Celebrating 45 Years of Alumni Success

Transcription

NOTEBOOK
RDC ’s Al um n i Co m m un it y M a ga zin e | FAL L 2009
Celebrating 45 Years of Alumni Success
Building Communities Through Learning
Grand Opening of Four New Learning Centres
RDC Retrospective
A Celebrated History
In Conversation With
RDC’s New President, Joel Ward
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Hardwood Floors, Hickory Cabinets
5
Message from the
Alumni Chairperson
Jeremy Jablonski
6
In Conversation
With Joel Ward, Red
Deer College President
8
Alumni Profiles
n
Kerry Robert Bales
nKimmy Beach
9
Alumni Profiles
nSigmund Brouwer
nMarty Bruin
nBlaine Calkins
nJade Carter
10 Alumni Profiles
nAshley Marie Chomik
nBrian Deedrick
nPeter G. Friestadt
nAlma Funk
Covered Decks & Verandas
Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher & Washer and Dryer
High Efficient Furnace & Hot Water
11 Alumni Profiles
nSander Gelsing
nDoug Griffiths
nMatthew Davidson Grue
nBruce M. Hennel
Wheelchair Accessible Units Available
12 Alumni Profiles
nDale George
Henwood
nGeoffrey Hoar
nBradley Dean
Hollman
nGordon Walter Inglis
13 Alumni Profiles
nRichard G. Ireland
nJeremy Jablonski
nKatherine Lacey
nGeorge James
Littlechild
15 Alumni Profiles
nAndy Neuman
nAnthony Odenbach
nJohn Alan Oldring
nLynne Darlene
Paradis
16 Alumni Profiles
nIaian Park
nBernadette Madeline Paula Pauly
nRichard Polutnik
nRandy Preece
17 Alumni Profiles
nJared Sayers
nErin Dawn Skocylas
nJason Stephan
nMarlin Styner
18 Alumni Profiles
nMike Toth
nTodd Towers
nChristopher Warren
nLen Webber
19 Alumni Profiles
nPeter Alexander
Weddell
nLinda Wilson
nDarren Zubot
26 Retrospective
Red Deer College has
celebrated history
28 Class Notes
Catching Up With Our
Distinguished Alumni
14 Alumni Profiles
nJohn (Jack) Stewart
Macdonald
nSheila Ann Musgrove
nLewaa Ryan
Nasserdeen
nReagan Dale Neis
RDC | Alumni Magazine 3
09-01466.indd 1
8/31/09 3:00:39 PM
In today’s tough economic times, the right education can
help employees find (and keep) jobs.
We are very fortunate here in central Alberta to have
a strong post-secondary institution right in our community.
Like any other region, we want the best and most qualified
people making up our labour force. And to achieve
that, RDC provides essential post-secondary, continuing
education, distance and corporate training, locally. With the
support of our community, the College strives to deliver
the best education possible in a supportive and friendly
environment. At the core of everything RDC does is the
student and, as a result, we all benefit!
Publisher | RDC Marketing & Communications Dept.
Executive Editor | Lee Ann Waines (1998)
Editor | Richard Deschenes, Development Manager
Associate Editor | Amy Komarniski, Alumni Coordinator
Research & Writing | Jane Flower and Sarah Brown, Indigo Ice
and Lee Ann Waines (1998)
With this being the College’s 45th Anniversary, it seems
the perfect time to remember just how much RDC touches
all of us. To recognize what the College has achieved is to
recognize the lives that have been touched by our faculty,
staff, and in turn, alumni as they have made their own paths
in the world.
Graphic Design | Kathy Lycka, Indigo Ice
Printing | ITS Design & Printing Inc.
Alumni association Executive |
Chairperson – Jeremy Jablonski (2003)
Past Chairperson – Darcy Notland (1993)
1st Vice-Chairperson – Dave Savage (1966)
Director – Patti Husted (1983)
Director – Lynn Shields (2007)
Director – Bob McLean (1996)
Director – Roxene Kelloway (1980)
Director – Randy Butler (2003)
Director – (Students’ Association Representative) Melissa Maxson
Director – (Faculty Association Representative) Gord Inglis (1975)
Director – Michael Donlevy, Assoc. V.P., Community Relations, RDC
Ex-officio – Joel Ward, President, RDC
PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT
NOTEBOOK, RDC Alumni Community Magazine
© Red Deer College 2009
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to
RDC | 100 College Blvd. | Box 5005
Red Deer, AB | T4N 5H5 | PM40010033
Editorial comments or ideas? Seeking permission to reprint?
Contact the Executive Editor at 403.343.4023 or
email [email protected]
We have identified all RDC alumni within this publication
by including either their last year of attendance at RDC
or their year of graduation in brackets behind their names.
More information is available at RDC’s alumni networking site:
http://rdcalumni.ning.com
Register today to search for your former classmates and more!
A special thanks to the staff of the Red Deer Express for their
contribution to this project. This publication has been made
possible thanks to their dedication and commitment.
4 RDC | Alumni Magazine
Jeremy Jablonski
Message from the
Alumni Chairperson
It would be pretty hard to imagine Red Deer without RDC.
It seems RDC has just always been here. And even though
we (central Albertans) are proud of the fact that we have
a College (a nice big one too!) – it can be easy for us to forget
just how vital RDC is for our community, our local economy
and our future. The future of central Alberta is here … in
the hearts and minds and talents of our children. The long
term, sustainable economic prosperity and viability of our
community and our region relies on our ability to grow
today’s children into tomorrow’s leaders. We need to be
able to offer them plenty of practical reasons to stay right
here, at home, and become part of the successful growth
of central Alberta. For 45 years, we have had the support
of RDC to do just that. Statistically, we know that many
youth who do leave for cities such as Edmonton or Calgary
to attend college or university don’t return home to central
Alberta. Because our students can attend RDC straight out
of high school, they don’t have to leave our community
to go on to a larger centre. RDC delivers our students
a balanced education that prepares them for both successful
careers and successful lives. That’s good for all of us.
But education and personal growth doesn’t begin and end
with just younger students. Having a local college allows
mature students to continue growing their abilities and
talents without having to leave their jobs or their families.
New technologies are enabling the College to deliver
even more innovative programming to meet the needs
of these students and to accommodate their schedules.
And let’s face it - a good education just makes good sense.
As a tribute to the success of the College and its impressive
roster of alumni, we have created this commemorative
piece. 45 profiles of 45 amazing alumni in honour of the
45 years the College has been operating. Many of the people
profiled in these pages work tirelessly every day to better
our community, our country, our world. And all of them
began their fantastic journeys right here at our College.
We’re sure you will find them interesting and inspiring.
If you haven’t been to the College lately, I would encourage
you to watch for our Open House on November 7, 2009.
RDC truly is our College and as a member of this community,
we’d love to see you there. A lot has changed over the years
– come by for a tour. And an inside tip … if you time it right,
you might catch the free pancake breakfast too!
If you happen to be an alum (like many of us are) – we
hope this publication makes you feel proud of your alma
mater. Many of the profiles you’ll read were submitted
by alumni who have stayed in touch with RDC, and we
would love to hear what you’re up to too. Stay in touch
by attending our Welcome Back Weekend on November 6
& 7th. It’s an opportunity for you (our alumni) to reconnect
with former classmates and instructors at the College. Get
‘welcomed back’ to reunions, athletic games and other
well-known events such as the Wine Tasting Festival. Most
of the events are free, but some do require pre-registration
or tickets. You can join our online alumni community or
get more information about Welcome Back Weekend at
We hope that you enjoy these profiles as much as we’ve
enjoyed collecting them. We’ve been inspired, amazed, and
downright impressed. We bet you will be too.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Jablonski, Business Administration Diploma 2003
Chairperson
Red Deer College Alumni Association
Why is having a local community
college important – in your opinion?
What do you hope to achieve over the next five years?
A college is incredibly important to a community for many
reasons: economic, social and cultural development being
among the most important. We are in the midst of a major
shift to a knowledge economy. To compete in this new
economy, Alberta and Canada will need a skilled workforce.
Colleges are leaders in advanced skills development, and
as a comprehensive college RDC is well positioned to
contribute to this economy. College grads get jobs. They
add value to the local economy and they contribute to the
social and cultural development of their communities.
You have been involved with charities – why is this
work important to you?
In Conversation
With Joel Ward, Red Deer College President
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m married, and my wife Lise and I have five grown children
between us. Three are here in Alberta, and we are hopeful
that we can lure the other two (who are in Ontario) to visit
us often. I have several years of college teaching experience
in economics, international business and marketing both
nationally, and internationally in Pakistan and China. I also
have a background in computers and communications
and was the owner operator of a retail computer business
and deli restaurant. For the past six years, I served as
Vice-President Academic, and then President of Assiniboine
College in Brandon, Manitoba.
What is your leadership ‘style’?
I really like to work with people to see how together we can
add value to everything we do. I like to challenge people
to think differently, to be creative and to take risks. It’s less
about me and my needs, or being the centre of attention it’s more about enabling other people to grow and develop.
I take real pride in being a mentor with the next generation
of leaders. And although I don’t get to spend as much time
with students as I would wish, I try to encourage everyone
to keep the best interests of our students in mind – and
for them to be the major consideration of every decision
we make; if we do that we will always be moving our college
forward.
What’s important to you?
Do the right thing. Every time. Even if it’s hard. The tough
job is figuring out what’s right. RDC is a values based
organization with a values based governance model. When
you have a set of guiding principles and values, they are
enduring and will help you to determine what is right.
You can’t always please everyone and there will be tough
choices and tough decisions to make. If you always ask
yourself whether it will make a difference in a student’s life –
Joel Ward
if it’s something that will improve student learning, student
access, student opportunity - then it’s probably the right
thing to do.
I was on the board for the Brandon United Way. I’m a huge
supporter of what they do and the difference that they make.
United Way chapters make decisions about how money
should be spent locally, where it is needed. Tools for School,
Coats for Kids – these programs have a powerful impact on
a community. It’s about supporting groups that need help.
I am learning that many of our faculty and staff support local
charities which is another way in which colleges contribute
to their communities.
We are a comprehensive College, and we need to continue
to be comprehensive to meet the needs of our community
and region. Building Communities Through Learning is
a powerful message and captures the mission and mandate
of RDC. Most importantly, I want to consult and collaborate
with faculty and staff in the College, our community,
government and business partners to discover what the
next big step forward for RDC is.
How will you measure your success?
I always measure success by the success of our staff
and students. If they’re successful, then I’m successful.
If I can provide opportunities, remove barriers and enable
an environment where people can be successful, then I will
be too.
I’m really excited to be at RDC. I look around and see so
many talented people doing such a good job – together,
I think we will do some great things for our community
and region. n
What has impressed you most about Red Deer College?
My first connection with Red Deer College was with
Ron Woodward (recently retired RDC President).
I was impressed by his mentorship style and his
leadership style. RDC is a place focused on students,
on people and on growth. I’m also excited about the
prospect of working in the central Alberta region to
deliver programs and services to the communities we are
mandated to serve. There will be challenges, but it is an area
in which I have experience.
During your time as President at Assiniboine
Community College how did your work there
impact the students, staff, faculty and greater
community of Brandon?
Mostly, I’m proud of the ways that we were able to change
the lives of students. For example, we delivered some of our
programs to remote First Nations communities. Practical
Nursing and Early Childhood Education programs delivered
in these communities enabled folks to study, live and work
in their home communities. The success rates improve
dramatically when aboriginal peoples can study in their
home communities. I have seen so many lives changed,
and communities strengthened because of our ability to
deliver programs in that way. Although I led our college in
the total relocation of our campus to new heritage facilities,
and was part of a great team of folks who worked together
to envision a powerful teaching and learning vision for our
college, it will always be most satisfying when I remember
the powerful stories of the students whose lives changed
because of their college experience.
Proud of our partnership with RDC.
PARKLAND
INDUSTRIES
LP
PARKLAND
INDUSTRIES
LP
One of the fastest growing independent fuel and convenience store
marketers in Canada.
www.parkland.ca
www.fasgas.ca
45 for45
In honour of RDC’s 45th anniversary, we’ve collected 45 stories from 45 of our outstanding Alumni.
We’re proud to profile these amazing individuals, who are just a few of our thousands of Alumni
who began their own journey at RDC. Each has travelled a unique road to achieve their individual
success – some to places throughout the world – but so many have remained, each as valued
community members, right here in central Alberta. On behalf of all of us at RDC, I hope that you
will enjoy reading these stories of their accomplishments.
Michael Donlevy
Associate Vice President, Community Relations
KERRY ROBERT BALES
Bales has always been drawn to
endeavours that involve people
and relationships and feels lucky
to have grown up in rural Carstairs,
where these bonds are encouraged. After high school, Bales enrolled in General Studies at RDC,
which led to the Nursing program. Bales didn’t grow up
dreaming of nursing, but says he’s happy with the path
he’s chosen. “The field of nursing allows the opportunity
to affect lives in a meaningful way. RDC was the perfect
fit for what I wanted to accomplish ... a way for me to
live in a community of my choice without sacrificing the
quality of my education.” Bales recalls the support from
faculty as “stellar” and says he still has contact with many
of them today. Bales began his career with David Thompson Health Region and is currently Vice President of Central Zone Community and Rural Operations for Alberta
Health Services. A job that he loves, Bales enjoys working
with many communities, individuals and colleagues and
learns something new every day.
CLASS | 1998
PROGRAM | Nursing
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Vice President of Community and Rural Operations,
Central Zone, Alberta Health Services
KIMMY BEACH
Beach recalls her instructor, Ted
Dyck, handing her a paper she’d
written in ’94 about the image of
a violin in the songs of Leonard
Cohen. “The complete marginalia
read, ‘A+. You know you’re a poet.’”
Beach argued vehemently for
a while then thought she’d give it a try. Beach says that
Dyck and another instructor, Birk Sproxton, encouraged
and bolstered her for years, “Birk was always walking
ahead of me, showing me how it’s done. My creative
writing classes with him were fundamental to my career
and my life. I can’t adequately thank Dyck and Sproxton
for pointing me toward writing. I’ve published four books
and currently have the same number of writing projects
on the go.” Beach has been very active in the writing
community of Red Deer for the past dozen years, helping
promote visiting writers, setting up and hosting readings
and helping to keep writing front and centre on Red
Deer’s vibrant cultural scene.
CLASS | 1986 & 1996
PROGRAM | Theatre Studies diploma; first two years of English degree
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Professional Writer
SIGMuND BROuWER
MARTY BRuIN
With more than three million
books in print, Brouwer is a novelist and children’s book author.
Over the past 10 years, he has
given writing workshops to students across Canada and the U.S.,
ranging from schools north of the Arctic Circle to inner
city Los Angeles. One of his 18 novels, The Last Disciple,
appeared in Time magazine and earned him an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America. His books for children include Rebel Glory, part of the Orca Sports hockey
series. His latest title, Absolute Pressure, is a Junior Library
Guild selection. “Thirty years after my time at RDC, what
sticks with me are not the details of the programs, but
the encouragement from the professors and teachers.
“They took the time to get to know me as well as the
students around me, and while the course material was
obviously important, what was even more obvious was
that they saw a bigger picture of helping us develop in
all aspects,” he says.
Having come from an entrepreneurial family, Bruin went into
RDC’s Business Administration
program as he wanted to get involved with the family business.
Bruin enjoyed the small class
sizes of the College and appreciated the type of practical knowledge he gained from the
program. “It was more personable and things seemed
to be more linked to small business.” Bruin is currently
the general manager of the family run Bruin’s Plumbing
& Heating Ltd. During his career, Bruin has been on the
board of directors and is a past president of the Central
Alberta Home Builders Association. He has also been
on the board of directors for the Built Green Society of
Canada. In the Red Deer community, Bruin has been instrumental in preserving the Michener Centre Swimming
Pool, helping to organize an aquatic lobby group to keep
the pool open with an ultimate goal of building a new
and better 50-metre aquatic facility.
CLASS | 1978
PROGRAM | Bachelor of Science
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Novelist, Speaker
CLASS | 1993
PROGRAM | Business Administration
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | General Manager Bruin’s Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
BLAINE CALKINS
A true Alberta boy constantly
looking to broaden his horizons,
Calkins has a diverse educational
background that has allowed him
to become a successful Member of
Parliament. Graduating from RDC
in 1999 and later becoming a faculty member of RDC,
Calkins says, “the highlight for me at Red Deer College was
the sense of contributing to the positive advancement of
science and technology.” After teaching at RDC for five
years, Calkins pursued a long-time passion in politics
and became a Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin,
capturing 77% of the votes cast. An active member
of our community, Blaine maintains an interest in the
environment and has been appointed to the National
Defense, Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Justice and
the Library of Parliament Standing Committees.
CLASS | 1999
PROGRAM | Computer Systems Technology
HOME | Ponoka
PROFESSION | MP for the Federal Constituency of Wetaskiwin
JADE CARTER
Carter’s professional television
acting credits include guest and
co-starring roles Days of Our
Lives, 24, General Hospital, Passions, NCIS, Cold Case, Miracles,
JAG and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
His movie credits include lead and supporting acting parts in The Waterhole, Man of the Year, Breach
and AREA 52. “My education at RDC with the Theatre
Studies program definitely laid the foundation for everything I have accomplished in my acting career.
I feel very comfortable now. I have done a lot of television, comedies, dramas and improv. I am doing
a play right now that I wrote and it involves some
improv as well. And all of it came from the foundation that RDC gave me. The highlights for me at
RDC include the many musical productions I was in.
I loved my time in the Grapes of Wrath.”
CLASS | 1995
PROGRAM | Theatre Studies
HOME | Los Angeles, California, uSA
PROFESSION | Actor
Ashley Marie Chomik
Since graduating in 2007 from
RDC’s Motion Picture Arts program, Chomik has completed
an internship in Los Angeles, CA
with FilmColony – a film development and production company
owned by Richard Gladstein, producer of numerous films
such as Pulp Fiction, The Cider House Rules, The Bourne
Identity and Finding Neverland. Chomik attended many
casting workshops, auditions and has landed roles in
a few independent short films. She was also recently
granted a reoccurring role on the new CBC TV series Wild Roses (starring Gary Hudson, Kim Huffman,
Adam MacDonald, and Steve Byers) as well as a role in
Nora Roberts’ recent film High Noon, giving her the opportunity to work with Emily De Raven (Lost) and Olivia Cheng. “I have moved to Vancouver where I have
signed with King Talent,” says an enthusiastic Chomik.
“I am doing my best to put myself out there so I can build
my résumé and gain as much experience as I can.”
CLASS | 2007
PROGRAM | Theatre Studies and Motion Picture Arts
HOME | Vancouver, BC
PROFESSION | Actor
PETER G. FRIESTADT
Friestadt says the highlight of
his RDC experience was being
part of a national championship
in men’s hockey. Having completed the Business Administration
program, Friestadt started his own
business, Western Wallprinting. Friestadt has now been
in business for 28 years and says the courses he took at
RDC were valuable in getting things up and running.
“The professors and the friends I met were good sources
that I relied on in my early years of business.” Friestadt has
remained active with the College as a coach and hockey
alumni member. Friestadt also enjoys being active in the
Red Deer community and has served as a coach with
minor hockey for the past 20 years and was a member
of the Downtown Rotary Club for eight years.
CLASS | 1979
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Owner/Partner of Western Wallprinting
Brian Deedrick
He used to freeze Halloween
candy and thaw it months later
to entice his neighbours to come
watch his home plays. His mother
says he was born a year old – not
surprisingly, Deedrick completed
high school at the ripe age of 16 and enrolled at RDC.
Splitting his time as both the Arts Director of the Edmonton Opera and a tour guide in Berlin, Deedrick says,
“my Red Deer College years were among the best of my
life. It was the first time that I had the opportunity to
eat, breathe, sleep and dream theatre.” After completing
his program at RDC, Deedrick went on to acquire further degrees, including an MFA. He says his “move into
opera from straight theatre was a logical leap for one
who always wanted to play in the bigger sandbox and
who loved to paint in really bright colours.”
CLASS | 1977
PROGRAM | Bachelor of Education
HOME | Edmonton
PROFESSION | Artistic Director of the Edmonton Opera
Alma Funk
Funk thoroughly enjoyed her two
years as a student at RDC. “Marguerite Schumacher, the director of the nursing program, became a hero for me. She was
a visionary leader who inspired
us to make a difference wherever we were emphasizing
the importance of establishing therapeutic relationships
with people and in working in ways that promote health
and well-being of the whole person.” Since becoming an
instructor herself, Funk says she has enjoyed it. “I try to
relate to my students in ways that I remember Marguerite Schumacher related to me. “I like to try out innovative strategies as she tried with us.” Funk has also spent a
year in Belgium studying French and tropical medicine,
before working in Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo) for over five years. Her experiences working abroad
prompted her, with a group of colleagues in 2005, to design two courses at RDC in international content: Cultural
Immersion and Survey on International Health.
CLASS | 1971
PROGRAM | RN Diploma Program
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | RDC Nursing Instructor in the BScN program
Sander Gelsing
Originally hailing from the Netherlands, Gelsing’s path to becoming a trademark lawyer was
far from direct. “I attended RDC’s
science/biology program because
I thought I’d enjoy a career as a
marine biologist.” After attending RDC, Gelsing obtained
his science degree, got a Bachelor of Arts in geography/
philosophy and entered law school to focus on environmental law. Gelsing initially practiced in Calgary for a few
years, but came back to Red Deer “because of its smaller
size and also because of the fond memories I had while
studying at RDC.” He has been called to both the Alberta
and British Columbia bars, registered as both Canadian
and United States patent agent and registered as a Canadian trademark agent. In addition to making entries
to his ‘Now, why didn’t I think of that’ blog, Gelsing enjoys delivering patent and trademark presentations to
schools and business centres including Lindsay Thurber,
the Centre for Business Development, RDC and U of C.
CLASS | 1990
PROGRAM | Bachelor of Science program
focusing on Zoology (animal biology)
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Patent and trademark lawyer
MATTHEW
DAVIDSON GRUE
Having completed both the Theatre Studies and Motion Picture
Arts programs at RDC, Grue says,
“the program challenged my
thoughts as to what I was capable
of and forced me to examine what theatre and a life in
it meant to me.” Grue says he had to battle to earn the
right to direct a play at the end of his second year at
RDC. “Part of me now believes that they wanted to see
how badly I would fight for it and make sure I had the
drive it would take to complete such a project.” Grue
is about to celebrate his fifth season as the Artistic Director of Ignition Theatre. He’s also written, directed and
produced a feature film and directed two independent
productions of The Vagina Monologues, which raised
more than $20,000 for the Central Alberta AIDS Network
Society.
CLASS | 2006
PROGRAM | Theatre Studies Performance and Motion Picture Arts - Performance
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Artistic Director of Ignition Theatre
Doug Griffiths
Prior to politics, Griffiths began his
career in the Arts program at RDC.
“My first year in the Arts program
allowed me to take economics,
philosophy, history, political science and a wide range of other
classes in small class settings. This allowed time for a lot
of debate and discussion, under some amazing teachers
such as David Baugh,” says Griffiths. “This led me to acquire my Honours BA in Philosophy with outside focuses
on political science and Eastern religion. From then on,
I was focused on politics and the development of society and teaching, which lead me back to RDC.” In his
career, Griffiths has been nominated for the Edwin Parr
(New Teacher of the Year Award) as well as other teaching
awards and he has spent four years as Chair of the Rural Development Strategy. With a background in debate
and philosophy, Griffiths began volunteering in politics.
“Eventually I decided to run and I won,” he says. Griffiths
is currently serving his third consecutive term as MLA of
Battle River-Wainwright.
CLASS | 1992 & 1999
PROGRAM | Start of a General Arts Degree
and Middle School Education after-degree
HOME | Edmonton
PROFESSION | MLA for Battle River – Wainwright Constituency
BRUCE M. HENNEL
Hennel completed RDC’s Theatre
Studies program in 1991 and used
his post-secondary education as
a spring board to his current career
path. Hennel describes his time at
RDC as a “solid basis, foundation
and understanding for how things go together... the
creativity and making things out of nothing.” Prior to
working with his wife, Aimée Barnabé (also an RDC
grad) at her company Smile Productions Ltd. in Calgary,
Hennel was involved in the professional theatre industry
for many years including tours across North America with
the musical troupe Barrage in 2002-2003. He also worked
as a producer/production manager for events such as
the 2004 Arctic Winter Games Opening and Closing
Ceremonies and the Juno Gala Dinner and Awards.
Currently, Hennel is working on the 2009 Grey Cup
Festival held in Calgary. Hennel has enjoyed his career
journey and describes it as one “all about self-discovery,
trying to make my own way, to make the entertainment
industry work for me.”
CLASS | 1991
HOME | Calgary
PROFESSION | Production Manager with Smile Productions Ltd.
DALE GEORGE HENWOOD
Now President of the Canadian
Sport Centre in Calgary, Henwood
began his education by studying
Physical Education while simultaneously playing hockey for the
Red Deer Rustlers. “The opportunities afforded at RDC allowed me to narrow my career choice and to learn new skills in a supportive and
stimulating environment.” Since graduating from RDC,
Henwood’s career highlights include leading the development of the referees’ supervisor (evaluation) program
with Hockey Alberta and spearheading the introduction
of female hockey development clinics in Alberta. He was
also assistant coach with Canada’s National Hockey team
for nine years, including three Olympic Games (1984,
1988, 1992 – silver medal in Albertville, France) and
was Chair of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association
Coaching Committee for five years. His current role at the
Sport Centre includes strategic direction and the provision of world leading programs and services for high performance athletes and coaches in the Calgary area.
CLASS | 1971
PROGRAM | Physical Education
HOME | Calgary
PROFESSION | President, Canadian Sport Centre, Calgary
BRADLEY
DEAN HOLLMAN
Hollman says he attended RDC
because he wanted to better himself. “I worked hard at educating
myself and the experience was
terrific. My instructors taught me
a lot.” Earning top marks in the region when he graduated, Hollman won the Skills Canada national competition
as the top welder in the country. He now owns and operates a structural steel welding company. Outside of his
daily entrepreneurial responsibilities, Hollman dedicates
much of his time to Skills Canada. “I am a current member
of the Provincial Technical committee that selects competitors for Skills Canada. Part of that is to go into high
schools and do some judging at the College. I’m always
doing something with Skills Canada.”
CLASS | 2003
PROGRAM | Welding
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Owner/Operator in structural steel welding
Geoffrey Hoar
Owner/operator of San Emideo
Ranch in Innisfail and recently
named Alberta’s Young Outstanding Farmer for 2009, Hoar began
his formal training at RDC. “It was
a time to figure out what I really
wanted to do in life, as well as learn how to live on my
own, making decisions on my own,” says Hoar of his decision to attend RDC. “It was a smooth transition between
high school, living with my parents, and moving to a
larger centre with bigger class sizes.” A firm believer in
environmental stewardship, Hoar attributes the success
of his business in part to the planning and time management skills acquired at RDC. After completing two years
at RDC, Hoar transferred to the University of Alberta and
completed his Agriculture degree. Hoar currently volunteers as a 4-H equine instructor and trains working cow
horses, cutting horses, roping horses and ranch horses.
He is also a past Canadian and world working cow horse
champion.
CLASS | 1994
PROGRAM | Bachelor of Commerce
HOME | Innisfail
PROFESSION | Professional horse trainer and
owner/operator of a large equine training centre
GORDON WALTER INGLIS
Inglis has been passionate about
sports since he was young. Beginning his professional career
with a Bachelor of Commerce
degree through RDC, Inglis credits his years at RDC as those that
opened the doors for him to pursue many of his life’s
passions of coaching, teaching, administration, leadership and program development. “My time at Red Deer
College helped lay the foundation for me to realize
where, what and how I wanted to live in my professional
life.” After completing his Bachelors and Masters degrees,
he returned to RDC in 1980 to begin his coaching career and now serves as Chairperson of the Kinesiology
& Sport Studies program. Coaching highlights for Inglis
include being named ACAC coach of the year in 1983,
1986 and 1987. Inglis also enjoys being part of the Red
Deer community and was one of the founding members
of the Alberta Sport and Development Centre – Central.
CLASS | 1975
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Chairperson –
Kinesiology & Sport Studies program at RDC
RICHARD G. IRELAND
Born and raised in Jasper, Ireland
enjoys contributing to, and being
part of, his community. Now
a lawyer, he began his education
in RDC’s Bachelor of Arts program.
“RDC sparked my interest in
giving back to the community. The greatest benefit of
RDC was the size. It was intimate. We were able to deal
one on one with the professors and the class sizes were
small. It was like an opportunity for higher learning in
the school system. It kept me in touch with the learning
environment.” A member of various boards, Ireland says
the highlight of his career was negotiating with the
Federal Government to bring local government to Jasper.
“I’ve been on various boards locally and in municipal
politics in Jasper for more than 12 years.” Ireland still
practices law in Jasper and since 2002 also serves
as Jasper’s first (and so far only) Mayor.
CLASS | 1976
PROGRAM | Bachelor of Arts
HOME | Jasper
PROFESSION | Lawyer and Mayor of Jasper
Katherine Lacey
One of the founding members
of the Festival of Trees, Lacey has
helped raise close to $6 million
dollars for the Red Deer Regional
Hospital Centre. Lacey’s formal
training is in education, with a major in foods and a minor in science. She says “RDC was
a great place to learn and meet people – an institution
large enough to be challenging but still small enough to
connect with people from faculties other than your own.”
Active in the community, Lacey still works with the College on the Festival of Trees fundraiser. Dubbing herself
as a “Career Volunteer” Lacey has been recognized as
a life volunteer (30+ years) with Westerner Park, was the
recipient of an Alberta Centennial Medal for Volunteerism in 2005 and the recipient of the Friend of Education Award given by the Foundation for Red Deer Public
Schools in 1998. She is also a member of the founding
organizing committee for the Striving for Excellence Dinner, honouring students of the Red Deer Public School
system.
CLASS | 1976
PROGRAM | Pre-Med majoring in science and later switched
into education with a major in foods and a minor in science
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Career Volunteer
Jeremy Jablonski
A Red Deer resident since he was
five years old, Jablonski was set to
play in the NHL. When an injury
forced him into early retirement,
he needed a plan B. Having come
from an entrepreneurial family,
Jablonski enrolled in RDC’s Business Administration
Diploma program. A strong supporter of the College and
actively involved in the College community, Jablonski
now serves as Alumni Chair, as well as on various other
committees, including the RDC Foundation. “RDC is an
integral component of the central Alberta economy and
we need to continue to grow the College for the good
of our city and our region.” Jablonski is currently partner
and general manager of Gorts Truckwash and is also
partner and president of Gorts Chemicals in Red Deer.
CLASS | 2003
PROGRAM | Business Administration Diploma
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Partner & General Manager –
Gorts Truckwash; Partner & President – Gorts Chemicals
GEORGE
JAMES LITTLECHILD
“Art is fulfilling and has provided
me with a wonderful career.” For
more than 20 years Littlechild has
had scores of solo exhibitions,
nationally and internationally. He
has also been part of many more group exhibitions in
Canada, the United States and in many other countries.
His work is currently featured in the group exhibition,
A Bird in the Hand, at the Alberta Art Gallery, as part of
the Alberta Art Foundation Traveling Exhibition Program.
“The education I received at RDC propelled me forward
into the exciting art career that I have today. “I believe
I was the first First Nations student to graduate from the
Art & Design Program at RDC, which I am very proud of.
I continued my studies and received a Bachelor of Fine
Arts degree, exhibited my work world wide and have received many awards.”
CLASS | 1984
PROGRAM | Art and Design Program
HOME | Comox, BC
PROFESSION | Professional Artist and Educator
JOHN (JACK)
STEWART MACDONALD
MacDonald says he sees RDC’s
committed combination of academics and athletics reflected in
how Red Deer Emergency Services
(RDES) operates. “The paramedical
education and fire training we require from our firemedics is mentally and physically very demanding - and just
as RDC teaches you to be a contributing member of the
community, so do we.” MacDonald says every firemedic
must do their best in serving their citizens in emergencies as if they were their own grandfather, mother, or
child. MacDonald notes that when he first attended RDC
in 1974 it was a small College with excellent teachers
who allowed students to get to know them as people.
Similarly, communicating with people is a high priority
with RDES. “We visit schools, households, and businesses
to help prevent needless fires and injuries. The concepts
of setting high expectations, personal responsibility, and
team accountability were learned at RDC.”
CLASS | 1976
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Fire Chief, City of Red Deer
LEWAA
RYAN NASSERDEEN
“At RDC I wrote my first screenplay, which ultimately became
and is currently optioned by the
Emmy Award Winning production company Nomadic Pictures.
In addition it was my first experience directing, acting
and producing.” As a result, Nasserdeen says he caught
“the bug” of the film industry. “I wrote the film Baby Blues,
which was released theatrically and on pay TV, in addition to Fall. His two follow-up screenplays, In the Making
and The Followed, were noticed by L.A. management
company, The Marty Shapiro Group. I was signed as
a writer/director and my career took off.” He’s been able
to cultivate professional relationships with studios such
as Warner Bros and Fox, and production companies like
Harpo, Imagine and Jink/Cohen. Nasserdeen is also currently working with an Emmy Award winning producer
on a feature film to be shot at the end of the year.
CLASS | 2006
PROGRAM | Motion Picture Arts
HOME | Los Angeles, California, USA
PROFESSION | Writer/Director/Producer/Actor
SHEILA ANN MUSGROVE
ANDY NEUMAN
After completing her Legal Assistant diploma, Musgrove moved on
to start her degree via the transfer program. Heavily involved in
RDC’s Student Government, Musgrove describes her time at RDC
as “nothing short of amazing.” Balancing school work
and a million dollar budget as President of the Students’
Association, Musgrove attributes part of her success as
an entrepreneur to her time at RDC. “I know, without a
doubt, that I owe a lot of my career and success to the
amazing foundational knowledge and experiences that
I gained.” Since starting her own business, TAG Recruitment, in 2005, Musgrove is turning some heads. In 2007,
TAG was named as the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
‘Emerging Enterprise of the Year’ and in 2008, ranked
24th in Canada’s Profit Hot 50 listing.
Although Neuman is a wellrespected fixture and member
of the Drumheller community,
a big part of his heart is still with
Red Deer. “I have done quite
a bit of paleontological field work
in the Red Deer area and continue to do so when I can.
After my education degree, I studied biological sciences
for a time, and then studied paleontology later in my
career. The combination of my studies in science and in
education really helped me progress to where I am now.”
Neuman, who has his Master’s degree in Paleontology,
came to the museum in 1986, the year after it
opened, and has been at the institution for more than
22 years. He still gives paleontology classes for young
people and volunteers by coaching in sporting events in
the Drumheller area.
CLASS | 1987 & 1989
PROGRAM | Legal Assistant Diploma,
Bachelor of Arts, Student Government
HOME | Calgary
PROFESSION | Founder of TAG Recruitment
CLASS | 1977
PROGRAM | General Sciences and Bachelor of Education
HOME | Drumheller
PROFESSION | Executive Director, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology
REAGAN DALE NEIS
“The leadership offered in the
Theatre Studies program showed
me that acting required moral
courage,” says Neis. “Perhaps the
most important highlight for me
was playing the lead in the film
Naked Frailties, the first feature film produced at RDC. “It
offered invaluable practical experience for me and was
the beginning of the feature film program at RDC. I would
be remiss if I did not mention the exceptional effort
that Larry Reese put into this film.” Since leaving RDC,
Neis has had acting roles in FOX Television’s Malcolm in
the Middle, NBC’s Joey, FOX’s A Minute with Stan Hooper,
and FOX’s The Robinson Brothers. She has also had film
roles in Material Girls (starring Hilary Duff ), Stark Raving
Mad (starring Seann William Scott) and Dirty Habit,
a film Neis both produced and played a starring role in.
Her latest role is in Camera Obscura, a horror web series
produced by MWG Entertainment, which is set to launch
this October. Neis is also a proud member of the Writers
Guild of America and is currently writing two feature
scripts of her own.
CLASS | 1997
HOME | Los Angeles, California, USA
PROFESSION | Actor, Producer, Writer
JOHN ALAN OLDRING
After graduating with a Bachelor
of Arts degree which he began
at RDC, Oldring was part of the Red
Deer City Council for twelve years
and also became the Minister
for Family and Social Services
in the Alberta Government under former Premier Don
Getty. “I appreciate the quality of RDC’s instructors, their
commitment to education and to their students. It really
was exceptional. My instructors influenced me not just
in education but also personally.” Now retired from his
political career, Oldring is the Managing Director and
Vice President of BMO Nesbitt Burns. Having served
as a volunteer for the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce,
Oldring says he “learned the importance of community
and the importance of giving back” while studying
at RDC.
CLASS | 1971
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Managing Director and Vice President BMO Nesbitt Burns
ANTHONY ODENBACH
A practicing dentist in the Red
Deer community for 28 years
and the founder/owner of OcuDent Clinic. Odenbach was one
of the first two students in the
Pre-Dentistry University Transfer
program at RDC. Odenbach grew up in Rimbey, Alberta
and appreciated the friendly environment of the RDC
classroom. “Small class sizes made it easy to get to know
professors and classmates. The quality of education
was second to none.” Often reflecting fondly on his
time spent at RDC, Odenbach says, “RDC was certainly
an important part of my success. It was, and continues
to be, a fabulous place, and is a definite asset to Central
Alberta.” Odenbach is a past president of the central
Alberta Dental Society and served as Chairman of the
Economics Committee to the Alberta Dental Association.
He has also been inducted into the International College
of Dentists, Canadian Division.
CLASS | 1977
PROGRAM | Pre-Dentistry
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Dentist
LYNNE
DARLENE PARADIS
Paradis has been greatly involved
in the educational field for the past
20 years. She enrolled in RDC’s
Education program and fondly
remembers the “small classes,
instructors who cared to get to know you personally,
student leadership opportunities and the interest and
support of the Board to hear student perspectives.” Since
graduating from RDC, Paradis has served as a teacher
and a principle at all divisions including elementary,
cyber, middle and high school. She furthered her
education by earning a Master’s degree from UBC and
then a Doctorate in Education from U of A and taught as
a part-time instructor at RDC in the Faculty of Education
for seven years. Paradis also enjoys being a part of the
community and has served as a board member on the
RDC Alumni Association, was the chair of the former City
of Red Deer Parks and Recreation Board, was the Director
for the 1998 Provincial Winter Games and is an active
member of the Red Deer Rotary Club.
CLASS | 1975
PROGRAM | Education
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Associate Superintendent Red Deer Catholic Schools
Iaian Park
After Park’s education at RDC, it
was a ‘smooth’ transition to the
University of Alberta, where he
later graduated with a Bachelor’s
of Physical Education degree. He is
now designated as a Certified Exercise Physiologist with the Canadian Society of Exercise
Physiologists, as well as a Registered Kinesiologist with
the Alberta Kinesiology Association. He has attained his
Level 1 CrossFit Certification as well as CrossFit Barbell
Certification. “My experience at RDC was one that will
last the rest of my life. The Kinesiology program laid the
foundation for my career in the fitness industry. Without
this program I would not be where I am today,” he says.
“Community is important to my company and is even
a part of our vision. We have sponsored adult athletes,
provided several personal training packages for Fundraising and Charity work. We have had the honour of assisting youth athletes in their quest to achieve their highest level of performance by partnering with the Alberta
Sport Development Centre - Central.”
CLASS | 1999
PROGRAM | Kinesiology and Sports Studies
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Fitness Coach/Owner
Richard Polutnik
Having grown up in Red Deer
and played just about every sport
he could, when it came time for
a post-secondary education, RDC
was a natural choice. Polutnik
wanted to learn in an intimate
environment that was fun, challenging and rewarding.
“RDC gave me an opportunity to turn my love of sport
into a career in sport that is as enjoyable now as it was
when I started.” Polutnik has coached and worked
at all levels of hockey. He was assistant coach with the
Canadian national women’s hockey team in 1990 and
head coach in 1992 – both years yielded medals. Polutnik
now volunteers with Westerner Park and also received
the Hockey Alberta Centennial Award for the 100 most
significant contributors. Polutnik works alongside his
wife for TeamWorks Canada Inc., a sport management
company they created to support a variety of sport
organizations at the local to national levels in areas
of coaching/mentoring, leadership development and
strategic planning.
CLASS | 1973-74 & 1974-75
PROGRAM | Bachelor of Physical Education
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | President of TeamWorks Canada Inc.
BERNADETTE
MADELINE PAULA PAULY
“As a beginning nursing student at
RDC, I was introduced to the importance of nurse — patient relationships as core to nursing,” says
Pauly. “These initial experiences helped me to develop
a profound respect for all those in need of care and the
importance of recognizing individual differences in the
delivery of nursing care.” After receiving her diploma in
nursing, Pauly obtained a Bachelor’s degree in 1988 and
a Master’s degree in 1993 from the University of Alberta.
Pauly returned to RDC as a faculty member from 1992 to
1999. “The sense of community in the nursing program
provided me with a strong sense of belonging, both as
a member of the nursing profession and as a member of
a broader community,” she says. In 2005, Pauly obtained
a PhD in Nursing from the University of Victoria with
a focus on health inequities, health care ethics and policy
for those experiencing homelessness and substance use.
CLASS | 1983
PROGRAM | Nursing
HOME | Victoria, BC
PROFESSION | Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing at the
University of Victoria and Research Affiliate at the
Centre of Addictions Research of British Columbia
Randy Preece
Having worked in the oil fields
in some extreme conditions
after leaving high school, Preece
learned at an early age that getting
a higher education would give
him that extra leg up that he was
looking for. He enrolled at RDC and enjoyed “debating
anything worth talking about with other students
and faculty, making lifelong friends and knowing that
I could actually make chances in my environment
and my life by simply being bold enough to attempt
it.” It should come as no surprise that in 1976, Preece
became the president of the Students’ Association.
Preece credits the education he received at RDC
as laying the foundation for his current career, “It gave me
the confidence that I could tackle anything.” Currently,
Preece serves as chair of the Red Deer Regional Airport
Authority as well as a volunteer to RDC’s scholarship
fundraising committee.
CLASS | 1977
PROGRAM | Engineering/Business
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | President of Preece Industries Ltd.
Jared Sayers
Sayers began his career with
thoughts of being a chiropractor, but after a few years of study,
Sayers switched gears. With experience in the Oilfield Services industry and a confidence he could
develop a better product than the competition, Sayers
founded his own business, Red Flame Hot Tap Services
Ltd. in 1996. Eight years later, he won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Business Development Bank of Canada. Two years following that, Red
Flame was named in Alberta Venture magazine’s list
of Alberta’s fastest growing companies. A firm believer
in research and innovation, Sayers’ company now employs 40 and has successfully established patents for
a number of tapping-related fittings and has six more
patents in the works. Sayers gets great enjoyment from
trying new things – and he wants others to as well. In
2008, Red Flame donated a total of $250,000 to the College’s RBC Innovation Centre.
CLASS | 1991
PROGRAM | General Studies
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | President and founder of Red Flame Hot Tap Services Ltd.
JASON STEPHAN
Now leading the tax branch of
Red Deer law firm Warren Sinclair,
Stephan began his education at
RDC in the Bachelor of Commerce
program. “Red Deer College
was a very positive experience.
I appreciated developing relationships and friendships
with helpful and interested professors and the collegial
environment with the other students.” While at RDC,
Stephan was awarded the Alberta Colleges Athletic
Conference (ACAC) Academic - Athletic Award for
academic and athletic achievement and also received
the central Alberta Chartered Accountants’ Association
Scholarship for highest academic standing in accounting
courses. After RDC, Stephan graduated from Law school
at the University of Calgary in 2002 with a gold medal,
the highest academic standing in his graduating class.
Stephan is a member of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Alberta, the Law Society of Alberta and
the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. He has
authored and presented papers for the Canadian Tax
Foundation. In his spare time, Stephan is also a Scout
Leader of a Scouts Canada troop in Red Deer and is
a member of the Downtown Red Deer Rotary Club.
CLASS | 1995
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Tax Lawyer at Warren Sinclair LLP
ERIN DAWN SKOCYLAS
During her time at RDC, Skocylas
had the opportunity to work
at the Central Alberta AIDS
Network Society (CAANS) in Red
Deer. Skocylas then began work
at AADAC and has been there
for almost nine years. Aside from AADAC, Skocylas
said one of her most rewarding experiences has been
a humanitarian one. “I first travelled with A Better World
in 2006 to Kenya and spent about two weeks there, and
I was changed, inspired and motivated from that moment
on,” she says. “I then returned to AADAC with the goal
of requesting a one-year leave so that I could return to
Kenya and do more humanitarian work with the goal of
working in the area of HIV/AIDS.” Skocylas remains an
active executive board member at CAANS and she has
continued to support A Better World. She also serves
supper once per month at Loaves and Fishes.
CLASS | 2000
PROGRAM | Social Work
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Addictions Counsellor with
Alberta Health Services - Addictions
MARLIN STYNER
“RDC taught me much more than
simply what was in textbooks building relationships, presentation skills, self-confidence, and
the ability to analyze material
and reach conclusions - all skills
that I use as Chair of the Premier’s Council.” Styner has
spoken to more than 750,000 youth across the country
with SMARTRISK Heroes & the PARTY Program. “I am
very proud to have had a positive effect on the accessibility in our community, including projects at RDC, the
Collicutt Centre, the Recreation Centre and many other
city facilities. RDC and the City of Red Deer now include
barrier free access in their planning.” Styner has received
RDC’s Faculty of Nursing Award of Inspiration (1993/94).
He was inducted into the Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School Hall of Fame for Outstanding Achievement in Community Service (1995) and was appointed
as one of 100 Centennial Ambassadors for the province’s
100th anniversary.
CLASS | 1983 & 1990
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Chair, Premier’s Council on
the Status of Persons with Disabilities
MIKE TOTH
With a face well-recognized by
hockey fans and a personality
to back it up (he jokingly says
that his hobbies include rodeo
clowning and space travel), Toth
says that, “playing hockey at RDC
was the highlight of my hockey career. I had played on
some pretty bad junior hockey teams and RDC was a very
respected program that was always competitive.” After
realizing his childhood dream of becoming an NHL goalie
wasn’t going to come to fruition, Toth stayed focused on
his education. “I certainly enjoyed the classes that I did
take and specifically recall my political science professor,
Roy North, who always made his classes interesting by
encouraging a lot of input and participation from his
students.” Now a very successful sports broadcaster for
Rogers Sportsnet, Canadians enjoy seeing Toth bring his
passion for the game to their television screens.
CLASS | 1982
HOME | Toronto, ON
PROFESSION | Sports Broadcaster for Rogers Sportsnet - co-hosting
Sportsnet Connected, writing three blogs a week
for Sportsnet.ca and hosting a daily two hour radio show
CHRISTOPHER WARREN
Warren is a committee member
of the Law Society of Alberta Real
Estate Advisory Committee. He
is a trustee of the Ed Stelmach
Community Foundation, as well
as a member and advisor of the
David Thompson Health Region Foundation. In the past
he was also President of the Progressive Conservative
Association of Alberta, as well as past Chairman of the
Red Deer Public Library Board. “RDC was a very positive
experience for me. The biggest advantage I found was
coming from a small high school in Delburne. It made
transition to university much easier. The classes were
probably at that time no more than 35 to 40 students
at the most. And there was lots of interaction with
professors. It just made the whole transition a lot simpler.”
After his two years at RDC he continued his studies at the
University of Alberta, finishing his Arts degree and then
moving forward to earn a Law degree.
CLASS | 1975
PROGRAM | Arts
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Lawyer, partner with Warren Sinclair LLP
TODD TOWERS
Farmboy Fine Arts has been
touted as one of Canada’s ‘hottest
design companies’ and Towers
and staff have enjoyed success
in the development of projects,
while working with 45 of the
world’s top 75 design firms in the field of hospitality
design. Towers is also a member of the foundation
board of Emily Carr University of Art and Design. “I was
fortunate to have wonderful instructors and great studio
environments at RDC from which to build a proper work
ethic and process required to establish my own creative
voice within the program,” says Towers. “RDC also
provided me with the opportunity to connect to outside
artists and create through symposiums and residencies
set up by our instructors. I enjoyed this time in my life
very much and always thought the education I received
from those first few years gave me such a solid base
to work from as I moved onto university and my own
career”. He has also been awarded as one of Canada’s Top
40 under 40TM (2007).
PETER
ALEXANDER WEDDELL
Weddell was enrolled at RDC the
first year the College opened its
doors. “That first year of course
was busy. I was the first Student
President and as such, was part of
committees that chose the College colours, etc. At that
time there were very small classes and we all knew each
other. It was like being in Grade 13.” Weddell also worked
with the first Dean of the College, Peter Raffa. “RDC gave
me a better appreciation for the value of learning and
education. Don Hepburn was one of my professors and
we had an adult, rather than teacher/student relationship.
RDC opened the door of the world to me and showed me
how to pursue great things which I did.”
CLASS | 1965
PROGRAM | Science Pre-Med
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Retired – RCMP Bylaw Officer for Red Deer
CLASS | 1993
PROGRAM | Fine Arts Program
HOME | Vancouver, BC
PROFESSION | President/Creative Director for Farmboy Fine Arts
LEN WEBBER
Now an MLA for the Constituency
of Calgary Foothills and Parliamentary Assistant of Energy, Webber earned a journeyman electrician certificate and worked as
a tradesman for a number of years
before completing his Commerce degree. He then, along
with his father, started the Webber Academy in Calgary,
a university preparatory private school which consistently
ranks as the top academic school in the province. “I would
say that the two years I attended RDC was one of the best
times of my life,” says Webber. He adds that the Pre-Commerce program was outstanding as small class sizes gave
students the extra one-on-one attention. “I do recall an
excellent academic faculty that really cared and were integral in preparing students to succeed in their final two
years of their undergraduate program.” Webber is a loyal
volunteer in many fundraising events promoting breast
cancer awareness, research and development and is
a proud recipient of the Alberta Centennial Medal for his
contributions to the Province of Alberta.
CLASS | 1983
PROGRAM | Pre-Commerce Transfer Program
HOME | Calgary
PROFESSION | MLA for the Constituency of Calgary Foothills
and Parliamentary Assistant of Energy
LINDA WILSON
Linda Wilson worked in the Recreation Department at Red Deer
Regional Hospital Centre (DTHR)
for seven years and today is a parttime contract instructor at RDC
in the Disabilities and Community Studies Program. After leaving RDC, she earned her
Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a Masters degree in Continuing Education. “My two years at
RDC led me to a career in Therapeutic Recreation which
then led me to a career in Corporate Training using traditional training methods as well as using recreational
activities to get at key learning objectives,” she says. She
says a career highlight was being chosen as platform
speaker/presenter for the 2002 and 2003 Business Expo.
Wilson is a past coordinator for the Ministry of Children
& Family Services, having just completed more than 11
years of service. Her volunteer work includes being current Board Chair for the Central Alberta United Way,
a member of the Planning Committee for the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, a soccer coach
and a minor hockey manager.
CLASS | 1984
PROGRAM | Recreation Administration
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Principal with CorQuest Inc.
DARREN ZUBOT
Since leaving RDC, Zubot has
worked 18 years in many areas
of the building and construction industry, and has been
a professional engineer for more
than 10 years as a member of
the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists
and Geophysicists of Alberta. He has been awarded
a Gold Seal Certificate from the Canadian Construction
Association with distinction, in recognition of meeting
the Professional Construction Management Excellence
standards for Project Manager in General Contracting.
“When I was looking where to start my education my
preferences included the flexibility and transferability
of the RDC programs, and the lower costs of the programs when compared to universities,” says Zubot. “During my term at RDC I received the quality instruction and
support I needed to start me out and encourage me on
my road to becoming a professional engineer.” Zubot is
currently involved in the community through assistant
coaching in Red Deer Minor Hockey and co-coaching
with the Red Deer Soccer Association.
CLASS | 1990
PROGRAM | Bachelor of Science in Eng. Program
HOME | Red Deer
PROFESSION | Senior Project Manager at Scott Builders Inc. n
Congratulations
RDC
When you’re having
fun, 45 years Áy by
From modest beginnings in Lindsay Thurber
Comprehensive High School to state-of-the-art
facilities, programs and staff, Red Deer College
has become a vital partner with The City of Red
Deer and the surrounding district.
Congratulations RDC
Mayor Morris Flewwelling
on behalf of The City of Red Deer
Events
Include...
Doors Officially Open at RDC’s
Four New Learning Centres
RDC growing strong 45 years later
After three years of major construction, RDC’s four new
learning Centres officially opened. The Centres for Trades
& Technology, Innovation in Manufacturing, Corporate
Training and Visual Art are all part of our Building
Communities Through Learning (BCTL) initiative to expand
facilities, programs, services and support available
to students.
RBC PRESENTS THE
“The four new Centres can be attributed to more than three
years of planning and many people who contributed their
expertise to our vision,” said Herb Der, Chair, RDC Board
of Governors. “Without the support and leadership of our
government, donors, alumni, industry and community
members this innovative learning facility wouldn’t have
been possible.”
Alumni Athletic Games
Alumni Athletic Social
Athletics Season Games
Queen’s Hockey
Queen’s & King’s Basketball
Queen’s & King’s Volleyball
Lunch with the President
Pancake Breakfast
RDC’s 6th Annual
Wine Tasting Festival
Welcome Back
Weekend Reunion
The building was designed with a number of innovations.
All of the mechanical and structural systems are exposed
so that students can learn in and learn from the building.
Another feature is the number of open spaces which were
created to enhance collaborative learning. To achieve LEED
(Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design) certifica-
November 6 - 8, 2009
Students’ Association Reunion
Recently retired
RDC President,
Ron Woodward,
said at the event,
“This expansion will create opportunities for RDC students
and the communities of central Alberta. We’re able to offer
new and enhanced programming, and the flexibility in
these Centres will allow us to meet the changing needs
of the region. We are committed to strengthening the
communities we serve and our new facilities will help us to
do this.”
The Grand Opening celebration, held in June, was attended
by more than 250 community members, supporters and
RDC staff, faculty and students. n
Whether you’ve been gone for a year or forty-five,
we’re excited to Welcome You Back to RDC!
Reconnect with past classmates and instructors
all while enjoying great events planned just for you.
And don’t worry – there won’t be any tests.
RDC Open House
Social Work Reunion
tion, the plans included designs
to help minimize
water consumption and increase
energy efficiency.
Visit http://rdcalumni.ning.com to find out more!
Interested in coordinating a class event?
Contact the Alumni Relations Office
Hon. Mary Anne Jablonski
Minister of Seniors
and Community Supports
MLA Red Deer North
THANK YOU RBC FOR SUPPORTING
RDC’s WELCOME BACK WEEKEND
ALUMNI
For more information | Alumni Relations | 403.342.3308 | [email protected]
Cal Dallas
MLA Red Deer South
09-01475.indd 1
Congratulations RDC on
your 45th Anniversary!
Your strong connection
to Red Deer and Central
Alberta has contributed to
the success of the College
and our community. We
look forward to many more
years of a partnership that
will continue to have RDC
Alumni actively involved
in our Communities,
Provinces and Country.
Scotiabank is pleased to recognize and
congratulate Red Deer College on their
45th Anniversary. We salute RDC on its
outstanding contribution to Central Alberta,
Canada and indeed the world.
As Canada’s most international bank,
Scotiabank has been proud to partner with
RDC on it’s various endeavours over these
45 years. Scotiabank has been a direct
benefactor of RDC’s graduates and provides
a wide variety of student banking solutions
to those enrolled there.
Scotiabank Main: 5002, 50th St.
Scotabank Port-O-Call: 4421, 50th Ave.
Scotiabank North Hill: 6704, 50th Ave.
Scotiabank Lancaster: 2950, 22nd St.
09-01472.indd
1
8/31/09 3:10:38
PM
9/1/09 10:44:11 AM
As a proud RDC alumni and
former faculty advisor, I want
to salute the College’s 45
years of providing excellence
in educational training.
RDC students are well
positioned to become
tomorrow’s leaders and key
players in building a better
future for our country.
Thanks Red Deer College
for helping to ensure that
Canada will have a skilled
and flexible workforce in the
years to come.
WARREN
SINCLAIR
LLP
You used to sit – where they sit now.
CONGRATULATIONS
RDC ON YOUR
45thth ALUMNI
Lawyers proudly serving the Central Alberta
community. We offer a full service law firm with
extensive experience in a wide variety of legal areas.
Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament
for the Federal Constituency of Wetaskiwin
#6, 4612 - 50 Street Ponoka, AB T4J 1S7
First Red Deer Place
#600, 4911 - 51 Street
Red Deer, AB T4N 6V4
www.blainecalkinsmp.com
09-01538.indd 1
Telephone: 403-343-3320
Fax: 403-343-6069
www.warrensinclair.com
8/31/09 3:09:14
PM
09-01500.indd
1
8/31/09 3:13:23 PM
You worked hard. But somewhere, some way, someone helped you,
encouraged you, and guided you so that you are what, where and who
you are now.
And right now, someone’s really hoping that you’ll return the favour.
Earl Dreeshen,
MP (Red Deer)
4315 - 55 Avenue Suite 100A
Red Deer, AB T4N 4N7
(403) 347-7426
Congratulations
to the students, teachers, staff, alumni and Board of Governors
Congratulations
and thank you
for your 45 years
of first class
educational
service.
09-01499.indd 1
45
on the
Through your gift, you can:
• Leavealegacy
th
anniversary
of Red Deer College.
Many thanks for the excellence in education,
leadership and community service.
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools are proud to be
partner in your call to serve Central Alberta.
09-01495.indd
1
8/31/09 3:08:13
PM
Donate now! Scholarships and endowments are needed to help
deserving students in our community.
9/1/09 10:45:08 AM
• Honouralovedone
• Raisetheprofileofyourbusiness
• Beahelpinghand
To donate, call 403.343.4016, email [email protected] or visit
www.rdc.ab.ca/donate
WWW.NOVACHEMICALS.COM
rs’
Canadian
Home Builders’
Association
RDC Partner of the Year 2007
7.5 x 4.8375
Red Deer
Corridor...
> carry through to completion
Group2 is proud to be the prime
consultant working with RDC creating
“Building Communities Through Learning
Component I.”
...Canada’s
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An investment and labour
attraction web portal
for the Red Deer Region!
1. REGISTER a Red Deer Business
2. FIND a Red Deer Business on the Map
3. SOURCE Statistics on the Red Deer Region
4. FIND the Latest News Articles on the Red Deer Region
5. USE LINKS to Real Estate Opportunities,
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Red Deer Regional Economic Development (RDRED)
Group2 Architecture Engineering Ltd. • Edmonton > Red Deer > Calgary • www.group2.ab.ca
www.RedDeerCorridor.com
09-01559.indd 1
8/31/09 3:11:22 PM
work began on the permanent campus on the south side
of Red Deer. Official opening ceremonies took place on
November 2, 1967 to coincide with the visit of the new
Governor General of Canada, Roland Michener to Red Deer.
The building was actually not finished yet and the dignitaries
nearly froze to death as there was no heat. In September
1968, classes commenced in the new permanent campus.
Because the main building was a large brick structure, the
College was soon nicknamed The Brick.
Many improvements followed over the years. The main
building was expanded in the 1970’s. Later, a trades and
technology wing was built. In the fall of 1986, the Red
Deer College Arts Centre, which had been designed by
internationally noted architect Arthur Erickson, officially
opened with three-week long arts festival.
Retrospective
Red Deer College has celebrated history
A very important milestone in our community’s history
happened 45 years ago. On Friday, November 27, 1964, the
Red Deer Junior College officially opened in its temporary
quarters in a new wing at the Lindsay Thurber Composite
High School.
The idea of having a public college in Red Deer was not
a new one. There was a widespread feeling that such an
institution would make postsecondary education more
available to students in Central Alberta. It would likely be
more affordable than the universities in Alberta’s two largest
cities. It would also improve the transition for students from
high school to university with its smaller classes and greater
individual attention to students.
Red Deer had colleges in the past. In 1913, the Presbyterian
Church constructed the Alberta Ladies College on the East
Hill in order to provide young women from rural areas with
educational opportunities. Unfortunately, this was forced
to close due to financial difficulties during the First World
War. In 1929, the Northern Bible College, later renamed the
Canadian Nazarene College, was constructed on the south
side of Red Deer. However, in 1960, a decision was made
to sell the campus and move the college to Winnipeg. In
November 1951, Dr. Lindsay Thurber, superintendent of
the rural Red Deer School Division, proposed that a public
junior college be established in Red Deer.
Unfortunately, initially, not much happened with his idea. In
1955, the Red Deer Public School District put the proposal
to the provincial Minister of Education. He replied that
such an institution would have to be a purely local effort
as the department had no intention of taking the initiative
of establishing a college in Red Deer and turning it over
to local control. When Margaret Parsons became the chair
of the Public School Board in 1959, she became an active
advocate of the junior college idea. She pointed out that
Lethbridge had secured such a college in 1957 and she saw
no reason why Red Deer could not follow suit.
In March 1959, a joint agreement was made between
the Red Deer Public School District and the Red Deer
(rural) School Division to push ahead with securing
a junior college for Red Deer. In October 1963, the Red Deer
Separate School District and counties of Lacombe, Ponoka
and Mountainview formally joined the two original partners
and made application to the provincial government for
the incorporation of Red Deer College. It was agreed that
the Red Deer Public School District would take the lead as
the official sponsoring board.
Currently, Red Deer College is undergoing its largest
expansion project in its history. The new Centre for Trades
and Technology and Innovation in Manufacturing opened
in the fall of 2008. The Centre for Corporate Training opened
in February 2009 and the Centre for Visual Art opened in the
late spring of 2009.
Red Deer College continues to serve as the major postsecondary institution for central Alberta. It is an outstanding
example of leading edge partnership arrangements and
a vital community centre. There is much to celebrate today
and much more to be celebrated in the coming years
and decades. n
Michael Dawe
The past few years have brought many more exciting new
projects and innovations at the College. In 2002, a new
Library Information Common was constructed onto the
main college building. A partnership agreement was struck
between the College and the Red Deer Public Library, as well
as the Parkland Regional Library to provide an extensive
sharing of services and resources. Patrons of each of the
three libraries have full users’ rights to the new facility.
In 2004, a partnership agreement was struck between the
College, Bethany Care Society and David Thompson Health
Region to construct Collegeside, the first chronic care facility
attached to a post-secondary institution in Western Canada.
Temporary space for the college was to be provided in
a new wing being constructed at the Lindsay Thurber High
School. G. H. Dawe, the Public School Superintendent, was
named the chief administrative officer. The University of
Alberta Board of Governors gave their official approval and
agreed that Red Deer College would be an official affiliate of
the University of Alberta.
Red Deer Bottling is genuinely proud
to support RDC and be a partner
in building a stronger community.
Meanwhile, a search was made for a permanent campus
site. One spot north of the City was to be investigated, but
a large security dog kept the officials from inspecting the
site. Another proposed location was in Oriole Park. Finally,
the farm of Lawrence Banting, south of West Park, was
selected as the best future site for the College.
On November 18, 1963, the official order-in-council was
issued by the provincial government incorporating Red
Deer Junior College. The first formal college board was
created with representatives from each of the six partners.
Staff was hired and Peter Raff a was appointed the first dean.
When classes started in September 1964, there were
107 full-time students and 13 part-time students, well
above predictions of an inaugural enrolment of 65. In 1966,
We’ve been proudly supporting RDC for over 30 years
– because it’s the real thing to do.
6855 Edgar Industrial Drive | PO Box 280
Red Deer, AB | T4N 5E8 | (t) 403.346.7517
www.reddeerbottling.com
Stay Connected
Class Notes
Catching Up With Our Distinguished Alumni
In each issue of Notebook, we publish news and updates submitted by
our alumni – from marriage announcements to news of professional
achievements. To celebrate our 45th anniversary, we have followed up with
each of our Distinguished Alumni award recipients for their updates.
Each year, the RDC Alumni Association presents the Distinguished Alumnus
of the Year award to a living alum who has distinguished him or herself in
one or more of the following areas: Professional and Personal Achievement,
Academic Achievement, and/or Public Service Achievement.
Michael Dawe 1997
Dawe attended Red Deer College, graduating with
a Bachelor of Arts (history) in 1976, and is now a renowned
local historian with the City of Red Deer and an author and
columnist for the Red Deer Express.
Diana Anderson 1998
Anderson graduated from the Art & Design program in 1974.
After working for several years as the Exhibits Coordinator
for the Red Deer Museum and Kerry Wood Nature Centre
she was honored in 2008 with the Mayor’s Recognition
Award for Citizenship.
Dr. Janice Causgrove Dunn 1999
Dr. Causgrove Dunn attended RDC from 1980-1982 and
is now the Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs,
of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, at the
University of Alberta.
Dr. Rebecca Luce-Kapler 2000
Dr. Luce-Kapler began her studies in 1972 at RDC. She
has worked for several years as an English teacher and as
a writer – roles that have led her to her current position of
Professor in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University
in Ontario.
Dr. Sandy Murray 2001
Dr. Murray completed RDC’s University Transfer Program
in Science in 1969. He is an established family physician,
currently practicing in Red Deer.
Keith Hansen 2002
Hansen graduated from RDC in 1987, but returned as
a faculty member. He was the head coach of the RDC Kings
volleyball team, the Athletic Director of RDC from 2007 to
2009 and an ambassador to the community. He is currently
away on sabbatical.
Guy Pelletier 2003
Pelletier graduated from RDC with a Business Administration
Diploma (Honours) in 1987 and is now Vice President and
Regional Manager with Melcor Developments in Red Deer.
Doug Sandall, FCA 2004
Sandall earned an RDC Business Administration Diploma
in 1972 and is the Senior Partner in the accounting firm of
BDO Dunwoody LLP Chartered Accountants.
Anthony Kulbisky 2005
Kulbisky graduated from RDC ‘s University Transfer program
in Recreational Administration in 1984. Kulbisky is currently
the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Devon.
WONDER
where they are now?
Bryan Wilson 2008
Wilson attended RDC in 1973 and is now an Associate
Broker and a partner with True North Realty Corp. He is
a dedicated community volunteer and the founder of Red
Deer’s Hospice Society.
Jay Janzen 2009
Lt. Col Jay Janzen completed RDC’s Bachelor of Arts
University Transfer program in 1990. He is now head of
the National Defence Public Affairs Outreach Office for the
Prairies and Northern Canada.
Want your note to be included in our next issue? Submissions
can be sent by email to [email protected] or by mail
to: Alumni Relations, Red Deer College, 100 College Blvd.,
Box 5005, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H5 Just for submitting, we’ll
send you a five dollar gift certificate for the RDC Bookstore!
Name: (First)
(Middle)
(Last)
Maiden Name
Student ID Number
Program & Year:
Register today to look up your former
classmates, plan reunions and create
your own profile page.
Spouse’s Name:
Is your spouse a Red Deer College Alumnus?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Their Student ID Number:
Program and Year:
E-mail:
Home Address:
City:
Prov:
Postal Code:
Employer/Occupation:
City:
Melody Davidson 2006
Davidson graduated in 1984 from RDC’s Physical Education
program. A dedicated coach, Davidson led Canada’s
Women’s Hockey team to a gold medal at the 2006 Winter
Olympics. She has now been named head coach for the
2010 Women’s Olympic Team.
Tim Gitzel 2007
Gitzel graduated from RDC in 1984 and is now the Senior
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cameco
Corporation, based in Saskatoon.
E-mail your update to us at [email protected] or complete this form
and return it to our office, and receive a five dollar gift certificate from
the Red Deer College Bookstore.
Prov/State:
Would you like to receive Alumni updates via email?
Your updated news for “Class Notes” to be published in Notebook:
Red Deer’s Small Business
of the Year 2008
On behalf of the Management and Staff at
Gorts Truckwash and Gorts Chemicals,
Congratulations RDC, on your 45th Anniversary!
The personal information that you provide will be used by Community
Relations for the purposes of publication in the Alumni magazine,
ongoing contact, research and fundraising. The information will
be protected in compliance with the provisions of the Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act of Alberta. If you have any
questions about the collection and use of this personal information,
please don’t hesitate to contact us.
• Truck Wash • Chemicals • C-Store • Deli •
See us for all of your truck and
equipment washing needs and
our full line of environmentally
friendly chemicals for any
cleaning application
Signature:
Date:
403-309-1888
www.gortschemicals.ca
8001 Edgar Industrial Drive
Red Deer College Alumni Relations
Box 5005, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H5
Phone: (403) 342-3308 Fax: (403) 343-4080
Toll Free 1-866-ALUMNI1 (1-866-258-6641)
RDC Alumni are online.
Join us.
iPod Giveaway!
Send your email address, name, and year
of graduation to [email protected] for your
chance to win one of five iPod prize packs from
Johnson Inc.*
We’ll sign you up to receive the Notebook Ezine,
FREE – filled with news articles, updates and
important announcements.
Want more?
Sign up to our alumni networking site for the
latest news, invites to special events and a chance
to reconnect with your former classmates.
Feeling lost?
If you haven’t heard from us, or if you haven’t
been receiving Notebook, your alumni magazine
- it could be because we don’t have your current
address on file. Give us a call at 403.342.3308
or send us an email at [email protected] and
we’ll make sure your record is updated.
*Five prize packages are available including: iPod Touch (2), iPod Shuffle (2) or an iPod Nano. Johnson Inc. is proud to support alumni programming at RDC. For more information about exclusive offers for RDC alumni from Johnson Inc.
visit www.rdc.ab.ca/alumni/benefits_services
09-01480.indd 1
9/1/09 10:41:43 AM
Alberta Blue Cross is pleased to be the group benefit
provider of choice for Red Deer College.
Congratulations on 45 years of building futures!
More Albertans trust Alberta Blue Cross for coverage
than anyone else. And with good reason.
As an independent, not-for-profit
organization, Alberta Blue Cross
is uniquely committed to meeting
the supplementary health needs
of Albertans.
Today Alberta Blue Cross serves over 1.5 million Albertans with coverage for
prescription drugs, dental and vision care, ambulance, preferred hospital
accommodation, extended health benefits and much more.
Alberta Blue Cross plans provide practical and affordable protection to support your health.
We offer a wide range of plans including:
employer group benefit plans serving Alberta-based businesses from two employees to thousands,
3 innovative
providing flexible solutions to the challenges of rising benefit plan costs
individual health and dental plans for Albertans who are self-employed, working on contract, early
3affordable
retirees or without employer group benefits
plans for Alberta seniors ages 65 and over that complement existing government-sponsored programs
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with dental and vision care as well as other important benefits
3emergency medical travel coverage to protect Albertans planning to travel outside the province or the country
Call us today!
Toll Free 1-800-661-6995
ABC 82564 04/2009
Red Deer and area 403-343-7009
w w w. a b . b l u e c r o s s . c a
09-01465.indd 1
9/1/09 10:42:43 AM

Celebrating 45 Years of Alumni Success

Transcription

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