Education
RDC Alumni Association celebrates 30 years of connections
Celebrating 30 years of connections through the Red Deer College Alumni Association
Red Deer, October 29, 2018 – In 1988, a handful of graduates started the Red Deer College Alumni Association and now, 30 years later, the volunteer-led organization continues to support current students and connect thousands of alumni.
“All of us on the Alumni Board were once students at Red Deer College, so we have a great appreciation for RDC and for the positive impacts it’s had on our lives,” says Scott Hucal, Alumni Association Chair, who took the Business Administration program. “We have more than 70,000 alumni from RDC, and people have a great sense of pride in attending and a real sense of connection with this College, which was often the starting place for their careers.”
Membership in the RDC Alumni Association is automatic for students who have completed 30 credits, finished a trades program or completed a portion of it at RDC and degree program students who transferred to complete their program.
The Alumni Association has seen continued growth in active membership since it was first founded, and the ever-increasing group of alumni provides networking, partnerships and friendships that are rooted in the RDC experience. In addition to connecting and providing opportunities for past students, the non-profit organization also supports current College students.
“We strongly believe in supporting students, and we host a variety of fundraisers each year, with the proceeds going toward student scholarships,” Hucal says. In 2018, the Association hosted events such as the Fine Wine and Food Festival and the Perspectives: Canada in the World speaker series, featuring Dr. Tim Cook, with funds raised going towards student scholarships and bursaries.
While supporting student goals financially, relationship building is another important element for members of the Alumni Association. Through mentorship, fostering relationships with students and providing opportunities for reconnections, RDC alumni are the College’s greatest ambassadors, instilling a sense of pride and building community.
“As a College, we are very proud of our alumni and the contributions that they have made as leaders and innovators in communities near and far,” says Dr. Paulette Hanna, Vice President Academic. “It’s incredible to consider the number of people whose lives have been positively impacted by our alumni, and this will continue to grow exponentially in the future.”
To help alumni stay connected with RDC, the Alumni Association invites all past students to its Annual General Meeting at 5:30 p.m. (call to order) on November 1, 2018. Complete details are available on RDC’s website.
Just when we thought our smiles couldn’t get any bigger – they did! And we have the Red Deer community to thank for their overwhelming support.
We are so excited to share the total from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this past spring…and it’s very impressive. In fact, it’s an all-time record, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Over the long-week campaign held April 28-May 4, Red Deerians indulged in a lot of cookies – $80,773 worth! These funds will go directly to helping struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.
Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence, and love for reading. Students leave the program with stronger reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for success in school and life. Now in its 14th year, 1,000 students have graduated from Reading College.
“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community and the partnership with Tim Hortons,” said Kristine Plastow, Board Chair for The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “These dollars directly impact kids who need extra support to become confident readers. The difference this program makes is life-changing.”
Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer, said it’s incredible to see what can happen when a community comes together. The simple act of purchasing a cookie by so many amazing guests, makes a huge difference for young students right here in Red Deer.
“This record-breaking year shows how much our guests care. We are so pleased to support Reading College and help give students the tools they need to thrive,” she said.
When you meet Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at GH Dawe School, it’s clear why he’s been chosen to represent youth across Alberta. Brayden is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.
The award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community, and was presented earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala. As part of the honour, Brayden will now serve as a youth ambassador, helping to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.
“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year,” said Brayden. “I am looking forward to helping out in the community.”
Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.
With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.
Born with clubfoot, Brayden has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.
Brayden was nominated by GH Dawe School Counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.
She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Brayden is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff. “He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back.”
GH Dawe School is part of Alberta’s Integrated School Support Program – a child wellness initiative aimed at improving academic performance and the overall well-being of students. The program supports schools like GH Dawe with services to meet the diverse needs of students and families.
As he takes on his role as a provincial ambassador, Brayden continues to be a role model for his peers and a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support.
How Chinese State-Linked Networks Replaced the Medellín Model with Global Logistics and Political Protection
New RCMP program steering opioid addicted towards treatment and recovery
We need an immigration policy that will serve all Canadians
EU investigates major pornographic site over failure to protect children
-
conflict2 days ago“Evacuate”: Netanyahu Warns Tehran as Israel Expands Strikes on Iran’s Military Command
-
Energy2 days agoKananaskis G7 meeting the right setting for U.S. and Canada to reassert energy ties
-
Business2 days agoCarney’s Honeymoon Phase Enters a ‘Make-or-Break’ Week
-
Energy2 days agoCould the G7 Summit in Alberta be a historic moment for Canadian energy?
-
Aristotle Foundation2 days agoThe Canadian Medical Association’s inexplicable stance on pediatric gender medicine
-
Alberta2 days agoAlberta announces citizens will have to pay for their COVID shots
-
conflict2 days agoIsrael bombs Iranian state TV while live on air
-
Bruce Dowbiggin2 days agoWOKE NBA Stars Seems Natural For CDN Advertisers. Why Won’t They Bite?