Horizons December 2007

Serving our community of students, alumni & friends

December 2007

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.

3Pets posed with Santa in the Bookstore in December 11Plowman cultivates

first place during the 07’ Canadian Plowing Championships

12Playing dress-up on campus will be easy once Costume Cutting & Construction is launched next fall

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She’s got the music cranked in her dormroom, and she’s dancing with her roommate.

“Then I hit the volleyball court and havean awesome warm-up,” said second-yearLand Reclamation student, ShaylaSandum.

Sandum plays power for the Olds CollegeBroncos and, according to Greg Lendvay,the college’s Athletics Director, she’s thehardest-hitter on the team. “Plus, she’s gotamazing vertical for a female athlete,” headds. “Shayla is exceptional because of herability to communicate, even with beingchallenged.”

Shayla says she faces certain obstaclesbecause of her hearing disability.“Sometimes it’s hard to hear girls on thecourt, when we’re playing,” she says. “Atthe games, everyone is yelling, calling theball and cheering. I’m used to it, now.”

Her coach, Shane Kuhn, said that Shayla isone of the most athletic players he’s evercoached. “At the first try-out, she stood outimmediately from the other players,” hesaid. “Shayla’s got a fantastic attitude. Shealways wants to be on the court andimprove her skills, to make her team better.”

Although Coach Kuhn doesn’t knowmuch sign language, he said he picked upa little bit “here and there, just by watch-ing.” “Those hands move pretty fast,” hesaid. “And as long as I remember to faceher when I’m explaining things, she usual-ly can understand things quite well.

“She’s an outstanding athlete and a fantastic person.”

During time-outs or team talks, her team-mate and best friend, Tanis McMillansigns to her.

“On the court, the girls always make surethat I know what’s going on and they alsomake sure I can lipread them, if they haveto say anything.

“Everyone understands it’s not really achallenge, because of my awesome teammates.”

Olds College Women’sVolleyball Strikes Gold!

Olds College Women’s Volleyball teamstruck gold in Camrose on the week-end of November 24-25.

“This is the first time that Olds Collegehas captured an Alberta CollegesAthletic League (ACAL) championship,”said Greg Lendvay. “The Broncos beatthe Camrose host team, who had wonthe previous six championships.”Coach Shane Kuhn worked very hard this year, he added.

The two Broncos players who receivedSecond Team all star ACAL Conferenceawards were: Shayla Sandun and KylieWaite.

2 December 2007

Volume 1, Number 5

Olds College Horizons is published five times per yearby the Office of Advancement.We welcome comments, letters, and suggestions forstories. Please [email protected], fax 403-556-4704 or write 450 – 50 Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6

Editor: Jennifer Isaac,Communications Coordinator

Publisher: Mark Keller,Manager Marketing

Design: Myriah Barr,Graphic Design & MultimediaCoordinator and The CreativeCat Inc.

Printer: Calgary Colorpress

Publication mail agreement:40010029

Submissions may be edited forcontent and length

Dear Friends:

For the past few weeks, you’ve probably noticed me stridingaround campus, a Nikon camera hung around my neck, and a pink clipboard tucked under my arm. Nearly 20 years havepassed 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 lifeagain!

As the new Communications Coordinator at Olds College, I hopeyou’ll forgive me for eavesdropping on your conversations. While Iactively research stories and conduct interviews, I’ve always got anear to the ground, in order to learn as much as possible about howthe College operates.

My main assignment on campus is to research and write storiesfor publication in our alumni newsletter, Horizons. If you’ve got agreat story idea or some news to report from your department, Iwant to hear about it. Depending on the time-sensitivity of thestory, it may appear in the next edition of Horizons.

My vision is that Horizons will continue to creatively and accurate-ly 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 foreditorial material. Remember - Horizons is your showcase!

Thank you, everyone, for your incredibly warm welcome to theCollege. I hope you enjoy this issue of Horizons.

Respectfully yours,

Jennifer Isaac

P.S. This holiday season, please take the time to remember people who areless fortunate than you. Buy a coffee for the tree attendant. Tip the carry-outclerk. I’m a huge fan of random acts of kindness!

Shayla Sandum’s hearing disability doesn’t come into play when she’s on the volleyball court.

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 forany inconvenience this may have caused. -The Editor

Jennifer Isaac is the new Communications Coordinator at Olds College,Office of Advancement.

Hard-hitting team playerovercomes obstacles

3December 2007

Damkar donationdesigns student destiny On a sunny November afternoon, Bearspaw farmer Ernest Damkar steered histurquoise pick-up truck along the tire tracks on his land. Riding by his side is hisfaithful companion, Max, a border collie/shepherd cross.

“Every few days, we like to drive out and watch the deer,” Damkar said. “Sometimeswe’ll see around 50 of them.”

Life was not always this idyllic, he recalled. Nearly 60 years ago, when his older brotherentered the ministry, Damkar’s parents insisted that young Ernest stay on the farmand 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 ideaof 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 age14, 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 atcollege 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 onethat’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 methe 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 theschool.”

Because of the Damkar’s donation of $300,000 to Olds College, 12 students each yearwill 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’mfarming 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’tmatter all that much to Damkar.

“What matters to me is the effect you can have on people’s lives,” he said. “It dependson your priorities.”

The days of putting in the crop with a team of horses are behind him, as are the daysof milking 130 Holsteins. But he’s still connected to the land. And when he drivesaround in his little truck to check on the whereabouts of the deer, Ernest Damkarcan be proud of the fact that he and his wife, Iris, and his brother, Norman built theirbusiness “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 anacademic calendar.

“My daughter’s interested in the equine program,” she said, as she leafed through thebooklet.

Agri-Trade and similar events serve to showcase the College’s features, as well as to helprecruit prospective students. This year, from November 7 to 10, over 75,000 peoplepassed through the gates of Red Deer’s Westerner Park.

In addition to the information booth, the Olds College Seed Fair and Hay Show was ondisplay in the front entrance gallery of the ENMAX Centrium. Western Canadian pro-ducers submitted their best samples to this unique hands-on display, to help promotethe Seed and Hay industry in western Canada.

“Trade fairs are a great place to disperse informationabout Olds College.”

Trade fairs are a great place to disperse information about the college, said Mary JaneBlock, Coordinator of the Continuing Education program at the college, and one of theCollege’s representatives at the event.

“Plus, Agri-Trade was great for getting the word out about our new AgronomyCertificate program,” she added. “We can promote the variety of program and coursetypes that we offer to a diverse audience.”

For example, sometimes people are looking for a short, one-day course. “Or we’ll haveparents who are looking for information on our full-time programs.”

Agri-Trade’s involvement with Olds College is a relationship that is tremendously valued, said Patrick Kennedy, the agricultural show’s event manager. “Our associationwith the college creates a very positive tie-in to careers in agriculture,” he said. “It’s a flag that we both fly.”

Iris and Ernest Damkar visited Olds College in November to reminisce about life in the dorm.

Pretty puppies like Penny - a Cavalier - got their pictures taken with Santa at theCampus Bookstore in December. Proceeds supported the Animal Health Club.

PicturePerfectPooch!

4 December 2007

High-tech connections at November’s Supernet conference

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 e-Business, the conference provided opportunities for delegates to share their stories of howtechnology arrived to their communities and the impact it has had on all residents.

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 connectingpeople and opening the world to them.

“This conference is about technology, but the field is really about people,” said JannBeeston, Director of the Hanna Learning Centre. “In small rural communities, thingshappen because people want them to. The Hanna Learning Centre started from mykitchen 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 moreorganizations 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 higherlearning opportunities right in their home communities and we kept exploring ways wecould deliver that. We have built an engagement centre that connects people in the community with one another and with the world,” said Beeston.

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 (DeputyMinister, 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 awaywith renewed enthusiasm and new tools to take back to their home communities. TheCommunity Learning Campus, through its partnership with Bell Canada is bringingdown barriers through the use of technology and creating opportunities for individualsand entire communities.

Wayne Keillor: Philosopher, Writer and PainterThe chair of Olds College’s Spring Gala views the event from aphilosopher’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 offthe best gala possible.”

He compared his role as gala chair to that of “head coach of thefootball 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 hiswife, Marilyn, whom he describes as “a renowned quilter.” “She’swell-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 notto show his work, and instead gifts it or graces his walls with it. “I doit because I like to paint.”

He has just completed a 10-year book project that he wrote as alegacy for his six grandchildren. “It’s an existential interpretationof the life of Christ,” he said. “The first draft is finished, at 650 pages.”

The Keillors have two sons, who reside in Montreal and New Westminster, B.C.

On campus, Keillor is involved with the Inner Varsity Christian Fellowship, a club that meets every two weeks, with over 30 students as members.

“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’sthat need to express and reach out and to be involved with community,” he said. “I wanted to expand my horizons by workingon 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 inlife. 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 andproject 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.”

Join Olds College as we continueto “Grow the Legacy” at our Galaon March 14, 2008.

“This event is designed to raise awareness of theCollege’s depth, diversity and capacity in pro-gramming,” said Marie Grono, Event Coordinatorat the College. “The event is attended by businessand government leaders from all sectors of theeconomy, as well as other featured guests.”

This year’s Gala features well-known guestspeaker Lesra Martin, whose inspirational storyand educational journey was featured in theAcademy Award nominated film “The Hurricane.”The College’s Partner of the Year will also beannounced during the evening.

“As well, there are live and silent auctions, and agourmet dinner adventure,” Grono added.

Tickets cost $225. A table of eight costs $1,800.

For information on sponsorship or to reserve your tickets, please contact Marie Grono at (403) 507-7717 or e-mail: [email protected].

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 theCommunity Learning Campus.

Gala chair Wayne Keillor’s vision for Gala 2008 is much like hispersonal philosophy: naturally flowing and straight-forward.

Gala guest speaker Lesra Martin will share hisinspirational story of how he overcame his

“fear of books and words” to fulfill his dreams.

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 CampusPlanning 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.

Industry ChairsAs 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.

Landscape PavilionThe 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.

Botanic Gardens, Wetlands, ArboretumBuilding upon the success of the existing gardens, Olds College will expand this living laboratory to ensure learners have a

environmental experience.

Community Learning CampusUnique in Canada, the CLC is an innovative approach to high school, post-secondary, and community education, and assists in advancing

government rural development strategies.

OCSI - Olds College School of InnovationThe Olds College School of Innovation is a state-of-the-art applied research facility providing solutions for businesses through

innovative research and commercialization.

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 o� ered 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!

Calgary Campus$12 million

Dreams are limitless. A girl becomes the graceful dancer she sees in her heart; a boy develops the skill to match the athletes he admires. People of all ages � nd the resources they need to succeed. The Community Learning Campus is helping to eliminate the boundaries between our dreams and reality by providing new resources to help rural Albertans achieve their ambitions.

Our dreams are coming true each day with steady progress on all Community Learning Campus projects. We invite those with a strong vision for rural Alberta to join our team as we look to the future.

Community Learning Campus

Growing Together, Learning Forever$5 million

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.

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.

Dreams are limitless. A girl becomes the graceful dancer she sees in her heart; a boy develops the skill to match the athletes he admires. People of all ages � nd the resources they need to succeed. The Community Learning Campus is helping to eliminate the boundaries between our dreams and reality by providing new resources to help rural Albertans achieve their ambitions.

Our dreams are coming true each day with steady progress on all Community Learning Campus projects. We invite those with a strong vision for rural Alberta to join our team as we look to the future.

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.

Research and Innovation$600,000


Growing Together, Learning Forever$5 million

Canadian Equine Centre of InnovationTM

$10 million

For some, horses live in a � eld. 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.

Olds College appreciates the support of everyone who believes hoof beats and heart beats are one and the same.

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.

For further information regarding the See the Future, Lead the Way 2009 Capital Vision Campaign,please contact:

Doug Pearce, Director of DevelopmentOlds College O� ce of Advancement4500 – 50 Street, Olds, AB T4H 1R6

Phone: 403-556-4641Toll-free: 1-800-661-6537 ex t. 4641Fax: 403-556-4754E-mail: [email protected]: www.oldscollege.ca

Yes, I would like to make a Difference!Please contact me about a donation to Olds College.

Name ________________________________Phone/Email __________________________Address ______________________________

I’m interested in:Community Learning CampusLandscape PavilionBotanic Gardens, Wetland and ArboretumEndowed ChairsCalgary CampusResearch and InnovationCanadian Equine Centre of Innovation TM

Student AwardsOther programs or projects

I’m interested in:

Making it happen...I have enclosed a cheque payable to Olds College

I authorize Olds College to debit my credit card VISA MastercardCard # _______________________________Expiry Date ___________________________Signature _____________________________

Making it happen...

I authorize Olds College to debit my credit card VISA MastercardI authorize Olds College to debit my credit card VISA Mastercard Olds College Offi ce of Advancement

4500 – 50 Street, Olds, AB T4H 1R6 Phone: 403-556-4641 Fax: 403-556-4754www.oldscollege.ca

Calgary Campus

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

Industry Chairs

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 � eld, the Chairs play a critical role in shaping the future direction of Olds College and its partnerships with industry.


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 Certi� cate, expand Equine Canada Certi� cation, add a second cohort of Advanced Farrier Science, and add e-learning courses.

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 � ts extremely well with the racetrack development at Balzac.

Investment (Olds Campus) $10,000,000

Landscape Pavilion

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 part-time 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.


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.



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.

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.

R

9December 2007

Good news for grads of LandResource Management programA recent announcement by the Alberta Institute ofAgrologists (AIA) is good news for graduates of the LandResource Management Program at Olds College.

The professional designation of RT Ag within theAlberta Institute of Agrology (AIA) provides accredita-tion to diploma and applied degree holders.

“This announcement affects hundreds of people inAlberta,” said Simone Klein, who is an Olds Collegealumni and ceo of Terrestrial Solutions, a Calgary-basedcompany that specializes in reclamation and project-management. Klein was also a member of the committeethat was instrumental in creating the accreditation.

“We started our work four years ago,” she added. “Ourcommittee was called developing Designations forTechnical Agrologists. The announcement made by theAIA is directly related to our efforts.”

Membership in a professional registration organizationis one of the pre-requisites for the reclamation sign-offpolicy required by Alberta Environment.

“Professional designation is all about public safety andresponsibility,” she added. “It contributes to a high standard of work.”

Visit the AIA website and download the application for RT (Ag) accreditation at http://www.aia.ab.ca/ andfollow the Pursue Designation link.

Respect and reverencefor Remembrance DayAlthough Olds College students were deeply entrenched intheir assignments and exams in November, they still took timeto consider the meaning of Remembrance Day.

“I always get a poppy,” said first year Animal HealthTechnology student, Mandy Osborne. “I like to do my part tohelp out the veterans.”

Canadians should never take their freedom for granted, saidNathan Wood, who wore a poppy on his lapel.

“We’re so fortunate to have our rights, our freedom of speechand our freedom of religion,” said the first year Land Agentstudent.

“Canada is the best place to live in the world.”

For Dwayne Smith, who is in the Transitional Vocational pro-gram, Remembrance Day is all about how soldiers fought forour freedom.

“The soldiers made our world a better place to live,” he said.“They were amazing. They went to war and served their coun-try, without knowing if they would ever come back alive.

“That must be one of the hardest things a person can do.

Observing campus-life first-hand was anilluminating experience for prospectivestudent Angie Schaab, who visited OldsCollege for the first time in November.

“The students here seem so happy and thestaff is so friendly,” said the 19-year-old,

who plans to enroll in the Land Agentprogram next fall. “Plus, I really like thediversity in programs that are offered.”

The ‘grand tour’ of the college is impor-tant for several reasons, said Bobby-JoeRovensky, Student Enrolment Inquiry

Administrator in Student Recruitment.“Most people don’t realize everything wehave to offer,” Rovensky said. “There isthis perception that we offer only agricul-tural training, when we actually offer agriculture and a whole lot more.

“When guests leave the campus, they’reamazed at what is actually here, like pro-grams in horticulture, meat processingand transitional vocational training.”

While trade shows and information fairs are an important part of studentrecruitment, nothing compares to themulti-sensory experience of a tour, agreedJeff Suderman, Director of StudentRecruitment at the college.

“I always encourage prospective studentsto come and visit the campus to get atouch-feel-taste of Olds College,” he said.“The campus visit sorts out their questionsand seems to be the deciding factor intheir decision to apply.”

First impressions seemed to count forSchaab, who said she is convinced of the

importance of post-secondary training. “I think a college education is vitalbecause it shows employers that you’veput in that extra effort to educate yourself,”she said. “Also, studies have demonstratedthat you earn a higher salary, if you have acollege education.”

Seriousness aside, Olds College is also agreat place to learn and have fun, saidRovensky. “The experiences you will sharehere are truly unique to our institution,”she said. “The small, family-like atmos-phere, the talented and passionateinstructors and staff, and the diverse programming really make this a greatplace to study and learn.”

With her high school diploma in-handand one year of oilpatch employmentbehind her, Schaab is excited about theprospect of attending college nextSeptember.

“My application is in the mail,” she said.

Last Fall, Samantha Williams interrupted her thorough-bred riding program, to attend Discovery Day 2007 atOlds College. The Orangeville, Ontario resident hopesto enroll in Equine Business Management at the college,to learn more about becoming a barn manager.

“Someday, I hope to open my own stable and teachhorseback riding,” said the grade 12 student.

In October, Williams flew to Alberta to spend a few daystouring the campus with her boyfriend, who is enrolledin his first year of the Land Agent program at the college.

“It was fun to see the college and especially to see thestables 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 allher life. She said that Olds is a good fit for her.

“The town is nice because it’s small, yet it’s close enoughto Calgary.”

Every October, Olds College staff, instructors and currentstudents showcase the campus to nearly 300 guests.“Prospective students get an in-depth look at our campus

and its many programs through tours and classroomshadowing,” said Marie Grono, Event Coordinator atthe college. “Visitors discover why Olds College has beenproducing leaders in agriculture, horticulture, land andenvironmental management for over 90 years.”

An interest in a college program with equine sciencelead another Canadian student to Olds College Campusfor the day.

“When I was in Grade 11, I started researching theInternet, looking for colleges that offered programs that interested me,” said Trent Schade, who lives inWellesley, Ontario. “I was very interested in the EquineProduction and Breeding Management major, based onthe information that Olds College had on the Internet.”

He also wanted “to better understand what Olds stoodfor and what they had to offer.” “When I heard aboutDiscovery Day, we started to make plans to attend.”

During his visit, he found that the instructors “werevery personable and seemed proud of what they had to offer. “People running the Discovery Day were veryupbeat,” he said. “As well, they were amazing at answeringquestions and providing information.”

Currently, Mr. Schade is in grade 12 at Waterloo OxfordDistrict High School in Baden, Ontario. “My current co-op placement is at a stud farm,” he said. “And onevenings and weekends, I work at Find-A-WayEquestrian Services Stable.”

He added that attending Discovery Day helped him tomake a more knowledgeable decision about his careerchoice. “I was so impressed with what I saw and heard, I submitted an application,” he said. “I hope to get invitedback for testing in the Spring.”

The success of Discovery Day is entirely reliant on theinvolvement and enthusiasm of faculty and staff fromevery program on campus, added Ms. Grono.“Participants spoke of the great learning opportunitythey received while they were here,” she said. “They saidit solidified their plans for next year, and helped themwith their career choices.”

Samantha Williams’ two geldings, Rusty and Rainbownickered contentedly when she got back home, but she’shopeful she’ll be back out west in September, to starther studies.

“Olds College has a really good reputation and the facilities are nice,” she added.

Stable lifestyle attracts Ontario students

Respect and reverencefor Remembrance DayAlthough Olds College students were deeply entrenched intheir assignments and exams in November, they still took timeto consider the meaning of Remembrance Day.

“I always get a poppy,” said first year Animal HealthTechnology student, Mandy Osborne. “I like to do my part tohelp out the veterans.”

Canadians should never take their freedom for granted, saidNathan Wood, who wore a poppy on his lapel.

“We’re so fortunate to have our rights, our freedom of speechand our freedom of religion,” said the first year Land Agentstudent.

“Canada is the best place to live in the world.”

For Dwayne Smith, who is in the Transitional Vocational pro-gram, Remembrance Day is all about how soldiers fought forour freedom.

“The soldiers made our world a better place to live,” he said.“They were amazing. They went to war and served their coun-try, without knowing if they would ever come back alive.

“That must be one of the hardest things a person can do.

“You have 90 seconds.”

Olds College student Dwayne Smith is grateful for the freedom we enjoy as Canadians.

First impressions count during Olds College Campus tours.

10 December 2007

Olds College Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors 2007-2008PresidentSandra MacKinnon-Jahn ‘86

Vice PresidentCharles Watson ’61

Past PresidentDoreen Morton ‘50

Honourary PresidentIrene Miller ‘55

TreasurerMelody Cavin, College staff

SecretaryLaurrinda Parkinson ‘69

DirectorsJim Burns ‘68Bryan Dowell ’61Edith Edge ‘51Christy Hambly ‘98John Perry ‘63Ed Shaw ’71

OCSA RepLaura Hutton

Faculty RepHeather Taylor

Olds College President and CEOH.J. (Tom) Thompson

Greetings! Wishing you all good fortune and good healthin 2008.

Just like the College, the Alumni Association continues tochange with the times. There are new opportunities, andalways new challenges.

In fact, your participation in the Alumni Association is morevaluable 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 OpenHouse, Graduation, Hall of Fame, and the Reunion; and toconsider 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 concen-trate on his new opportunity as Councilor Division 1 MD ofRocky View. Congratulations on your win Harvey! We willmiss you.

To help with these and other challenges, I have volunteeredto stay on as President, and Laurinda Parkinson has agreedto 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 onthe right path to realize our mission and vision statements.We are in the process of re-evaluating and fine tuning thepresent committee structure and board members’ responsibilities.

As to business, I can report that the Olds Alumni Associationadministrative files and minutes will be relocated to theAlumni museum where we can utilize the space and officeequipment as the base of operations for the Association. The museum remains open on Tuesdays (at present), allowingme to do double duty as President and Museum volunteer.Please visit, have a talk, and learn more about your AlumniAssociation to continue business as usual. We’re locatedin Room 721A on the lower level of the Learning ResourceCentre.

Sandi MacKinnon-JahnOCAA President

Bryan Dillenbeck2 in 1 Program, 1956

Rudy SnopekLand Resource Management, Soil & Water Major, 1991Land Resource Management, Land Reclamation Major, 1992

Joanna Margaret SkoyenHome Economics – 2 Year Program, 1939

To review the complete obituaries which have been forwarded toour office, please visit the Olds College Alumni section of ourwebsite at www.oldscollege.ca/alumni

MemorialsThe Alumni Board respectfully notes the passing of the followingOlds College Alumni, and extends its condolences to their familiesand friends.

President’sMessage

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ALUMNI REVIEW

Fashion’s Fleeting FancyA strapless, scarlet, Hollywood-stylegown is a sure-fire traffic-stopper.

That’s the outfit modeled by the impecca-bly-coiffed woman on the front cover ofa 1956 fashion project, preserved in theOlds Alumni Museum.

“Fashion is a whim of the moment,”wrote First Year Textiles student, BettyStorch. “Style is permanent; fashion isfleeting.”

In the years before scrapbookingbecame a chic pastime, Ms. Storchcarefully cut out pictures from a cata-logue and glued them into a presentationbooklet that she named ‘ClothingSelection.’ Throughout the pages of herproject, she diligently highlighted trendsthroughout the years, from puffedsleeves, to pleated skirts, to peplums.

“This project shows pictures of women’sfashions in the 1950s,” said SandraMackinnon-Jahn, president of the OldsCollege Alumni Archives & Museum

Alumni Association. “The style of that eramay not be current by today’s standards,but the lesson material taught is still valid.”

Alumni are what make up the great his-tory of Olds College, she said. “Withoutthe students, there wouldn’t be a college.The fact the students even kept theseitems says something of the pride theyhave of their time spent at Olds College.

“We’re happy to put these projects ondisplay in our museum.”

For her fine efforts, Ms. Storch receiveda 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 proj-ects, visit the Alumni Museum, locatednext to the bookstore. The museum isopen every Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. to5:00 p.m., September through May.

Fashion scrapbooks are on display in theOlds College Alumni Museum.

11December 2007

God dag! Hey, Olds College:

My name is William Andersen,and I graduated as a Heavy Duty and AgriculturalMechanic from Olds College in 1994.

I’m writing to say that you’ll get the best education ofyour life at Olds College. With that certificate in yourhand, you can even work around the world.

I’ll never forget the days I spent at Olds College, andeven though I’ve been away from Canada for severalyears, I still miss it!

As for my employment history, I worked at Ford NewHolland for awhile, and then continued my career as ahydraulic specialist with GT Hydraulic in Stettler, Alberta.

In 2001, I immigrated to Denmark, and got a job as amechanic 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 AndersenKulhusvej 51Jagerspris003630 Denmark

P.S. Please say hello to Joe Nemeth.

We’d like to hear from you! Please send us your comments, stories or suggestionsfor future articles. Let us know how we’re doing!

Olds College Horizons is published by the Office ofAdvancement. We publish five times per year.

Please contact the editor with your ideas.

E-mail: [email protected]; Fax: (403) 556-4704;Write: 4500 – 50 Street, Olds, Alberta, T4H 1R6.

Make sure you’re on our mailing list to receive OldsCollege’s FREE electronic newsletter. eHorizons (formerly eOC Newsletter)is published five times peryear. 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 putyou on our list.

Contact us at: [email protected]

Reading a book on a plane spurred an Olds College gradinto action last year.

Steve Larocque was en route to Sao Paulo, Brazil inFebruary 2007, when he picked up Riding the Bus WithChickens, a book written by Nuffield scholar, Les Kletke.

“He inspired me to apply,” said Larocque, who is one oftwo recently-appointed Canadian Nuffield Scholars.

Part of the Nuffield Scholarship application processinvolved submitting a one-page summary on a chosentopic. “My topic of study is Precision Agriculture,”Larocque said. “It’s a concept that’s been around fordecades, 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 thewritten applications and then conducts telephone inter-views with the candidates. Then, one or two individualsare chosen as Nuffield Scholars.

“Those selected travel to the host country, where theyjoin a group of 12 selected by member countries,”Larocque said. “Each team then follows an intensivethree-week period of study.”

His travel itinerary leaves little room to take a breath,with his first stop in Melbourne, Australia, on February3. “Then we do a seven-day tour through easternAustralia,” Larocque said. From there, he flies toCalifornia, Manitoba, Mexico and Washington. “Then we head to Sao Paulo, Brazil.”

Larocque graduated from Olds College in 2001, with adiploma in Crop and Agri-Food Technology. His majorin Crop Advisor gave him a strong foundation for hisagricultural studies at the University of Lethbridge. In2003, he earned his Bachelor of Science.

“As a Crop Advisor student at Olds College and as anagronomist following his education, Steve’s passion foragriculture has always been a model for others to follow,”said Joel Gingrich, Chair, School of Land Sciences atOlds College. “He’s ambitious, deliberate and insightfulin his efforts to learn as much as possible about agricul-ture and to maximize his contribution to the agricultureindustry.”

After he graduated, Larocque worked for three years as an agronomy manager with Cargill. His territoryspanned 85,000 acres, from Three Hills south toMontana. While employed with Cargill, he earned thedistinction of top Canadian agronomist within the company’s expansive worldwide business network.

Currently, Larocque and his wife, Vanessa, whom he metat Olds College, own and operate Beyond Agronomy Inc.in Three Hills. “We provide innovative crop advice to ourclients,” he said. As well, they publish a weekly crop production and market newsletter called Beyond

Agronomy News that offers information on various agricultural issues, including benchmarking, damageprevention and market news.

Larocque includes his philosophy on the front page ofhis newsletter: “It’s all about working with producers to match sound agronomic practices with solid econom-ics,” he stated. “At the end of the day, the producer iscomfortable with his or her decision and profit is theend result.”

He takes his role as a Nuffield Scholar very seriously and looks forward to “showcasing Western Canadianagriculture.” “I’m anxious to relay the opportunities wehave and to discuss the challenges we’re experiencing inthe primary sector,” he said.

“I will seek to find solutions.”

He’s also excited about “tapping into a global networkand discovering what’s going on.” “Nuffield opens up aworld network of agricultural professionals who are passionate about what they do,” he said. “That’s the partI’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 hisfindings. “I’ll present it at the 2010 Nuffield FindingsConference,” he said.

For more information, check www.nuffield.ca.

Three hours goes by pretty quickly, even when your top-end is only five miles an hour.

That’s what Olds College grad and Rosedale dairymanFrancis Sache discovered, during the 2007 CanadianPlowing Championships held in Thunder Bay lastSeptember.

“The idea is, you have to plow fast enough to get done inthe time allowed,” said the 24-year-old Sache, who placedfirst in the Reversible Rollover class. “But you don’t wantto go so fast that you’re throwing the dirt around andmaking a mess.”

Each competitor has one-third of an acre plot of land toplow. And while they cue up, they keep their eyes on a bigstoplight set up in the field. “Five minutes before we start,the yellow warning light goes on,” Sache said. “When thegreen light comes on, you start.”

Every plot is a challenge, he added. “It takes most of thethree hours to do it,” he said. “You’re constantly on andoff the tractor, adjusting the width of the cut.”

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 expectedto 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 therewere no big rocks to deal with. It was a fair match.”

Sache was driving a 2003 Norwegian Kverneland competi-tion plow that his family purchased after the world matchheld in Guelph in 2003.

“It’s a specialty plow that we paid $9,000 for,” he added.

The Canadian Plowing Organization was founded “to preserve the art and skill of competitive plowing inCanada and to permit Canadians to compete at the world level.” An additional goal is to encourage good soil stewardship. promote good soi

The Canadian Plowing Championships consist of threenational plowing championship contests: The SeniorPlowing Championship with conventional plows; the SeniorPlowing Championship with reversible plows; and theJunior Plowing Championship with conventional plows.

Sache first got his hands dirty on the back of a fully-restored, 1930s W4 McCormick tractor that belonged to a neighbour. “Antique plows are a lot of fun,” saidSache. “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, spendinghis first two years in Agriculture Production, and his lastyear in Agricultural Mechanics. Currently, he’s milking250 registered Holsteins on Sache Farms, his family’sthird generation dairy operation.

But next summer, he’s heading to Austria to compete inthe World Plowing Championships. “I’m excited to go,” he said. “I didn’t expect to win the Canadians, but it’s niceto do well.”

The winner of the Canadian Junior PlowingChampionship with conventional plows receives a$3,000 scholarship from Olds College.

Last September, Nathan Fried of Bright, Ontario won.

A passion for agriculture leads to distinguished award

Nuffield Scholar and Olds College grad Steve Larocque willshowcase Western Canadian agriculture during his travels thiswinter.

It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it

Dairyman Francis Sache placed first in the 2007 CanadianPlowing Championships in September.

12 December 2007

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

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.

Playing dress-up never goes out of style.

That’s what two Fashion Apparel Technology students discovered one dayin November, when they had a chance to model two period-style dressesduring class.

“This dress feels great,” said Emily Lamoureux, a Fashion ApparelTechnology 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 MarieAntoinette’s lady-in-waiting.

Her costume is on loan from Red Deer College, and is available forinspection 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 industriesin theatre, dance, opera, film and television,” said Lori Switzer, Coordinatorand Instructor in the Fashion Apparel Technology program. “Students willtake courses in foundational sewing techniques, pattern drafting and costuming techniques.

“Graduates will be able to seek employment in small community theatregroups, 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 Collegestudents will work on a large theatre production with Acting and TechnicalTheatre students.

“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, dressedin a three-piece tweed suit that any Edwardian schoolmarm would beproud to wear.

“It’s a little heavy, but I like it,” she said.

For more information on the program, please call (403) 556-8316.

COMINGEVENTS

For updates or more informationplease visit www.oldscollege.ca

Check out www.oldscollege.ca for more details on these

and other Olds College stories.

Pink ribbons empower women

Hundreds of tiny pink satin ribbons cascade across a table-top during a breast health presentation held at Olds Collegein November.

Registered nurse, Sharon Hamlin presented the latest infor-mation on the David Thompson Health Region’s newly-launched Breast Health Project.

“We want to empower women to become responsible fortheir breast health,” she said. “Our key message to youngwomen is, get to know your breasts and develop healthfullifestyle habits.

“You can have a part in recognizing your health.”

Costume Collection on Campus

How to Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer

Making healthy choices can improve your health and may

reduce your risk of breast cancer.

• Be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke.

• Eat five-to-ten servings of vegetables and fruit per day. Choose

high-fibre, lower-fat foods.

• Limit your alcohol consumption. Having one or more alcoholic

drinks a day is associated with a slight increase in breast

cancer risk.

• Be physically active on a regular basis. This will also help

maintain a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy body

weight is important, especially after menopause.

• Follow breast health screening recommendations. Discuss mam-

mography and breast examinations with a health professional.

• Visit your doctor if you notice any changes to your breasts.

Source: David Thompson Health Region

Breast Health and What You Can DoBreast health is one area of your health where youcan take charge.• Know the risk factors for breast cancer

(see Sidebar #3);• Reduce your risk;• Watch for signs and symptoms;• Follow breast health screening recommendations.Source: David Thompson Health Region

Risk Factors for Breast CancerSome women may be at higher risk ofdeveloping breast cancer. There is nosingle cause of breast cancer, butsome factors appear to increase therisk of developing it:• Age (breast cancer can occur in

women of any age, but the riskincreases with age);

• Family history of breast cancer(especially in mother, sister ordaughter diagnosed beforemenopause);

• Family history of colorectal or ovarian cancers;

• No pregnancies or having a firstpregnancy after age 30;

• Starting your period at an early ageor menopause later than average, or both;

• Dense breast tissue.Source: David Thompson Health Region

“Click and Win!”Win one of five

Olds College hoodies!

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.

“Attention, Class” Dressed in a three-piece tweed suit,Second Year Apparel Technology student, KaylaWashington resembles a turn-of-the-century school marm.Her talented tailor is fellow student, Sabrina Figliomeni.

Registered nurse Sharon Hamlin wants women to becomeresponsible for their breast health.

Documents

Horizons December 2007