Letter from Joel Ward

It has been a transformative time at Red Deer College, and the pace of change over the past 12 months has been breathtaking.

Since last year’s edition of Notebook, our College has completed all three of our major construction projects, and we established RDC as an unparalleled leader in alternative energy across the post-secondary sector. We were a major partner in the 2019 Canada Winter Games, we hosted the CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship, and we welcomed thousands of people into our impressive new facilities. Plus, we’ve added eight new programs and have continued to make great strides in our transition to a university.

With all of our recent successes, determining our new university name was a key milestone for our future. On March 5, 2019, the Government of Alberta accepted our recommendation and announced that our new name will be Red Deer University. This name is rooted in our community, while also aligning with our future vision as a university. And it reflects the intense pride that people have for both Red Deer and for Red Deer College.

We will continue to work with our community members and partners to create a university that is dynamic and impactful. This work is already going on behind-the-scenes, as we plan for and meet the remaining requirements needed to become a university. Once this happens – in approximately three to five years – then we will officially be known as Red Deer University. As a university, we will continue to offer everything we do now, plus grant our own degrees. We will continue to be inclusive and innovative, and we will make an ever-increasing difference in this region.

Red Deer College is woven into the fabric of central Alberta, and the recent Canada Winter Games were an incredible example of this. Whether through work or volunteerism or fan support, people from across our city and region welcomed thousands of athletes and guests. The experience was unforgettable, with the gold medal final in Wheelchair Basketball, held at our own Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, being one vivid memory for me. The venue was filled to the rafters and there was energy and excitement the whole game.

This snapshot in time truly demonstrated to me what a great facility it is, and what it will mean for our new University, our students, communities and athletes. By working together for the Games, we showcased our institution and our community to all of Canada. We should be proud of all we have accomplished, and this spirit of collaboration will allow us to forge ahead and create our new University together.

This is my last article for Notebook, as I am retiring later this year. It has been an honour and a privilege to lead this great College over the last 10 years. Watching thousands of you graduate and begin the next phase of your lives has brought joy and fulfillment to my time at Red Deer College.

Sincerely,

Joel Ward

President & CEO Red Deer College