Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has celebrated its 2025 Community Awards which honour the impact of alumni, individuals and community partners who have provided meaningful contributions to RDP learners and the region.
Left to right: Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic; Robbin Dawe, presenter of the G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence; Ken Johnston, recipient of the G. H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence; Marianne Lamb, accepted the Community Partner Award on behalf of the RBC Foundation; Sigmund Brouwer, recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award; Guy Pelletier, Chair, RDP's Board of Governors; Martin Cruz, RDP Alumni Association
"At Red Deer Polytechnic, we're privileged to be surrounded by a vibrant and dedicated community of individuals and organizations who truly care about the future of our institution, our students, and our community," says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. "These awards celebrate those who have had a significant impact on RDP and the surrounding community."
At the ceremony, the following award recipients were honoured:
- Ken Johnston - G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence
- Ken Johnston, former Mayor of Red Deer and City Councillor, has advocated for education, equity and inclusion, ensuring youth, newcomers, Indigenous Peoples and marginalized groups are actively engaged in learning and community-building. With 40 years of banking experience, he brought fiscal expertise to city leadership, emphasizing economic growth and service improvement. Mr. Johnston has also championed cross- sector partnerships, supporting hospital expansion, social housing, homelessness efforts and volunteerism as foundations of a resilient city.
- Sigmund Brouwer - Distinguished Alumni Award
- Sigmund Brouwer, a prolific Canadian author from Red Deer, has left a significant mark on literature through his work in historical fiction, thrillers and youth novels. He attended Red Deer Polytechnic from 1976 to 1978 and was named one of RDP's "45 Amazing Alumni." With over 150 published titles, Mr. Brouwer has received major awards including the Christy Book of the Year and the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Young-Adult Mystery. His Orca Sports series and engaging school visits have inspired thousands of youths across North America, reinforcing his impact as both a storyteller and advocate for literacy.
- RBC Foundation - Community Partner Award
- The RBC Foundation has long supported the Red Deer Polytechnic community through philanthropy, mentorship, student employment and financial literacy via RBC on Campus. Its professionals have also advised faculty and staff, while backing fundraising events, campaigns and scholarships. With more than $1.5 million invested, the RBC Foundation helped establish the RBC Foundation Computer Lab, sponsor events and launch the Student Ambassador Program and Emergency Bursary fund. Its support has also benefited student-athletes, career development and mental health, underscoring RBC's role as a key partner in building an inclusive, resilient campus. Most recently, through a generous $600,000 gift from RBC Foundation, RDP established the new Energy Test Hub designed to validate and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies in renewable energy, from solar and EV systems to utility-scale battery storage.
For more than 60 years, community members, alumni and industry partners have enriched Red Deer Polytechnic and the experiences of its learners, as well as creating a positive impact felt in communities across Alberta. Each year, RDP is pleased to acknowledge these contributions during its annual Community Awards celebration. These contributions have come in a variety of forms, including through volunteerism, financial support and offering work-integrated learning opportunities to students.
To nominate individuals for these Red Deer Polytechnic awards, email: alumni@rdpolytech.ca.
