Dawnine Jackson - RDC's 2019 Alumni Legacy Award

Dawnine Jackson (Bachelor of Arts – Recreation Administration, 1987) established herself as a committed professional, a dedicated leader and an important mentor in her decades-long career in Recreation. She was known as a leader in community programming in central Alberta; the training systems and certification requirements that she originally established as part of the Collicutt Centre Water Park staffing model still stand today as the gold standard for operation. She was respected by her peers, colleagues and staff for her conscientious self-evaluation, her commitment to developing her team members, and her passion for leadership excellence.

However, she is remembered most for her kind and compassionate mentorship. Her career in recreation began with volunteer work in her teens and she remained passionately committed to this path for her whole life. She coached and mentored countless of our region’s young people as a swim instructor, lifeguard and gymnastics coach.

In her career with the City of Red Deer, she impacted the lives of a generation of Red Deer youth through her work in community programming, and she left an indelible mark on the people she worked with daily. She mentored trainers, instructors and lifeguards to become effective leaders, and she inspired the young, enthusiastic lifeguards she worked with at the Collicutt Center to become capable community contributors who are now adults, sharing their skills and abilities in our community.

RDC is honoured to recognize the rippling impact that DJ’s kindness, encouragement, expertise and professionalism have had on our region.

In honour of DJ Jackson, the Alumni Association will bestow a $750 award to a deserving student who is making a meaningful contribution of time, effort and leadership that makes our communities special places for our citizens.

First established in 2004, the Alumni Legacy Award is a posthumous award given to recognize an individual alumnus’ contribution to the community. The award honours the spirit and commitment to Red Deer and central Alberta exemplified by the first honouree, Phil Rauch.

To learn more about the contributions of alumni who have been recognized with this award, or how you can nominate a deserving alumnus for one of these awards, please visit rdc.ab.ca/alumniawards