Red Deer College celebrates contributions of retiring Vice President, Michael Donlevy

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6 years ago

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From Red Deer College

Red Deer College celebrates contributions of retiring Vice President, Michael Donlevy

After close to two decades of contributing to the success of learners through his leadership in fund development at Red Deer College, Michael Donlevy, Vice President of Business Development, will be retiring in June.

Donlevy was first introduced to the College through his volunteer efforts as a Campaign Cabinet member, fundraising to build the College’s Library Information Common which opened in 2001. It was through his involvement and strong belief in this initiative that Donlevy realized his desire to be part of RDC’s future successes in a more formal role.

Michael Donlevy has been a member of RDC’s executive team since 2001. During his time at the College, supported by a solid team of colleagues, he has proudly led two ambitious fundraising campaigns for major capital projects and scholarships to support RDC’s students and programs. He also played a leadership role in building and growing a variety of annual successful events, including RDC’s Kings & Queens Scholarship Breakfast, Golf Classic, and Perspectives: Canada in the World speakers’ series, among others.

Key to Donlevy’s success during his tenure has been his knack for building and maintaining meaningful relationships with new and existing donors, sponsors and partners who support the College’s students.

“With the completion of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, our institution’s transition to a university and the forthcoming appointment of a new President, the time is opportune for me to move to a new and exciting next chapter,” says Michael Donlevy, Vice President, Business Development.

“The experiences I’ve enjoyed during almost 20 years of working with an amazing group of senior administration colleagues, staff and faculty, being part of helping learners achieve their educational goals, has been a true privilege. But also so memorable and humbling, has been the opportunity to engage donors, alumni, partners, sponsors, volunteers and community members. They showed me time and again, their own passion for RDC, their commitment to our students and in many instances, the true meaning of generosity and philanthropy.”

Donlevy’s leadership has resulted in approximately $60 million raised for Red Deer College through philanthropic gifts and sponsorship investments. In addition, more than $1 million in scholarships are now awarded to RDC students each year, thanks to significant growth in endowments provided by the College’s many generous donors.

Among his more recent accomplishments, Donlevy is proud to have established and nurtured new partnerships that contribute to RDC’s Alternative Energy Strategy. Through a variety of energy- efficient initiatives, RDC’s goal is to become a net zero institution, producing all the energy RDC’s main campus will require to power its buildings and infrastructure from sustainable sources.

“Michael is a valued colleague and has served the College and our community well in his leadership role. I appreciate Michael’s vast contributions and tireless efforts to help shape RDC to be the vibrant post-secondary institution it is today, ensuring our students’ achieve success in their studies and in their lives,” says Joel Ward, RDC President & CEO.

Donlevy will retire from RDC effective June 30, 2019. As a passionate volunteer outside RDC already, serving as Chair of organizations such as the Alberta Jubilee Auditoria Society, Westerner Park, Kiwanis Club of Red Deer, and the Red Deer Festival of Trees Sponsorship Committee, Donlevy will continue to place his valuable mark on our region for many years to come. He is looking forward to a change in pace, however, to enjoy more time with his wife Robin and their family, to explore other professional challenges that may present themselves, as well as his unrelenting pursuit of golf.

A reception celebrating Donlevy’s contributions to the College will be held this spring, with details to be announced later.

Related Topics:feature Michael Donlevy RDC

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Our sweetest success yet: Smile Cookie Campaign breaks record

Published on June 11, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

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.

Red Deer

Red Deer Student honoured with Chief Youth Courage Award

Published on June 10, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

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.”

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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.