Volunteer Profile

RDC Alum's Deep-Rooted Commitment to Improving Student Financial Crunch 

“I remember working as a taxi driver from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m., then going to school from 9 a.m. until noon.” Due to a lack of funds, Randy Preece was unable to complete his high school and college education in a traditional time frame. “This instilled a deep resolve to help others who might be in that same position today, if I were ever able to do so,” says Preece.
 
Now an RDC volunteer, Preece’s involvement with the College is rooted deeply in those early days. He attended RDC in 1972 for upgrading and then returned to study from 1975-1977. Enrolled in engineering first, then making the switch to business, he stayed involved as the Students Association President and RDC Board of Governors student representative. Preece had a glimpse of RDC from all angles. That combination of viewpoints helped define his involvement for nearly four decades, where he currently sits on RDC’s Major Gifts Committee, part of Building Communities Through Learning (BCTL).

Over the years, Preece has had many other volunteer commitments. Since 2007 and until recently, he chaired the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority Board. In the past, he devoted his time and energy with the Red Deer City Airport Commission and the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce. He’s also served on various boards, from mining and manufacturing to real estate and development companies. While juggling these commitments, Preece grew his business – Anderson Preece Appraisals Ltd. – into the largest property valuation firm in Alberta and now is the semi-retired President of Preece Industries, Ltd.

Through his numerous obligations and community involvements, he’s kept a foot in the door at RDC. Preece’s connection with the College has varied in purpose – making his way back for Continuing Education courses, along with participating in studies and focus groups to help RDC grow. He has also been a guest speaker and panellist, sharing his wisdom on real estate with the RDC audience. More recently, he enrolled in digital photography and welding classes to expand his own interests. It seems he just can’t stay away from this place – to the benefit of RDC and our students.

But his connection is profound and about more than just obtaining new skills.

“My motivation for volunteering to fundraise for the College was rooted in my teen years.” During those days, Preece struggled financially while striving for an education. “As a college student, I was always amazed how students were expected to live a lifestyle at well below any recognized poverty line in Canada. I don’t know if the same is true today; let’s hope not. An education should be a ‘right’ in this country for everyone, not just those who have parents who can afford it.” 

Preece’s fight for that educational right is ongoing. “When I think about the phrase ‘Building Communities Through Learning’, I personally interpret that to mean that the Central Alberta Region envelopes the ‘communities we are building’ and ‘through learning’ encompasses everything that we should have access to in terms of educational opportunities in a modern knowledge- and information-based society.”

But how does the College aim for that great achievement? “I see RDC making an excellent attempt at achieving part of those lofty goals.”

Preece credits past and present administrations of RDC. The College has grown to include many varied resources – a world class arts centre, a business school, an excellent health care training facility, an entire trades division, as well as the more traditional areas and disciplines found in institutions of this calibre. “It’s a damn good start, but that’s all it is. Let’s hope that someday soon, RDC is able to increase the number of degrees that it offers – for me, that includes offering their very own degrees.”

Preece not only works to engage community support, but he acts on the vision and his belief in RDC. “In 2008, I made a commitment to the College’s Endowment Fund to make good on that resolution,” as Preece refers to helping those who are in the same challenging position he was in years ago. “I look forward to seeing the realization of the financial rewards to deserving students.”

This passion is the great force behind the growing funds for student support, and we’re honoured that Randy Preece is sharing that passion with us and the many students who will benefit.