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Official Grand Opening of the Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre
Student Experience Moves Forward
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Executives and donors at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. From left to right, Dr. Ray Block, Interim President of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology; Ceilia Sutton, President of the Students’ Association of Olds College; Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds, Didsbury, Three Hills; Susan Norman-Werklund; David Werklund; Bob Collier; Carollyne Collier; and Leona Staples, Chair, Olds College Board of Governors.
David Werklund and Susan NormanWerklund speaking to guests at the event.
On Oct. 5, 2022, over 200 guests gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre. This modern facility was designed for the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology campus to enhance the student experience through high-tech learning spaces.
The Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre is named after David Werklund and Susan Norman-Werklund in recognition of their leadership, investment and support that has transformed the College into one of Canada’s premier agriculture and agri-food learning and research institutions.
“In July 2020, thanks to financial contributions from the Government of Alberta and David Werklund and Susan Norman-Werklund, the construction project for the new Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre began,” comments Patrick Machacek, Vice President, Development & Strategy, Olds College. “Through the support and vision of our partners and internal team, we have created a state-of-the-art facility for our students to experience ag-tech learning.”
In addition, Bob and Carollyne Collier made a generous donation to the College towards enhancing the learning experiences of students within the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology. In recognition of their support, the heart of the Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre is named the Bob & Carollyne Collier Student Commons, and is a central gathering space for students to study, meet, relax and socialize.
The new $14 million facility features 3,000 square metres of technology-focused learning space, including a lecture theatre, three large hands-on ag tech labs, collaboration and group areas for students, faculty offices, and the Bob & Carollyne Collier Student Commons.
The new Centre houses the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology programs, including the College’s new Bachelor of Digital Agriculture Degree.
