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Michael Donlevy to retire from RDC after 18 years

Feb 10, 2019 | 9:23 AM

With Red Deer College’s president and CEO Joel Ward already set to retire in 2019, the institution is now facing the departure of another high-profile face.

Vice President Michael Donlevy has announced he will retire effective June 30 of this year after close to 20 years with the college.

Donlevy has been a member of RDC’s executive team since 2001, and during that time he led two ambitious fundraising campaigns resulting in over $60 million raised through philanthropic gifts and sponsorships. His contributions are also to be credited for more than $1 million in scholarships now awarded to students annually.

“The experiences I’ve enjoyed during almost 20 years of working with an amazing group of senior administration colleagues, staff and faculty, being part of helping learners achieve their educational goals, has been a true privilege,” Donlevy says.

“But also so memorable and humbling has been the opportunity to engage donors, alumni, partners, sponsors, volunteers and community members. They showed me time and again, their own passion for RDC, their commitment to our students and in many instances, the true meaning of generosity and philanthropy.”

Donlevy is also credited with building and growing a number of annual events, including the Kings & Queens Scholarship Breakfast, the Golf Classic, and the Perspectives: Canada in the World speakers’ series.

Among his more recent accomplishments, Donlevy had major input on the college’s Alternative Energy Strategy, which aims to make RDC a net zero institution.

“Michael is a valued colleague and has served the College and our community well in his leadership role,” Ward says. “I appreciate Michael’s vast contributions and tireless efforts to help shape RDC to be the vibrant post-secondary institution it is today, ensuring our students’ achieve success in their studies and in their lives.”

Donlevy has also served as chair of several community organizations, such as the Alberta Jubilee Auditoria Society, Westerner Park, Kiwanis Club of Red Deer, and the Red Deer Festival of Trees Sponsorship Committee.

A reception to mark his retirement will be held this spring.