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Meet Rys-Ann (she/her), a proud graduate of the Social Work Program in 2020. Rys-Ann is from Jamaica, where she lived for 17 years. She then migrated to Canada in 2014 to attend �԰ɵ���. "When I hear Black Excellence, I think about achievements by people of colour being highlighted and negative stereotypes being challenged. Black Excellence speaks volumes and represents the triumph and talents of people of colour. One prominently defining moment in Black History that I am proud of is the establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the early 1800s in the USA. Historically, people of colour were denied admission into post-secondary institutions. So, these Black Colleges allowed people of colour to be in safe/welcoming spaces while having minds nurtured and educated by people who shared the same experiences. When I think about this accomplishment, I am reminded of the courageousness in pursuing social justice and the right to education with the resilience to overcome racial injustices. I have experienced barriers of racism and discrimination in my journey. Despite that, I continue to be proud of who I am and what I have accomplished by earning my place in Social Work. My commitment is to walk

�԰ɵ��� (�԰ɵ���) proudly hosted Canadian icon Chris Hadfield as the 30th speaker of its prestigious Perspectives: Canada in the World speaker series. The sold-out event marked the first signature event celebrating �԰ɵ���’s 60th Anniversary. “ Perspectives: Canada in the World provides us an opportunity to encourage dialogue within �԰ɵ��� and the community about current events and the world around us,” says Dr. Jeff Wigelsworth, History Instructor and Chair of �԰ɵ���’s Perspectives: Canada in the World Organizing Committee. “Through Perspectives, Colonel Hadfield shared his unique experiences and expertise, sparking intellectual curiosity and complementing programming at �԰ɵ���.” Hadfield drew from his experience as a pilot, astronaut and as the First Canadian Commander of the International Space Station to explain how to best prepare for the unexpected and manage through complexity and change. “Having the opportunity to listen to, and learn from, someone as highly regarded as Colonel Hadfield is inspiring,” says Jalynn Chilibeck Vice President External, Students’ Association of �԰ɵ���. “It is not every day that we can meet someone who has gone to the most dangerous place that humans can reach, doing something that very few others have done. Colonel Hadfield is proof that following

On behalf of the �԰ɵ��� community, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jack Donald. Jack was a true champion and friend of �԰ɵ���. His commitment to our community was deeply felt at �԰ɵ��� through his many contributions and his focus on ensuring an exceptional higher education experience for students in central Alberta. Jack served as member of the Red Deer College Board of Governors from 1979-1982, and as a member of the Volunteer Campaign Cabinet for the College’s Building Communities Through Learning Campaign from 2006-2010. A true entrepreneurial spirit, Jack spent countless hours engaging with our students and faculty, sharing his wisdom as both a mentor and guest speaker. Jack and wife, Joan, remained ardent supporters of �԰ɵ��� since its inception, and could often be seen attending events and providing their support to initiatives here at �԰ɵ���. The Donalds are always among the first to step forward with their generosity and active participation because they believe in the power of education, and because they believe in our students and the immense impact that students have on the world around them. Indeed, Jack and Joan together have created a

The �԰ɵ��� community offers our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Dawe upon the news of his passing last week. Michael and the Dawe family have a long-standing connection to �԰ɵ��� (�԰ɵ���), dating back to the institution’s formation in the 1960s. His father, G. Harold Dawe played an instrumental role in establishing �԰ɵ���’s pre-cursor, Red Deer Junior College, and championed the building of the main campus on 32 Avenue in 1967. At the �԰ɵ��� Community Awards this October, Michael joined us in celebrating exemplary partners of our Polytechnic and presented the G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence. Michael himself was a prominent and proud alum, having studied in the Bachelor of Arts program at Red Deer College from 1974 - 1975 before attending the University of Alberta to earn his degree in History and Economics. He was the inaugural recipient of �԰ɵ���’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1997. Over the years, he spent countless hours on our campus, particularly in our Library. Michael’s unyielding commitment to Red Deer and central Alberta, as an archivist, historian, volunteer and community leader will be sorely missed. He was a strong supporter of the region’s education system through

�԰ɵ��� is pleased to announce the launch of our new 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact. The seven-year plan provides clear direction and ambitious goals that will see the institution continue to transform into a provincially focused, nationally recognized, and globally relevant polytechnic. “Our plan is bold and ambitious,” comments Stuart Cullum, President. “Building on our 60-year foundation of education, training, applied research and service to central Alberta, our new strategic plan provides the blueprint for us to become the polytechnic that Alberta and Canada needs. A polytechnic that is focused on the economic and social interests of our province, and is committed to creating innovation ecosystems where learners, industry, community partners, and cross-disciplinary experts can come together to solve challenges and seize opportunities for positive social and economic impact.” The creation of the 2030 Strategic Plan included extensive internal and external consultation with faculty, staff, industry, and community partners and is centered around seven strategic drivers. Strategic Driver #1 Learner Impact: Sustainably grow enrolment by 50 per cent while creating an inclusive culture where learners engage in unique polytechnic experiences that lead to meaningful employment and positive social impact. Strategic Driver #2 Program Mix & Delivery

�԰ɵ��� (�԰ɵ���) is pleased to welcome Doug Mackie as the institution’s new Director of Risk, Privacy and Legal Services. “We are thrilled to welcome Doug to our institution,” says Jim Brinkhurst, Vice President of Finance and Administration & CFO at �԰ɵ���. “Doug's extensive experience in risk management, security, safety, and emergency management, paired with his educational background, makes him an ideal fit for this role. His expertise will contribute significantly to the development and implementation of comprehensive risk management strategies at our institution.” Mr. Mackie joins �԰ɵ��� from the University of Lethbridge, where he served as the Executive Director of Campus Safety. In his previous role at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights as a Security Analyst, Mr. Mackie conducted an enterprise-wide, harmonized Risk and Threat Assessment, leading to the creation of a risk/security management framework. His diverse and comprehensive background in risk management will be invaluable in his new role at �԰ɵ���. Mr. Mackie’s career highlights include obtaining a Security Management Diploma from the University of Alberta, achieving Canadian Risk Management (CRM) and Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designations. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in executive leadership at Royal Roads University. Mr. Mackie began

Red Deer Emergency Services and �԰ɵ��� have partnered to provide third-party testing of the Firefighter Applicant Physical Test, which is a critical requirement all aspiring Firemedics must successfully pass before getting hired. With this new initiative, individuals aspiring to join Emergency Services Firemedic team can now complete the rigorous testing locally, simplifying the interview process. Previously, applicants had to go to the University of Alberta to complete onsite physical testing. “This partnership is an excellent example of collaborating to improve local services,” says Chief Ken McMullen, Red Deer Emergency Services. “By working together to provide this testing, we are empowering our peer fitness trainers to be actively involved and are making the process more convenient for candidates.” The Firefighter Applicant Physical Test includes seven stations candidates, each with specified time constraints. These stations include a cardiovascular fitness test, equipment carrying, hose drag, sled pull, forceable entry, victim rescue and a ladder climb. Applicants must wear a 45 pound weighted vest while completing the stations, excluding the cardiovascular test. “The test is incredibly challenging, but it is crucial that our first responders possess the physical capabilities necessary to safely evacuate victims in any emergency situation,” says Chief McMullen. While

�԰ɵ��� (�԰ɵ���) is proud to be listed as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Polytechnics and Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. Ranked 43 overall, �԰ɵ��� was also ranked fourth for completed research projects, 19th for research partnerships and 17th for paid student researchers. “To be recognized across Canada for our multi-disciplinary applied research is an honour and it reflects �԰ɵ���’s commitment to advancing our research capacity,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research. “We are excited to continue growing our partnerships and solving challenges for industry and the community. By aligning our teaching, learning and applied research with Alberta’s key economic and social priorities, we make a significant impact in the province and beyond.” In 2022, �԰ɵ��� attracted more than $2 million in applied research investment. Home to the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) and Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), �԰ɵ��� is a leader in advanced manufacturing and energy innovation applied research. The CIM-TAC, which houses $7.6 million in prototype and advanced manufacturing equipment, completed 64 projects for 57 companies and had more than 1,300 engagements with business and industry partners in 2022. �԰ɵ��� students, faculty and staff also engage in multi-disciplinary

Through several recent initiatives, the �԰ɵ��� (�԰ɵ���) community continues to support students in diverse and impactful ways. The Polytechnic has launched its second annual Sweaters for Scholarships campaign to support student scholarships. Donations that are made to this festive campaign will help to ease students’ financial constraints as they pursue their personal and professional aspirations. While supporters can contribute to student awards and scholarships throughout the year, the Sweaters for Scholarships campaign will conclude on December 15, which is National Ugly Sweater Day. For every $10 donation to the Sweaters for Scholarships campaign, individuals will receive an entry into a draw for one-of-five custom made �԰ɵ��� holiday sweaters which were created by �԰ɵ��� alum owned Slash Sports. “Through the generosity of our alumni, partners, employees and members of our communities, �԰ɵ��� offers more than $1 million in awards and scholarships to students annually,” says Richard Longtin, Associate Vice President, External Relations. “These contributions help to educate and train the workforce, addressing labour market demand and contributing to the economic growth of Alberta.” At its recent Annual General Meeting, the �԰ɵ��� Alumni Association presented $10,000 to the Students’ Association (SA) of �԰ɵ��� Student Food Bank

�԰ɵ��� 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 �԰ɵ���’s vision of expanding the scope and impact of �԰ɵ���’s research in central Alberta and beyond. As a Polytechnic, �԰ɵ���’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 �԰ɵ��� to actively pursue and hold grants in areas such as science, engineering, health, and social sciences. This will continue to support �԰ɵ���’s pillars in Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Clinical Psychology, Social Innovation, and Energy and Environmental Sciences. CIHR Eligibility increases �԰ɵ���’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, �԰ɵ��� celebrated a talented group of apprentices who demonstrated high-level knowledge and superb abilities at Skills competitions during the past year. In 2023, �԰ɵ��� 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 �԰ɵ��� 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 �԰ɵ��� 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 �԰ɵ���’s instructors and the quality, industry-relevant learning opportunities that are available at our institution and are complemented by employers.” �԰ɵ��� 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 �԰ɵ��� (�԰ɵ���) 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 �԰ɵ���'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 �԰ɵ��� campus, one in rural Innisfail and one at the Fortis facility in High River. The recent installation of an eGauge at Lacombe