History
Celebrating our History
RDC has been a leader in education for more than 50 years.
1963 Red Deer College established by Order-in-Council and housed at Lindsay Thurber Composite High School. Margaret Parsons (shown), Harold Dawe, Lil Scott and Bob Jewell are key to its inception. |
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1964 Red Deer Junior College opened in Lindsay Thurber Composite High School, and Red Deer Junior College Kings and Queens athletics teams are established. |
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1964 - 1966 Peter Raffa (shown) becomes first Dean of the College. 119 full and part-time students, 5 staff and 10 instructors make up the College. Planning begins for a permanent campus. |
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1967 Red Deer College campus is officially opened. |
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1968 -1970 Programs in Nursing, Business Administration, Social Service and Secretarial Science are added. RDC becomes first college in Alberta to offer second year transfer programs. |
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1971 -1973 Enrolment rises to 831 students. Extensive facility additions are opened and the new Art and Design program is launched. |
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1974 -1976 Six new diploma programs introduced. The Red Deer College permanent art collection is established. |
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1977 -1978 RDC Kings and Queens athletics teams take the Canadian College Athletics Association (CCAA) Championships by storm. |
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1979 -1980 Two new academic wings are opened and the Students’ Association opens their new building. Nine apprenticeship programs are introduced. |
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1981 -1983 Enrolment stands at 2,065. Red Deer College decides to pursue a ‘comprehensive’ core mission. Apprenticeship and Technology wings and new residential housing opens. |
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1984 -1987 The Margaret Parsons Theatre and Arts Centre opens. The Kings and Queen’s volleyball, curling and badminton team continue to dominate at C.C.A.A. championships. |
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1988 -1990 Enrolment stands at 5,000. The Red Deer College Alumni Association is formed. RDC receives the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Supremacy Award for the 14th time in 15 years. |
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1991 -1994 Automotive Service Technician and Locksmith Apprenticeship Program launched. First class of collaborative B.ScN graduates. |
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1995 -1997 Library introduces access to over 5000 international databases and the internet. Train Station Fitness and Lifestyle Centre opens. RDC teams up with the U of A to offer B. Ed. |
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1998 -2000 Ron Woodward becomes President. RDC offers its first internet based course in Communications. An RDC film, “Naked Frailties”, is nominated for five A.M.P.I.A. awards. |
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2000 - 2002 Construction begins on new Library Information Commons. Residence expanded and Bookstore renovations completed. Motion Picture Arts Applied Degree begins. |
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2003 - 2006 International Education Office opens- 25 international students attend RDC. The College celebrates its 40th Anniversary. CollegeSide opens- Canada’s first college-based care, supportive living and learning community. Financial Services Diploma program is launched. |
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2006 - 2009 Kings Volleyball team break records by winning 8th straight national title. RDC launches a new brand. Donald School of Business is announced. Four new Centres - trades, innovation in manufacturing, corporate training and visual arts are opened adding 200,000 square feet. |
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2010 – 2013
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