To kick off 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, let’s first have a night of fabulous fun! Join 4Q’s very own DD Fierce & Sparkle Emotion with special guests Ruby Hymen and Olivia Leads on November 20th for an evening of drag entertainment. The best part? Ticket sales support our student food bank! You can get yours at the SA Office or at the door with a minimum $5 donation.

 

For more details, please contact your Vice President Community & Wellness, Jessica Hennelly, at [email protected].

The Students’ Association would like to invite all Members to attend the 2019 Annual General Meeting.

The AGM will take place on Wednesday, October 30th at 12:00 p.m. in the Far Side Bar & Grill.

Agenda Items Include:
– Release of 2018-2019
Annual Report
– 2019/2020 Execute Council Mid-Term Reports
– Proposed Bylaw Amendments

You are the reason RDC exists

This is my final article as President of RDC/University as I am retiring. Our new President, Dr. Peter Nunoda, starts his tenure in September. He has a strong background from his work at post-secondary institutions across Canada, and he is committed to supporting you, our students.

As I reflect on my ten years as President, it is clear that the future for RDC as a University is unlimited, and it is because of all of you.

Because of you, the government of Alberta finally said ‘yes’ to RDC becoming a university. Countless students added their voices to this ask, and you were heard. It is perhaps the most significant decision ever made to ensure our institution and region will grow and prosper.

Because of you, our campuses are welcoming, dynamic and growing. The Donald School of Business and the Welikoklad Event Centre ensure downtown will be vibrant. The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre is an iconic landmark defining our community to all who pass on the QE2. Our new residence clad in solar panels and our Alternative Energy Lab are examples of RDC/U’s leadership in becoming carbon neutral and energy independent.

These facilities are here for our students. Without you, there would be no need, and without you, they would just be buildings. It is what happens within the walls of RDC that makes me the most proud, as you bring the energy and determination and passion to succeed.

Because of you, 16 new programs have been launched, which ensures more students can remain in central Alberta to complete their education. You have spoken up and said you need even more possibilities, even more opportunities to take programs that will lead to meaningful careers, and we have been listening. Our ten-year academic plan, led by Dr. Paulette Hanna, ensures we will launch even more programs, including new degrees, as we complete our University transition.

Our future as a comprehensive regional teaching university will be strengthened and enhanced by launching new programs including trades and apprenticeship, certificates, diplomas and degrees, and we will continue to measure success by who we let in, not who we keep out.

I have always been reluctant to share my story, but I did recently at Convocation, and I will now, because it demonstrates the power of post-secondary education, and its ability to change lives.

I got kicked out of high school at 16 for reasons I won’t go into (let’s just say I didn’t like school and school didn’t like me.) So, 16 years of age, out of school, with no prospects and no real family, I ran away from home. With all my worldly possessions in a shopping bag, $10 in my pocket, hair down to my butt with an attitude to match, I hitch-hiked west.

I stayed in hostels, hustled pool, made money where I could – and saw people at their worst, including myself. Lots happened in those years, but that really isn’t the point of the story.

Fast forward eight years and, with the help of a few people who had faith in me, just as there are many others who might have helped you along the way, I went to University. I was put on probation and needed to prove I could handle the work for one semester and, if I was successful, I would be allowed to continue. Well, I graduated and the doors of possibility flew open.

It is at college that I learned the transformative power of education to change lives. I was given a second chance, and for that I am grateful. The experience taught me to never give up, keep learning, and it taught me to stand up for what I believed.

It is because of you and it is for you that RDC exists. At this College – soon to be University – second chances are given, lives are changed, and society benefits.

It has been an honour and privilege to serve as the tenth President of RDC/U. Please accept my sincere thanks for allowing me to be part of your College. Being part of RDC’s journey, and watching thousands of you graduate each year has brought me great joy and fulfillment.

Joel Ward is President & CEO of Red Deer College.

The Students’ Association’s membership has donated $500,000 to the Gary W. Harris Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport.

“This is truly a monumental time in the history of Red Deer College,” said Students’ Association President Maryanne McGrath, at the construction launch for the Centre Friday, March 11. “Student leaders carry the duty of honoring the decisions of past students, an obligation to build on those decisions in the present, and the responsibility of anticipating the needs of future students.

“For over 15 years, the students of Red Deer College have been investing a portion of their fees in the Building Trust Fund – in anticipation of being a key player in the future growth of Red Deer College. That day has come.

“I am honored to announce that the students of today have committed to investing five hundred thousand dollars to Red Deer College’s ‘Shaping our Future’ campaign.”

The donation was approved by the membership at the Students’ Association Spring General Meeting March 1.

“By investing in our own futures, students are guaranteeing that those who follow in our footsteps will have every opportunity to succeed at Red Deer College. Students hope to further the vision of what is to come for Red Deer College, through the Shaping our Future campaign, the bid to become a Polytechnic University, and the execution of the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

“Thank you for standing with students as we shape our future together.”

In recognition of the students’ contribution, Red Deer College has generously offered to re-purpose meaningful space, allocated for use by the Students’ Association and its Members.

Students can study with ease knowing their Students’ Association has their well-being in mind during the 2019 Canada Winter Games and RDC’s transition to University status. 

On behalf of the Students’ Association of Red Deer College, I’d like to extend the warmest of welcomes to you, our students. I am thrilled that you chose to study here with us. For those of you beginning your post-secondary journey, I want you to know that it’s okay to be nervous. I was nervous too and, honestly, sometimes still am. College can be daunting, but don’t fret; your Students’ Association has your back! We provide a number of services to make student life more enjoyable and affordable. I am optimistic about advocating on behalf of our students for reasonably priced tuition, affordable services, scholarships, mental health funding, and much more.

This year, I look forward to ensuring that students are adequately represented as Red Deer College begins its transition to University status. I will work closely with our Vice President Academic, Esther Schilling, to promote the student perspective as new programs are developed and introduced. The transition to University status will be one of the top priorities of the Students’ Association in the coming years. The transition team, led by the Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Torben Anderson, needs proper and thorough student representation. We will work to ensure that Red Deer College continues to offer certificates, diplomas, trades, and collaborative degrees as it expands its capacity to offer baccalaureate degrees with applied focuses that will prepare students for gainful employment in the new economy.

We have our work cut out for us as we prepare for the logistical challenges that the 2019 Canada Winter Games will present students, especially those living in residence. The College must be held accountable to properly accommodate students affected. That being said, the Games will also present a number of exciting volunteer opportunities that we will happily help you connect with.

Recently, Red Deer College celebrated the opening of the Canada Winter Games Gary W. Harris Centre. I am proud that our members recognized the value of this new facility and encouraged its construction with a donation of half a million dollars. By financially supporting this building, we as students are investing in both Central Alberta and the mental and physical well-being of current and future students. Students have assisted in the expansion of learning opportunities and increased support for our Athletics department who will now have the facilities to not only cultivate their talent but host athletes from across Canada.

In recognition of the students’ donation, the College is allowing us to expand our footprint into the former training facility on campus, which is something we are very excited about. This expansion will give us space to further engage our students and enhance our capacity to fulfill the needs of our members.

Before I go, I’d like to take a moment to encourage you to get involved in your college community however you feel most comfortable doing so. Red Deer College will present you with countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. All I ask is that you keep an open mind. Don’t take on more than you can handle, but do your best to challenge yourself with the many leadership opportunities available to students on campus. Seize the day, invest in yourself, get involved, and we can grow together.

I am confident we are going to have a memorable year together. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me via email at [email protected], in person in room 2010, or by phone at 403-342-3200.