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Premier Stelmach announces Bell e-Learning Centre on Campus
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Record number of student awards presented
Alumnus and MP named Chair of national ag committee
Serving our community of students, alumni & friends
Charting a new course! Agribusiness applied degree students launched a new credit class and landed a team in Costa Rica photo by Marnie desJardins, Olds College Instructor (full story on page 6)
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April 2007
Bell e-Learning Centre created through a $3.1 million investment to Olds College Bell Canada and Olds College announced a partnership that will create a state-of-the-art distributed learning facility at the Olds College Campus. The Bell e-Learning Centre - made possible through a $3.1-million investment by Bell - will be pivotal to the new Community Learning Campus currently under construction. Through the Alberta SuperNet, the Bell e-Learning Centre will enable Olds College and the Chinook’s Edge School Division to better support the educational needs of rural communities through advanced technology. Expected to open in late 2007, the facility will focus on research and innovation and on developing solutions that enable distributed learning for students in the region.
Charles Brown (President of Bell, Western Canada), The Honourable Ed Stelmach (Premier of Alberta) and H.J. (Tom) Thompson (President and CEO, Olds College) at the March 9th partnership announcement.
“As Canada’s leader in Information and Communication Technology innovation, this investment reinforces Bell’s commitment to Alberta and to our partnership with the Alberta Government in building the SuperNet,” said Charles W. Brown, President, Bell, Western Canada. “In addition, we plan to interconnect the management and operational components of the Bell e-Learning Centre with Bell’s 11 Innovation Centres across the country to provide access to the latest Belldeveloped research and development solutions. Olds College is the first academic institution in Canada we have connected in this special way.”
“…Learning has reached new and exciting heights…” Premier Ed Stelmach. Premier Ed Stelmach praised the collaborative work being done on the Bell e-Learning Centre. “Private sector companies like Bell that invest in learning and innovation are a key part of Alberta’s success,” said Stelmach. “Bell Canada and Olds College should be commended for working together in partnership on the new e-Learning Centre and for using Alberta’s SuperNet to make tremendous learning and research opportunities available not only for students but for the entire Olds community as well as people throughout Alberta and across Canada.”
Stirling McLeod (Chair, Olds College Board of Governors), Bob Mills (MP, Red Deer), H.J. (Tom) Thompson (President and CEO, Olds College), Charles Brown (President of Bell in Western Canada), Richard Marz (MLA, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills), The Honourable Doug Horner (Minister of Advanced Education and Technology), and The Honourable Ed Stelmach (Premier of Alberta) officially unveil a model of the Bell e-Learning Centre.
“Olds College has a clear vision and strategy to expand learning opportunities and enhance rural community capacity, and we see Bell as the best technology partner to accomplish this goal,” said H.J. (Tom) Thompson, President and CEO of Olds College. “The Bell e-Learning Centre will help us develop and deliver innovative learning options not only to secondary and post-secondary students, but to all learners throughout their lives.” Learn more about this partnership by viewing the Bell video at www.oldscollege.ca/news
Byron Thompson elected President of Olds College Students’ Association
Volume 1, Number 2
2007-2008 OCSA Executive: Evan Raycraft (Academic VP), Laura Hutton (Internal VP) and Byron Thompson (OCSA President-elect).
The outgoing executive, photographed at Gala 2007: Graeme Hill (President), JoEllen Dalke (Activities VP), Meara Rehman (Internal VP) and Peggy Wymenga (Academic VP).
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bright future in farming. With the new technology that we’re exposed to at Olds College and the modern methods of agriculture that we’re learning, I’m confident that I will have a successful career.”
he March 13th election of Byron Thompson as student President is ushering in a new era for the Olds College Students’ Association (OCSA). The new slate of executive also includes Laura Hutton (Internal Vice President) and Evan Raycraft (Academic Vice President). They will join Thompson in serving students at the main campus, the Olds College Calgary Campus and satellite course locations. “I ran for President because I was motivated to challenge myself, and I’m looking forward to working with all Olds College students to bring forward their priorities,” said 20 year-old Thompson, first year Agricultural Production and Management student (farm/ranch major). “I think Olds College is a great place and I want to keep supporting it. I came here because of its great reputation and the agricultural programs I’m taking are helping me learn a lot. My plan is to return to the family farm, because I think there’s a
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Thompson represents the fourth generation on his family farm in Milo, near the town of Vulcan in southern Alberta. Laura Hutton is a first year student in Agricultural Business (Small Business and Rural Entrepreneurship major) from Moncton, Ontario. Evan Raycraft is also from Ontario and in his first year of Agricultural Business (Marketing and Sales major). In September, the new executive will decide to either appoint or hold a bi-election to fill the position of Activities VP. Also in the fall, the OCSA will move to their new home in the Bell e-Learning Centre. The expanded facilities have room for a new boardroom, editing suite and student leadership centre. Twentyone percent of eligible students cast their ballot on March 13.
Olds College Horizons is published five times per year by the Office of Advancement, in January, April, June, September and November. We welcome comments, letters and suggestions for stories. Please email sbexon@oldscollege.ca, fax (403) 556-4704 or write 4500-50 Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6. Editor: Sandy Bexon, Communications Coordinator Publisher: Mark Keller, Manager Marketing Design: The Creative Cat Inc. Printer: Calgary Colorpress Publication mail agreement: 40010029 Submissions may be edited for content and length
Growing the Legacy Gala 2007 A sold-out crowd enjoyed Olds College’s fifth annual Gala on March 9 Floristry instructor Kim Wickwire directs students Stephanie Hamilton (niece of Gala MC and media personality, Darrel Janz) and Cheri Spence in the creation of stunning floral artistry.
Ty Lund, MLA for Rocky Mountain House and The Honourable Lyle Oberg, Minister of Finance, enjoyed Olds College hospitality.
Student volunteers had a chance to enjoy the spectacular chocolate fondue.
Olds College Board of Governors’ Chair Stirling and Donna McLeod and President H.J. (Tom) and Joyce Thompson visited with Premier Ed Stelmach prior to Gala.
Celebrating Olds College’s 2007 Partner of the Year: the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede. Commemorative artwork was presented by: Roy Brassard (Board Chair, Chinook’s Edge School Division – 2006 Partner of the Year); H.J. (Tom) Thompson (President and CEO, Olds College), and Stirling McLeod (Olds College Board of Governor’s Chair) to Steve Allan (Calgary Stampede Chairman of the Board – second from right).
Rescued orchids win ribbons at provincial show The Olds College Orchid Preservation Society, a fledgling organization being coordinated by students, recently earned three third place ribbons at the Orchid Show of Alberta in Edmonton. Over 1,000 orchids were included from across Alberta, including entries from professional growers and organizations. The Olds College entries included some of the plants which were rescued by horticulture students, after they were left behind in the sale of a greenhouse north of Red Deer just over a year ago. Michelle Harbaugh, first year Production Horticulture, and Aaron Webb, who will graduate from Production Horticulture this spring, entered the award-winning plants.
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Record number of awards presented to students at Olds College
Peggy Wymenga Millennium Excellence National In-Course award
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lds College recently bestowed 475 awards, with a total value of over $412,400, at the annual Student Awards Ceremony.
“This level of support goes a long way to ensure student success,” said Graeme Hill, outgoing President of the Olds College Students’ Association (OCSA). “I know many students who have been greatly impacted by the financial bursaries and awards the college provides. In some cases, the generosity of Olds College and its partners is what keeps students in college. It’s a turning point for many students who may otherwise find it difficult to offset the academic costs. It helps all students accomplish our goals.” Hill was presented with the first-ever Ralph Klein Leadership Legacy Award, created by Olds College to honour Alberta’s former Premier. The $1,000 award will be presented annually to a student displaying leadership and elected to the position of OCSA President. Also recognized at the event were students who were nominated by fellow students and staff for their above-average dedication. The ‘outstanding contribution to Olds College students by a student’ award was given to Gail Klassen (Land and Water Resources); ‘outstanding program representative’ was given to James Huizing (Agricultural Mechanics); and OCSA Club of the Year was the Arboriculture Club. The Ian Hall Outstanding Staff/Faculty award was presented to Lynn McDonald, who has been an instructor in the School of Agriculture, Business and Technology for 35 years.
Peggy and Dallas Wymenga
The federal government provided a Millennium Excellence award to second-year Agricultural Business student, Peggy Wymenga. Attending Olds College is a family affair, as Peggy’s father (Dick Wymenga) graduated from the Agricultural Production program in 1990 and her brother (Dallas Wymenga) arrived alongside her for the same program at the same time. Horizons chatted with Peggy before the Student Awards Ceremony on March 14th. How did you feel when you heard about the award? I opened the mail one day and got this letter saying, ‘Congratulations. You’ve just received $4,000!’ It was big for me. I am really proud to receive the award.
Leaders in Agriculture Awards, presented by Bruce Banks (Executive Director, 4-H Foundation of Alberta) were presented to Stefan Kaiser from Wetaskiwin (Bachelor of Applied Science – Agribusiness) and Aaron Birch from Lomond, AB (Agricultural Production).
What was your nomination based on? They looked at my contribution to the community, academic achievement, leadership and interest in innovation. Most of my experience comes from my involvement in 4-H. I joined the 4-H Beef Club in Rocky Mountain House when I was nine years old. We were involved in a whole bunch of different activities, including Santa’s Workshops, children’s activities, highway clean-up, fundraisers for STARS. I went to a Christian school in Rocky Mountain House, too, and we did a lot of community work through the school. Were you raised on a farm? Yes, my parents farm beef and grain about 20 minutes from Rocky. My dad started the farm the year I was born and he started his Olds College program soon after, so he was determined to make it a success. Both my parents were raised on a farm and they are both leaders in the industry. My mom is a delegate with Alberta Beef Producers and they’re both very involved in the work of agriculture.
EnCana 4-H Land Sciences Awards were presented by Bente Nelson (EnCana Team Lead) to Nicole Cook (Pincher Creek), Wyatt Beaumont (Oyen), Amy Fletcher (Cereal), Nolan Sand (Edberg), Britteny Bajema (Lacombe) and Lisa Murphy (Wetaskiwin). Kathryn Hall (Olds) is missing from the photo.
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Did your parents influence you to be involved in the community? Yes, they got all of us involved at young ages. It wasn’t forced, but they wanted us to feel a responsibility to the community and come to love the farm atmosphere as much as they do. My mom was my 4-H leader, too, so we have always done a lot of stuff together.
How many siblings do you have? I have two brothers and one sister. My brother Dallas, who is two years older than me, is taking his second year of Agricultural Business, too. We arrived to Olds College together, which is a bit unusual. But it’s working out really well for both of us. You seem to have a lot of confidence in a successful future in agriculture. My plan is to work in agricultural lending, so I can help other people stay in rural communities. I’m getting married this summer to a man who grew up as my neighbour on the dairy farm next door. We eventually want to start a beef farm near home. We both know it’s not just about working hard, but about knowing the business and the commitment to continue learning that makes farming a success. We want to put our full effort into it, because it’s the only thing we can imagine doing! Owning your own land, enjoying nature, working for something you see such progress in. There can be risk involved, but there are incredible rewards. What has been your favourite part of your Olds College experience? Working day to day with students and College staff through my role as Academic Vice President on the Olds College Students’ Association (OCSA) Executive. I feel like I have received such respect from everyone here and I’ve gotten so much out of this experience everyday. Working alongside such knowledgeable instructors has given me an idea of the huge efforts behind their contributions to students. Helping other people grow is a huge reward for me, and working with my fellow OCSA directors has been phenomenal. I’ve grown so much and I have such respect for how hard they work for other students. It has been an honour to represent the students of Olds College and I’ve become friends with people here who will be friends for life. Olds College has given me much more than I ever thought possible, and working with the student executive has really changed my life.
Olds College receives single largest individual donation in its history “Mr. Anderson’s investment of $1 million is transformational to Olds College, our learners and the industries we serve across this nation,” said H.J. (Tom) Thompson, Olds College President and CEO. “Jack Anderson is a native Albertan and it is the commitment of leaders like him that built this province. His generosity is allowing Olds College to take that further, as we move ahead to create lasting infrastructure and vital program advancements for our students along their journey of lifelong learning. We are extremely grateful to Mr. Anderson for assisting in this important work.” The Jack Anderson gift will impact several projects underway through the Olds College 2009 Capital Vision Campaign. The Bell e-Learning Centre, one of five structures being built at Olds College as part of the Community Learning Campus, will receive $700,000. Two projects involved at the Centre for the Horticulture Industry will benefit, as $125,000 will be directed to Phase III of the Olds College Botanic Garden and $100,000 toward the Landscape Pavilion expansion. As well, $50,000 will establish a new W.A. Ranches Ltd. Student Bursary Endowment, and $25,000 will be directed toward the Olds College Family Gifting program. The $1 million total investment also allows Olds College to leverage another $600,000 in matching donations. “I am very pleased with Olds College and feel that this money is well placed,” said Jack Anderson. “I think agriculture has gone through some difficult times the last few years, and some of the farming and ranching families may not be able to send their kids to college. Hopefully this will make it easier for them.
Jack and Wendy Anderson, with Stirling McLeod (left – Chair, Olds College Board of Governors) and H.J. (Tom) Thompson (right – President and CEO, Olds College). The Board of Governors hosted a special luncheon on January 25 in honour of Jack Anderson, a resident of the Calgary area, who presented Olds College with the single largest individual donation in its history.
“I thought Olds College would be a good place to invest, because this College makes good things happen for students and they will make sure this opens opportunities. I have known many people who have come to Olds College and their experiences have all been very good.” Jack Anderson was joined by his wife, Wendy, and several other members of his family. He is a native Albertan who owns W.A. Ranches west of Calgary. He has built his success through a variety of business and agricultural pursuits.
Olds & District Kiwanis Club partners with CLC in support of local campaign A community fund development strategy in support of the Community Learning Campus is being launched with substantial backing from the Olds & District Kiwanis Club.
As part of their support of community initiatives, the Kiwanis Club has developed a strategy targeted to raise $170,000 to purchase theatre seats within the Fine Arts and Multi Media Centre of the CLC. Their commitment is integral to the overall campaign goal of $5 million. “As a club we were looking for a substantial project to support and a lot of members wanted to become involved in the CLC, not only for our youth but for all people in the community,” said Geoff Lynn, President, Kiwanis Club of Olds. “This is a good fit with the Kiwanis Music Festival and with the priorities of our club. Our membership is excited about the scope of this project, because it has been years since we have worked on something of this magnitude.” The CLC community campaign kicked off on March 9th with a spirited purchase of the naming rights to the first theatre chair, at the Olds College Gala live auction. The “Reserve Your Seat” campaign provides the opportunity to purchase the naming rights to a theatre chair in the new Fine Arts and Multi Media Centre, which will be celebrated with a plaque placed on each chair. The cost of naming rights is $1000, $500 and $250 per chair (visit www.communitylearningcampus.com for information). The purchase of the naming rights on the first chair raised $3,600 at the Gala auction. “I believe passionately in the CLC project and what it will bring this community,” said Dot Negropontes, Executive Director of the CLC and successful bidder on the inaugural theatre chair. “I felt our family needed to step forward and tangibly support this project, and the first opportunity was the ‘Reserve Your Seat’ campaign. This is a really nice way to commemorate a loved one, celebrate a special event, or leave your name as a lasting tribute. It is a nice touch to help build this community project in such a neighbourly manner.” The local CLC fund development campaign is being led by Kathy Doyle, a local business owner whose guidance and involvement has shaped many community initiatives, including local schools, Olds Chamber of Commerce and the Olds Institute. “I’m involved because I think the CLC will bring opportunities for everyone and that kids will be some of the great benefactors. I believe the theatre will change the face of the arts in this community and that the level of involvement in athletics will increase substantially through the Health and Wellness Centre. We are elevating the level of participation in many areas and our town will be stronger for it. I am also happy to work with other service groups to help them find their niche in this project, because there’s something for everyone to get excited about,” said Doyle.
The local CLC fund development campaign team: (top left) Debra Klippenstein (Senior Development Officer, Olds College), Kathy Doyle (business owner, CLC community campaign chair), Rita Thompson (President-elect, Kiwanis Club of Olds), Geoff Lynn (President, Kiwanis Club of Olds) and CLC Executive Director, Dot Negropontes (seated in the first ‘reserved’ theatre chair).
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New course opens the world to Olds College applied degree students
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he initiative of a group of third year students in the Bachelor of Applied Science – Agribusiness degree has resulted in the creation of a new course. The International Competitiveness and Environmental Stewardship course has recently been formalized through the College’s Academic Council. Not only will the elective course provide three credits towards their degree, it allows students the opportunity to study abroad on a short-term project. The inaugural class participated in a two-week trip to an agricultural college in Costa Rica at the end of February. “The class has been concentrating on international issues since September, which inspired them to focus on the
potential of a short-term international study opportunity,” said Murray McKnight, program instructor and project leader. “These students have taken their exciting international study concept to an unexpected level – the development of a new international course. The enthusiasm of this group is very heartening and we are proud of their initiative.”
The major focus of the course is agricultural leadership, environmental policies and stewardship, and international competitiveness. Although Canadian agri-food exports exceeded $26 billion in 2005, that represents only four percent of the global agri-food market share. International education and experience is considered a key factor in building this market further.
A travel blog was created on the Olds College website (www.oldscollege.ca) to allow two-way communication between the traveling students and everyone interested in following their activities, including other students back home at Olds College. As well, the students will be involved in creating a webcast to highlight the new course.
“When I came to Olds College it was my first time traveling outside of Ontario,” said Dave Emery, one of the students instrumental in developing the course. “It was awesome enough to come to Alberta and now I’ve been to Costa Rica. I just want to keep traveling and learning.
“We spent time at coffee plantations and livestock operations, and visited the local college. We all felt really motivated to design this course, and the influence and enthusiasm we received from our instructors fuelled the whole process. Their mentorship is such a confidence-builder that it really feeds our optimism for a career in agriculture. Any opportunity I get to learn at this level is very much worth the extra time I’ve put in.” Emery is currently purchasing a farm in southern Ontario. Over half the students in Olds College’s Agribusiness applied degree program are from Ontario.
Student course designers: front - (left to right) Alexia (Red Deer), Natalie (Iron Springs, AB), Jo-Ellen (Powassan, ON), back – Dave (Dover Centre, ON) and Dan (Irricana, AB).
Sugar cane is a key harvest for local farmers in Costa Rica.
Opening a world of opportunity.
Agriculture and Trade in Costa Rica Costs Rica has a rich tropical agriculture history. Currently, agriculture accounts for slightly more than eight percent of the Gross Domestic Product. The annual growth rate of the agriculture industry varies, but ranges between 2.5 and 4.7 percent per year. The agriculture industry is diverse in terms of products, production conditions and size of farms. In 2005, total national exports exceeded $7.64 billion US (a 20 percent increase over 2004). During this year, it is estimated that the two major agricultural exports (bananas and coffee) totalled $750 million US. An agricultural trade relationship exists between Costs Rica and Canada. Figures from 2004 indicate the major Canadian exports to Costs Rica included frozen fries, malt and frozen pork cuts. Major Costa Rican exports to Canada included pineapples, bananas and raw sugar (cane).
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Case New Holland program arrives in Canada through Olds College “Now I’m starting to work on ag equipment and that is certainly my career goal,” said Derrick. “It is appealing to hear these plans of having someone offset some of the financial strain, so that I can study this at college.” Derrick was accompanied by Mike Haustein, Service Manager at Bill’s Farm Supplies. Haustein has worked in the shop for 18 years and hasn’t seen the labour shortage as severe as it is now. “I was part of the initial discussion to get this program going at Olds College,” said Haustein. “We have to get young people interested in this speciality. I wanted to be involved in guiding and supporting this program as much as I could, because we have to plan for the future.” Robert Wilson, Vice-President Academic at Olds College, and Kent Butler, Senior Director/North American Product Support for Case New Holland, signed the new agreement which will open opportunities for more students and graduate more skilled workers into the industry. Olds College is joining forces with Case New Holland to offer the first training program in Canada designed to actively engage young employees into an industry that is facing a staff shortage for the foreseeable future. The program, which has been running in the United States since 2005, involves 43 dealers throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. The individual dealerships take a leading role in the program, by recruiting students and then sponsoring them to complete the two-year Agricultural and Heavy Equipment (formerly Agricultural Mechanics) program at Olds College. They provide students
with partial tuition, supply them with a tool box and proper apparel, provide summer employment between school years and then employ the students full time following graduation. Case New Holland will be supplying training aids for classrooms and labs at Olds College, including new equipment and computer software. They will also provide funding for curriculum development and faculty training. “Some of our products have seven computers onboard. This means as the shortage of technicians has increased so, too, has the need for more skilled workers who understand the complexi-
Case New Holland has sent many of its own technicians to Olds College for training over the past 15 years.
ty of the equipment,” said Kent Butler, Senior Director/North American Product Support. “This program is being enthusiastically supported by 43 Case IH and New Holland dealers, because everyone recognized the benefits of supporting more students into an interesting career.” Seventeen year-old Dustin Derrick traveled from Stettler to hear more about the program at the official announcement at Olds College on March 6th. Derrick has worked part time at Bill’s Farm Supplies, beginning by sweeping the shop and working his way up to working on small engines.
Dustin Derrick and Mike Haustein traveled from Stettler to hear about the new program being offered at Olds College.
Conquering the Canadian winter O
lds College has agreements in place with several educational facilities, and each year the campus hosts students who are studying far from home. This year Emiko Yoshida (left) and Yori Narita (right) traveled from Japan to take a year of Olds College courses. Emiko has been taking general studies courses and some classes in animal science. “My friend was a student here last year and she told me the instructors were very nice and that the students study very hard,” said Emiko. “I have been learning about daily farm practices and I’ve been able to work on the Olds College farm. The farms are much bigger here in Canada. The farm where I practised in Japan had only 25 cattle, while the farm I am at near Olds has 130 cattle. That was a big surprise. It has been a good experience and I am glad someone recommended Olds College to me.” Yori had already graduated with a degree in food science from her hometown in Japan before coming to Olds College to improve her English skills. She has participated in communications and human relations classes, and even took a sewing class. “I’ve been learning a lot and my time here has improved my English skills for when I go back home to work,” said Yori. “My hometown gets some snow, but not like this. It is much colder here and winter in Canada has been a big experience for all of us.” Although he was also born far from Olds, Jesus Romero moved from El Salvador to Edmonton in 1986. He has also discovered farming to be quite different in Canada.
Students are preparing for final exams and making end of the year plans. For Olds College’s international students, that often means making the long trip home.
“The crops are completely different and the marketing of them is different. But agriculture is important to everyone and Canada has such a rich land resource. It is a pleasure to farm here,” said Jesus, whose five young children will be happy to have him back home in Edmonton at the end of his program in April.
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Industry Days – connecting with careers! In their ongoing efforts to open networking and further learning opportunities for Olds College students, many programs organize and host Industry Day events. These special events bring students together with industry leaders in a relaxed setting where students can explore career possibilities and industry guests can meet prospective employees who are much in demand.
attended by y 24. The event was ar nu Ja on on as se and Day” ts from both the Olds kicked off “Industry en m ud ra st og g Pr tin n ke io ar sh M Fa The Fashion nology students and Fashion Apparel Tech Calgary campuses. The 25th Annual Rece ption of the Land Ag ent and Land Admin on March 8th at the istration programs Fairmont Palliser Ho was held tel in Calgary, with guests in attendance m any industry and al . umni
The reality of Alberta’s booming economy was evident at each Industry Day event this year, as industry guests arrived in recruiting mode to each activity. The School of Horticulture held their annual Hort Horizons event on March 6, with representatives from landscape companies, golf courses, cities and towns, production/retail and arboriculture sectors.
students l, allowing six former ne pa ni um al an d ze ent students. tion program organi couragement to curr en The Office Administra d an e vic ad , om e their wisd opportunity to shar
The School of Agriculture, B usiness and Te Sommerfield , a first year chnology wel com A g ri because he w as impressed cultural Mechanics studen ed industry guests on Feb ru w t from Shellb ith the Colleg I’m done this rook, SK, cam ary 15. Cody e’s partnersh program and e ips. “There are to Olds Colleg it was a grea really good co e t choic tons of urs qualified when e with excellent instructo e for me to come here. Old good job prospects once rs. The cours s is a nice tow I leave here. It e op na has been an all around gre tions really appealed to m nd this is a e and I’ll be so at experience at Olds Colleg e.”
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Choices for Consumers – differentiated marketing for sustainable profitability, hosted by Olds College’s Agricultural Production program and Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development on March 20, involved dozens of students and producers from the community.
First basketball recruit at Olds College T wenty year-old Kalida Kennedy is relocating from Creelman, SK, to take advantage of Olds College’s expanding athletics programming.
Kennedy, who will begin taking the Land Administration certificate program in the fall, is Olds College’s first basketball recruit. Her programming decision had already been made, but it was the expanding basketball program that provided her final reason to choose Olds College. “I wanted to be part of the foundation that will launch this program,” said Kennedy, who helped lead her school team to four provincial gold medals. “I’m really looking forward to attending college and I can’t wait to get back into competitive basketball. I am excited about the College’s plans.” Olds College recently partnered with Basketball Alberta to create Alberta’s first Rural Regional Training Centre. The initiative to expand the basketball program, and all College athletics, is being spearheaded by Greg Lendvay, Director of Health and Wellness Services. Kalida Kennedy with Greg Lendvay
“I coached Kalida Kennedy for several years during my time as principal and coach in Fillmore,” said Lendvay. “She is an extremely competent player and I’m glad to be associated with her once again. She will definitely help put Olds College on the map as an exciting choice for athletic, as well as academic, programming.” Lendvay was hired last summer to raise the stature of Olds College’s athletic programs. The Director of Health and Wellness position was created to spearhead a strategic process to generate new curriculum, community linkages and competitiveness that will be possible through the facilities being created within the Health and Wellness Centre at the Community Learning Campus. “We recognize that students expect their post-secondary experience to extend beyond the classroom,” said Joel Gingrich, Chair of the School of Land Sciences. “Olds College’s new basketball program will provide students with life experiences developing their ability to interact socially and contribute to team success. With these skills our graduates will be better able to help their communities and future employers succeed.” For information on Olds College’s Department of Health and Wellness, visit www.oldscollege.ca.
“Geo-Park” site designated on campus A sizable plot of land has been set aside as Olds College’s Geo-Park, so that students involved in measuring and collecting data have a permanent site to study at. “With all the expansion underway on campus and the many new facilities being developed through the Capital Campaign, some people were becoming concerned that student projects may need to relocate,” said Gord Gilchrist, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) instructor. “I figured we needed a common area to conduct data collection and provide a consistent research base. Many subject areas utilize different sites on and off campus to conduct their data collection, including landscape design, GPS, survey, site layout, CAD, land graphics and precision farming. “Many of these subjects want to research data from the same area, so if we integrated learning we could better learn from each other. By having a designated Geo-Park plot of land, we
can start to coordinate the data collected and add to the learning opportunities in all of these subject areas.” The Geo-Park is located on the western edge of the campus farm and has several features that add to the study of measuring and data collection. It is has large trees, fire hydrants, two sets of drains that will aid the study of watershed analysis, a utilities box and power box, cement pads, and existing roads that border the plot. The site also has topography for contour creation, slope estimation and other calculations. “All of these things work really well for all these classes, because it allows students to learn around real-world applications,” said Gilchrist. “Having a designated area also brings continuity, so that a class can continue a project from where students left off the year before. We won’t have to reproduce a project anymore – all of the College’s data information classes now have a permanent outdoor lab in a controlled environment.”
Gringas on the Go The following is an excerpt of a story by Calgary journalist David Agren, who has been reporting from Guadalajara, Mexico for the past two years. It originally appeared in the January/February 2007 issue of Alberta Views: When Edmonton native Marie Pruden (Olds College graduate, Horticulture 1982) arrived in western Mexico 15 years ago to teach sustainable agriculture techniques to the locals, she got a frosty reception. Skeptical macho farmers spat at her and called her gringa as she taught children chemical-free ways of farming. The farmers would ask her why she was changing things when what they were doing was “just fine”. Changing attitudes among established producers was one of her biggest challenges. So she and her partner started imparting their message of sustainability and environment improvement to a more receptive audience: children. “The kids take home the message to their parents,” Pruden explains. “We keep trying to focus on kids and teachers.” With time, skeptics became believers. Farmers using the straightforward techniques on their small plots reaped better harvests, spent less money on chemicals and saw fewer insect problems. The expat Albertans now run the Community Association for Self-Sufficiency, which operates a five-acre teaching farm on the north shore of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake. It offers education programs, plants schoolyard gardens for youngsters and markets fresh greens under the Great Greens label….In addition to imparting organic farming techniques, the Association also finds ways of boosting incomes and improving diets in rural areas… Pruden previously worked teaching farmers in Ethiopia after the famine of the 1980s.
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ALUMNI REVIEW President’s Message
ALUMNI Keep in touch! Please send us your most current contact information so we can update our records!
Olds College Alumni Association Board of Directors 2006-2007
Name: _________________________________ ______________________________________ Name at Graduation (if different): ____________ ______________________________________
President
Program/Year Attended: ___________________
Sandra MacKinnon-Jahn (Graduating Class of 1986)
Vice President Harvey Buckley ‘52
Past President Doreen Morton ‘50
Honourary President Charles Watson ‘61
Treasurer Melody Cavin, College staff
Secretary Vacant
Directors Bryan Dowell ‘61 Christy Hambly ‘98 Norm MacIntyre, College faculty Irene Miller ‘55 Meara Rehman, OCSA Laurinda Parkinson ‘69 Ed Shaw ‘71
Olds College President and CEO H.J. (Tom) Thompson
Olds College Annual Giving/ Alumni Affairs Officer Cathy Scott
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Olds College Alumni Association President, Sandi MacKinnon-Jahn, with PastPresident Doreen Morton at Gala 2007 Time has flown by for me since the New Year. As a representative of YOUR Alumni Association I attended the Olds College Land Agent program’s 25th annual reception on March 8th. Talking with hundreds of well-educated, young students and alumni is a pleasant way to spend an evening. The Alumni Association again showed their support to the Olds College’s Growing the Legacy Gala on March 9th by sponsoring a table. I was fortunate to be in attendance and thoroughly enjoyed this spectacular and informative evening. March 14th at the Olds College Awards Night, I was present to award three NEW bursaries made possible by your Alumni Association Board’s fundraising efforts, to David Hohm, Darrin Lang and Tamara Sanderson. This year’s Alumni Association Good Samaritan Award went to Laureen Kinnell. Congratulations to all students on receiving their awards!
Home Address: __________________________ ______________________________________ City/Town: ______________________________ Province: ______________________________ Postal Code: ____________________________ Phone:_________________________________ E-mail: _________________________________ Employer’s Company Name: ________________ ______________________________________ Employment/Activities Since Olds College: ______________________________________
As this year’s fundraiser YOUR Alumni Association will be working at the Cash Casino in Red Deer on May 15 and 16. Please show your support by volunteering or by participating as a guest. Either way the OCAA will benefit from your involvement. Also, plans are underway for the 2007 Alumni Reunion, to take place July 20, 21 and 22. Enclosed in this issue of Horizons, Alumni Association members will find the Registration Form for the Reunion. Please complete and send it in – the early registration deadline is June 18. We hope to see you there! Remember to keep in touch! Contact Cathy Scott, Annual Giving/Alumni Affairs Officer at (403) 556-4748 or by email at cscott@oldscollege.ca with your address changes or if you would like to volunteer for Alumni events. Sandra MacKinnon-Jahn OCAA President
Alumni Updates We love hearing from you…here’s what your classmates have been up to! DOROTHY RAHAM-SEIBERT (CROSWELLER) Home Economics 1925 On January 31, 2007, Dorothy celebrated her 100th birthday. Dorothy was born in Innisfail and raised near Delia. She came to Olds College at the age of 16 and graduated in 1925 from the Home Economics program. Following her time at Olds, she pursued a career in nursing at the University of Alberta, graduating in 1928. She has lived most of her adult years in Edmonton. Dorothy's last trip to Olds for the annual summer reunion was in July of 2000, and as we left the dance that evening
______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ The personal information which you provide on this form is being collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation of the Government of the Province of Alberta for the purpose of maintaining ongoing contact. This information collected will not be used for any other purpose and will not be disclosed to any other third party. Public inquiries concerning the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information provided on this form should be directed to the Director of Student Services/Registrar & FOIP Coordinator of Olds College, 4500 - 50 Street, Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6. Phone (403) 556-8323 for information on FOIP.
she was still yearning for one more dance, one more piece of music to enjoy. Dorothy still has the keepsake from when she was honoured at the summer reunion in 1987 by being elected to the position of Honourary President of the Olds College Alumni Association. She has always cherished her years and memories of Olds College and it only seemed fitting to share with you the notice of her 100th year celebration.
SIMON BROOKES Land Agent 1987 I thought I'd better touch base with OCA having been many years since I last did. I graduated in 1987 as a Land Agent and then furthered my education at Montana State University in
Bozeman with a BSc in Soil Science. After leaving Bozeman I pursued contract soils work throughout Alberta and British Columbia and then in 1996 settled in the Columbia Valley of southeastern British Columbia, working as an Earth Scientist for the BC Ministry of Forests. I have recently come back to Alberta to work as a Land Manager for the Alberta Government in Medicine Hat. I'm hoping all my fellow grads in the Land Agent program are doing well and I would love to hear from you. Kudos on the new Horizons format! Simon Brookes, P.Ag. Land Management Specialist, Public Lands and Forests Division, Ministry of Sustainable Resource Development, Prairie Area, Medicine Hat, AB.
Memorials The Alumni Board respectfully notes the passing of the following Olds College Alumni, and extends its condolences to their families and friends. William James Nicol Agriculture 1933
Gail M. Perry Commercial Fashion 1963
Frank Read Agriculture 1946
Alice Marguerite (nee Snoxell) Smith Home Economics 1940
Bruce Douglas Wells Agriculture 1969
To review the complete obituaries which have been forwarded to our office, please visit the Olds College Alumni section of our website at www.oldscollege.ca/alumni
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April 2007
Readers respond Dear Editor: Congratulations on "Horizons". It is great to get news with a positive human emphasis. The stories on more equine development and the rural basketball program remind me of my days at O.S.A. I've always been a horse lover, and Dennis Ratcliff started me on another wonderful part of my life, that being basketball. Dennis Ratcliff was a basketball coach and an instructor of poultry and dairy in 1954-55. I had never been on a basketball court before Dennis invited me to come to basketball tryouts. Of course, I didn't make the team, but thanks to Dennis I did make the team in my second year and have played and coached basketball in Cochrane until four years ago. As I read "Horizons" I was reminded of Dennis Ratcliff and his great contribution to those who crossed his path. He was a favourite as a teacher, a coach and as a friend. One of my wishes today is that he could see the College and its vision and contribution to students and society. Sincerely, David S. Scott Glenbow Ranch (east of Cochrane) Agriculture 1955
Dear Editor:
Hi Sandy,
I was just observing your ideas for a regional basketball training centre (“Olds College becomes Basketball Alberta’s first rural regional training centre”- January 2007 Horizons). What a fabulous idea. I will be sending any students I know in your direction. I am an elementary school principal, but have coached high school basketball for almost 30 years. I have also run basketball camps myself and with other clinicians in Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. for 25 years. Interesting enough, the first ten camps I did as a young 20 year-old were with your Olds College President, Tom Thompson. He was a great promoter and student of the game long before most people in this province. These camps were the first of their kind in rural Saskatchewan and they had a huge impact on raising the bar with programs developing their local talents. The structures of this style of camp still exist today and run with similar formatting of those 20 to 30 years ago. You can see that Mr. Thompson’s influences at that time are still in place in many communities.
I just read the latest article from the Olds College Website regarding the Bachelor of Applied ScienceAgribusiness Degree.
Doug English Living Sky School Division Unity, SK
I am an Agribusiness Degree Alumni from the class of 2005. I just wanted to say I think the class is continuing to pave the way for degree courses in agriculture across the country. I am excited for the students to conduct this international experience and can only express that I wish our class could have thought of the same thing. I am sure the opportunities that will be presented to these students will only be compounded to the ones which will already be presented to them from their degree from Olds College. Gaining international experience is on the forefront of my mind at present and I think these students taking this step in ensuring this experience is great. Keep up the great work and I look forward to hearing more through the blog. Take care, Ryan Koeslag Olds College Agribusiness 2005 Agricultural Adaptation Council Guelph, ON
We’d like to hear from you! Please send us your comments, stories or suggestions for future articles. Let us know how we’re doing! Olds College Horizons is published five times per year by the Office of Advancement, in January, April, June, September and November. Please email sbexon@oldscollege.ca, fax (403) 556-4704 or write 4500-50 Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6. Be sure you’re on our mailing list to receive Olds College’s FREE electronic newsletter. eHorizons (formerly eOC Newsletter) is published five times per year. Receive the latest news and events listings, participate in our on-line polls and keep in touch. Please send us your email address and we’ll put you on our list. Contact us at: ebrawn@oldscollege.ca
Alumnus named Chair of Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food
MP James Bezan, Agricultural Production 1985 Manitoba MP James Bezan was recently selected as the new Chair on the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food in the House of Commons. The Standing Committee may examine any issue related to Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry, and focuses on bills, expenditures and activities of the organizations that are part of the Agriculture and Agri-Food portfolio including: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canadian Grain Commission, and the National Farm Products Council. Bezan was raised on a farm near Inglis, Manitoba and graduated with a diploma in Agricultural Production from Olds College. He, his wife Kelly and their three daughters are cattle producers on a farm near Teulon, Manitoba. On June 28th, 2004, Bezan was first elected to the House of Commons to represent the riding of Selkirk-Interlake. During his time in Opposition, he held positions of Associate Agriculture Critic and Executive Member of the CanadaEurope Parliamentary Association. He was re-elected on January 23rd, 2006. Rural development, environmental protection and agriculture have always been priorities and Bezan has always been an advocate for sustainable rural development and meeting the needs of the agriculture base. “I have served on the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food since I was elected in 2004 and I am proud of the work we have accomplished for farmers,” said Bezan. “I am looking forward to addressing the issues facing our producers today and in the future.”
The height of respect
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very special climbing competition was hosted on February 7th by students in the Olds College Arboriculture Club, as a tribute to their much-respected late instructor, Dave Herbert. Students were extremely fond of Herbert, who was a horticulture instructor for over 20 years and whose devotion to horticulture changed the landscape of the Olds College campus and impacted the entire province. Just a few months prior to his death, Dave Herbert received the firstever lifetime achievement award presented by the Prairie Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. As their own tribute, Herbert’s colleagues from industry supported the student endeavour by pledging their own funds. Both Arboriculture Canada Training & Education Ltd. and For Trees Company Ltd. indicated they would each donate $300 if the students were able to raise that same amount. In the true spirit of the students at Olds College, members of the Arb Club brought in a whopping $1323 and raised the roof of the Atrium when over 100 fellow students cheered their friendly climbing competition. The Dave Herbert Memorial Fund has been established to carry on the legacy of Dave Herbert and to nurture students in the School of Horticulture as they cultivate their own skills.
Staff, students and friends climbed to new heights to pay tribute to the late Dave Herbert
April 2007
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Learning from one another
COMING EVENTS Victoria Spring Tour – April 16-20 Join Jeffry de Jong (Instructor, Olds College School of Horticulture) and David Whiting (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University) for a trip of fun and renewal in the spring gardens of Victoria, BC. Olds College Graduation – June 16 Family and friends will fill the Olds Sportsplex on Saturday, June 16, as Olds College students celebrate the College’s 91st graduation. Fibre Week – June 29-July 6 Olds College’s annual celebration of the fibre arts includes a wide variety of workshops, the Master Spinners program (beginner through Level 6), fleece shows, a fashion who, silent auction, merchant mall and several social events highlighting natural fibres and the vibrant fibre industry in Canada.
Vicki Maddocks (a first year student in Olds College’s Equine Science program) mentors Amanda Look (a grade 11 student from Olds High School).
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steady stream of high school students from throughout the area have joined in a variety of Olds College classes and activities this fall, as part of a transition project that is bridging their path to the Community Learning Campus. From large physical education classes utilizing the College gym to specialized curriculum designed specifically to accommodate high school-aged students, the transition project has brought about 600 high school students to college since September. And it’s not only students who are benefiting. Gaylene Rolfsema, Vice-Principal at Olds High School, has been studying the Introduction to the Horse class alongside students in grade 11 and 12. “We completed the class component at the high school during 18 lunch hours, and now we’re participating in a full day lab here at Olds College,” said Rolfsema, who was learning to halter a horse at the Olds College Riding Arena on March 23rd. “This is the first time I have ever worked with horses and it is a great opportunity to get some exposure. The other students from the high school are all farm kids, so they’ve been riding all their lives. I think they’re enjoying seeing me challenge myself a bit!” The five high school guests participated alongside full time Olds College students during the lab day. They learned about the evolution of horse breeds, discovered how to check a horse heart rate, temperature and respiration, visited the breeding program, and watched College instructors begin to train colts. Several College students assisted in the lab, mentoring high school students through such activities as bandaging the leg of a horse and properly fitting a bridle. “This level of participation in Olds College’s expertise and facilities is very exciting for our students,” said Rolfsema. “Oddly, many local students don’t know the incredible opportunities available at Olds College and these types of activities will certainly change that situation. This is a good example of how we can share resources for the benefit of students.”
Olds College Booth at the Calgary Stampede – July 6-15 While on the grounds, be sure to check out the large Olds College interactive booth. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Stampede Country Tent and the steady stream of visitors to the Olds College booth always includes people from around the world, as well as Olds College alumni, recent graduates and potential students, and lots of industry friends. We’re always happy to see you! Hort Week – July 15-20 A summer camp for grown-ups! For over 40 years, gardeners, horticulturalists and florists have gathered at Olds College for a week of courses, workshops and events. Alumni Summer Reunion – July 20-22 The Olds College campus comes alive each July, as Alumni from near and far join together for fellowship, frivolity and a fun-filled weekend. Summer Day Camp for Children August 13-17 From GPS and mapping techniques to Lego robotics and woodworking, children will discover that learning is fun at Olds College.
For updates or more information please visit www.oldscollege.ca
Welcoming Communities E
ighty participants in a Central Alberta Economic Partnership’s “Welcoming Communities” forum had the privilege of enjoying Tom Jackson’s wisdom, wit and musical talent on March 29.
The forum, held in Olds College’s Student Alumni Centre, included a series of speakers and activities to provide useful ideas for attracting and retaining immigrants in communities. Speakers provided insight into the immigrant experience and expressed thought-provoking ideas about what is needed to make foreign workers feel they are an important part of the community. For his part, Tom Jackson spoke of his own journey that led Time Magazine to describe him as one of Canada’s best activists. “We all have challenges in the community, but we all have the solutions as well,” said Jackson, who was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000 for his music and humanitarian work. “One of the magical points of my journey was discovering how little I know…that allowed me to ask questions, because the answers are right in your community…All you have to do is grab the new tangible four-letter word, LOVE, and create action with it.”
Tom Jackson captivates participants at a forum on campus
The actor, who many fans came to respect through his role in the CBC series North of 60, graciously posed for photographs at the end of the forum. Other speakers at the forum included Dr. Tracey Derwing (Prairie Centre for Excellence in Research on Immigration and Integration) and Hieu Van Ngo (Executive Director, Coalition for Equal Access to Education). Pat Bidart, Associate Vice-President Academic at Olds College, helped organize the event and participated in an education panel.
Be kind to the environment! When you have finished reading this issue of Olds College Horizons, please pass it along to a friend or recycle it. Thank you.
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April 2007