(Photo courtesy of RDP website)
Individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) during the post-secondary institution’s 2024 Community Awards on Oct. 21.
“Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to recognize and celebrate the impact of alumni, partners, and community members who contribute to the success of our institution, students, and community,” said Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “The individuals and organizations we recognized at the 2024 Community Awards are all outstanding citizens, having also contributed to the economic priorities and social vibrancy of our region and province.”
The G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence is given to an individual for outstanding contributions to RDP and the Central Alberta region. The recipient must exemplify the values of Mr. G. Harold Dawe, including commitment to education and student success, leadership, vision, integrity, and dedication to the community.
Marty Vellner received the award and is described as one of Central Alberta’s most respected business leaders and community builders.
Vellner has owned and operated Vellner Leisure Products since 1983, and under his leadership, the company has continued to grow and thrive.
He is an active volunteer, donating his time to numerous causes ranging from sports and recreation, education, to the arts, and has served on boards including the Canada Winters Games Host Society, Westerner Park, and the Red Deer Polytechnic Foundation.
The Alumni Legacy Award was established by the RDP Alumni Association to recognize the contributions of alumni. The award honours an individual who has made a lasting impact academically, professionally, or through community service.
Fifth generation Red Deerian, Michael Dawe received the Alumni Legacy Award.
Dawe studied in the Bachelor of Arts program at Red Deer College, before earning his degree at the University of Alberta, majoring in history and economics.
After graduating, Dawe returned to Red Deer to become the city’s full-time archivist. He is described as a skilled author, historian, and chronicler of Red Deer’s heritage.
Dawe was an active volunteer in the community, serving as a member of the Red Deer East Rotary Club, the Director of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre Association, a trustee for the Regional Health Foundation, and a member of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Board.
He served as a City Councillor from 2017 until his passing in December 2023.
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The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an RDP alum who has distinguished themselves in personal achievement, academic achievement, or public service achievement.
Founder and Executive Director of the African Caribbean Centre of Central Alberta, Zainab Mohamoud received the award.
Her leadership and passion for culture sharing resulted in the first Afro-Caribbean festival held in Red Deer last year, featuring food, music, and history of African and Caribbean Canadians.
Mohamoud's newest project, Zainab’s Coffee House supports new Canadians, offering work experience opportunities and community integration through the African Caribbean Centre.
Mohamoud works to support minority communities and bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to foster understanding, resiliency, and inclusion.
She founded the Education for Somali Girls and Boys Foundation and led the establishment of a school in Somalia that educates more than 100 students.
The Community Partner Award is given to a community-oriented organization that has worked with RDP to benefit students.
Bruin’s Plumbing and Heating Ltd. received the Community Partner Award for the company’s support of RDP.
The Bruin family demonstrated their commitment to student success through their investment in the Building Communities Through Learning campaign in 2006.
At the time, $100,000 of the $250,000 overall gift was used to establish the Bruin’s Plumbing and Heating Ltd. Apprenticeship Trades Endowment.
The company has contributed more than $330,000 through the campaign, along with their support of RDP Athletics, student scholarships, and the naming of the Bruin’s Student Study Lounge on RDP’s main campus.
**With information provided by RDP
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