Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic provided updates on programs and challenges at Red Deer Polytechnic. As a polytechnic, the focus is on the development of economic and social interests. Deep connections with industry, real world education and research and a desire to serve Alberta's key sectors are reflected in the programs that are offered. RDP serves more than 10 500 learners across four Schools and is currently ranked as one of Canada's top 50 research colleges/polytechnics. The 4 schools are: School of Health and Wellness, School of Trades and Technology, Donald School of Business, and the School of Arts and Education. 149 companies are involved in applied research projects and 95% of learners obtain relevant employment upon graduation.
Current challenges include a decline in public sector spending on college/university that has resulted in a funding gap. A decline in international enrollment occurred as there was an unprecedented decline in the approval of international study permits.
Recent areas of growth include the CIM-TAC expansion. January 2026 saw the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute provide 500 students to support students in Grades 8-10 to explore potential career pathways in trades. Red Hot Science program supports students in K-12 who have an interest in STEM. The Health and Health Wellness programs have expanded their offerings to include a medical sonography diploma The partnership with Bethany Care Society offers additional opportunities for collaborative teaching and research. There is a new energy test hub and a close connection with Fortis. RDP recognizes a growing need for more trades and is encouraged by their high retention rate. The goal of RDP is to become a destination for learning, not a jumping off point for other institutions. Credits that were obtained from other institutions are able to be applied to relevant programs. The Health Tech Centre for Applied Learning and Innovations plans to double the current seats for students desiring a career in relevant health professions.
A tour of the facilities was enjoyed by members after the meeting. Please note the masked man!
Meeting Update
Brett Mauthe hosted the meeting at Red Deer Polytechnic with Debbie Valyear as Sarge.
Guests of Rotary:
Laurel Corbiere, Jim Brinkhurst; Red Deer Polytechnic
June is Rotary Fellowship Month
"The foundation upon which Rotary is built is friendship; on no less firm foundation could it have stood." - Paul P. Harris
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Leann Scarlett: Starting a ukulele gathering on Tuesday nights at Dave's. Contact her for more details.
Donna Purcell: Making great progress on support for a local law school.
Encouraged members to a hip hop event in which Donna and Grace Yang will be performing. Click here for more info.
Ken Johnston: Recorded a round of applause for Harold Barnes who was not able to attend the meeting.
Dan Nielsen: Had a great month in Hawaii and is glad to be back home again.
Dagmar Knutson: Excited that the October 10 Peaks conference already has a very large number of registrants. Thanks to Red Deer Polytechnic and their team for their support of this event.
Grant Edmonds: Has regretfully not renewed his membership at RDGC. Please see him if you want a prized Oiler bag and left handed clubs- they have served him well.
Robert Mast: Overjoyed to report that his daughter has graduated from medical school and is pursuing radiology beginning in July.
Adele Poratto: Sent in information regarding event to learn more about Sendero Centre, how you can be involved, and what their future plans are. RSVP is required.
Community & Project Updates
Rotary Branches Out
Dagmar Knutson reported that the recent tree planting at McKenzie Trails was a great success. The weather was perfect and the recent rains will help the little seedlings get a good start. Over 90 members of the community were there to plant 1500 white spruce saplings. It was great to see members of the Sunrise Club come and help out. We also had a large turnout of members who assisted in set up, take down, distributing pizza and planting. Thanks to Boston Pizza for donating the pizza after the event, Central AB Co-op for water, pop, plates, and napkins, Eric of Prime Boiler for tables and garbage cans, Weyerhauser for donating 1600 12" saplings, the Advocate for promoting our event in the community pages, Dustin and Earl's for the ice and Ten Peaks Innovation for advertising and organizing.
June 8/26
Sick and Visiting
Ken Johnston reports that Harold Barnes is in the hospital but in good spirits.
Grant Edmonds reports that his wife, Carole, is home and progressing.
Robert Mast shared that he visited with Carmen Boake in the hospital recently.
Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic provided updates on programs and challenges at Red Deer Polytechnic. As a polytechnic, the focus is on the development of economic and social interests. Deep connections with industry, real world education and research and a desire to serve Alberta's key sectors are reflected in the programs that are offered. RDP serves more than 10 500 learners across four Schools and is currently ranked as one of Canada's top 50 research colleges/polytechnics. The 4 schools are: School of Health and Wellness, School of Trades and Technology, Donald School of Business, and the School of Arts and Education. 149 companies are involved in applied research projects and 95% of learners obtain relevant employment upon graduation. 
