RDP celebrates 2024 Employee Awards of Excellence

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) recognized 11 faculty and staff who have made significant contributions in serving students, the institution, and the community throughout the year.  

The awards were presented at the annual RDP Awards of Excellence event on Aug. 28 on RDP’s main campus.  

“We are proud of our faculty and staff who consistently demonstrate excellence in their roles. The Awards of Excellence celebrate the dedication, expertise, and innovation that our team embodies every day,” said Cristal Glass-Painchaud, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Director of People and Culture at RDP. “This year’s recipients have set a remarkable standard, inspiring us all to strive for greatness in service, teaching, leadership, and collaboration. We are honoured to celebrate their achievements and are grateful for their unwavering commitment to advancing education and fostering a vibrant learning environment at RDP."  

This year, 34 faculty and staff were nominated by colleagues and students for demonstrating excellence in innovation, leadership, service, and teaching.  

The 2024 Awards of Excellence recipients are:  

Excellence in Innovation:  

• Leanne LaBrash, Training Development Lead in Continuing Education and Corporate Training, was recognized for her innovative and collaborative approach to exploring new program development.  

• Dr. Jessica Legacy, English Literature and Language instructor, was acknowledged for cultivating creative learning environments and contributing to student growth and success.  

 Excellence in Leadership:  

• Trent Rix, Director of Ancillary and Sport Services, was celebrated for his progressive leadership and role in RDP successfully hosting local, provincial, and national events.  

• Dr. Krista Robson, Sociology instructor, was recognized for her guidance and commitment to advancing applied research and learning at RDP.  

Excellence in Service:  

• Eryn Beddoes, Project Manager, Facility Infrastructure and Engineering, Campus Management, was acknowledged for her expertise in sustainability and dedication to serving RDP and innovation communities.   

• Dr. Brent Galloway, Education instructor, was celebrated for his service to learners, the teaching profession, and academia.  

 Excellence in Teaching:

• Megan Bylsma, Art History and Animation History instructor was recognized for creating dynamic and engaging academic environments that contribute to student success.   

• Patrick Conner, Math instructor, was acknowledged for implementing innovative and effective teaching methods that inspire students.  

Support staff were recognized in the Grace Taylor Memorial Award of Excellence and Vicki Mix Administrative Excellence Award categories.  

The Grace Taylor Memorial Award of Excellence is awarded to support staff who embody competence, humour, kindness, patience, and understanding.   

The Vicki Mix Administrative Excellence Award is awarded to a support staff member who performs their duties in an exceptional fashion, demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth, cooperates, and fosters positive relationships with colleagues.   

Grace Taylor Memorial Award of Excellence:   

• Nicole Dawe, Accounts Payable Technician, was celebrated for her collaboration, expertise, and kindness, which includes helping to recognize workplace milestones for colleagues.   

• Tyrell Wesenberg, Operations Coordinator in the Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation, was acknowledged for his patience, professionalism, and immense contributions to RDP and innovation communities.  

Vicki Mix Administrative Excellence Award:

• Brianne Nettelfield, Development Consultant in the Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre, was celebrated for her expertise, impact, and commitment to personal and professional development.  

**With information provided by Red Deer Polytechnic.