 – 72
• Kings Basketball and Volleyball, 1971
• Gary’s contributions were crucial in Red Deer hosting the 2019 Canada Winter Games, and in the development of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, located on the Red Deer Polytechnic Main Campus and home to the Kings and Queens athletics programs.
• He served Red Deer and Alberta on numerous boards and committees, and his impact will continue to be felt through his generosity and philanthropic initiatives.

2019 - Dawnine "DJ" Jackson (1967 - 2011)

• Recreation Administration 1987
• In her work with the City of Red Deer, the policies and procedures for aquatics that DJ developed established Red Deer's reputation as a leader.
• Through compassionate leadership, dedication to professional development, and a commitment to her team, DJ helped young athletes, lifeguards and others to develop important leadership skills.
• The rippling effect of DJ's contributions continues to impact our region through those she trained and mentored.

2018 - Linda Slaymaker (1957 - 2013)

• Business Administration 1989
• Long time RDC employee
• Linda’s expertise, attention to detail and understanding of the RDC commitment to learners and learning made her a valuable member of the College Team.

2016 - Joe Bower (1978- 2016)

• Bachelor of Education 1998
• Joe was an author, public speaker and tireless advocate for advancing and evolving educational practices.
• He was a passionate educator, cultivating a respectful and caring atmosphere that encouraged each of his students to grow and develop.
• Joe was a social justice and educational warrior who promoted a student-centred teaching philosophy. He had a profound impact on education in Red Deer and a global influence.

2015 - Marlin Styner (1963 - 2014)

• Business Administration 1990

• Marlin was recognized locally, provincially and nationally as an inspirational and effective advocate for many causes, which, of course, included his passion for persons with disabilities.

• He was a sought-after speaker who spoke in places from Vancouver Island to Prince Edward Island, and to staff members at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

• His advocacy for others in situations similar to his own, and for his commitment to ''Universal Design and Barrier Free Access" were among his greatest achievements.

2014 - Tim Guilbault (1954 - 2012)

• BComm 1979
• Tim served three terms as a City Councilor in Red Deer from 1986 until 1995. Tim was known as an advocate for diversity, support for the disabled and increased communications and consultations with the public.
• Tim was an example of energy, community service and was frequently associated with RDP Alumni, serving on the board from 1997-2002.
  
   

2004 -  Phil Rauch (1966 - 2004)

• University Transfer Diploma  Commerce 1986, 1987, and 1989
• The inaugural Alumni Legacy Award was presented in honour of the late Phil Rauch of Red Deer at the 2004 Convocation Ceremonies. Phil is remembered by all those who knew him as someone who made an outstanding commitment to the non-profit sector.
  
   

Scholarship

In the spirit of  commitment to the community, a $750 student award from the Red Deer Polytechnic Alumni Association was established and is given out each year. 

Do you have stories to add about these incredible alumni? Help us continue to share their legacies, alumni [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (subject: Alumni%20Legacy%20Award) (email us).