RDC Hosts the Grand Opening of the Donald School of Business
Red Deer, September 23, 2011 – Red Deer College celebrated the Grand Opening of the Donald School of Business today at its new downtown campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony and brief program.
Located at the Millennium Centre, RDC’s Donald School of Business provides students and business professionals in our region with a variety of educational opportunities that support life-long learning. The School houses RDC’s diverse range of business programs from degrees, diplomas, certificates, career advancement certificates, corporate training and professional development opportunities.
“RDC is the perfect choice for students who recognize that getting an education is a practical investment in their future. Our School’s instructors are real business people with a lifetime of experience,” says RDC President and CEO, Joel Ward. “I like to tell our students that every day at the Donald School of Business is like a job interview with a future employer because every day they are rubbing shoulders with bankers, businessmen, and entrepreneurs.”
The School is just one way that RDC continues to meet the learning needs of central Albertans through:
• engaging our local business community by providing new ways to connect to the College through increasing work experience and mentorship opportunities with our students and each other
• assisting business professionals to achieve their goals through providing professional development and other educational opportunities
• and engaging people living in surrounding communities by providing new and diverse educational opportunities and a growing base of students who view central Alberta as home, and who are more likely to live and work in our region after graduation.
The list of dignitaries attending today’s Grand Opening celebration included The Honourable Greg Weadick, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, His Worship Morris Flewwelling, Mayor of the City of Red Deer and Jack and Joan Donald, long-time College supporters for whom the School is named.
The Donald’s are also RDC’s first Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Through this unique program, the Donald’s will be available to meet with students throughout the year to share their ideas and expertise.
The School is responsive to central Alberta business’ needs, by providing students with an education that integrates management theory with real world business practice to ensure they stay current with emerging knowledge and trends.
“The Donald School of Business is a great addition to Campus Alberta and will provide students with the education and work experience they need to succeed,” said Greg Weadick, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. “We want to ensure our up and coming business leaders walk out of these doors with the drive to make a difference in their community.”
With more than 500 students at the Donald School of Business, the College is excited about being a part of revitalizing the City’s downtown core.
“The presence of RDC students downtown has given it a new energy,” notes Red Deer Mayor Morris Flewwelling. “There has been much talk over the last few years about revitalizing downtown Red Deer and we’re seeing that happen right before our eyes. The Grand Opening celebration marks an historic day for Red Deer.”
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RDC is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Arts Centre. First opened in 1986, this state-of-the-art community performing arts centre has housed the training of over 40,000 actors, technicians, musicians, filmmakers, and dancers that contribute to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of Alberta. 25 years has culminated in approximately one million audience members who have been entertained, taught and delighted during more than 5,000 performances and events.
About the Donald School of Business: The Donald School of Business delivers practical business education meeting the needs of Red Deer College students, business professionals and the communities we serve in central Alberta. The Donald School of Business embodies the concept of life-long learning, housing the College’s many business degrees, diplomas, certificates, career advancement certificates, corporate training and professional development opportunities. RDC’s Donald School of Business – Arrive Inspired. Leave Prepared.
About RDC: Red Deer College has served the needs of students and the community for more than 45 years. With greater than 75 programs to choose from, we pride ourselves on providing a practical education, in a genuine and sustainable learning environment. Our 7,800 full-time and part-time credit students and more than 13,000 continuing education students are at the core of everything we do. RDC – when you get here you understand.
For more information on RDC, please visit our website: www.rdc.ab.ca
For additional information contact:
Joanne Packham
Donald School of Business
403.357.3692
OR
Andrew Kooman
Public Relations Consultant, RDC
403.342.3218
Backgrounder: Donald School of Business
The following RDC programs are offered within the Donald School of Business:
DEGREES
• Bachelor of Commerce University Transfer (1st and 2nd year)
DIPLOMAS
• Business Administration Diploma (majors: Accounting, Marketing, General)
• Financial Services
• Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Legal Assistant
APPRENTICESHIPS
• Cook
CERTIFICATES
• Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Management Certificate
• Office Technology Certificate
• Unit Clerk Certificate
• Virtual Assistant Certificate
CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• Career Advancement Certificates
• Professional Development
• Corporate Training
ABOUT THE LOCATION
- RDC’s Donald School of Business programs and classes are located at our main campus (in the JB Quinn Centre for Corporate Training), at our new downtown campus (in the Millennium Centre, 4909 - 49 Street) and on-site at local businesses.
- The Donald School of Business delivers students an education that integrates management theory with real world business practice to ensure they stay current with emerging knowledge and trends.
- Our campuses exude a vibrant and dynamic energy that supports applied, collaborative learning projects and student interactions with instructors, staff, administration, and our surrounding communities.
- There are a total of 11 learning studios (combination of classrooms and computer labs) located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Millennium Centre.
- The learning common area on the 3rd floor is designed as flexible space capable of supporting students working on any type of assignment or project.