Dr. Jim Barmby (left) and Dr. Russell Schnell (right). (Red Deer Polytechnic)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

RDP announces two honorary degree recipients for 2023

May 28, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Red Deer Polytechnic has announced the recipients of two 2023 Honorary Degrees.

Dr. James Barmby and Dr. Russell Schnell will receive Honorary Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Degrees in recognition of their incredible contributions and positive impact to society, the institution says.

“It is a privilege to recognize Dr. Barmby and Dr. Schnell as our Honorary Degree recipients this year,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “As respected experts in their fields with deep roots in central Alberta, they have spent their careers in service to the betterment of our communities and our world. They possess uncommon curiosity and passion for education, making them both the kind of lifelong learners we hope our students will be.”

Dr. Barmby’s post-secondary journey began as an Art and Design Diploma student at Red Deer Polytechnic where he also served as a member of the Student Council from 1973 to 1975.

“Educational institutions provide an opportunity to learn through interaction with others, to realize our individual potential, and to help us appreciate the world in which we live,” says Dr Barmby. “Our institutions are gardens, not factories, and the growth of every person in their care requires the best we have to offer.”

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Dr. Schnell has made vast contributions to environmental sciences in the region, province and around the world. Over 60 years, he has authored or contributed to nearly 200 publications.

In recent years, he has built Little Free Libraries and donated them to communities around the globe.

“Growing up in a small town was an ideal place for me. In summer, my friends and I played outdoors and hiked over the hundred square miles of coulees, streams, and badlands,” says Dr. Schnell on his journey from Castor, Alberta to world-renowned scientist.

“Coming from a small rural town or a farm background is not an impediment to success. From my perspective, it is a clear and larg advantage.”

Dr. Barmby and Dr. Schnell will be formally honoured at Red Deer Polytechnic’s 59th Convocation Ceremonies on June 2. They join a prestigious group of nine other individuals who have also received Honorary Degrees from Red Deer Polytechnic since the institution first began bestowing this honour in 2014.