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New Alumni hall of merit
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OCSI Increases Biodiesel Output
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Student Awards and Donor Reception
Serving our community of students, alumni & friends
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Publications Mail Agreement No. 40010029
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Ralph Klein visited the Community Learning Campus in January for the official naming of the Ralph Klein Centre, containing Olds High School and numerous other facilities. Olds High School students moved into the building in February.
April 2010
Olds College to host international equestrian competition
The Intercollegiate Equestrian World Cup (IWEC) is coming to Olds College. Teams of students from around the world will gather April 28 - May 2, 2010 in Olds College’s recently expanded equine facilities to demonstrate their horsemanship and knowledge of equine management, health, anatomy, and training. Some of the international teams already confirmed include the United States, Germany, Italy, Holland, and England. Each team will be vying to represent their schools over three days of friendly
New alumni Hall of Merit, changes to Hall of Fame OCAA invites alumni nominations The Olds College Alumni Association is announcing a new award for alumni aged 40 years and younger.
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Called the Alumni Hall of Merit, the new award will recognize alumni or former college staff who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to Olds College, the community, society, and their vocation.
“We all know of young alumni who are distinguishing themselves,” said OCAA President Laurinda Parkinson. “It’s important that we in the Alumni Association and the Olds College community recognize them.” Like the Hall of Fame, which will now honour alumni 41 years of age and over, recipients of the Hall of Merit will be selected based on achievements of outstanding quality. “The Alumni Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit awards now make
competition in dressage, jumping, a written exam, and oral presentations. Olds College’s team is looking forward to reprising their winning performance in Pennsylvania in 2007. This event will also showcase Olds College’s equine programs and facilities, provide opportunities for the students to network with professionals from the international equine industry, and build connections with schools and friends from around the world. Competition organizers welcome the interest of alumni and friends who would like to volunteer to be part of making this exciting event a success. For more information about the Intercollegiate Equestrian World Cup visit the IWEC Canada website at www.iweccanada. webs.com or contact Cathy Chalack at (403) 556-8263 or by email at cchalack@oldscollege.ca.
it possible to honour lifetime achievements as well as the contributions young alumni are making today,” said Parkinson, Nominations for the Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit will be accepted until April 15, and the recipients will be announced during the annual award reception at the summer reunion in July. To learn more or to nominate someone you know, visit www. oldscollege.ca/alumni/awards. htm#halloffame, or contact Alumni Relations at 403-5564748, or by email at alumni@ oldscollege.ca.
More in Stu 0 0 0 , 0 0 dent $2 F u a b l i n l a e v b A y e din O d l a ds Co M lleg g e Students from the Central Alberta region or students entering Olds College’s Business Administration Program will now find entry into the world of post-secondary education that much easier thanks to $200,000 in entrance awards recently approved by the college’s board. Upon admission, students will be eligible for a $1000 award to be applied towards their tuition. “Given the success of last year’s Entrance Awards program, we were pleased to renew it for the upcoming year,” says Jeff Suderman, Olds College Director
Excellent season for Broncos Athletics It’s been an outstanding season for Broncos Athletics with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams experiencing particular success. At the ACAL Provincial Championships held in Lacombe March 11-12, the Mens 1 team claimed Silver with the Mens 2 team following closely behind with a Bronze. The Womens
of Student Recruitment. “Our goal is to make Olds College accessible to students who are beginning their studies or upgrading their skills.” This awards package was also created as part of Olds College’s ongoing work within the Alberta Government’s Roles and Mandates policy framework, which seeks to align educational institutions with their target constituencies – in this case both Central Alberta and the province as a whole.
Additional entrance awards are being provided for athletes who will play on an Olds College Broncos team next fall. Students seeking more information on the entrance awards will be able to access details at www.oldscollege. ca/scholarships.
run two college teams like this. Normally the second team is part of a system which helps feed players into the first team,” said Lendvay. “This is an experiment In March, at the Western Canadian finals at the Ralph Klein gone right and the timing is great as we’re recruiting for Centre in Olds March 26-27, the two women’s teams right now.” Mens 1 team went undefeated Lendvay adds that besides giving capturing the inaugural Western players time to develop and reach Canadian championships Gold the potential that can land them medal. They finished the season on Team 1, creating a second with a 17-1 record, the only loss team is generally good for college being in the ACAL championship enrolment because it gives more game. The Mens 2 team took 5th place and the women’s team were students a place to play. forced to settle for Silver. Basketball is not the only front on which the Broncos are finding Greg Lendvay, Olds College success. In February, the Men’s Director of Health and Wellness, Curling team earned themselves says he is equally pleased on a bronze at the ACAC provincial two fronts. Not only have the Broncos displayed great prowess finals in Camrose, AB. Both the this season, in the men’s category men’s and women’s Futsal teams did well at the ACAL Provincial the College has managed to field two excellent teams. “Nobody has championships in Three Hills Broncos team were favourites to bring home the Gold medal and succeeded in doing exactly that.
Olds College Broncos basketball men’s Team 1
Olds College Broncos women’s basketball team
Deadline for applications is August 15, 2010. in March, with the men’s team taking Bronze and the women’s team taking Silver. “Because of all this success, inquiries about playing for Olds College are up significantly from last year. Much of it is due to the commitment and development of our coaches and it’s their increased efforts on-and-off the court that continues to build our programs,” said Lendvay. From here, he hopes to continue building the Broncos name and presence in the local community. “We want to be respected in the community and be a go-to place for young rural athletes,” Lendvay said. “Already we’re starting to see more alumni and more community members including kids at our games and that’s very encouraging.”
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Amidst many initiatives that impact the lives of people in other countries, Olds College has been a significant contributor to the success of the Canadian government’s Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP). This year the College has 13 students from Mexico as part of the program, the secondhighest single intake by any one institution. “We received the most federal scholarships in Alberta after the University of Alberta,” said Pat Bidart, Associate Vice President, Academic. “Considering that they have more than 35,000 students at the U of A, that’s pretty impressive.” Richmond Godfrey, Project Coordinator for Olds College’s International Dept., says that most of the students are in programs related to subjects such as livestock, horticulture and land and resource management. “The idea is that people go home and become leaders using things they learned from leaders here,” says Godfrey. Currently, the College is preparing to send a contingent of students down to Mexico in the late summer. “They’ll study the language and learn about the agricultural situation,” says Godfrey. “Mexico has a thriving agricultural industry as well.”
Olds College Farrier Science Diploma becomes two-year program
Responding to industry demand, Olds College will be changing its already acclaimed one-year Farrier program to a two-year program in October of 2010.
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College plays a part in Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program The college’s new Farrier Science diploma will see students emerging with increased knowledge of equine anatomy, horse handling and horse husbandry. As well, emphasis will be increased on welding, basic blacksmithing and advanced corrective and therapeutic horseshoeing. In keeping with the College’s emphasis on real-life, hands-on learning, program completion will now require a total of 8 months of Directed Field Study, split into five-month and three-month sections respectively. Mark Hobby, President of the Western Canadian Farriers Association, believes that new farriers today need more training than can currently be found on the continent. “Olds College is to be commended for its current one-year program. It is the best in North America by far,” says Hobby. “It is still not long enough, however. The proposed two year program is essential if we are going to be fair to equines, owners and students.” Hobby adds that Europe, generally considered to hold farriers to a higher standard, requires four years of training for farriers and requires them to be licensed by law. Traditionally, the number of applicants for the Olds College program has exceeded its
capacity, which caps at 16 students. Existing familiarity with the farrier profession and horse and tool handling are just some of the areas of competency students will need to demonstrate prior to acceptance into the program. “Olds College already graduates some of the best farriers in North America but today’s industry needs them to be even better,” says Dean Sinclair, Olds College Farrier Science Coordinator. “Horses now represent a significant financial investment for most owners and there is also a heightened awareness of animal welfare and how it is achieved. This program will set a new standard and we are quite proud of it.” Sinclair’s sentiments are echoed by the American Farrier’s Association (AFA). “All too often, farriers don’t survive their initial entrance into our profession because they arrive ill-prepared for success,” says AFA President Richard Fanguy. “By providing students with ample opportunity for both classroom instruction and practical experience, Olds College is helping to provide stability and professionalism within our industry.”
Amanda Farrant
The Olds College School of Innovation (OCSI) will soon be dramatically increasing the amount of biodiesel it creates while simultaneously reducing the amount of water it consumes. New equipment is being installed at the OCSI Biofuel Technology Centre that will see its output capacity go from 45,000 L to approximately 250,000 L per year.
facility. The fuel created will be to the same exacting standards already used. The OCSI is experimenting with different source materials including mustard, pennycress, camelina, green and heated or off-spec canola. But output quality for the fuel is always consistent, says Farrant. “We already guaranteed quality fuel before bringing in these upgrades.”
“Currently, we wash a biodiesel batch four times with about 100 L of water per time,” says Amanda Farrant, OCSI research technician and biodiesel facility operator. Prior to the installation of new equipment, methanol and glycerol used in the biodiesel process were flushed out with water. The new equipment, specifically a demethylation column and ion resin columns, will recover them without the need for water.
Currently, biodiesel from Olds College is used in farm machinery by agricultural producers from the surrounding area, as well as in several of the Chinook’s Edge School Division school buses. Funding for the upgrades came from a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) grant as well as support from OCSI industry partner NorAg Equipment in Red Deer.
The installation of the equipment required the temporary shut-down of the
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With all 342 available seats filled, Olds College’s 2010 Gala, held in March, was once again a rousing success. On hand among the many supporters from industry and alumni were dignitaries Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation, and Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. They were joined by eight colleagues from the Alberta Legislature, two Members of Parliament, a Senator and former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein who was also the evening’s keynote speaker. Wildrose Alliance Party leader Danielle Smith was on hand as well.
Guests of the President’s table, MLAs Richard Marz, Ty Lund, and CESD Superintendent Jim Gibbons enjoy the night.
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The evening kicked off with an intimate reception and silent auction netting much-appreciated contributions that, combined with funds raised in a live auction later that evening, created total gross revenues of $163,000 and a net profit of $75,000 for the Olds College Opportunities Fund. These proceeds are a “best ever,” marking a 65 per cent increase from the previous year. The Opportunities Fund supports a variety of important initiatives such as ongoing curriculum renewal and access to leading learner and instructional technology. Olds College President Dr. Tom Thompson then welcomed the evening’s guests and announced that Olds College will be conferring honourary degrees upon Olds-DidsburyThree Hills MLA Richard Marz, Rocky Mountain House MLA Ty Lund and Jim Gibbons, outgoing Superintendent of the Chinook’s Edge School Division. “These three men have worked tirelessly on behalf of the Community
Olds College Signs Transfer Agreement with Okanagan College Olds College has recently signed a transfer agreement with Okanagan College. This agreement provides Olds College students with two year’s credit for their Olds College Business Administration Diploma towards a four year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Okanagan College. “We are extremely pleased with this development, said Olds College’s Dr. Terry Males, Chair, School of Business. “This agreement marks another successful effort to give Olds College graduates even more opportunities.”
Alumni Win Apprenticeship Awards Two Olds College Alumni were among 60 recipients who won top apprenticeship awards in March. Jason Akister, a Heavy Equipment Technician, and Bruce Malmstrom, a Landscape Gardner both won Top Apprentice awards at the 13th annual Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Awards.
Learning Campus and have been absolutely vital to the success of this innovative project,” said Thompson. Following dinner, Ralph Klein delivered his keynote address, stating that the College shares many of his principles. “Olds
The awards ceremony is held to honour Albertans who demonstrate excellence and commitment to their trade. Top Apprentice awards specifically recognize apprentices for achieving the highest overall marks in their final period of training and a strong recommendation from their employers. Akister, from Didsbury, AB, works for Chinook’s Edge School Division #73. Malmstrom, hailing from Calgary, works for A Step Above Landscaping.
“Olds College understands the notion of healthy balance between academics for the sake of learning and job readiness and hands-on training,” Ralph said. College understands the notion of healthy balance between academics for the sake of learning and job readiness and hands-on training,” he said. “They always struck me as really responsive to the needs of industry, government and the needs of their students.” A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Heavy Equipment Industry as Olds College 2010 Partner of the Year. “There are few groups that could have had such a powerful, influential impact on Olds College in such a short period of time,” said Bill Quinney, Olds College Board of Governors Chair. “We have worked together not only to build meaningful partnerships and innovative educational programs, but to build the very world that we and our loved ones live in and share.”
ARHCA Presents Cheque to Olds College The Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (ARHCA) held a board meeting on Olds College campus in February. While visiting, they took a short break to present the College with a $25,000 cheque for student awards. These particular awards are designated for students training at Olds College in industry-related training programs such as The Heavy Equipment Operator Program and the Deep Utility Installer Program.
Partner of the Year the Heavy Equipment Industry, represented by Wendy Walls of Border Paving, David Doyle of Netook Construction, Stacy Knull of Encana, Wanda Wetterberg of Women Building Futures, Bob Logue of BlueCon Excavating & Darryl Conroy of ARHCA. They accepted their award, artwork named Pushing Forward, by artist Gayle Kohut.
The ARHCA and their member companies, a significant portion of the Heavy Equipment Industry, Olds College’s 2010 Partner of the Year, have been instrumental in Olds College’s ability to provide industry training – supporting the development of new programs and ongoing training by providing financial commitments and equipment.
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L to R: Lindsay Blackett, Alberta Minister of Culture and Community Spirit, Ed Stelmach, Premier of Alberta, Ralph Klein, Doug Wagstaff, Chinook’s Edge School Division Board of Governors Vice-Chair, and Bill Quinney, Olds College Board of Governors Chair
Legacy Building in Olds named for Ralph Klein With $750,000 in new funding from the Government of Alberta announced in December by Premier Ed Stelmach, the Community Learning Campus (CLC) on Olds College campus now sets a new benchmark for rural education. The newest CLC facility, housing a Health & Wellness Centre, Government offices and Olds High School, has been named the Ralph Klein Centre in honour of the former Premier, one of Alberta’s most longstanding and heralded public servants.
“It is extremely fitting that my predecessor, friend and former legislative colleague would receive the naming rights to this cuttingedge community learning centre,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “Not only does it set a new standard for both high-school and life-long education and wellness in rural Alberta, the Ralph Klein Centre and the CLC as a whole would not be possible without one of Ralph’s greatest visions, the Alberta SuperNet.”
Olds High School officially moved into the building and began classes in late February. The naming announcement for the Ralph Klein Centre also marked the launch of the Friends of Ralph Klein initiative, part of a final fundraising push to support the construction and start-up costs of the facility. The Friends of Ralph Klein, or “FORKs”, represent a substantial number of Albertans who recognize and value Ralph Klein’s contributions to the province and see within the CLC and Olds College the same can-do, nononsense spirit he embodies. Long cited as an educational favourite of Klein, who holds an honourary degree from Olds College, the College is now moving to secure funding from the Friends of Ralph Klein.
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Dr. H. J. (Tom) Thompson, President of Olds College, lauded both Klein and his extensive network of friends and supporters for helping bring the Ralph Klein Centre to completion. “Five years ago when Premier Klein was our guest, we showed him a model of what was then just a dream,” said Thompson. “Through the support of visionaries like the former premier, the current premier and their colleagues, we have been able to roll up our sleeves and make this state-of-the-art building a reality for a new generation of learners. We are honoured to associate Mr. Klein’s name with this flagship facility.”
The completion of this centre is just one more element making the CLC a jewel in rural economic development, lifelong learning and wellness, and integrated service delivery. Along with the recently opened Fine Arts & Multi Media Centre and Bell e-Learning Centre, all interconnected to a rurallydistributed network of community engagement sites, the CLC is unique in Canada.
Edge School Division and Vice Chair of the CLC Governance Team. “With three gymnasiums, fitness centre, indoor elevated running track, integrated career centre and health services as well as offices for Child and Family Services, and Alberta Employment and Immigration, the Ralph Klein Centre is a model of one-stop service delivery.”
“This new Centre will revolutionize learning and community connectedness, and advance opportunities for residents throughout Central Alberta,” said Jim Gibbons, Superintendent of Chinook’s
The CLC is a partnership between Olds College and Chinook’s Edge School Division, in collaboration with the Town of Olds, Mountain View County and the University of Alberta.
ALUMNI REVIEW Olds College Alumni Association Board of Directors 2008-2009 President Laurinda Parkinson ‘69 Vice President Jason Finnigan ‘01 Past President Sandra MacKinnon-Jahn ‘86 Honourary President Edith Edge ‘51 Treasurer Todd Morrison ‘01 Secretary Gerry Coen ‘58 Directors James Burns ‘67 Glen Alred ‘58 Curtis Miller ‘03 John Perry ‘63 Marjorie Brewin ‘59 Joan (Sandra) Hanson ‘59 OCSA Rep Andrew Corrigal
This program provides networking opportunities and assistance to the Office of Advancement with address updates and changes, as well as any news on our alumni. Contact Brett Humphries, Alumni Officer for further information.
Where is the time going? As the end of March approaches, the snow is disappearing very quickly and we are already beginning to make plans for Graduation and the Summer Reunion. Our Class Agent meeting was held February 27, 2010. It is always an enjoyable day, meeting with alumni from many different years and experiencing the enthusiasm everyone has towards actively promoting Olds College, and actively working to maintain that link with Alumni and the College. We would welcome any new members to the Alumni Class Agent committee. Were you a member of OCSA Executive, or maybe an executive officer with one of the clubs on Campus? You can represent the students in your Program of study, or organization you were involved with, or even the whole student body of the year you attended! A Class Agent is fully supported by the Office of Advancement, and the time commitment is exactly what you want to make of it.
Faculty Rep Jason Switzer Olds College President Dr. H. J. (Tom) Thompson
Of major importance to everyone this month, is the development of a new Alumni Award. This award is called the Hall of Merit and gives special recognition to alumni or former college staff, 40 years of age or younger, who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to Olds College and/or their chosen vocation to date. The present Hall of Fame Award gives special recognition to alumni or former college staff 41 years of age or older who have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of significant contributions to Olds College and/or their chosen vocation. Nominations for the Hall of Merit Award are open until April 15th of this year, and the recipient will be presented with their award at a special Award Reception, along with the Hall of Fame recipient, at the annual Summer Reunion in July. We are very excited about this new award opportunity. We know there are many
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Memorials The Alumni Board respectfully notes the passing of the following Olds College Alumni and staff, and extends its condolences to their families and friends. James (Jim) White, Class of ‘59 Agriculture 2-1 ------- -------- -------Walter Kolody, Class of ‘59 Agriculture 2-1 ------- -------- -------Robert “Austin” Fisher, Class of ’59 Agriculture 2 - 1 ------- -------- -------Sheldon Miller, Class of ’05 Ornamental Horticulture ------- -------- -------Shirley Wynder Hinman, Class of ’41 Agriculture 2 – 1
younger alumni who are making significant contributions within the guidelines of this award, and we want to recognize them. If you know of an alumni whom you would like to nominate for this award – please email alumniassociation@oldscollege. ca or contact Brett Humphries, Alumni Officer, to receive the Nomination form and information. Something else that is high on the agenda is the planning of events for the 2013 celebrations. There will be several events taking place throughout the year, and we will be needing volunteers to assist in many different ways. If you would like to commit to volunteering your time or talents to the 2013 celebrations, we would love to hear from you. As plans begin to take shape, we will have a better idea where volunteers will be needed, and when. If you think, as an Alumnus, you would like to help Olds College Celebrate its 100th birthday, please contact Brett Humphries at 403-556-4748 or by email at bhumphries@ oldscollege.ca or alumni@oldscollege.ca. Included with this issue of Horizons is the Summer Reunion Registration form and Schedule of Events. Please mark the dates on your calendar and send in your registration as soon as possible. Respectfully submitted, Laurinda Parkinson, OCAA President
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Happy 100th Birthday from Olds College: Edith Virginia Desjardins (Gervais) Edith was born Feb. 2, 1910 in Leominster, MA. and attended Olds College from 1929-30. Email best wishes to bettynlen@live.com
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Omar Moreno (centre) is joined by his father Rick Heddner, (left) and acclaimed jockey Sandy Hawley (right).
Alumni win major Equine Industry Awards
Coordinator, Animal Science. “It’s a huge win for him, Horse Racing Alberta and our Exercise Rider and Jockey program.” Organized by the Jockey Club Omar Moreno, a 2007 graduate of Canada to salute outstanding of the College’s Exercise Rider achievement in Canadian thoroughbred racing and and Jockey program was named Outstanding Apprentice breeding in 2009, the award was handed out at a ceremony at Jockey at the 35th Annual the Ultra Nightclub in downtown Sovereign Awards in January. Toronto. Moreno won 22 of 171 starts at the Toronto oval, finishing in At almost the same time, Kim the money 60 times. Scott received the Groom of the Year Award at the Alberta “This is equal to Rookie of the Standardbred Horse Association Year in NHL language,” said Awards Night in Edmonton. Scott Mara Coote Freeman, Olds graduated from Olds College’s College Continuing Education Two Olds College alumni were winners at major equinerelated awards programs in January.
Kim Scott accepts Groom of the Year ward.
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Groom Training program in 2008 and currently works at the Jamie Gray Stable in Lacombe, AB. “Olds College groom school gave me the opportunity to work in an environment that doesn’t feel like work at all. It changed my life by allowing me to be passionate about what I do for a living,” said Scott. “Two years ago when I entered the groom school I hadn’t realized just how much I would enjoy the work. I know however that if I had not taken the course I would not be where I am today.”
Kim Scott in the winners circle at the Alberta Sires Stakes.
Students and Industry gather for Awards and Donor Reception
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15% HOTEL DISCOUNT FOR ALUMNI New affinity program with Canalta Hotels Olds College Alumni will now save 15% off the regular room rate at select Ramada, Super-8, Best Western, and Travelodge hotels. Canalta Hotels has joined Olds College’s growing list of affinity partners to offer a range of benefits and programs that provide alumni with value at work, home, and play. The family-owned company operates wellknown hotel brands across Alberta and Saskatchewan with a commitment to quality, cleanliness, and customer service.
The Olds College Alumni Centre was filled with students, faculty, alumni and industry partners on March 24 for the Student Awards and Donor Reception. Students who benefitted this year from the financial assistance of industry partners got the chance to meet and personally thank their benefactors. Industry donors got the opportunity to see firsthand where their support goes and put a face to the name of the people they are helping. Bill Quinney, Board of Governors Chair for Olds College spoke at great length about the synergy generated by the College’s students and its benefactors. “Ultimately what both our students and partners here tonight are creating is a larger circle, a self-renewing process that impacts lives in all levels of society,” said Quinney. “Companies that help nurture talent are indeed better equipped to get the new employees they
need to thrive. And, in thriving, they also benefit the infrastructure of this province from bricks and mortar to the economy.” Dr. Tom Thompson, Olds College President, echoed those sentiments and stated that the College’s greatest successes are those of its students. “When you are talking about recognizing the value of Olds College students, you really need look no further than around you at our various awards sponsors tonight,” said Thompson. “The fact that you, our student benefactors, have chosen to help support Olds College students is something we are unabashedly grateful for, and I can think of no better attention our students can receive than that of the industries who employ them — ultimately allowing them to succeed and, in turn us at Olds College as well.” Approximately 240 people attended the evening event.
Look inside this issue of Horizons for the enclosed program insert with your alumni discount card attached. Simply detach your discount card from the bottom of the enclosed insert and present it when you check into any eligible Canalta Hotels location to save. With 30 hotel locations across Alberta and Saskatchewan to choose from, no matter where you go you’ll rest easy when you get there. For more information on the new Canalta Hotels Alumni Discount Card or other alumni programs, contact Alumni Relations toll-free at 1-800-661-6537 ext. 4748, direct at 403-5564748, or by email at alumni@oldscollege.ca.
Cathy Scott, Student Awards Administrator, Briana Maryon, Olds College Student’s Association President, Meara Rehman Co-MC for the evening.
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Coming Events April 10, 2010 Open House April 10, 2010 Jeans and Jackets Dinner Dance April 17, 2010 Calgary Campus Fashion Show June 19, 2010 94th Olds College Graduation June 25 - July 2 Fibre Week July 16 – 18, 2010 Alumni Reunion - All alumni are invited to attend! Back: Dr. Robert Wilson, Olds College Vice President Academic, Anna Kae Todd, BVC Vice President Academic. Front: Dr. Tom Thompson, Olds College President, Sharon Carry, BVC President and CEO
College signs Calgary Campus Agreement with Bow Valley College Following the January 11 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Calgary’s Bow Valley College (BVC), Olds College will now begin focusing on the planning and development of a Calgary-based campus. In turn, these plans will likely lead to new program development and staffing. According to Dr. Bob Wilson, Vice President, Academic and Research, a Calgary-based campus has been in the College’s business plan for several years. “Really, this is the continuation of an eight year old vision,” says Wilson. “The intention is not to just simply duplicate what we do here in Olds, but to offer programs that are relevant to the city of Calgary while still in keeping with our mission.” The first seeds of the new partnership were sown after the Calgary Stampede cancelled plans for a large development project on their grounds, one component of which would have been an Olds College Calgary campus. “We had to look elsewhere,” says Wilson. “We kept an open mind and talked to several potential partners such as the University of Calgary. BVC is more advantageous to us for several reasons.”
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Sharon Carry, President and CEO of BVC, was an employee at Olds College for approximately 20 years, adding to the synergy. As well, BVC’s curriculum and approach to education closely mirrors the real-life, hands-on learning of Olds College. “We’ve always been trainers for an urban workforce even though we’re in Olds,” says Wilson, citing animal care, fashion, food production and land and surface administration programs as having a high number of graduates that live and work in urban centers. Existing courses along those lines may be offered once the Calgary campus opens, with most of the focus shifting to Calgary campusspecific courses as early as 2013. Construction is currently underway on new BVC buildings in the heart of downtown Calgary, with the College tentatively occupying one or more floors. Discussions between Olds College and the province are underway regarding funding and the College could potentially move in as early as 2012. No specific target has been set for staffing numbers yet, but Wilson points out that the current student target number is 400, equaling approximately one third of the college’s existing student-base, with an adequate number of employees needed to service that number.
Check out www.oldscollege.ca for more details on these and other Olds College stories.
JULY 18 - 23, 2010 Hort Week September 15, 2010 Fall Harvest Golf Classic
Volume 3, Number 3 Publication mail agreement: 40010029 Submissions may be edited for content and length. Olds College Horizons is published four times per year by the Office of Advancement. We welcome comments, letters and suggestions for stories. Please email Rick Overwater roverwater@oldscollege.ca, fax 403-556-4704 or write 4500-50 Street, Olds, Alberta, T4H 1R6 Editor: Rick Overwater, Communications Coordinator Publisher: Shannon Northey, Manager of Development & Corporate Communications Design: Myriah Reed, Graphic Design and Multimedia Coordinator Print: Calgary Colorpress
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 four times per year by the Office of Advancement. Please email Rick Overwater roverwater@oldscollege.ca, fax (403) 556-4704 or write 4500-50 Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6.
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.