Through a recent $93,075 gift, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) alum Randy Harper is reducing barriers for students to pursue their academic and athletic goals.
Half of this generous donation will establish the Randy Harper Student Emergency Bursary Fund for RDP students who are experiencing a financial shortfall due to unforeseen circumstances. The remaining funds will equally support operations of both the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens Hockey programs through 2029.
"We are extremely grateful for Randy's leadership and generous donation," says Kristine Plastow, Associate Vice President, Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. "His gift is a critical investment in emergency student support and student-athlete development, which will positively impact learners for years."
Over the next three years, emergency bursary awards valued at up to $1,500 each will be available to RDP students who face unexpected financial pressures.
"Several dedicated central Albertans were instrumental in shaping the early vision of Red Deer Junior College, now Red Deer Polytechnic, and I'm grateful to have contributed with them to that legacy," says Mr. Harper. "The opportunity to learn and grow as a student, fueled by my involvement in Kings Hockey and intramural sports, kept me rooted in a community that helped shape my future." ."
Mr. Harper's connection to Red Deer Polytechnic runs deep. He first attended Red Deer Junior College in 1968 and played on the Kings Hockey team. He was named the RDP Distinguished Alumnus in 2014 for professional, academic and public service achievement. Over the course of his career, he helped transform his family's scrap metal service Harper's Metals (now SECURE Metals Recycling) into a multi-million-dollar business while championing the environmental benefits of recycling.
Beyond business leadership, Mr. Harper has been a committed mentor and industry advocate. He created professional development opportunities for entrepreneurs in the recycling sector, helped build the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries and advised both Health Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission on guidelines for managing naturally occurring radioactive materials.
His dedication to community service is equally notable. As a Director for Parkland Savings and Credit Union, Mr. Harper contributed to growing its assets to more than $12 billion.
Each year, Red Deer Polytechnic distributes more than $2 million in student awards, helping learners pursue their academic ambitions.
