Dr. Robert Opoku

Robert has lived and taught on four continents. Throughout his travels, he has had the chance to interact, help, mentor, and support many immigrants and non-immigrants alike.

In his present position as an instructor at the Donald School of Business, Science and Computing, Red Deer Polytechnic, he serves as a mentor and counsellor to many international students who have chosen to study here. Within the Red Deer community, he is the go-to- person for African and other immigrants who would like to pursue college education.

Robert also helps the Red Deer community by serving on some women-related non-profit boards, including the Central Alberta Women’s Association, and Family Services of Central Alberta. As a result of his active involvement in the community and beyond, he recently received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. This medal was awarded to 7,000 Albertans in recognition of their significant contributions to the province.

Robert’s community service is rooted in his firm belief that we should be expanding—not restricting—opportunities for all Red Deerians. Being part of RDLIP gives him the opportunity to be apart of something bigger than himself. Through this council, he hopes to extend this support and expertise to the entire immigrant community because he is interested in leaving Red Deer a better place than when he arrived.

Volunteerism also sets a good example for his own kids and the students he instructs in general. When he makes community service work a normal part of his life, he doesn’t simply teach his kids and students strong core values, he demonstrates these values in action.