Education
Red Deer Polytechnic recognizes achievements of graduates at 2023 Convocation
Friday, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) celebrated the Class of 2023 with families, community members and employees attending its 59th Convocation Ceremonies.
“Convocation is the most important day of the academic year, when we come together as a community to celebrate our graduates and all they have achieved,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “I congratulate the Class of 2023 and wish them every success as they start the next chapter of their lives.”
More than 620 of 1,470 eligible RDP graduates from 2023 attended the ceremonies in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Little Buffalo Drum Group welcomed the graduates into The Fas Gas – On The Run Gymnasium with an Indigenous Grand Entry Song, which was performed to acknowledge and celebrate significant achievements in life.
This year is the first graduating classes of RDP’s Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Business Certificate, Business Diploma, Business Certificate Skywings and Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film, Theatre, and Live Entertainment – Film Production.
Brittany Parker received the Governor General’s Academic Medal (Collegiate Bronze Level), achieving the highest academic standing among all graduates from Red Deer Polytechnic’s diploma-level programs. Parker completed an Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma, earning seven grades of A+ and a GPA of 4.0 during the 2022/2023 academic year.
“To earn the Governor General’s Academic Medal takes hard work, commitment and effective time management,” says Dr. Paulette Hanna, Interim Vice President Academic. “Brittany has demonstrated these important skills throughout her time at Red Deer Polytechnic and we are very proud of her accomplishments. We wish Brittany well as she embarks on her career.”
Parker and the entire Class of 2023 now join an esteemed group of more than 80,000 RDP alumni who are key contributors to industry and communities.
This year, Red Deer Polytechnic granted Honorary Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degrees to both Dr. James Barmby and Dr. Russell Schnell for providing meaningful impact in Alberta and around the world. They were formally acknowledged at the Convocation Ceremonies.
Dr. Barmby is a respected post-secondary educator and leader who has made significant contributions provincially and nationally. His expertise and advocacy for higher learning have contributed to student success for almost 40 years. Along with his ongoing community involvement, Dr. Barmby is currently Co-chair of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Higher Education and Skills. Dr. Barmby, who was an Art and Design student at the Polytechnic, transferred to university before completing the program. At Convocation, he was also granted a Visual Art Diploma.
Dr. Schnell was recognized for his global contributions to environmental sciences. He was a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that was a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Dr. Schnell discovered biological ice nuclei, which are effective initiators of natural precipitation, while working on the Alberta Hail Project. In recent years, he has built Little Free Libraries out of recycled materials and donated them to communities in Alberta and around the world to inspire youth.
Dr. Barmby and Dr. Schnell join a prestigious group of nine other individuals who have also received Honorary Degrees from Red Deer Polytechnic. The Polytechnic first began bestowing this honour in 2014.
More details about RDP’s 59th Convocation, the institution’s second as Red Deer Polytechnic, are available at: rdpolytech.ca/convocation.
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
Conservatives slam Liberal bill to allow police to search through Canadians’ mail
-
Business2 days agoEU investigates major pornographic site over failure to protect children
-
Canadian Energy Centre2 days agoCross-Canada economic benefits of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline project
-
Economy2 days agoCarney’s Promise of Expediting Resource Projects Feels Like a Modern Version of the Wicked Stepmother from Disney’s Cinderella
-
Alberta2 days agoAlbertans need clarity on prime minister’s incoherent energy policy
-
conflict13 hours ago“Evacuate”: Netanyahu Warns Tehran as Israel Expands Strikes on Iran’s Military Command
-
Energy13 hours agoCould the G7 Summit in Alberta be a historic moment for Canadian energy?
-
Crime2 days agoManhunt on for suspect in shooting deaths of Minnesota House speaker, husband
-
Alberta1 day agoAlberta’s grand bargain with Canada includes a new pipeline to Prince Rupert