Bob Clark Awarded 2021 Olds College Honorary Degree

Bob Clark Awarded 2021 Olds College Honorary Degree Posthumously

Olds College is pleased to have awarded the 2021 Olds College Honorary Degree to Robert “Bob” Clark, a long-time friend and advocate of the College.

Clark was appointed to the Olds College Board of Governors as a public Board Member in January 2010, serving three terms, and then was Board Chair from February 2014 to May 2017.

“Bob was passionate about agriculture and education, he provided excellent stewardship of the College through his role as Board Chair, and was a strong advocate for our College and community,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College. “Bob will be remembered as a statesman and friend to many and his imprint on the College will be felt for generations.”

Clark believed in serving his community and was greatly respected by everyone he worked with. Clark was first elected as MLA Didsbury in 1960, the youngest MLA ever to be elected. He continued to represent the constituency of Olds-Didsbury until 1981. While serving in office, he was named the minister of youth under Premier Ernest Manning and then minister of education under Premier Harry Strom. When Peter Lougheed defeated the Social Credit Party, Clark served as the leader of the Official Opposition. Clark was appointed Alberta’s first ethics commissioner in 1992 and served in that post from April 1992 to March 2003. He also served as the province’s first Information and Privacy Commissioner from 1995 to 2001. “He was respected for his thoughtful opinions, his dedication to anything he volunteered to do, and his genuine interest in each person he came in touch with,” expresses Leone Staples, Board of Governors, Olds College.

A mentor to so many, Clark spent many hours volunteering and working to make the community a better place. An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Clark was the general manager of the Olds Grizzlys Junior A hockey club from 1987 to 1995, and the President of the team from 1996 to 1999. He served as Chairman of the Board of Alberta Junior A Hockey League from 1998 to 2007, and was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.

“It is not surprising that in his retirement, he gave of his time, energy and considerable connections to serve on the Olds College Board of Governors, serving as a public member for 4 years and then as Board Chair for an additional 3 years,” says Heather Steckly, Olds College Chief of Staff. “During Bob’s tenure on the Board, his passion for the education of Alberta’s youth was front and centre.”

Clark’s entire life was defined by public service. To say he made a difference in his community and at the College would be an understatement. Olds College was incredibly honoured to have had him serve on the Board of Governors and as Board Chair.

The 2021 Olds College Honorary Degree was awarded during the virtual 2020 and 2021 convocation ceremonies on June 5, 2021.

Catch up with the latest & greatest at AgSmart 2021

Olds College is excited to host AgSmart on August 10 & 11 2021!

Industry engagement in the event has been remarkable with many exciting features being offered at AgSmart 2021. Around 100 exhibitors will be onsite to profile the latest and greatest in the ag tech segment of the industry. With the mix of returning and new exhibitors there is a lot of new products and services being showcased at the expo.

“We are pleased to see so much uptake in the industry for AgSmart 2021,” says Stacy Felkar of AgSmart. “Since we hosted our inaugural event in 2019, there are quite a few new organizations in the ag tech space and it is exciting to see where the established companies are heading.”

The educational expo will focus on content relevant to both crop and livestock producers, including new partner OneCup AI.

“We want to exhibit at AgSmart because we really wanted an opportunity to allow for producers to try our BETSY platform, ask us questions and see how having the system on their ranch will enhance the management of their livestock,” says Mokah Shmigelsky of OneCup AI. “BETSY (Bovine, Expert, Tracking and Surveillance) allows producers, feedlot operators and farmers a way to monitor and track their livestock with ease. The system is plug and play, allowing those without a heavy background in technology to install and begin using BETSY immediately as their AI Ranch.” New this year, the expo will be offering their plenary sessions digitally on the evening of August 9. The Opening Plenary, by AgExpert will focus on the future of farming and how to boost your bottom line with data and digital tech. Additional plenary sessions include content from TELUS Agriculture, ATB, THRIVE and Olds College Smart Farm. Digital content will be free to access.

AgSmart is a unique opportunity to check out the projects and research at Olds College Smart Farm and Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production, including special project tour on campus.

Attendees have the opportunity to engage in the learning expo through live demos, interactive exhibits and over 50 educational session options. Tickets are available at AgSmartOlds.ca, starting at $20 for students and $60 for producers and industry.

Agriculture moves fast. Are you ready to keep up?

Explore our programs today oldscollege.ca/agtech

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