Chair of the Board of Governors for RDP Guy Pelletier during the official unveiling of the schools new brand. (YouTube)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

entire event livestreamed

RDC now officially RDP after new brand launch

Oct 1, 2021 | 3:23 PM

Red Deer Polytechnic’s (RDP) leaders were joined by government dignitaries and special guests on Friday for a virtual celebration to unveil the institution’s new brand, acknowledged as a significant turning point in the evolution of the post-secondary institution.

Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides attended the event virtually, and said he was thrilled that RDP is now central Alberta’s polytechnic institution.

“This transition will provide central Alberta residents with a wider range of high-quality education, skills and training they need to get back to work, meet current and future labour market demands and drive innovation to make Alberta competitive in a 21st century global economy. This historic shift continues this region’s transformation into a learning and economic powerhouse in our province.”

Increasing opportunities for students, graduates, partners and businesses is of pivotal importance for RDP. With its new designation, the institution will create unique and innovative new opportunities to complement its wide breadth of programs and credentials. With its new brand, the Polytechnic is felt to have a foundational identity for the future.

“Launching our new brand is a milestone because it represents visual aspects, such as our logo, but it also provides the foundation for our new identity,” said Interim RDP President, Jim Btinkhurst. “Our new brand defines our reason for being and what we promise to offer as an institution. It will help people to understand what we do, how we will act and what they can expect from us at Red Deer Polytechnic.”

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As Brinkhurst noted at the virtual event, the new brand evolved thanks to feedback from more than 600 central Albertans, including those who participated in focus group sessions across the region. The results of these discussions is said to have provided the foundation for the brand and its strategy, which is encompassed in a brand that is described as personal, community-driven, open, empowering and entrepreneurial.

As central Alberta’s new polytechnic, these attributes are hoped to position Red Deer Polytechnic for success moving forward, say RDP officials.

Students’ Association president Savannah Snow, says this move is exciting and filled with a lot of opportunity.

“The students and the community will benefit greatly from our ability to offer degrees and provide more work-integrated learning. The Students’ Association is pleased our students will be able to learn, earn and grow their families and futures close to home.”

The need for more opportunities – for students, graduates, employers and partners – has been the driving force in the years-long quest to become a degree granting institution, say RDP officials.

With the Government of Alberta’s announcement in May that Red Deer College had received its new designation, the doors opened for many new pathways for all those connected with the institution. With Friday’s launch of the new brand, the extensive work of everyone who currently and previously advocated for this change has now come to fruition.

RDP Board Chair Guy Pelletier says he’s so proud of what they have achieved during this pivotal step in their evolution.

“Our history as Red Deer College is deeply rooted in this region. Now, as Red Deer Polytechnic, our designation, name and brand will provide the springboard for us to continue to support our students and help the entire region to grow.”

For additional details about Red Deer Polytechnic’s new brand, please visit rdc.ab.ca/newbrand.