The Kings and Queens Survive!!

From Red Deer College

Kings and Queens will remain names for RDU Athletics teams

When Red Deer College announced its intention to change the names of the Kings and Queens Athletics teams when it becomes Red Deer University, the community spoke up. More than 1,000 people provided their feedback through RDC’s online survey, direct emails and other means, demonstrating their passion that the names represent both the College’s history and the future of Red Deer University.

Based on the positive feedback in support of student-athletes, Athletic teams and alumni, RDC will keep the Kings and Queens names for its teams when it evolves to be Red Deer University.

“For everyone who shared your positive feedback and your support of our extensive Athletics community, thank you. We have heard you,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, RDC President. “Reflecting on this process, we recognize that we needed to reach out to you sooner for your feedback on what Red Deer University Athletics should look like, before deciding that we would change the names. We’re sorry for initially overlooking that step.”

With the College making the decision to keep the RDU Kings and Queens names to represent its student-athletes and teams in the future, the February 11 community consultation sessions have been cancelled. People who registered for these sessions will be notified.

RDC’s student-athletes have created a strong legacy of excellence in competition, the classroom and making an impact in surrounding communities through coaching, volunteering and more. The College is committed to maintaining the Kings and Queens legacy as it becomes Red Deer University. In support of its student-athletes, RDC appreciates the community’s commitment to post-secondary athletics in this region, by people attending games, volunteering or giving back in other ways.

There is one more important issue Red Deer College must address regarding the feedback received during the past few weeks about renaming RDC Athletics.

“It’s very important that people understand our decision to keep the names is based on the extensive positive feedback, and that the hate that was expressed by a portion of people – particularly on social media – does not align with the core values of our institution in any way,” Nunoda says. “It was never our intention to start this type of negative conversation, and we acknowledge that a number of people were impacted and hurt on a personal, organizational and community level. Inclusiveness is and will continue to be one of our values, and we stand behind that.”

Looking to the future, RDC will develop a foundational strategy on what inclusiveness and equity looks like within our institution. This will be modelled on best practices with human equity strategies, and adapted for the specific and unique needs of students, faculty, staff and stakeholders that make up the post-secondary community.

Up Next

Organization closing in on a half million dollars in donations, 1 woman at a time!

Don't Miss

UPDATE: Alert citizen ID’s suspected bank robber and RCMP say they have their man

Duane Rolheiser

After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

Follow Author

Cancer cure experiences

ESG / 1 week ago

Can’t afford Rent? Groceries for your kids? Trudeau says suck it up and pay the tax!

armed forces / 3 weeks ago

Hunter Brothers “In Flanders Fields”

Alberta

Hells Angels member arrested with handgun in Red Deer

Published on November 27, 2024

Todayville

A member of the Hells Angels Alberta Nomads chapter is facing charges after being found in possession of a handgun.

Owen Czech was arrested by ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team on November 13, 2024 in Red Deer. The 55-year-old outlaw biker was found in possession of a Glock handgun, along with multiple magazines.

“Despite their best efforts to portray themselves as nothing more than motorcycle enthusiasts, the Hells Angels routinely find themselves involved in criminal activity and are a threatening presence in our communities,” said Insp. Angela Kemp, ALERT.

ALERT interrupted Czech and two other members of the Syndicate Motorcycle Club, a support club to the Hells Angels, as they were allegedly committing an assault. Czech allegedly attempted to conceal the firearm in a vehicle when stopped by police.

Czech is a self-identified member of the Hells Angels and was bound by conditions not to possess firearms.

Czech has been charged with:

Assault;
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
Careless use of a firearm;
Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle;
Possession of a prohibited firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
Carrying a concealed weapon; and
Failing to comply with a release order.

Czech remains in custody and is scheduled to speak to bail on November 27, 2024.

ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team is a uniform team focused on violence suppression and combatting gang activity throughout the province.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Community

100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership

Published on November 27, 2024

Todayville

L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer

After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.

Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.

Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:

“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”

Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.

In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:

“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.

To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.

For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca

About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer

100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.

The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.

Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.