Masterpiece!Olds College Calgary Campus student,Dana Zielke, is creating commemorativeartwork for Gala 2007 / photo by Carla Victor

January 2007INAUGURAL ISSUE

Serving our community of students, alumni & friends

4 7 8Students receiveGenerosity of Spirit award.

Animal care programsexpand to meetindustry demand.

BasketballAlberta’s first ruralregional training centre.

Retu

rn U

ndel

iver

able

Cana

dian

Add

ress

es to

:Ol

ds C

olle

ge

4500

- 50

th S

treet

Olds

, Alb

erta

T4H

1R6

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40010029

2 January 2007

“In the long and fruitful list of milestones our partnership has enjoyed, the opening of the Olds College CalgaryCampus this fall has propelled us to a whole new level,” said H.J. (Tom) Thompson, Olds College President andCEO. “We celebrated a significant achievement on October 3rd, when we joined with our partners in governmentand the community, and our friends from the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede, to open our new campus onStampede Park.

“Olds College and the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede were both pioneers, retainingwestern values while leading innovative initiatives since the beginning of the last century.”H.J. (Tom) Thompson, President and CEO, Olds College

“This is the first new Olds College campus since our founding in 1913, and we are profoundly grateful for thevisionary leaders from the Board of the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede who supported and clearly defined theconcept of an Olds College Calgary Campus. The result is a 193 acre classroom which will allow Olds College’s aca-demic and training programs to be pervasive throughout this exciting downtown location. This has opened untoldopportunities for students, and it is our pleasure to pay tribute to the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede as our 2007Partner of the Year.”

This year the Olds College Calgary Campus is providing Land Administration and Fashion Marketing programsto students from a 5,000 square foot transitional building. The College will begin remodelling the Weston Bakerybuilding at Stampede Park in 2007. When it opens in 2009, it will be a 27,000 square foot facility providing a vari-ety of agricultural, horticultural, environmental and land-based programs for 450 students.

“We are honoured to be recognized in this way by Olds College,” said Vern Kimball, Calgary Exhibition &Stampede CEO. “Our partnership will help strengthen and revitalize the Stampede’s traditional role in supportingthe agriculture industry and linking rural and urban Alberta.”

“This partnership with Olds College will help the Stampede strengthen the connectionbetween urban and rural communities, and provide greater support to agriculture producers, consumers and the industry as a whole.” Steve Allan, Chairman of the Boardand President of the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede.

The Partner of the Year award will be officially presented at the Olds College Growing the Legacy Gala on March 9, 2007. This fifth annual Gala promises to be a spectacular evening of fine dining, entertainment and networking, from which proceeds are directed to student scholarships and programming.

Olds College found the perfect artist to create thisyear’s Partner of the Year commemorative tribute.

Not only is Dana Zielke a student at the OldsCollege Calgary Campus during its inaugural year ofoperation at Stampede Park, she also has a long affili-ation with the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede. Zielke,who is taking Land Administration, has worked aspart of the Stampede TV production crew for the past12 years and as a media reporter since the early 90s.

“I have worked as an artist and a reporter of rodeoand ag-related activities for most of my career,” saidZielke, who also worked as an agricultural reporterwith CBC TV and currently covers ag stories for theHigh River Times. “I’ve lived in small Alberta townsall my life and love the rural way of life. I guess I justenjoy telling those stories, through words andthrough pictures.”

Zielke is a self-taught artist, depicting the westernlifestyle mainly through detailed pencil drawings. Shehas also completed oil paintings, watercolours andpen and ink drawings for international exhibits, andhas created a series of limited edition prints and notecards under a copyrighted trademark signature since1985. Her artwork has been exhibited throughoutwestern Canada and much of the United States, andhas attracted buyers from as far away as Europe andJapan.

“Now I’m looking forward to launching my careerin Land Administration,” said Zielke. “When I appliedto the program I fully expected to be taking it at themain campus in Olds, but shortly afterwards it wasconfirmed that the course would also be offered atthe Calgary Campus. This is a huge bonus for me, ofcourse, because I live in High River.

“I was determined to attend Olds College becauseof its reputation. When I decided to take this pro-gram, all the people in industry I contacted told me togo to Olds College. It was a good choice, and taking itat the Calgary Campus keeps me close to my oldstomping grounds at Stampede Park. It’s a winningsituation all around.”

Dana Zielke’s artwork will be formally presented atOlds College’s Growing the Legacy Gala on March 9to celebrate the College’s 2007 Partner of the Year, theCalgary Exhibition & Stampede.

Volume 1, Number 1Olds College Horizons is published five times per year by theOffice of Advancement, in January, March, June, Septemberand November. We welcome comments, letters and suggestions for stories. Please emailsbexon@oldscollege.ca, fax (403) 556-4704 or write 4500-50 Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6.

Editor: Sandy Bexon, Communications CoordinatorPublisher: Mark Keller, Manager MarketingDesign: The Creative Cat Inc.Printer: Calgary Colorpress

Publication mail agreement: 40010029

Submissions may be edited for content and length

Calgary Exhibition & Stampede: Partner of the Year

Celebrating the official launch of the Olds College Calgary Campus - (left to right) The Honourable Denis Herard (AdvancedEducation Minister at the time of the opening), H.J. (Tom) Thompson (Olds College President), Stirling McLeod (Olds CollegeBoard Chair), Barry Erskine (Deputy Mayor of Calgary), Steve Allan (Calgary Stampede Chairman of the Board and President),Graeme Hill (Olds College Students' Association President) and Vern Kimball (Calgary Stampede Chief Executive Officer).

Olds College CalgaryCampus student commissioned to create artwork for Gala

Olds photographer Carla Victor with artist and Olds CollegeCalgary Campus student Dana Zielke.

3January 2007

The Canadian Equine Centre ofInnovation, one of Olds College’s capitalcampaign projects, has received a $10million investment from the provincialgovernment. The announcement wasmade in Edmonton on November 15th as part of the Government of Alberta’sSecond Quarter Fiscal Update.

“Equine is an increasingly important part of theagricultural economy in Alberta,” said Robert Wilson,Vice President of Academic Services at Olds College.“Olds College wants to work with all sectors of theequine community to address the range of humanresources issues they face. We also plan to work withpartners such as Horse Racing Alberta, the UnitedHorsemen of Alberta, the new Faculty of VeterinaryMedicine at the University of Calgary, and the CalgaryExhibition & Stampede to advance education, researchand economic development associated with thisimportant segment of the agricultural community.”

Olds College has been planning a significantenhancement to its equine programming for a numberof years. Of the six colleges and technical institutesoffering equine certification across Canada, OldsCollege is one of only two institutes that offer compre-hensive diploma programming.

Building on the success and demand for its uniqueequine programs, Olds College will expand program-ming and facilities through the Canadian EquineCentre of Innovation (CECI) on the Olds College cam-pus and through CECI Balzac, a satellite campus atthe Calgary Race Track and Entertainment Centre.

Omar Moreno is one of countlessstudents who have been given

greater opportunity to reach theircareer goals through the CanadianEquine Centre of Innovation.Omar is currently taking OldsCollege’s Certified Exercise Rider& Jockey School program andworking towards his dream of racing horses professionally.

The 21 year-old has had to keepa firm hold on the reins duringhis short life. He was born in ElSalvador and was sponsored tocome to Canada with his fivebrothers when he was seven. Hewas raised in foster homes formuch of his childhood and,although one of his foster familiesowned horses, Omar’s first lovewas boxing.

“I started boxing when I was 11years old and I just loved it,” saidOmar, who ended up capturingthree junior national champi-onship titles in the under 106-pound category, and took thebronze in the senior category in2005. “There is a saying in boxingthat the more you sweat, the lessyou bleed. That kind of determi-nation will help me reach mygoals of becoming a jockey.”

Soon after taking up boxing,Omar’s coach took him under hiswing. The couple, who he refers toas his parents, has sponsored hisboxing aspirations throughout histeenage years. They are equallydedicated to supporting him as hestrives to find his place in thethriving equine industry.

“They said if I promised to dedi-cate myself to the training, theywould promise to assist me. Wehave both kept our promises,”said Omar. “Riding is my new pas-sion and the Jockey School ishelping me start a new life. If Ican make it as a jockey I would beso happy, because I love to race. Ienjoy just being around the horsesand riding is now my whole life. Iam determined to make it in thisindustry, no matter what.

“I feel like my Canadian parentsopened a whole new world to me,and now Olds College is openinga whole new career for me.”

Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation sets the pace

Students riding high with news of equine expansion

Omar Moreno, Jockey School student.

4 January 2007

The Olds College Students’ Association (OCSA)were thrilled to receive special recognition from

The Honourable Norman L. Kwong, LieutenantGovernor of Alberta, at an awards ceremony inCalgary on November 15th.

OCSA was presented with a national-classGenerosity of Spirit award in the group category bythe Calgary and Area Association of FundraisingProfessionals, as part of Philanthropy AwarenessWeek.

“Our congratulations go out to the Olds CollegeStudents’ Association for being chosen as this year’sGenerosity of Spirit recipients,” said Debra Ramage,

President of the Association of FundraisingProfessionals Calgary and Area chapter. “They areexcellent role models for other young leaders in thecommunity.”

OCSA funds scholarships and bursaries to supportfellow students, and continually leads and participatesin activities that benefit neighbours in the broadercommunity. Their Generosity of Spirit also includes a$1.01 million investment toward the CommunityLearning Campus, an Olds College capital campaignproject which will see five structures built on campus.The funds invested by OCSA will be directed to theestablishment of a Student Leadership Centre.

“We were very proud to accept this honour onbehalf of all Olds College students – past, present andfuture,” said Cody LaRocque, former OCSA Presidentand current Olds College student representative onthe Community Learning Campus Governance Team.

“There has always been a huge spirit of giving atOCSA. Personally, I feel tremendously fortunatebecause so many student leaders worked hard beforeme and were not recognized at this level. Theyinspired me and this award is the work of many. Itleaves us with a sense that we are making a difference,and that furthers our motivation to keep diggingdeeper.”

Building a better life...John Both has traveled a challenging path to arrive at Olds College. The second-

year Agricultural Production student left his war torn home in the Sudan and spent10 years in a refugee camp in Kenya before arriving to Canada in 2003.

“I took me five years to work through the resettlement process, but I persistedbecause I really wanted to come to Canada,” said Both. “I was sponsored by anorganization to take three years of agricultural education while I was in Kenya. That worked well for me, because they look at your skills and education as part ofresettlement.”

While waiting to come to Canada, Both shared his skills by providing livestocktraining and working on cattle vaccination programs. He hopes to work on acow/calf operation once he graduates from Olds College.

“When I came to Canada, I wanted to stay involved in agriculture and while I wasin Toronto I was told about a great college in Alberta where I would be happy takingagriculture. They were right – it does make me happy to be at Olds College,” saidBoth.

“My whole family is happy here. My wife is working hard taking English as aSecond Language classes and two of our three children were born in Canada. This is definitely home for us.”

Generosity of Spirit award

The Honourable Norman L. Kwong, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and Her Honour Mrs. Mary Kwong, offered congratulations to Olds College Students’ Association representatives CodyLaRocque (Past-President), Peggy Wymenga (Academic VP) and Graeme Hill (President).

...far from Sudan.

5January 2007

The Canada Foundation forInnovation (CFI) announced a$1,101,000 investment to support anexpansion, modernization and upgradeat the Olds College School ofInnovation (OCSI). The funding willsupport the growth of a microprocess-ing facility and pilot plant designed totransform biotechnology concepts intomarketable products.

“The confidence that CFI has shownin the research capability we have devel-oped here has been a critical factor inour development,” said Robert Wilson,Vice President of Academics Services atOlds College. “We are able to demon-strate the power of innovation in therural community. Thanks to the sup-port of the CFI we are able to offerclients equipment and expertise uniquewithin Alberta and, in some cases, inthe world.”

The applications for biotechnologyare numerous. Lubricants made fromoil seeds are ideal for equipment usedin sensitive environments, such ashydraulic equipment in the forestryindustry. Other applications includenutraceuticals, also described as func-tional foods, which provide medicinalbenefits.

Dr. Paul Kolodziejczyk, leadresearcher at OCSI, hopes the $1.1 mil-lion investment – the second majorgrant OCSI has received from the CFI –will be multiplied through additionalinvestment from government, privateand business partners to achieve thevision of a fully functional facility with-in the next 18 months.

“We conduct research in our labora-tories for small business or governmentclients locally, from Alberta andaround the world,” said Dr.Kolodziejczyk. “These concepts arethen tested in microprocessing facili-ties and eventually moved into largerscale pilot plants. We have the rightequipment and the right people toresearch and develop processes thatultimately stimulate the economy.Students from Olds College, and guestresearchers, also benefit.”

A list of projects funded by the CFI on November 27 can be found at www.innovation.ca.

“Olds College has long establisheditself as a world class research and tech-nology institution and I am so pleasedthat the CFI investment will allowthem to continue building on this rep-utation,” said Myron Thompson, MPfor Wild Rose.

OCSI has joined a powerhouse list ofpost-secondary research facilities tolead complex research into the environ-mental impact of disposing of BSEcontaminated material.

Dr. Abimbola Abiola, Director ofCollege Research and Scientific Leaderat Olds College, is leading the groupundertaking the initial research. Alongwith the Lethbridge Research Centreand King’s College in London,England, Olds College is working todetermine how to inactivate the dis-ease-triggering protein called prion. AllTransmissible SpongiformEncephalopathy (TSE), which includesBSE, chronic wasting disease and otherdevastating animal diseases, are trig-gered and transmitted through prions.

“Our role at Olds College is to isolateand test environmental bacterial strainsthat have potential to break down pri-ons,” said Dr. Abiola. “We are workingwith microbes from compost andsewage environments in our OCSI labs,challenging them against protein mole-cules that have been identified as havingsimilar properties to that found in theTSE prions. We are not bringing anycontaminated material into our labs atall, yet we will be making a majorimpact into a study that will protect ourenvironment as we discover how to safe-ly dispose of prion-contaminated mate-rials such as Specified Risk Materials.”

Once OCSI’s initial findings are com-plete, the next phase will be to testorganisms on materials contaminatedwith TSE prions in specialized facili-ties. This requires a sophisticated levelof lab security to safely handle the pri-ons, and involves the second group ofpartners: the University of Alberta,University of Calgary, and University ofBritish Columbia.

“There is no doubt this project hascreated a very strong and influentiallist of partners,” said Dr. Abiola. “OldsCollege has the distinction of being onthe front end at the very beginning ofthis process. The end result will impactthe environment and human health.”

Total cost of the project is $3.4 mil-lion. Much of the funding is providedby the Alberta Prion Research Institute,a division of the provincial govern-ment’s Alberta Ingenuity branch.Partners in the consortium have pro-vided matching funding for theresearch, which is expected to take atleast three years to complete.

OCSI has hired Dr. MichaelHamilton, PhD in Molecular Geneticsfrom the University of Alberta, as theResearch Associate on the project. OldsCollege students will be assisting in thelab procedures where possible, so theycan derive the learning benefits fromthis level of research.

Canada Foundation for Innovationinvests $1.1 million

Dr. Abimbola Abiola works with Dr. Michael Hamilton at campus labs.

John Winton is bringing 25 years of corporate experience to his new appointment to the Olds College Board of Governors.Winton recently retired from a lengthy career in surface land administration for the oil and gas sector. In his most recent rolewith Husky Energy Limited, he was solely responsible for liaison and consultation with Aboriginal communities. That experi-ence, coupled with his current endeavours in the construction field where the labour shortage is critical, led Winton to take arole in enhancing learning opportunities.

“Olds College is recognized as the number one institution for providing surface land administration courses, so I have beenwatching the college’s advancements for some time,” said Winton. “It was a continual responsibility of mine over the years torecruit employees into various positions, and Olds College was a valuable source for grads. I thought it would be valuable forboth parties if I became formally involved in Olds College.

“I like the culture of Olds College and I am impressed with its reputation. People at the college are doing a lot of good workand it interests me to become more directly involved.”

Appointment to Board of Governors

Olds College School ofInnovation leads prion research

6 January 2007

Avery Brigden, a first year student in the Land andWater Resources program, has been awarded one

of this country’s most prestigious scholarships.

Brigden is one of only 48 students from throughoutCanada to be included on the list of Garfield WestonMerit Scholars. The generous scholarship, whichinvolves up to $50,000 for each recipient, is awardedannually to students who show promise of leadership,a strong dedication to their field of study and a com-mitment to their communities. Brigden proved him-self a stellar candidate in each of the categories.

The 19 year-old grew up on a cattle farm in Souris,Manitoba – a town of 1,500 people south of Brandon.He and his two younger siblings were always encour-aged by their parents to take a lead in the community.

“Watching out for one another and helping outwhere you can is what you’re expected to do in a smallcommunity,” said Brigden. “For my part, I felt it wasan honour to be involved in the things we were doing.My hometown is beautiful and I love my community,and that’s why I help out. It’s what everyone lovesabout the small town way of life.”

Much of Brigden’s community involvement centreson rodeo. He attended his first roping school when hewas 10 and competed with the Manitoba High SchoolRodeo Association for four years, eventually becomingVice-President. He volunteered on a committee that

hosted the province’s only high school rodeo put onby the students, and by grade 12 he was President ofthe provincial committee. Brigden is taking an activerole in the Olds College Rodeo Club, where he is com-peting in calf roping, team roping and steer wrestling.

He also found time in high school to initiate a win-ter coat donation program and to work on environ-mental projects, but his leadership skills were evidenteven earlier. By grade nine he was working as the stu-dent representative on a municipal community devel-opment board, which involved efforts to diversityopportunities for area farmers.

“I felt very honoured to be asked to sit on thatboard, and we ended up establishing a feed mill. I’mplanning my career around improving the rural wayof life by working at environmental farm manage-ment or at a research station. Attending Olds Collegewill help me reach those goals and I’ve really expand-ed my borders by being here,” said Brigden.

Avery Brigden named Garfield Weston Merit Scholar

Scholars – Three Olds College students were recipients of regional and provincial level Garfield Weston Merit Scholarships.

Shannon Steele, at left , is in her second year of Ornamental Horticulture,Landscape Management major. Steele already holds a Bachelor Degree inArchitecture and a Master’s Degree in art.

“It’s great here,” said Steele. “Olds College will definitely place me in the careerI’m hoping for, even though it has taken me a while to get here!”

Celena Krahn, a second year student in the Equine Science – BusinessManagement program, is also a graduate of the Agriculture diploma, equineoption, from the University of Guelph.

“I love it here – the people are fantastic and the program is exactly what I hadhoped,” said the native of Qualicum Beach, B.C.

Missing from the photo is Brandi Love, a second year student in AgriculturalBusiness – Marketing and Sales major, from Portage La Prairie.

Ralph Klein Leadership Legacy Award Olds College has created a student

scholarship to honour Premier RalphKlein, as he concluded his years of publicservice to the people of Alberta. The RalphKlein Leadership Legacy Award will provide$1,000 annually to a student displayingleadership and elected to the position ofOlds College Students’ Association President.

“It is our distinct pleasure to name thisspecial scholarship for a devoted leader whohas worked tirelessly for Albertans for manyyears,” said Stirling McLeod, Chair of theOlds College Board of Governors. “Mr.Klein’s priority for education and for creat-ing opportunities for young Albertans, par-ticularly those residing in rural communi-ties, will have an impact on this province foryears to come. The scope of Ralph Klein’s

influence is immeasurable, and we are very pleased that he has proven to be a trulysupportive friend to Olds College throughthe years.”

Premier Klein, who received an HonoraryDegree from Olds College in 2000, was toldof the new scholarship during a specialluncheon on campus with the Olds CollegeBoard of Governors on November 23rd.

“This is a great honour for me,” saidPremier Klein. “Olds College has a long his-tory of providing a valuable education forstudents, and I am proud to be linked to theCollege and its students through this schol-arship. You have a winning formula at thiscollege, created by visionary leaders, ambi-tious students and supportive communitymembers. I always enjoy coming to visit.”

Avery Brigden working in the greenhouses, where students inthe Environmental Stewardship major of the Land and WaterResources program record germination and stages of growthof plants for their field crop class.

Premier Klein has been a supportive friend to Olds College. He is pictured abovewith Jim Gibbons, Chinook’s Edge School Division Superintendent, and H. J.(Tom) Thompson, Olds College President, at a Growing the Legacy Gala event.

7January 2007

Programsexpand toaddressshortage ofanimal careprofessionals

Two popular Olds College programsspecializing in animal care are evolvingto meet industry and student demand.

The two-year Animal HealthTechnology (AHT) diploma has tradi-tionally been a competitive entry pro-gram because it can accommodate onlya fraction of the students who applyeach year. Beginning in fall 2007,potential students will have the choiceof obtaining the diploma through anonline delivery option funded in partthrough eCampus Alberta.

“We have worked hard to develop thenew online option, so that students canreceive their diploma and acquire thesame competencies in a program bestsuited to their schedules,” said Dr.Susan Hunt, Veterinarian and AHTCoordinator. “There is a huge shortageof AHTs in Alberta and throughout thewestern provinces, so we are reallyexcited about developing the newoption. It opens additional seats forstudents and graduates more skilledworkers into a growing industry.Everyone wins.”

The online delivery option providesthe required theoretical academic train-ing through distance delivery and acompressed practical training scheduleconducted on campus. The online pro-gram begins with the hands-on train-ing, allowing students the opportunityto spend the first eight weeks on cam-pus for intensive day-long practicalexperience in the AHT labs.

“The online option is very struc-tured, involving the same sequencingas the on campus option. Students pro-ceed through the program on a preciseschedule, and will be closely mentoredby instructors to ensure they progresswithin the required timeline. The bene-

fit is that it’s not as time sensitive, sothey can study at a time and locationthat is most convenient for them,” saidDr. Hunt.

“Without the online option wehaven’t been able to accommodate thedemand for the AHT program, so I feelgreat about working to meet the needsof students. Most of our graduateshave jobs lined up even before theygraduate, so we will obviously be meet-ing industry demand as well.”

The second program expansion istaking place at the Olds CollegeCalgary Campus, where the VeterinaryMedical Reception (VMR) program is

being added. Students may now com-plete the popular VMR program eitherat the Calgary campus, or at the Oldscampus.

Olds College created the VMR pro-gram two years ago to satisfy a need forskilled veterinary office personnel. In afast-paced animal health office, the per-son managing the office is a vital partof the professional team. The eight-month program combines training inoffice skills and animal handling.

For information on the AHT andVMR programs, visit www.oldscollege.ca.

Dr. Susan Hunt, Coordinator of OldsCollege’s Animal Health Technology(AHT) program, and Alahna Hunter,AHT Instructional Assistant, were bothaward winners at the AlbertaAssociation of Animal HealthTechnologists conference.

Dr. Hunt received the VeterinarianAppreciation Award. She has made sig-nificant contributions to furtheropportunities for students since shebegan instructing in Olds College’sAHT program in 1997. She becameProgram Coordinator the followingyear and has led many changes to the

program, including the design of thenew college hospital facilities, oversee-ing the move of all AHT students toOlds College after the program closureat SAIT, and most recently planningcurriculum and managing the creationof the On-Line Delivery option of theAHT program.

An Olds College alumnus herself, Dr.Hunt first began in a horticulturecareer after obtaining her diploma in1980. She then entered the BSc pro-gram at the University of Calgary, grad-uating with a major in Zoology and aminor in Anthropology in 1985. She

was immediately accepted into vetschool, completing her degree from theWestern College of Veterinary Medicinein 1989.

“I love teaching and find workingwith students to be an incrediblyrewarding career,” said Dr. Hunt, wholives on an acreage northwest of Airdriewith her husband and an assortment ofdogs, cats and horses. “Of course, I getto blend that with my love of animals.Through the skills we teach here andthrough our animal adoption program,we are able to better the lives of animalsand help find them forever homes. Thatis very satisfying to work towards.

“One of the best things about my jobis the people I work with. They are allwonderful people who create a sup-portive team. Everyone brings some-thing of value to the mix and thatmakes our program even stronger. Theother great thing is working at OldsCollege. I think the College is an excel-lent employer. I like the atmospherehere and the rural environment, and itis physically a beautiful place to work.

“I was very moved to receive thisaward. It is very meaningful to be for-mally recognized by your colleagues andthe industry for doing a job you love.”

Alahna Hunter was presented withan Appreciation Award at the October28th event. She is very active with theAlberta Association of Animal HealthTechnologists, having served consecu-tively on the Continuing Educationand Mandatory Continuing Educationcommittees. She currently chairs theMandatory committee, which ensuresall AHTs in the province earn a speci-fied number of course credits each year.

Hunter graduated from FairviewCollege in 1997 and worked in mixedanimal practice in BC before arriving toOlds College in 2001.

“I like seeing our students succeed,”said Hunter, who lives on an acreagenortheast of Olds with her animals, herhusband and their growing young fam-ily. “It is really exciting to watch themevolve, so that at the end of the two-year program they are ready to launchtheir own careers. Veterinary medicineis progressing so quickly, the need formore AHTs is high. The animals needproper care.”

Olds College figures prominently inthe Alberta Association of AnimalHealth Technologists, with nine of the15 members on the 2007 Board ofDirectors either College alumni or staff.

Animal Health Technology staffreceive provincial awards

Dr. Susan Hunt (left) and Alahna Hunter were both acknowledged for their skill and dedicationto students and to animals.

8 January 2007

Basketball Alberta is partnering withOlds College to create Alberta’s

first Rural Regional Training Centre.

Curriculum is being developed tofollow the Long Term AthleticDevelopment Model. It will create a 60hour program to bring a high level oftraining and skill development to ananticipated group of 80 rural athletesand up to eight coaches annually.

“We are working to provide the sameopportunities for rural youth andcoaches as their city counterparts todevelop their basketball skills,” saidGreg Lendvay, Director of Health andWellness at Olds College. “This is anexciting opportunity for our youngathletes to achieve at the highest levels.The program will focus on individualskill development, allowing players totake what they learn back to their indi-vidual teams.”

Lendvay has also been named to therecently-created position of Director ofRural Development on the Board ofDirectors for Basketball Alberta.

“This new relationship with OldsCollege and its surrounding communi-ties is an important part of building asuccessful rural basketball develop-ment program for the Province ofAlberta,” said Vern Gerhardt, ExecutiveDirector for Basketball Alberta. “Weare excited and proud to partner withOlds College on this initiative andmake these types of opportunitiesavailable to aspiring young athletes inrural Alberta, who may otherwise notbe able to participate. It is an awesomeinitiative that is being made possiblethrough Olds College.”

The first program will begin inSeptember 2007, involving youthbetween 10 and 18 years. Organizersbelieve nurturing the skill level of

young athletes will encourage them tocontinue participating throughouttheir post-secondary education years.

“This initiative greatly expandsopportunities for students throughoutour entire division,” said Jim Gibbons,Superintendent of Chinook’s EdgeSchool Division, the largest ruralschool division in Alberta. “This willallow our students and coaches to pur-sue an elite level of athletics.”

Gibbons also holds the role of ViceChair of the Community LearningCampus (CLC), a project that isenhanced by this announcement. Thepartnership with Basketball Alberta ispart of a large program plan for theDepartment of Health and Wellness,particularly as it relates to the vision ofthe CLC.

“Advancing opportunities for ruralresidents is central to the CLC vision,”said H.J. (Tom) Thompson, OldsCollege President and CLC Chair. “Weare looking to be leaders in on-campusrecreation activities and athletics pro-gramming. This partnership withBasketball Alberta, coupled withGreg’s appointment as Director ofRural Development, sets us firmly onthat path.”

Dave Drabiuk, Manager ofBasketball Development for BasketballAlberta, said, “I am excited to see along-neglected aspect of our develop-mental programming getting anopportunity to flourish under the pas-sionate leadership at Olds College. Wehave enjoyed an excellent relationshipwith the College in offering our “OldsCamp” summer basketball campswhich target grassroots and aspiringbasketball players. This is a naturalprogression in our relationship.”

Dave Herbert instructed at the Olds College School of Horticulture for over 20 years before his passing on January 5, 2007. Dave’s devotion to horticulture

changed the landscape of this province and his expertise in teaching inspired count-less students to carry on his legacy.

In his gentle manner, Dave mobilized change and progress. Among many notableachievements at Olds College, he established the first Landscape GardenerApprenticeship program which influenced the creation of Olds College’s firstapplied degree program. The idea of the Landscape Pavilion was Dave’s, and hisplanning and fundraising efforts resulted in a 12,000 sq. ft. heated indoor laborato-ry space for students to perform hands-on work on a year-round basis.

Dave was instrumental in the creation of the Olds College Botanic Garden, whichwas officially opened by Her Honour, the late Lois Hole, former LieutenantGovernor of Alberta, in July 2002. Just a few months prior to his death, DaveHerbert received the first-ever lifetime achievement award presented by the PrairieChapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

“The room was full of Dave’s former students and industry people who haveknown him for years,” said Don Hay, Awards Committee Chair for the annualPrairie Chapter conference which took place in Lethbridge in September. “Peoplewere lined up to congratulate him and I’m sure he heard several times how pro-foundly he impacted many people’s careers.

“Quite a few people were involved in making the award decision. Dave’s was theonly name that appeared on everyone’s list, so it was unanimous that he was goingto get the award. It was a very special moment in the room when he accepted theLifetime Achievement Award – he got a standing ovation from the 250-plus peoplein attendance.”

A memorial service was held for Dave Herbert at the Student Alumni Centre onJanuary 13th, when current students, program alumni, industry associates andCollege colleagues joined his family and many friends in a celebration of his life.

Dave Herbert wanted to save the world, one tree at a time.

Olds College becomes Basketball Alberta’s first rural regional training centre

Greg Lendvay, Director of Health and Wellness, has been named Director of RuralDevelopment on the Board of Directors for Basketball Alberta. / photo by Carla Victor

Horticulture instructor honoured with lifetime achievement award

9January 2007

New Chair positioncreated to leadEnergy IndustryStudiesOlds College is partnering with Alberta’senergy sectors to establish Canada’sfirst ever Chair of Energy IndustryStudies. Based in Calgary, this newlycreated Chair position will raise the level of professional practice of Alberta’sland agent industry by supporting professional development, training and communication initiatives.

“More and more companies recognize the need foradvancing the professional practice of the Land Agentsector, and there is tremendous support from industrypeople who believe Olds College’s initiative is the rightway to go,” said Brad Goodfellow, President of RangerLand Services Ltd. “When Olds College began develop-ing the process of hiring a Chair of Energy IndustryStudies, I thought it was a great idea and I becameinvolved straightaway.”

Goodfellow, who has accepted the role of ProjectTeam Leader for Olds College’s Energy IndustryPartnership Fund campaign, is part of a committeethat will select an industry leader to serve in the inau-gural Chair position. As Past-President of theCanadian Association of Petroleum Landmen and aLand Agent himself, Goodfellow feels the position willraise the level of professional conduct in Alberta’s landagent industry.

“The industry is hungry for a leader who can assistwith advanced curriculum development at OldsCollege, communicate well with industry, and buildtrusting relationships with the public so this vitalindustry can continue moving forward and impactingthe lives of Albertans,” said Goodfellow. “This is anincreasingly complex industry that requires the skillsof highly trained professionals. Many industry peoplehave been donating a great deal of their time workingto understand the position of the public and the posi-tion of the industry, and the time is right to ensurestudents graduating into the industry benefit fromthat knowledge. Olds College is already seen as theleader in the educational component, and hiring anEnergy Industry Chair is a major next step in movingthe industry forward.”

Land Agents are responsible for securing access toland prior to any oil and gas initiatives, and thereforeserve as a vital link in the development of Alberta’s oiland gas industry.

“Our graduates from the full time program will bebetter qualified under the guidance of the EnergyIndustry Chair, but so will Land Agents who are alreadyworking in the industry,” said Joel Gingrich, Chair,Olds College School of Land Sciences. “Whether theytake full time, part time or online training, all LandAgents will benefit because the role of the Chair is alsoto identify training needs within the industry. TheChair will be a key leader in the industry who will bringall Land Agents a better understanding of currentissues related to surface land access. This groundbreak-ing position will prepare students for their careers inthis exciting industry and provide ongoing training toLand Agents already employed, so that professionalismis increased throughout the entire industry.”

For information on nomination and application procedures for this senior position,visit www.oldscollege.ca.

Special clinics provide further learningopportunities for Farrier students

Students in Olds College’s Advanced Farrier Science Program received training in a unique product emerging inthe industry, when representatives from Germany demonstrated a light weight and flexible poly steel horseshoe.

“This is a fantastic opportunity that Olds College provides to its students and people in the industry,” said DanSullivan, who graduated from the program in 1982. “For the last 25 years since I’ve been in the business, the Collegeprovides important venues like this for people to continue learning. I’ve mentored many practicum students fromthe college over the years, because I think it’s important to stay involved.”

Sullivan, who lives in Delburne, is a past member on the Canadian National Farrier Team. The team is continuallya top contender at the World Blacksmithing Championships, which have been held during the Calgary Stampede forover 25 years. Another National Team member, Adam McQueen, shared his farrier skills with Olds College studentsprior to Christmas. The Olds College Farrier Lab is considered one of the best in North America.

Dan Sullivan watches as Christoph Mueller of Bavaria, Germany, demonstrates a poly steel horseshoe.

Adam McQueen conducted a clinic at the Farrier Lab in the fall.

10 January 2007

Olds College Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors 2006-2007PresidentSandi MacKinnon-Jann(Graduating Class of 1986)

Vice PresidentHarvey Buckley ‘52

Past PresidentDoreen Morton ‘50

Honourary PresidentCharles Watson ‘61

TreasurerMelody Cavin, College staff

SecretaryVacant

DirectorsBryan Dowell ‘61Christy Hambly ‘98Norm MacIntyre, College facultyIrene Miller ‘55Meara Rehman, OCSALaurinda Parkinson ‘69Ed Shaw ‘71

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

Olds College Annual Giving/Alumni Affairs OfficerCathy Scott

Updated OCAA Mission & VisionAt the December 4th meeting of the Olds College AlumniAssociation Board of Directors,the Board formally adopted thenew mission and vision as follows:

Mission: The Olds College AlumniAssociation is a Society of paststudents, faculty and staff thatsupports the objectives of OldsCollege by fostering relationshipsand opportunities among students,alumni, the College and the globalcommunity to enhance thestrengths and continuity of Olds College.

Vision: The Olds College AlumniAssociation will be relevant, visible and respected by attractingand developing volunteers, communicating effectively,responding to change and stewarding resources.

We look forward to working withour Alumni as we are guided bythe new mission and vision.

President’s MessageWishing you a Prosperous and Healthy 2007!

Welcome to Olds College Horizons, the new format that allows usto stay in contact with you, our Alumni, more often!

Your Alumni Association resolves to become a more vibrant, visible entity of Olds College to our past graduates and to our students currently here on campus. With the diverse choices ofschools the College offers, we must be open minded and broadenour spectrum of what a “reunion” is. To ensure that all our gradu-ates have the opportunity to come back to network, your AlumniAssociation must continue to think creatively and we urge allalumni to help us to do this by getting involved. Become a ClassAgent, or serve on the Alumni Associations’ many committees. It is never too early or too late to make a contribution of time orideas to your Alumni Association.

Thousands of students have graduated from Olds College! The best way we can keep you informed is for you to keep us informed ofyour current address. The Alumni Association works with the Office of Advancement and you can contact Cathy Scott our AnnualGiving/Alumni Affairs Officer. Give her a call at 403-556-4748 or email her at cscott@oldscollege.ca

Your Alumni Association Board has been busy updating our Mission, Vision, and By-Laws and finalizing a three year Strategic Plan.Also, we are welcoming nominations to the Hall of Fame; remember the deadline is March 31. We also have plans underway for ourupcoming Casino on May 15 & 16 in Red Deer, and the annual Alumni Reunion that will take place July 20, 21 and 22.

These are exciting times for us all with the many new initiatives Olds College is undertaking. Alumni over the years have requestedmore coverage of College events. This new publication going out five times a year will ensure the College community is well informed of today, yesterday and future happenings. Contact us if you have a comment or know of something or someone we should cover.Happy reading and hope to see or hear from you!

Sandra JahnOCAA President

JAMES BEZANAgricultural Production 1985

I've been out of touch with the Alumnifor too long and thought I better checkin. I am a 1985 grad from the OldsCollege Agriculture Production,Livestock Technology Major program. Irun a cow/calf operation in Manitoba'sInterlake region near Teulon. This is anarea I get to proudly represent in theHouse of Commons as an MP, havingbeen elected in 2004 and again in 2006.I am a member of the StandingCommittee on Agriculture and Agri-food, member of the Joint Inter-Parliamentary Council and Presidentof the Canadian branch of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas

(FIPA). I am married to Kelly and wehave three daughters. My expandedbiography can be read on my websiteat www.jamesbezan.com.

HUGH GLEBEAgriculture 1944

After graduating in 1944, my wife and I farmed on a mixed farm at Dapp,Alberta. In 1956, I received my ruralwiremen’s certificate and did electricalwork for many local farmers while stillkeeping up with our own farming oper-ation. In 1980, Irma and I moved toWestlock, Alberta and enjoyed anactive retirement. We spent many win-ters in Palm Springs, California. Ourfour children live close by and one is

still on the family farm. Irma passedaway in February 2006 and I’m still liv-ing in our home in Westlock

LORA-LEE MURRAY (DEZALL)Secretarial Arts 1991

I have recently moved to Stewart, BC(northwest on the Alaska Panhandleborder). We were transferred here as a result of my husband, Stu, being pro-moted to Corporal with the RCMP. I am working as a Paramedic with BCAmbulance. I also have a home basedsewing/alterations business. We havetwo wonderful daughters, Kelly 6 andHailey 3. I would like to extend a bighello to all my fellow alumni especiallythose in my grad class.

Alumni UpdatesWe love hearing from you…here’s what your classmates have been up to!

Kenneth John GirardHorticulture 1980

Dave HerbertHorticulture 1967

Richard McCallumAgriculture 1945

John (Jock) A. NobleAgriculture 2-1, 1935

Edwin Arthur PatchingAgriculture 2-1, 1941

Scott PrimroseAgriculture 1950

MemorialsThe Alumni Board respectfully notes the passing of the following Olds College Alumni, and extends its condolences to their families and friends.

To review the complete obituaries which have been forwarded to our office, pleasevisit the Olds College Alumni section of our website at www.oldscollege.ca/alumni

Sandi Jahn at work in the Alumni Corner archives.

Alumni Telephone CampaignThe 2007 Olds College Annual Alumni TelephoneCampaign will be starting in February and we wantyou to be a part of it!

Again this year, current students will be hired tocontact Alumni by telephone to update your mailing information and to ask for a donation. It is a great opportunity for students to gain workexperience, raise funds for other students, andspeak with you, our alumni!

When you are called, we ask that you considermaking a donation. Your support really does makea difference! The proceeds from the campaign aredirected towards Entrance Bursaries for students.

Thank you so much to Olds College Alumni foryour past support of this important program.

When an Olds College student calls you, please be generous!

ALUMNIKeep In Touch

alumni@oldscollege.ca

ALUMNI REVIEW

11January 2007

Dr. Robert Church inducted intoAlberta Agriculture Hall of Fame

Dr. Robert Church, who graduated from the Olds College Agriculture program in1956, was named a 2006 Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame inductee.

As an educator, medical scientist, cattleman and entrepreneur, Dr. Church has beencalled a “Renaissance Man” for his uncanny vision of improving agriculture to meetdemands on a global basis. His research in developmental genetics, genome organiza-tion, gene expression and embryo manipulation has resulted in over 250 publicationsand speaking invitations. Dr. Church has been a consultant to livestock managementbusinesses around the world.

Dr. Church continues to ranch in the foothills near Calgary, despite the manyopportunities that could have taken him away from his Southern Alberta roots. Of all his notable accomplishments, everyone at Olds College is most proud that he is a graduate (1956), an Olds College Honorary Applied Degree recipient (1997)and a member of the Olds College Alumni Hall of Fame (2000).

Dr. Robert Church has also been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada,inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame, inducted into the AlbertaOrder of Excellence, named Chief Black Eagle of Treaty #7 Tribes, presented theQueen Elizabeth II Commemorative Medal and the Growing Alberta DistinguishedLeadership award, and awarded Teaching Excellence Awards from The University of Calgary.

High tech systems showcased at GIS Day

Nearly 60 students from area high schools attended Olds College’s annual GIS Day,including Evan Jans, a grade 10 student from Bowden School who won the $500 GISEntrance Scholarship.

“I’m looking at all my post-secondary options and this was sure an interesting dayfor me,” said Jans. “I was considering engineering, but I might take the GIS programnow. Most of the students from Bowden found it really interesting and I think itwould make an exciting career.”

From emergency response to land evaluation, special guest speakers at the eventproved that sophisticated technologies are improving everyday life. Included was apresentation from Alasdair Veitch, who described how GIS is being used in the development of an extensive land use plan for the North West Territories. He demonstrated how technology is helping protect the northern environment throughthe tracking of caribou and other wildlife, which is affecting the planning of theMackenzie Valley Pipeline.

“Every sector works with a different type of data provided by the technologies,” said Bob Hoffos, Program Coordinator of Olds College’s two-year GeographicInformation Systems diploma. “Oil and gas professionals can track gas line activity,municipalities can review where weed spray programs took place the previous sum-mer, emergency response crews can identify swifter routes, farmers can adjust fertiliz-ers depending on the terrain – the possibilities are as endless as they are exciting.”

Dear Editor:

I want to congratulate Olds College on the new publication you are launching. I also want to thank all the people whoserve the alumni association past and present. The association does many good things for the college, keep it up.

I have kept track of my classmates from the Animal Health Technology Class of 1984. There were 17 in my graduatingclass and we have 37 children all totaled… I want to thank all our instructors for having faith in us. The rowdy 80’s were a challenge, and we always had fun. No one more so than me I daresay and I want to personally thank every teacherwho treats a student with respect. Instructors touch the lives of all your students. Education at Olds College gives us thestrength and tenacity to do anything we put our minds to. Thank you!

Sandy HassAHT 1984

Editor’s note: We appreciate Sandy taking the time to update us on her extensive professional career and interesting life. To read her Update in its entirety, please visit the AlumniPage of our website at www.oldscollege.ca/alumni

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 five times per year by the Office of Advancement, in January, March, June, September and November. Please email sbexon@oldscollege.ca, fax (403) 556-4704 or write 4500-50 Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6.

Be 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 email address and we’ll put you on our list.

Contact us at: ebrawn@oldscollege.ca

Dr. Church at the 2004 Olds College Growing the Legacy Gala, where he provided the keynote address.

Bob Hoffos (right) presented Evan Jans with a scholarship at the annual event.

Readersrespond

12 January 2007

When 17 year old Joe Crawford was named Youth of theYear by the Olds Rotary Club, it came as no shock to his fel-low members of the Community Learning Campus (CLC)Governance Team.

The grade 12 student has been serving as Student Rep onthe CLC Governance Team since he was elected high schoolpresident one year ago. The Governance Team, which is agroup of community leaders representing a number of organ-izations, is charged with the overall CLC programming andconstruction plans, and Crawford has worked diligentlyalongside other community leaders such as Mayor Judy Dahland Reeve Al Kemmere.

“Joe is a very competent leader on the Team,” said H.J.(Tom) Thompson, CLC Chair and Olds College President.“He is polite, hardworking and very interested in this project.Joe brings great ideas and a wonderful exuberance to theplanning table, and he is making an enormous contributionto the CLC.”

Joe Crawford is an honours student and a star athlete. Hehas contributed in leadership roles on several projects atschool and in the community, including joining 900 studentsfrom across Canada as a delegate to a national student leader-ship conference in New Brunswick.

“It was really inspiring to meet so many people and hear allof their great ideas,” said Crawford. “I think it’s exciting to beinvolved in making things happen, and that’s why I’m enjoy-ing my time working with the CLC. I think this is an amazingproject that will go a long way in keeping kids in their homecommunities, because many of them will be able to at leastbegin their post-secondary education right here. My sisterand brother are both away in college and university right now,and the CLC will have a huge impact on families like mine.”

Crawford is considering studying engineering or businessat the University of Alberta, which also has a representative

on Governance Team to explore the options of providing certain university level programs through the CLC. As quar-terback on the high school football team and a member ofthe track team, Crawford is also looking forward to theexpanded athletic facilities the CLC will offer through itsHealth and Wellness Facility. His pole vaulting team will nolonger have to travel to the city for practice, for instance,because the facility will be large enough to accommodate the entire length of the vaulting runway.

“I will have graduated by the time the CLC opens in 2008,but I’m proud that I’m working towards something that willbring such benefit to others. It will have something for everyage group, too, not just high school students. I believe it willrevolutionize rural Alberta.”

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.

COMINGEVENTS

Growing the Legacy GalaMarch 9

Olds College Open HouseMarch 31

Alumni Class Agent MeetingMarch 31

Alumni Hall of Fame Nomination deadline

March 31

Annual Seed Fair and Hay ShowMarch 31

Alumni Summer ReunionJuly 20-22

For updates or more informationplease visit www.oldscollege.ca

Joe Crawford addressing guests at the CLC groundbreaking ceremony.

Community Learning Campus student rep earnsYouth Award

A hair-raising fund-raiser – FashionMarketing student Monica Watson assistscommunity volunteer Lark Hein as they asthey set to work on Land Agent studentThomas Catlin Goller. Several studentsbravely participated in the shearing event,which raised over $1200 towards cancerresearch.

Watch out for that tree! Daniel Wirch joinedfellow students from the Arboriculture Clubas they climbed a campus poplar and decorat-ed the tree with a giant string of lights for theentire community to enjoy. The studentsdirected proceeds from this Christmas lightfundraising project to both Olds ChristmasAngels and the Mountain View Food Bank,after they sold tree lights to staff and fellowstudents.

College pride - Steve Larocque, a 2001 graduate from the Crop and AgriFoodTechnology program, showed his OldsCollege colours while on vacation in Brazilrecently. His caption, “Who says agriculturewon’t get you anywhere!”

AT A GLANCE...