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Pets posed with Santa in the Bookstore in December
11 Plowman cultivates first place during the 07’ Canadian Plowing Championships
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Playing dress-up on campus will be easy once Costume Cutting & Construction is launched next fall
Serving our community of students, alumni & friends
Ablaze with blooms! Second Year Horticulture Production students, Jessica Flundra (L) and Janelle Simpson (R) tend to nearly 1,500 poinsettias destined for a Christmas fundraiser at Olds High School.
Return Undeliverable Canadian Adresses to: Olds College 4500 - 50th Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40010029
December 2007
Hard-hitting team player overcomes obstacles She’s got the music cranked in her dorm room, and she’s dancing with her roommate.
“She’s an outstanding athlete and a fantastic person.”
“Then I hit the volleyball court and have an awesome warm-up,” said second-year Land Reclamation student, Shayla Sandum.
During time-outs or team talks, her teammate and best friend, Tanis McMillan signs to her.
Sandum plays power for the Olds College Broncos and, according to Greg Lendvay, the college’s Athletics Director, she’s the hardest-hitter on the team. “Plus, she’s got amazing vertical for a female athlete,” he adds. “Shayla is exceptional because of her ability to communicate, even with being challenged.” Shayla says she faces certain obstacles because of her hearing disability. “Sometimes it’s hard to hear girls on the court, when we’re playing,” she says. “At the games, everyone is yelling, calling the ball and cheering. I’m used to it, now.” Her coach, Shane Kuhn, said that Shayla is one of the most athletic players he’s ever coached. “At the first try-out, she stood out immediately from the other players,” he said. “Shayla’s got a fantastic attitude. She always wants to be on the court and improve her skills, to make her team better.” Although Coach Kuhn doesn’t know much sign language, he said he picked up a little bit “here and there, just by watching.” “Those hands move pretty fast,” he said. “And as long as I remember to face her when I’m explaining things, she usually can understand things quite well.
“On the court, the girls always make sure that I know what’s going on and they also make sure I can lipread them, if they have to say anything. “Everyone understands it’s not really a challenge, because of my awesome teammates.”
Olds College Women’s Volleyball Strikes Gold! Olds College Women’s Volleyball team struck gold in Camrose on the weekend of November 24-25. “This is the first time that Olds College has captured an Alberta Colleges Athletic League (ACAL) championship,” said Greg Lendvay. “The Broncos beat the Camrose host team, who had won the previous six championships.” Coach Shane Kuhn worked very hard this year, he added. The two Broncos players who received Second Team all star ACAL Conference awards were: Shayla Sandun and Kylie Waite. Shayla Sandum’s hearing disability doesn’t come into play when she’s on the volleyball court.
Volume 1, Number 5 Olds College Horizons is published five times per year by the Office of Advancement. We welcome comments, letters, and suggestions for stories. Please email jisaac@oldscollege.ca, fax 403-556-4704 or write 450 – 50 Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6
Dear Friends: For the past few weeks, you’ve probably noticed me striding around campus, a Nikon camera hung around my neck, and a pink clipboard tucked under my arm. Nearly 20 years have passed since I was classified as a post-secondary student and I’m quite happy to report, it’s great to be a part of collegiate life again! As the new Communications Coordinator at Olds College, I hope you’ll forgive me for eavesdropping on your conversations. While I actively research stories and conduct interviews, I’ve always got an ear to the ground, in order to learn as much as possible about how the College operates. My main assignment on campus is to research and write stories for publication in our alumni newsletter, Horizons. If you’ve got a great story idea or some news to report from your department, I want to hear about it. Depending on the time-sensitivity of the story, it may appear in the next edition of Horizons. My vision is that Horizons will continue to creatively and accurately report on relevant news issues related to Olds College activities. With your assistance, I know this vision will be easily achieved. Please feel free to contact me with your ideas and suggestions for editorial material. Remember - Horizons is your showcase!
Editor: Jennifer Isaac, Communications Coordinator
Jennifer Isaac is the new Communications Coordinator at Olds College, Office of Advancement. Thank you, everyone, for your incredibly warm welcome to the College. I hope you enjoy this issue of Horizons. Respectfully yours,
Publisher: Mark Keller, Manager Marketing Design: Myriah Barr, Graphic Design & Multimedia Coordinator and The Creative Cat Inc. Printer: Calgary Colorpress Publication mail agreement: 40010029 Submissions may be edited for content and length
Jennifer Isaac P.S. This holiday season, please take the time to remember people who are less fortunate than you. Buy a coffee for the tree attendant. Tip the carry-out clerk. I’m a huge fan of random acts of kindness!
Oops! On Page 2 of the June 2007 edition of Horizons, we mistakenly listed Simone Goodfellow as the grad in the photograph. That name should have read Rachelle Johnson. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. -The Editor
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December 2007
Damkar donation designs student destiny On a sunny November afternoon, Bearspaw farmer Ernest Damkar steered his turquoise pick-up truck along the tire tracks on his land. Riding by his side is his faithful companion, Max, a border collie/shepherd cross. “Every few days, we like to drive out and watch the deer,” Damkar said. “Sometimes we’ll see around 50 of them.” Life was not always this idyllic, he recalled. Nearly 60 years ago, when his older brother entered the ministry, Damkar’s parents insisted that young Ernest stay on the farm and manage the family dairy. But the spirited 19-year-old had other ideas. “I had $300 in the bank, and I took it out,” he said. “My dad was opposed to the idea of me going to school, but I just had to do it.” Armed with his ambition to succeed and heedless of a brain injury he sustained at age 14, Damkar enrolled in the Agriculture program at Olds College. It was 1949. “I had only a grade eight education,” he said. “But I faithfully attended classes at college and studied hard.” His diligence impressed the instructors, and many recognized his potential. “The teachers knew I was trying to do my best,” he said. “You don’t knock the one that’s trying hard.” For years, Damkar has carried a sense of deep gratitude toward Olds College, for taking a chance on him and supporting him through his scholastic endeavours. “In my life, I needed some help and stability,” he said. “I believe Olds College gave me the support to succeed and helped me to boost my confidence. “I always thought that if I ever have sufficient funds, I’m going to donate to the school.” Because of the Damkar’s donation of $300,000 to Olds College, 12 students each year will be able to lighten their financial load. The gift has been accepted as an endowment, ensuring a legacy for future generations. “If we can help to transform someone’s life, that’s our reward,” said his wife, Iris. When asked if he’ll ever stop farming, Damkar laughed. “Now that I’m retired, I’m farming more than ever,” he said. Just last fall, he helped combine the canola crop. “We had seeded 160 acres in canola,” he said. “We got 65 bushels to the acre. “When that truck went to town, that was like driving liquid gold down the highway.” Although the family’s agri-business ventures have paid off, the number of zeros don’t matter all that much to Damkar.
Picture Perfect Pooch!
Iris and Ernest Damkar visited Olds College in November to reminisce about life in the dorm.
“What matters to me is the effect you can have on people’s lives,” he said. “It depends on your priorities.” The days of putting in the crop with a team of horses are behind him, as are the days of milking 130 Holsteins. But he’s still connected to the land. And when he drives around in his little truck to check on the whereabouts of the deer, Ernest Damkar can be proud of the fact that he and his wife, Iris, and his brother, Norman built their business “from the ground up.” “I would say that my family achieved success because of Olds College,” he said.
Agri-Trade showcases Olds College. At Agri-Trade in November, a woman stopped by the Olds College booth to pick up an academic calendar. “My daughter’s interested in the equine program,” she said, as she leafed through the booklet. Agri-Trade and similar events serve to showcase the College’s features, as well as to help recruit prospective students. This year, from November 7 to 10, over 75,000 people passed through the gates of Red Deer’s Westerner Park. In addition to the information booth, the Olds College Seed Fair and Hay Show was on display in the front entrance gallery of the ENMAX Centrium. Western Canadian producers submitted their best samples to this unique hands-on display, to help promote the Seed and Hay industry in western Canada.
“Trade fairs are a great place to disperse information about Olds College.” Trade fairs are a great place to disperse information about the college, said Mary Jane Block, Coordinator of the Continuing Education program at the college, and one of the College’s representatives at the event. “Plus, Agri-Trade was great for getting the word out about our new Agronomy Certificate program,” she added. “We can promote the variety of program and course types that we offer to a diverse audience.” For example, sometimes people are looking for a short, one-day course. “Or we’ll have parents who are looking for information on our full-time programs.”
Pretty puppies like Penny - a Cavalier - got their pictures taken with Santa at the Campus Bookstore in December. Proceeds supported the Animal Health Club.
Agri-Trade’s involvement with Olds College is a relationship that is tremendously valued, said Patrick Kennedy, the agricultural show’s event manager. “Our association with the college creates a very positive tie-in to careers in agriculture,” he said. “It’s a flag that we both fly.”
December 2007
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High-tech connections at November’s Supernet conference Whether it was Dan Creurer who influenced the SuperNet’s arrival to the remote community of Fort Chipewan, or Dot Negropontes who is leading the development of the Community Learning Campus, the stories told of how technology is connecting people and opening the world to them. “This conference is about technology, but the field is really about people,” said Jann Beeston, Director of the Hanna Learning Centre. “In small rural communities, things happen because people want them to. The Hanna Learning Centre started from my kitchen table, but we continued to ask people what they wanted to do for themselves in terms of learning, business development, advancing their skill level. We formed relationships with them which led us to further opportunities to connect with more organizations and expand our programs.” The Hanna Learning Centre now takes up the majority of the Provincial Building, employs 20 people and offers an array of programs, from family literacy to distance delivery of post-secondary courses. “We aren’t just about basic skill development any longer. We found people wanted higher learning opportunities right in their home communities and we kept exploring ways we could deliver that. We have built an engagement centre that connects people in the community with one another and with the world,” said Beeston. A kitchen table conversation spawned the Hanna Learning Centre, said Jann Beeston (R), director of the Centre and shown here with Dot Negropontes (L), executive director of the Community Learning Campus. Submitted by Sandy Bexon Over 100 people attended November’s SuperNet conference, which marked the first public program organized and hosted by partners of the Community Learning Campus. Along with high-level applications of technology, such as disaster planning and eBusiness, the conference provided opportunities for delegates to share their stories of how technology arrived to their communities and the impact it has had on all residents.
As the SuperNet develops, there will be even more great stories to be written. Communities Without Boundaries brought together professionals in health, learning, culture, security and business, and included presentations from Paul Pellis (Deputy Minister, Service Alberta), Dr. David Mitchell (University of Calgary), Dr. Lance Bredo (David Thompson Health Region) and many others. Everyone involved in advancing technology and furthering rural development came away with renewed enthusiasm and new tools to take back to their home communities. The Community Learning Campus, through its partnership with Bell Canada is bringing down barriers through the use of technology and creating opportunities for individuals and entire communities.
Wayne Keillor: Philosopher, Writer and Painter The chair of Olds College’s Spring Gala views the event from a philosopher’s perspective. “My plans are simple and straight-forward,” said Wayne Keillor, who worked for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) for 15 years before he retired in 2001. “I want to pull off the best gala possible.” He compared his role as gala chair to that of “head coach of the football team.” “All department heads are the specialty coaches,” he said. “I am there to direct.” Keillor moved from Grande Prairie to Olds six years ago, with his wife, Marilyn, whom he describes as “a renowned quilter.” “She’s well-connected with the local quilters,” he added. Keillor himself finds artistic expression in painting, utilizing various mediums including watercolour, acrylics and oil. “Lately, I’ve discovered I like doing pencil drawings,” he said. He prefers not to show his work, and instead gifts it or graces his walls with it. “I do it because I like to paint.”
Gala chair Wayne Keillor’s vision for Gala 2008 is much like his personal philosophy: naturally flowing and straight-forward.
He has just completed a 10-year book project that he wrote as a legacy for his six grandchildren. “It’s an existential interpretation of the life of Christ,” he said. “The first draft is finished, at 650 pages.”
Join Olds College as we continue to “Grow the Legacy” at our Gala on March 14, 2008. “This event is designed to raise awareness of the College’s depth, diversity and capacity in programming,” said Marie Grono, Event Coordinator at the College. “The event is attended by business and government leaders from all sectors of the economy, as well as other featured guests.” This year’s Gala features well-known guest speaker Lesra Martin, whose inspirational story and educational journey was featured in the Academy Award nominated film “The Hurricane.” The College’s Partner of the Year will also be announced during the evening. “As well, there are live and silent auctions, and a gourmet dinner adventure,” Grono added.
The Keillors have two sons, who reside in Montreal and New Westminster, B.C.
Tickets cost $225. A table of eight costs $1,800.
On campus, Keillor is involved with the Inner Varsity Christian Fellowship, a club that meets every two weeks, with over 30 students as members.
For information on sponsorship or to reserve your tickets, please contact Marie Grono at (403) 507-7717 or e-mail: mgrono@oldscollege.ca.
“The gala will be a legacy to remember.” As a fan of contemporary philosopher, Peter Kostenbaum, Keillor views his task as gala chair as philosophical in nature. “It’s that need to express and reach out and to be involved with community,” he said. “I wanted to expand my horizons by working on the gala.” With a Masters degree in Philosophy from Divinity School in Chicago, as well as post-graduate studies from other schools, including the University of Guelph, the University of Ottawa and the University of Western Ontario, Keillor is familiar with coupling the rational with the theoretical. “For me, life is based on five principles,” he said. “Number One is, say yes to life. Number Two, Learn to laugh at situations in life. Three, Walk with God. Four, Keep growing. And Number Five, Love, Love, Love.” Keillor regularly shares his philosophy with 200 seniors among the congregation at Olds Baptist Church. He believes he’ll bring some unique gifts to the job of gala chair. “I have a relevant skill base that includes teaching courses and project management,” he said. That, combined with his love of his community, will help him in his task. “I love Olds,” Keillor said. “I love the friendliness of the people. I love the ability to walk uptown. I love the vibrancy of the community. “The gala will be a legacy to remember.”
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December 2007
Gala guest speaker Lesra Martin will share his inspirational story of how he overcame his “fear of books and words” to fulfill his dreams.
OCSI - Olds College School of Innovation The Olds College School of Innovation is a state-of-the-art applied research facility providing solutions for businesses through innovative research and commercialization. Community Learning Campus Unique in Canada, the CLC is an innovative approach to high school, post-secondary, and community education, and assists in advancing government rural development strategies. Botanic Gardens, Wetlands, Arboretum Building upon the success of the existing gardens, Olds College will expand this living laboratory to ensure learners have a environmental experience.
Industry Chairs As acknowledged leaders in their respective fields, the Chairs play a critical role in shaping the future direction of Olds College and its partnerships with industry.
Calgary Campus Planning for the eventual renovation and construction of the College’s long-term home in the Weston Bakery Building on the grounds of the Calgary Stampede continues.
Landscape Pavilion The Landscape Pavilion Facility Expansion is in direct response to a growing need for full-time and part-time training. This project will allow the College to develop Irrigation Installation labs, Aerial Rescue and Climbing labs, and expand Landscape Installation labs.
The Canadian Centre for Equine Innovation TM (CECI) will be a national centre for innovation incorporating leading-edge expertise, facilities, technology and applied research.
Calgary Campus $12 million
New York. Paris. Milan. And Calgary, too! Olds College has an eye on the fashion frontier, and developing a historic building into a learning resource is just part of our goal. Calgary is indeed the heart of the new west, and we plan to provide access to unique programs and opportunities for hundreds of future students. Based on the success of the Fashion Merchandising and Land Administration programs already offered in Calgary, we’re planning programs that encompass Business, Event Management, Horticulture, Land and Environmental Management, and more. Our steps in Calgary are supported by valued friends and partners like the Calgary Stampede. Join us!
Endowed Chairs $4 million
There is no substitute for the wisdom developed by hard won experience. And that is exactly what Industry Chairs bring to Olds College. Endowed Chairs are created through philanthropic gifts to attract and retain exceptional faculty to provide a linkage to the business and industry associated with national class programs. Our current plans call for two Chair positions to provide expertise to critical areas within our mandate: A Chair of Energy Industry Studies and a Chair in Bioprocessing and Product Development. Investing in an endowed chair strengthens business and College alike.
Comm
Grow Learn
$5 mill
Dreams are limitless. A girl becom her heart; a boy develops the skill People of all ages find the reso Community Learning Campus is he between our dreams and reality b rural Albertans achieve their ambit
Our dreams are coming true each Community Learning Campus pro vision for rural Alberta to join our t
Botanic Gardens, Wetland and Arboretum $3.5 million
A prairie wetland is an oasis of life and a treasure for future generations. Canada’s economic development often treads close to these natural gardens and habitats that are dotted across the landscape of our province. Olds College students learn to protect and conserve these precious resources for today and for tomorrow. The Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and proposed Wetlands create living laboratories that will reveal the delicate relationship between people, plants and water and prepare learners to become environmental stewards.
Research and Innovation
$600,000
Tomorrow’s success is just an idea today. Olds College recognizes that knowledge and dedicated resources are often required before ideas may become international marketing successes. Our focus on applied research links small and large producers with the marketplace by providing research to support innovation and product development. The School of Innovation applies science to solve problems and build the economy. Your engagement as a client or as a donor will ensure a strong focus on research that serves the needs of Alberta.
munity Learning Campus
wing Together, ning Forever
lion
mes the graceful dancer she sees in l to match the athletes he admires. ources they need to succeed. The elping to eliminate the boundaries by providing new resources to help tions.
Canadian Equine Centre of InnovationTM $10 million
For some, horses live in a field. For others, they live in the heart. That passion for horses is alive and well at Olds College where students from across Canada compete for access to our world-class equine programs. The Canadian Centre for Equine Innovation TM will expand the College’s capacity to meet the needs of students and equine businesses alike. With much appreciated support from the provincial government, our plans for the Olds Campus are, well, galloping forward. We also have our heart set on a campus in Balzac where equine training for the horse racing industry has a natural home. Olds College appreciates the support of everyone who believes hoof beats and heart beats are one and the same.
h day with steady progress on all ojects. We invite those with a strong team as we look to the future.
Landscape Pavilion
$2.3 million
We all know that “hands-on” is often the best form of learning and students enrolled in horticulture programs of all kinds need to get their hands dirty. A lot! Our landscape pavilion allows students to climb trees, build landscapes and install irrigation systems when everything outside is frozen. Thanks to our friends, construction has already begun! Achieving our full vision requires more commitment and we hope new and existing partners will look to the needs of future students.
R Yes, I would like to make a Difference! Please contact me about a donation to Olds College.
I’m interested in:
Community Learning Campus Landscape Pavilion Botanic Gardens, Wetland and Arboretum Endowed Chairs Calgary Campus Research and Innovation Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation TM Student Awards Other programs or projects
Name ________________________________ Phone/Email __________________________ Address ______________________________
Making it happen... I have enclosed a cheque payable to Olds College I authorize Olds College to debit my credit card VISA Mastercard Card # _______________________________ Expiry Date ___________________________ Signature _____________________________
Olds College Office of Advancement 4500 – 50 Street, Olds, AB T4H 1R6 Phone: 403-556-4641 Fax: 403-556-4754 www.oldscollege.ca
Calgary Campus
Landscape Pavilion
The opening of the Calgary Campus on October 3, 2006 was made possible with the contribution of modular facilities from Alberta Infrastructure, and the tremendous support of College employees. Planning for the eventual renovation and construction of the College’s long-term home in the Weston Bakery Building on the grounds of the Calgary Stampede continues. Further support is required to realize this goal. Investment $12,000,000
The Landscape Construction Pavilion is a 12,000 sq. ft. heated indoor space to accommodate hands-on horticultural training year round. The Landscape Pavilion Facility Expansion is in direct response to a growing need for space to allow sustained and manageable growth in full-time and parttime training. The expansion of the existing pavilion includes classrooms, a covered link to the Land Sciences Building, and an outdoor staging lab. In combination these projects will allow the College to provide Irrigation Installation labs, Aerial Rescue and Climbing labs, and expand Landscape Installation labs.
Industry Chairs
Investment $2,342,500
Chairs are created through philanthropic gifts to attract and retain exceptional faculty to provide a linkage to the business and industry associated with the College’s national class programs. As acknowledged leaders in their respective field, the Chairs play a critical role in shaping the future direction of Olds College and its partnerships with industry. Investment $4,000,000
Canadian Centre for Equine Innovation TM The Canadian Centre for Equine Innovation TM will be a national centre for innovation incorporating leading-edge expertise, facilities, technology and applied research to provide unique solutions to enhance human resource development in the equine industry. This project will allow the College to: increase student access to the Horsemanship Major, add a Driving Certificate, expand Equine Canada Certification, add a second cohort of Advanced Farrier Science, and add e-learning courses.
Botanic Gardens, Wetlands and Arboretum Building upon the success of the existing gardens, Olds College will expand this living laboratory to ensure learners, industry, and the public may access an outstanding botanical, horticultural and environmental educational experience. The construction of the wetland, arboretum, public gardens and integrated research plots will create a case study for the understanding of the interrelationship between people, plants and water. The expansion will position Olds College as one of Canada’s best horticulture schools. Investment $3,530,00
Community Learning Campus
Our second equine project in partnership with the United Horseman of Alberta will provide a home for the College’s unique Groom School and Exercise Rider programs. This project fits extremely well with the racetrack development at Balzac.
The CLC holds great promise for our region, and for rural communities across Canada and around the world. Our visionary model will deliver the rich learning opportunities all citizens deserve while focusing on serving smaller and more geographically diverse populations. We expect the positive impact of the Community Learning Campus to touch the educational, economic, social and cultural life of our global community.
Investment (Olds Campus) $10,000,000
Total Cost $65,299,000; Investment $5,000,000
Student Awards Program You can have direct and positive impact on the life of someone in our community by supporting scholarships and bursaries. Olds College was proud to provide 475 awards with a value well over $400,000 last year, yet more students need your support to realize their dreams.
For further information regarding the See the Future, Lead the Way 2009 Capital Vision Campaign, please contact: Doug Pearce, Director of Development Olds College Office of Advancement 4500 – 50 Street, Olds, AB T4H 1R6 Phone: Toll-free: Fax: E-mail: Web:
403-556-4641 1-800-661-6537 ex t. 4641 403-556-4754 advancement@oldscollege.ca www.oldscollege.ca
Respect and reverence for Remembrance Day Although Olds College students were deeply entrenched in their assignments and exams in November, they still took time to consider the meaning of Remembrance Day. “I always get a poppy,” said first year Animal Health Technology student, Mandy Osborne. “I like to do my part to help out the veterans.” Canadians should never take their freedom for granted, said Nathan Wood, who wore a poppy on his lapel. “We’re so fortunate to have our rights, our freedom of speech and our freedom of religion,” said the first year Land Agent student.
Good news for grads of Land Resource Management program A recent announcement by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) is good news for graduates of the Land Resource Management Program at Olds College. The professional designation of RT Ag within the Alberta Institute of Agrology (AIA) provides accreditation to diploma and applied degree holders. “This announcement affects hundreds of people in Alberta,” said Simone Klein, who is an Olds College alumni and ceo of Terrestrial Solutions, a Calgary-based company that specializes in reclamation and projectmanagement. Klein was also a member of the committee that was instrumental in creating the accreditation.
“Canada is the best place to live in the world.”
“We started our work four years ago,” she added. “Our committee was called developing Designations for Technical Agrologists. The announcement made by the AIA is directly related to our efforts.”
For Dwayne Smith, who is in the Transitional Vocational program, Remembrance Day is all about how soldiers fought for our freedom.
Membership in a professional registration organization is one of the pre-requisites for the reclamation sign-off policy required by Alberta Environment.
“The soldiers made our world a better place to live,” he said. “They were amazing. They went to war and served their country, without knowing if they would ever come back alive.
“Professional designation is all about public safety and responsibility,” she added. “It contributes to a high standard of work.”
“That must be one of the hardest things a person can do.
Visit the AIA website and download the application for RT (Ag) accreditation at http://www.aia.ab.ca/ and follow the Pursue Designation link.
Olds College student Dwayne Smith is grateful for the freedom we enjoy as Canadians.
Stable lifestyle attracts Ontario students Last Fall, Samantha Williams interrupted her thoroughbred riding program, to attend Discovery Day 2007 at Olds College. The Orangeville, Ontario resident hopes to enroll in Equine Business Management at the college, to learn more about becoming a barn manager.
and its many programs through tours and classroom shadowing,” said Marie Grono, Event Coordinator at the college. “Visitors discover why Olds College has been producing leaders in agriculture, horticulture, land and environmental management for over 90 years.”
Currently, Mr. Schade is in grade 12 at Waterloo Oxford District High School in Baden, Ontario. “My current co-op placement is at a stud farm,” he said. “And on evenings and weekends, I work at Find-A-Way Equestrian Services Stable.”
“Someday, I hope to open my own stable and teach horseback riding,” said the grade 12 student.
An interest in a college program with equine science lead another Canadian student to Olds College Campus for the day.
He added that attending Discovery Day helped him to make a more knowledgeable decision about his career choice. “I was so impressed with what I saw and heard, I submitted an application,” he said. “I hope to get invited back for testing in the Spring.”
In October, Williams flew to Alberta to spend a few days touring the campus with her boyfriend, who is enrolled in his first year of the Land Agent program at the college. “It was fun to see the college and especially to see the stables surrounding the campus,” said Ms. Williams. “I like the practical hands-on aspect of the equine program, and the fact that you actually get to work with the horses.” Williams has been riding and working with horses all her life. She said that Olds is a good fit for her. “The town is nice because it’s small, yet it’s close enough to Calgary.” Every October, Olds College staff, instructors and current students showcase the campus to nearly 300 guests. “Prospective students get an in-depth look at our campus
“When I was in Grade 11, I started researching the Internet, looking for colleges that offered programs that interested me,” said Trent Schade, who lives in Wellesley, Ontario. “I was very interested in the Equine Production and Breeding Management major, based on the information that Olds College had on the Internet.” He also wanted “to better understand what Olds stood for and what they had to offer.” “When I heard about Discovery Day, we started to make plans to attend.” During his visit, he found that the instructors “were very personable and seemed proud of what they had to offer. “People running the Discovery Day were very upbeat,” he said. “As well, they were amazing at answering questions and providing information.”
“You have 90 seconds.”
The success of Discovery Day is entirely reliant on the involvement and enthusiasm of faculty and staff from every program on campus, added Ms. Grono. “Participants spoke of the great learning opportunity they received while they were here,” she said. “They said it solidified their plans for next year, and helped them with their career choices.” Samantha Williams’ two geldings, Rusty and Rainbow nickered contentedly when she got back home, but she’s hopeful she’ll be back out west in September, to start her studies. “Olds College has a really good reputation and the facilities are nice,” she added.
Administrator in Student Recruitment. “Most people don’t realize everything we have to offer,” Rovensky said. “There is this perception that we offer only agricultural training, when we actually offer agriculture and a whole lot more. “When guests leave the campus, they’re amazed at what is actually here, like programs in horticulture, meat processing and transitional vocational training.” While trade shows and information fairs are an important part of student recruitment, nothing compares to the multi-sensory experience of a tour, agreed Jeff Suderman, Director of Student Recruitment at the college.
First impressions count during Olds College Campus tours. Observing campus-life first-hand was an illuminating experience for prospective student Angie Schaab, who visited Olds College for the first time in November. “The students here seem so happy and the staff is so friendly,” said the 19-year-old,
who plans to enroll in the Land Agent program next fall. “Plus, I really like the diversity in programs that are offered.” The ‘grand tour’ of the college is important for several reasons, said Bobby-Joe Rovensky, Student Enrolment Inquiry
“I always encourage prospective students to come and visit the campus to get a touch-feel-taste of Olds College,” he said. “The campus visit sorts out their questions and seems to be the deciding factor in their decision to apply.”
importance of post-secondary training. “I think a college education is vital because it shows employers that you’ve put in that extra effort to educate yourself,” she said. “Also, studies have demonstrated that you earn a higher salary, if you have a college education.” Seriousness aside, Olds College is also a great place to learn and have fun, said Rovensky. “The experiences you will share here are truly unique to our institution,” she said. “The small, family-like atmosphere, the talented and passionate instructors and staff, and the diverse programming really make this a great place to study and learn.” With her high school diploma in-hand and one year of oilpatch employment behind her, Schaab is excited about the prospect of attending college next September. “My application is in the mail,” she said.
First impressions seemed to count for Schaab, who said she is convinced of the
December 2007
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ALUMNI REVIEW President’s Message
Special benefits and savings for Alumni.
Greetings! Wishing you all good fortune and good health in 2008.
Olds College Alumni Association Board of Directors 2007-2008 President Sandra MacKinnon-Jahn ‘86
Vice President Charles Watson ’61
Past President Doreen Morton ‘50
Honourary President Irene Miller ‘55
Treasurer Melody Cavin, College staff
Secretary Laurrinda Parkinson ‘69
Directors Jim Burns ‘68 Bryan Dowell ’61 Edith Edge ‘51 Christy Hambly ‘98 John Perry ‘63 Ed Shaw ’71
OCSA Rep Laura Hutton
Faculty Rep Heather Taylor
Olds College President and CEO
Just like the College, the Alumni Association continues to change with the times. There are new opportunities, and always new challenges. In fact, your participation in the Alumni Association is more valuable than ever. To support this next phase of growth, YOUR Alumni Association asks that you come forth to volunteer to serve on committees; for events such as Open House, Graduation, Hall of Fame, and the Reunion; and to consider future involvement as a board member. The activities of the Alumni Board are varied, as are the personal lives of our directors. Harvey Buckley, for example, has stepped down as OCAA director to allow him to concentrate on his new opportunity as Councilor Division 1 MD of Rocky View. Congratulations on your win Harvey! We will miss you. To help with these and other challenges, I have volunteered to stay on as President, and Laurinda Parkinson has agreed to stay on and fill the position as Secretary for the next year. We both feel that an active alumni board is important to students of yesterday and tomorrow. There are a great many things we can accomplish. Your Board is at a crossroads; we wish to be self-sufficient, and need your participation and input to ensure we are on the right path to realize our mission and vision statements. We are in the process of re-evaluating and fine tuning the present committee structure and board members’ responsibilities. As to business, I can report that the Olds Alumni Association administrative files and minutes will be relocated to the Alumni museum where we can utilize the space and office equipment as the base of operations for the Association. The museum remains open on Tuesdays (at present), allowing me to do double duty as President and Museum volunteer. Please visit, have a talk, and learn more about your Alumni Association to continue business as usual. We’re located in Room 721A on the lower level of the Learning Resource Centre. Sandi MacKinnon-Jahn OCAA President
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Available through Johnson Inc., a licensed insurance agency. Policies are primarily underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company. Unifund and Johnson Inc. share common ownership. Due to the existence of provincial automobile insurance plans, only home insurance is available in BC, SK, and MB. An alternate plan is available in QC. Call for details. AIR MILES® reward miles not available in SK, MB or QC. AIR MILES® reward miles awarded only on regular home and auto insurance policies underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company. AIR MILES® reward miles awarded at the time premium is paid. ®™Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada Inc. and Johnson Inc. (for Unifund Assurance Company). LRP.08.07
Memorials The Alumni Board respectfully notes the passing of the following Olds College Alumni, and extends its condolences to their families and friends. Bryan Dillenbeck 2 in 1 Program, 1956 Rudy Snopek Land Resource Management, Soil & Water Major, 1991 Land Resource Management, Land Reclamation Major, 1992 Joanna Margaret Skoyen Home Economics – 2 Year Program, 1939 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
H.J. (Tom) Thompson
Fashion’s Fleeting Fancy A strapless, scarlet, Hollywood-style gown is a sure-fire traffic-stopper. That’s the outfit modeled by the impeccably-coiffed woman on the front cover of a 1956 fashion project, preserved in the Olds Alumni Museum. “Fashion is a whim of the moment,” wrote First Year Textiles student, Betty Storch. “Style is permanent; fashion is fleeting.” In the years before scrapbooking became a chic pastime, Ms. Storch carefully cut out pictures from a catalogue and glued them into a presentation booklet that she named ‘Clothing Selection.’ Throughout the pages of her project, she diligently highlighted trends throughout the years, from puffed sleeves, to pleated skirts, to peplums. Fashion scrapbooks are on display in the Olds College Alumni Museum.
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December 2007
“This project shows pictures of women’s fashions in the 1950s,” said Sandra Mackinnon-Jahn, president of the Olds College Alumni Archives & Museum
Alumni Association. “The style of that era may not be current by today’s standards, but the lesson material taught is still valid.” Alumni are what make up the great history of Olds College, she said. “Without the students, there wouldn’t be a college. The fact the students even kept these items says something of the pride they have of their time spent at Olds College. “We’re happy to put these projects on display in our museum.” For her fine efforts, Ms. Storch received a nine out of ten. “You could describe the effect of each,” her instructor wrote, in red pencil. “Pictures are excellent.” To view other historical items and projects, visit the Alumni Museum, located next to the bookstore. The museum is open every Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., September through May.
A passion for agriculture leads to distinguished award Reading a book on a plane spurred an Olds College grad into action last year.
God dag! Hey, Olds College: My name is William Andersen, and I graduated as a Heavy Duty and Agricultural Mechanic from Olds College in 1994. I’m writing to say that you’ll get the best education of your life at Olds College. With that certificate in your hand, you can even work around the world. I’ll never forget the days I spent at Olds College, and even though I’ve been away from Canada for several years, I still miss it! As for my employment history, I worked at Ford New Holland for awhile, and then continued my career as a hydraulic specialist with GT Hydraulic in Stettler, Alberta. In 2001, I immigrated to Denmark, and got a job as a mechanic with the Danish Army. Currently, I’m working as a shop manager. Just a note to say, Thank you, Olds College, from a former student! Sincerely, William Andersen Kulhusvej 51 Jagerspris 003630 Denmark P.S. Please say hello to Joe Nemeth.
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 by the Office of Advancement. We publish five times per year. Please contact the editor with your ideas. E-mail: jisaac@oldscollege.ca; Fax: (403) 556-4704; Write: 4500 – 50 Street, Olds, Alberta, T4H 1R6. Make 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 e-mail address and we’ll put you on our list. Contact us at: lharbidge@oldscollege.ca
Steve Larocque was en route to Sao Paulo, Brazil in February 2007, when he picked up Riding the Bus With Chickens, a book written by Nuffield scholar, Les Kletke. “He inspired me to apply,” said Larocque, who is one of two recently-appointed Canadian Nuffield Scholars. Part of the Nuffield Scholarship application process involved submitting a one-page summary on a chosen topic. “My topic of study is Precision Agriculture,” Larocque said. “It’s a concept that’s been around for decades, and finally, the time is coming to apply it. Precision agriculture deals with various technologies, including seeding, spraying and harvest.” The Nuffield Canada selection committee reviews the written applications and then conducts telephone interviews with the candidates. Then, one or two individuals are chosen as Nuffield Scholars. “Those selected travel to the host country, where they join a group of 12 selected by member countries,” Larocque said. “Each team then follows an intensive three-week period of study.” His travel itinerary leaves little room to take a breath, with his first stop in Melbourne, Australia, on February 3. “Then we do a seven-day tour through eastern Australia,” Larocque said. From there, he flies to California, Manitoba, Mexico and Washington. “Then we head to Sao Paulo, Brazil.” Larocque graduated from Olds College in 2001, with a diploma in Crop and Agri-Food Technology. His major in Crop Advisor gave him a strong foundation for his agricultural studies at the University of Lethbridge. In 2003, he earned his Bachelor of Science. “As a Crop Advisor student at Olds College and as an agronomist following his education, Steve’s passion for agriculture has always been a model for others to follow,” said Joel Gingrich, Chair, School of Land Sciences at Olds College. “He’s ambitious, deliberate and insightful in his efforts to learn as much as possible about agriculture and to maximize his contribution to the agriculture industry.” After he graduated, Larocque worked for three years as an agronomy manager with Cargill. His territory spanned 85,000 acres, from Three Hills south to Montana. While employed with Cargill, he earned the distinction of top Canadian agronomist within the company’s expansive worldwide business network. Currently, Larocque and his wife, Vanessa, whom he met at Olds College, own and operate Beyond Agronomy Inc. in Three Hills. “We provide innovative crop advice to our clients,” he said. As well, they publish a weekly crop production and market newsletter called Beyond
It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it Each competitor has one-third of an acre plot of land to plow. And while they cue up, they keep their eyes on a big stoplight set up in the field. “Five minutes before we start, the yellow warning light goes on,” Sache said. “When the green light comes on, you start.” Every plot is a challenge, he added. “It takes most of the three hours to do it,” he said. “You’re constantly on and off the tractor, adjusting the width of the cut.”
Dairyman Francis Sache placed first in the 2007 Canadian Plowing Championships in September. Three hours goes by pretty quickly, even when your top-end is only five miles an hour.
Even though it poured two inches of rain in the evenings, Sache said he was impressed at how dry the soil stayed. “The topsoil was actually nice and fine,” he said. “I expected to see rocks.” The goal was to try to plow each furrow to match in size. “There can be no hills or knolls,” he said. “At least there were no big rocks to deal with. It was a fair match.”
That’s what Olds College grad and Rosedale dairyman Francis Sache discovered, during the 2007 Canadian Plowing Championships held in Thunder Bay last September.
Sache was driving a 2003 Norwegian Kverneland competition plow that his family purchased after the world match held in Guelph in 2003.
“The idea is, you have to plow fast enough to get done in the time allowed,” said the 24-year-old Sache, who placed first in the Reversible Rollover class. “But you don’t want to go so fast that you’re throwing the dirt around and making a mess.”
The Canadian Plowing Organization was founded “to preserve the art and skill of competitive plowing in Canada and to permit Canadians to compete at the world level.” An additional goal is to encourage good soil stewardship. promote good soi
“It’s a specialty plow that we paid $9,000 for,” he added.
Nuffield Scholar and Olds College grad Steve Larocque will showcase Western Canadian agriculture during his travels this winter. Agronomy News that offers information on various agricultural issues, including benchmarking, damage prevention and market news. Larocque includes his philosophy on the front page of his newsletter: “It’s all about working with producers to match sound agronomic practices with solid economics,” he stated. “At the end of the day, the producer is comfortable with his or her decision and profit is the end result.” He takes his role as a Nuffield Scholar very seriously and looks forward to “showcasing Western Canadian agriculture.” “I’m anxious to relay the opportunities we have and to discuss the challenges we’re experiencing in the primary sector,” he said. “I will seek to find solutions.” He’s also excited about “tapping into a global network and discovering what’s going on.” “Nuffield opens up a world network of agricultural professionals who are passionate about what they do,” he said. “That’s the part I’m looking forward to the most – meeting the people.” After the tour, when Larocque returns to Canada, he’ll have two years to complete a paper describing his findings. “I’ll present it at the 2010 Nuffield Findings Conference,” he said. For more information, check www.nuffield.ca.
The Canadian Plowing Championships consist of three national plowing championship contests: The Senior Plowing Championship with conventional plows; the Senior Plowing Championship with reversible plows; and the Junior Plowing Championship with conventional plows. Sache first got his hands dirty on the back of a fullyrestored, 1930s W4 McCormick tractor that belonged to a neighbour. “Antique plows are a lot of fun,” said Sache. “They’re pretty simple, compared to the new plows, and there aren’t as many adjustments to make.” He attended Olds College from 2002 to 2005, spending his first two years in Agriculture Production, and his last year in Agricultural Mechanics. Currently, he’s milking 250 registered Holsteins on Sache Farms, his family’s third generation dairy operation. But next summer, he’s heading to Austria to compete in the World Plowing Championships. “I’m excited to go,” he said. “I didn’t expect to win the Canadians, but it’s nice to do well.”
The winner of the Canadian Junior Plowing Championship with conventional plows receives a $3,000 scholarship from Olds College. Last September, Nathan Fried of Bright, Ontario won.
December 2007
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COMING EVENTS ACAL Curling February 29, March 1-2 ACAL Hockey March 7-8 ACAL Futsal March 7-8 Gala 2008 March 14 Awards Night March 19 Open House April 5 Aggie Days/Acreage Show April 10-13 Graduation June 21
For updates or more information please visit www.oldscollege.ca
“Click and Win!” Win one of five Olds College hoodies!
Costume Collection on Campus Playing dress-up never goes out of style. That’s what two Fashion Apparel Technology students discovered one day in November, when they had a chance to model two period-style dresses during class. “This dress feels great,” said Emily Lamoureux, a Fashion Apparel Technology student, as she turned this way and that, observing her reflection in the classroom’s three-way mirror. Her dress resembled a garment that might have been chosen from the wardrobe of Marie Antoinette’s lady-in-waiting. Her costume is on loan from Red Deer College, and is available for inspection by students who are interested in majoring in Costume Cutting and Construction, which launches in September. “This program links graduates with the growing arts and culture industries in theatre, dance, opera, film and television,” said Lori Switzer, Coordinator and Instructor in the Fashion Apparel Technology program. “Students will take courses in foundational sewing techniques, pattern drafting and costuming techniques. “Graduates will be able to seek employment in small community theatre groups, or at Theatre Calgary or at Citadel Theatre in Edmonton,” she said. “As well, they can work in the movie industry as wardrobe consultants.” A unique feature of the Costume Cutting and Construction major is a minimum seven-week practicum at Red Deer College, where Olds College students will work on a large theatre production with Acting and Technical Theatre students.
“Attention, Class” Dressed in a three-piece tweed suit, Second Year Apparel Technology student, Kayla Washington resembles a turn-of-the-century school marm. Her talented tailor is fellow student, Sabrina Figliomeni.
“We have received a lot of support from industry,” added Ms. Switzer. Toward the end of class, Ms. Lamoureux changed back into her blue jeans. And then, Kayla Washington took the stage in front of the mirror, dressed in a three-piece tweed suit that any Edwardian schoolmarm would be proud to wear. “It’s a little heavy, but I like it,” she said. For more information on the program, please call (403) 556-8316.
Go to www.oldscollege.ca and click on the Horizons icon to enter your name before the end of December.
Marie Antoinette’s Lady-in-Waiting checks out her style on campus. Second year Apparel Technology student, Emily Lamoureux transforms during class.
Pink ribbons empower women
Registered nurse Sharon Hamlin wants women to become responsible for their breast health. Hundreds of tiny pink satin ribbons cascade across a tabletop during a breast health presentation held at Olds College in November. Registered nurse, Sharon Hamlin presented the latest information on the David Thompson Health Region’s newlylaunched Breast Health Project. “We want to empower women to become responsible for their breast health,” she said. “Our key message to young women is, get to know your breasts and develop healthful lifestyle habits. “You can have a part in recognizing your health.”
cer How to Reduce Your Risk for Breast Can your health and may Making healthy choices can improve reduce your risk of breast cancer. -hand smoke. • Be a non-smoker and avoid second les and fruit per day. Choose • Eat five-to-ten servings of vegetab high-fibre, lower-fat foods. ing one or more alcoholic • Limit your alcohol consumption. Hav t increase in breast drinks a day is associated with a sligh cancer risk. is. This will also help • Be physically active on a regular bas ntaining a healthy body maintain a healthy body weight. Mai menopause. weight is important, especially after mmendations. Discuss mam• Follow breast health screening reco with a health professional. mography and breast examinations nges to your breasts. • Visit your doctor if you notice any cha on Source: David Thompson Health Regi
Breast Health and What You Can Do Breast health is one area of your hea lth where you can take charge. • Know the risk factors for breast can cer (see Sidebar #3); • Reduce your risk; • Watch for signs and symptoms; • Follow breast health screening reco mmendations.
When you have finished reading this issue of Olds College Horizons, please pass it along to a friend or recycle it. Thank you.
December 2007
Some women may be at higher risk of developing breast cancer. There is no single cause of breast cancer, but some factors appear to increase the risk of developing it: • Age (breast cancer can occur in women of any age, but the risk increases with age); • Family history of breast cancer (especially in mother, sister or daughter diagnosed before menopause); • Family history of colorectal or ovarian cancers; • No pregnancies or having a first pregnancy after age 30; • Starting your period at an early age or menopause later than average, or both; • Dense breast tissue. Source: David Thompson Health Region
Source: David Thompson Health Regi on
Be kind to the environment! 12
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
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