The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Alumni Association has donated $100,000 to the RDP Student Industry Engagement Fund. This innovative fund enhances the learning experience for students across the Polytechnic by providing funding support to cover the costs associated with attending external conferences, forums and events hosted by industry and professional organizations.
Representatives from Red Deer Polytechnic and the Alumni Association cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of Red Deer Polytechnic Alumni Legacy Way on main campus.
"I would like to thank the Red Deer Polytechnic Alumni Association for their generous donation to the RDP Student Industry Engagement Fund," comments Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. "Through the Student Industry Engagement Fund, more learners will create meaningful industry connections across a variety of sectors. This kind of exposure not only elevates the student experience but also provides students with opportunities to grow their professional networks."
Most recently, eight RDP business students utilized the fund to attend the Central Alberta Business Summit where they had an opportunity to hear from keynote speaker, Andrew DiCapua, Principal Economist of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, participate in breakout sessions with local leaders and network with attendees.
The Alumni Association has donated a total of $236,000 to the Polytechnic in support of student initiatives, including five annual student scholarships.
"Our hope is that through the Student Industry Engagement Fund and through the Alumni Association scholarships and awards we can alleviate some of the financial burden students are facing, while enhancing their experience at RDP," says Martin Cruz, Chair of RDP's Alumni Association, who completed the Polytechnic's Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (University Transfer) in 2014.
In celebration and recognition of the Alumni Association's long-time partnership with RDP, the Polytechnic unveiled Alumni Legacy Way. Located inside RDP's main campus, in the hallway that connects the library to the 900 wing, Alumni Legacy Wing showcases the incredible impact that the Alumni Association has made at Red Deer Polytechnic.
Eight Red Deer Polytechnic business students attended the Central Alberta Business Summit on March 20, 2025 through funding provided by RDP's Student Industry Engagement Fund.
More information about RDP's Alumni Association, as well as resources and perks for alumni, can be found on RDP's website at rdpolytech.ca/alumni.
For more information
100 College Boulevard, P.O. Box 5005
Red Deer Alberta
Canada T4N 5H5
www.rdc.ab.ca/
