Volunteer Profile
Volunteer Rod Kennedy – Dedicated to Helping Others Reap the RDC Advantage
Rod Kennedy has seen a lot of change since his days as a student.
“When I think back to when I was student and see RDC now, I’m really passionate about the comprehensiveness of the institution,” he says. “Nursing, welding, athletics, business, the arts and sciences, to name just a few avenues you can take at RDC. That’s pretty special when you sit right down and think about it.”
As the successful leader of Kennedy Wealth Management Group, at RBC Dominion Securities, Kennedy understands and supports comprehensiveness, one of the great and indispensable opportunities that RDC offers.
Speaking from experience, he began his post-secondary route at RDC in the early 70s. He enrolled in the Business program and also took advantage of King’s basketball, skiing and bowling.
Kennedy continues to develop his connection to RDC, investing his time and energy by advocating for the College. Currently, he sits as a volunteer on the Building Communities Through Learning Major Gifts Committee.
“After graduation, my engagement and enjoyment came through assisting RDC in their efforts to become what I believe is one of the finest colleges in the country,” he explains. “Caring for RDC and its future is rooted in the simple knowledge that many of my now-successful colleagues and I were given our first educational ‘leg up’ here. I want to ensure that others have the same or better advantage when they choose RDC.”
Kennedy first connected with the College post-graduation by initiating the Business Advisory Network with former RDC instructor, Don Dary. Together, they worked hard to ensure the Network’s success in the community. “The Network was created to help business people find the information they need – from multiple organizations that provide it – in a more seamless and simpler way. I’m proud to say the Network still exists today and has grown to be a very good structure for the central Alberta business community.”
Rod has contributed time and money into the numerous College events and fundraisers, and more recently established support that is near to his heart. In 2011, a deserving student will receive the inaugural Kennedy Scholarship of Community Involvement, a scholarship that not only awards and recognizes academic achievement and financial need but places an even greater emphasis on the student’s community involvement.
“I’ve learned over many years of volunteerism that ‘hoping just doesn’t make it happen’. You have to get involved and encourage others to do the same or the future remains in the present. This is why the parameters for the scholarship are aligned the way they are.”
According to Rod, if you’re a prospective student or parent looking for a college with high-quality educational choices, “RDC has to be on your short list. If not, you’re missing a great opportunity.”
RDC is fortunate to have such a strong supporter working in our community – we’re glad we didn’t miss the opportunity to benefit from Rod’s enthusiasm and dedication.