Serving our community of students, alumni & friends

July 2010

Proud Graduates are surrounded by friends and family on this victorious day. Roughly 670 grads crossed the stage to the applause of the crowd.

Pg 6

Coming Events 3 9 Alumni Hall of Fame Winner announced.

Great news for farm kids, easier ways to attend Olds College! 11 Olds College Futsal

goes ACAC.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40010029

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Olds College and Red Deer College (RDC) have formed a new partnership that will enhance existing post-secondary options and add new opportunities for people living in central Alberta communities.

Known as the Central Alberta College-Community Partnership (CAC-CP), this collaboration will see the two colleges work with rural communities to bring post-secondary learning closer to home for central Albertans. Among many benefits, it will provide a broad range of programming to communities through the use of the latest technology, including videoconferencing and web-conferencing. Students will be supported by sites in local communities that serve as hubs for services and support.

“Olds College has always placed a very strong emphasis on the spirit of collaboration and we are pleased to be part of this distinctly unique partnership with Red Deer College,” said Bill Quinney, Chair, Olds College Board of Governors. “Our new role as the regional steward of this comprehensive community institution is very much in keeping with our long-standing

commitment to the advancement of rural education, and

Olds College and Red Deer College form new partnership

we look forward to the increased opportunities this new partnership will bring to our surrounding community.”

Both institutions have already worked with central Alberta communities to provide post-secondary opportunities. Olds College has offered

various programming including Apprenticeship, Land Reclamation, Fashion and Agriculture courses. In collaboration with Chinook’s Edge School Division, “So You Love Horses”, a dual credit course, was offered through videoconferencing to six rural high schools. RDC offered classes in Welding, Early Learning and Child Care, and Music at Confluence Campus in Rocky Mountain House. They

have worked with other school jurisdictions to provide regional trades training.

“The partnership between Olds College and Red Deer College demonstrates Campus Alberta at its best,” said the Honourable Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education

and Technology. “Students, employers and the province as a whole all benefit from a post-secondary system that is aligned, both in central Alberta and right across the province.”The CAC-CP is being heralded as just one example of new learning opportunities made possible for Albertans through Campus Alberta, a set of principles developed by the province to ensure key stakeholders in the advanced

education system work together to deliver seamless learning opportunities for Albertans. It promotes a holistic approach to learning that sees both formal and informal learning opportunities contributing to the process of lifelong learning and seeks to eliminate obstacles faced by learners of all ages and foster lifelong participation in the advanced education system.Students will be enabled to learn the skills and knowledge they want, and gain the certification they seek, where and when they want it with seamless transfer between Alberta post-secondary institutions. Campus Alberta also encourages institutions to work together to enhance Alberta’s post-secondary education system.

The Central Alberta College-Community Partnership Agreement was formally signed into place by: Janice Wing, Chair, Red Deer College Board of Governors; Joel Ward, President, Red Deer College; Bill Quinney, Chair, Olds College Board of Governors; and Dr. H. J. (Tom) Thompson, President, Olds College during a morning celebration at Olds College’s Alumni Centre. The institutions were pleased to host the Honourable Doug Horner, Deputy Premier and Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, who also participated in the agreement signing.

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In a recent letter to the editors of several rural Albertan newspapers, Olds College president Dr. Tom Thompson commended changes that now make it easier for rural students to get much-needed student loans.

“With this year’s student loan process opening just this past week, I wanted to take a minute to share how pleased we are with the Provincial Government’s recent changes to the Alberta Student Funding process,” wrote Thompson on June 3.

“As educators focused on, among other elements, agriculture, horticulture, land and environmental management, we were most gratified that the Alberta Government consulted us on this last spring and chose to implement some of our suggestions.”

Thompson highlighted that in the months following those consultations, the Provincial Government made it easier for farm families to be fairly assessed for need-based

government loans and grants. Parents no longer need to declare the net value of the farm as an asset, a welcome relief due to the fact that farms often have more value than cash-flow – a fact that often made potential students from farms ineligible for financial awards.

“It is now easier for students from farms to acquire a post-secondary education and we think that is great news for rural Albertans,” said Thompson. He added that many Albertans are

unaware of this at this point and that Olds College believes it is important to know that children with a farm background who desire to remain in their family industry are now better poised to do so by acquiring the agricultural education required in these increasingly competitive times.

Students interested in capitalizing on these changes may apply online (alis.alberta.ca) or pick up paper applications at either their high school or college of their choice.

Change in provincial student loan rules makes Olds College more accessible to farm kids

Olds College’s School of Business recently signed an articulation agreement with the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management. The agreement allows students earning a two-year Business Administration Diploma at the College to transfer directly into the U of L’s Bachelor of Management program and complete the degree within two years.

According to School of Business Chair Dr. Terry Males, the agreement will help draw people to their business programs as the University of Lethbridge is already a primary destination

Olds College inks “two plus two” agreement with University of Lethbridge

for Olds students wishing to continue their studies beyond the two-year term.

“The agreement will provide students the ability to continue their business education and to get full credit for the courses they completed at the College, creating new opportunities for them.”

Olds College implemented its Business Administration Diploma in September 2008 and will be graduating its first group of ten students this June. Current enrolments forecast a graduating class of 20 next

year and 40 in the year following. The University anticipates the transfer of students completing specializations in accounting, marketing and general management.

“We consider Olds College a valuable partner, and this latest agreement is a great example of two like-minded institutions working together,” said Dr. Andy Hakin, the U of L’s Vice-President, Academic. “Our common philosophy is that we are in business to provide access and value to our students, and we look forward to welcoming Olds College graduates to join

our Faculty of Management on our campuses in Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge to further their education.”

Loren Coutts, Coordinator of the Business Administration Diploma at Olds is enthusiastic about the newly forged agreement.

“This continues the strong relationship between the University of Lethbridge and Olds College, providing effective undergraduate pathways to a successful career.”

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March was a busy month for the Olds College Judging Club. On the 13th, they were involved with 36 judging competitors on our campus, competing in the Judge IT Competition. Competitors included the University of Alberta, Lakeland College, Olds College, Two River 4-H Beef Club, West Carstairs Beef Club, and the Sundre Multi-Club. Animals judged included classes of horses, sheep, beef heifers, market steers, forage, EPD/bulls,

beef carcasses, dairy cows and seed ID. On the 19th, Judging

Club students from the College travelled with their coach, Connie Burton, to Vermilion to compete in the Lakeland College Judging Competition. The visit was a fruitful one for the club and they netted several prizes for their efforts.

Olds College Team #2 (Brian Robertson, Garilyn Morris, Ashley Lazar, Greg Borduzak)

1st Place Dairy Team for the first time since 2000, (Team #2)1st Place Sheep Team2nd Place Crop Team3rd Place Mystery Class Team3rd Place Beef Team

Judging Club lands top spots

Following the path she’d already set out upon as Olds College Valedictorian and Outstanding Student of the Year in 2005, Leona Dargis was named Grand Category Ambassador and winner in the Outstanding Alumnus category at the 2010 PACE Awards.

Officially known as the Provincial Awards Celebrating Excellence, these awards are handed out by the Alberta Association of Colleges and Technical Institutes (AACTI). This year’s ceremony was held on April 29 at SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary.

“One only needs to read the biographies of these ambassadors to be inspired,” said Tim Schultz, Executive Director of AACTI. “You need no other evidence that graduates from Alberta’s colleges and technical institutes are world class.”

Following her initial graduation in 2005, Dargis continued her education at Olds College from the Agricultural Business Diploma program and graduated again with Distinction from the

Bachelor of Applied Science - Agribusiness Major in 2007. Leona’s dedication and commitment did not go unnoticed, and in 2006, she was the sole Canadian student bestowed the national Student Leadership Excellence Award through the Association of Canadian Community Colleges.

Olds College Team #1 (Jennifer Dale, Phil Graham, Sarah Reich, Heather Robinson) 2nd Place Swine Team3rd Place Crop Team

“The Judging Club has been running for many years probably almost as long as the college has been an institution and the students involved are typically people that have been involved with 4-H from an early age either in a beef club or horse club,” said Burton. “To prepare for these competitions, members have weekly meetings and practice judging all types of

livestock and studying crops, forages and seeds as well. Sessions are on campus as well as at various area farms to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of local producers. “

Judging Club members also give back to the community by providing judges for local 4-H clubs and extra support for various 4-H events and local producer events.

Furthering her desire to become involved with agriculture from an international standpoint, Olds College sponsored Leona to attend the bi-annual Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) Conference in 2006. The 2008 RASC conference took place in New Zealand where Leona was one of the speakers on the agenda during the Next Generation Forum. At this time she had the honour of meeting and speaking with Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.

Dargis manages her volunteer efforts on top of a full-time position as an Ag Management Solutions Consultant with Agland, a John Deere dealership, as well as helping to run and operate the family farm. Shortly after graduating from Olds College in 2007, Leona and her four younger sisters experienced the tragic loss of their parents. It was during this time that Leona’s true strong willed character persevered. She continues to display passion for all those around her and for the agricultural industry stretching around the world.

Leona Dargis Wins Outstanding Alumnus Award

Leona Dargis stands with her 2010 PACE award along with Honourable

Doug Horner, Deputy Premier and Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, and Bill Quinney, Olds

College Board Chairman.

In recent years, Olds College instructor Gord Gilchrist has become well known on campus for his philanthropic travels. His blog, Ravings of an Olds College Geek, details his time overseas and saw heightened traffic in recent months during a stint in Haiti, where he documented his efforts to help the recent earthquake survivors.

The trip to Haiti, says Gilchrist, was upsetting at times and helping constructively was a challenge. “Nobody plans on an earthquake,” he said during a brief stop back in the Olds area in April. “And we have a policy not to go into a disaster zone for 30 days.”

Gilchrist spoke the day before leaving for India, where he was involved in two projects. The first was the establishment of a clinic for Burmese refugees on the Burmese/Indian border. The clinic was designed by Pat Romerman of Group 2 Architecture and Dr. Ray Comeau of Medical Mercy Canada.

The second project on Gilchrist’s list involves a trip to St. Luke’s Leprosarium. “We have a donor who wants to put a new roof on the building,” he said.

Gilchrist is part of A Better World, an organization based in Lacombe, AB, and is currently on a 14 month hiatus from the College. His blog can be found at www.gordatoldscollege.blogspot.com

The Travels of Gord Gilchrist

Monitoring the water system built in Thor’s camp, water is scarce and a high priority.

Zowkathar clinic building,the new clinic is 9 rooms

and made from concrete, brick and tin--a big

improvement from the old clinic of a 2-room,

wooden building.

The Canadian National Senior Women’s Rugby Team was on campus for ten days in April, training in preparation for the August 2010 World Cup in London, England. Among the trainees vying for a spot on the Canadian World Cup team roster was Heather Moyse, just seven weeks out from winning an Olympic Gold Medal for Canada in the two-man bobsled event.

The training sessions were originally scheduled to be held elsewhere but when things did not work out, the team found themselves needing a new venue. “Our head coach is with the Alberta Rugby Union and he knew about Olds,” said Kristy Martin Hale, the team’s program manager. “When I was talking about places we could use, Olds came up and it just seemed like a match.”

National Women’s Rugby Team Trains on Olds College Campus

Besides requiring the field east of the Community Learning Campus’ Ralph Klein Centre, the team also needed adjacent accommodations and meal services. Cost was also a factor. “So far it’s been fantastic,” said Martin Hale. “The staff in residence and Conference Services have been very accommodating, it’s been a great experience.”

The only minor obstacle was having to shuttle back and forth between Olds and Calgary for weight training because the Health and Wellness Centre had yet to finish acquiring all of its weight training equipment.

“And of course we realize the future potential this area holds because of that,” said Martin Hale. “I would recommend this campus for athletics training and I know Alberta rugby has future plans where you’ll be recommended.”

Members of the Canadian National Senior Women’s Rugby team train on Olds

College Campus.

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Graduation 2010

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Proud graduates gathered in the new Ralph Klein Centre in the Olds High School.

To the day’s graduates specifically, Thompson spoke at length about the increased focus on sustainability that modern life demands. “This vital concept applies to learning, economics, socialization and of course, the environment. On any given day at Olds College, you will be exposed to this on many levels,” he said. “Whether it’s something we practice day-to-day as part of our environmental policy, Global Sustainability course in our Environmental Stewardship major, or the overall philosophy embedded in our Landscape Management major, it is there.”

Honourary Degree Recipients, Jim Gibbons, outgoing Superintendent of Chinook’s Edge School Division, Richard Marz, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills and Ty Lund, MLA for Rocky Mountain House stand to applause.

Guest Speaker Troy Loney, Senior Vice President of a National sales team for Catalyst Rx.

Approximately 670 graduates crossed the stage in The Community Learning Campus’ Ralph Klein Centre as part of Olds College’s 2010 Graduation ceremony. Taking place June 19, it marked the first time a College event of that magnitude was held in the recently opened centre.

Following the Academic Procession and singing of O Canada, Jordan Cleland, Vice President, Advancement, introduced the ceremony’s honoured guests. On hand for the auspicious occasion was Judy Dahl, Mayor, Town of Olds, Guy Jackson, Apprenticeship Division of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, Dr. Dot Negropontes, Chinook’s Edge School Division, Ing. Jose Jaime Garcia Hernandez, Autonomous Chapingo University, Mexico, and Reverend Darlene Hyatt, Olds Church of the Nazarene, among others.

Following an invocation from Reverend Hyatt, Cleland then introduced Bill Quinney, Olds College Board of Governors Chairman who brought greetings from the Board for this year’s graduates.

Highlights of the afternoon included a speech from Valedictorian Hilary Omichinski, a Fashion Apparel Technology Major who was selected for the role by her peers. She pointed out that Olds College’s emphasis on hands-on education had left a lasting impression. “From walking around campus to study Plant ID to awakening many times throughout the night for calving, that’s the way we learn best,” said Omichinski. “For me, that meant spending 100 hours creating a tailored jacket using traditional techniques. Unlike some of the tests I wrote, that jacket is a tangible expression of my skills, and something that I will never sell or give away.”

Omichinski’s address was followed by words from the guest speaker for 2010, Troy Loney. Currently the Senior Vice President of a National sales team for Catalyst Rx, Loney is best known for his career in the NHL. During a span of 12 years, he played over 650 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim

Mighty Ducks, New York Islanders, and the New York Rangers. The pinnacle of his hockey career came in Pittsburgh winning back to back Stanley Cup Championships.

Among many interesting points, Loney pointed out that while the NHL’s top performers may get the majority of the spotlight, the league consists of a larger number of players who made it there by showing a level of drive, commitment and determination that equally talented players in the minor hockey leagues did not. Exhibiting those qualities, Loney said, would do much to ensure success for the graduates in the audience.

Numerous awards were handed out after Loney’s remarks, the most notable being Honourary Degrees to three individuals for their outstanding work in the development of the Community Learning Campus. They were bestowed upon Jim Gibbons, outgoing Chinook’s Edge School Division Superintendent, Richard Marz, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, and Ty Lund, MLA for Rocky Mountain House.

Other award recipients included Ian Paul Stolee, Land and Water Resources, who won The Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal, and Christina Zilinski and Corey Squizzato, who received the Laurence Decore Award for Student Leadership. The Dr. Scott Rairdan Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Katrina Janzen and the John Deere Ag Tech Graduation Scholarship recipient was Nickolas Wright.

Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Tom Thompson. With the past year having seen the completion of many large-scale projects, Thompson made a point of thanking in detail many of the Olds College staff and faculty for their great work.

“Proof of dedication and forward thinking are all around us at Olds College,” said Thompson. “Together we have achieved fiscal agility, enhanced infrastructural development with both capital development and renovations, innovations, partnerships and, through it all, enhanced student success.”

Valedictorian Hilary Omichinski gives her address.

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

I am happy to announce that plans are in full swing for the Summer Reunion. This year we are pleased to honor David Cormack, Class of ’47, as our Hall of Fame recipient. We welcome everyone to attend our Induction Ceremonies on Friday evening, July 16th. There is no charge to attend this event, but we ask that you RSVP your attendance. Another noteworthy milestone this year is the 40th Anniversary of the Ag Mechanics program coming to Olds College from S.A.I.T..

Olds College graduates grads received OCAA pins at the graduation ceremony on June 19, and there are special frames available for them to display their diplomas and certificates. The OCAA Grad committee members were on hand to sell Diploma frames and other Alumni souvenirs at graduation to help bring awareness of the Alumni Association to which the grads now belong.

Recently, the OCAA purchased a six-seat club car. This vehicle will be used on campus during Reunions, for those Alumni with limited mobility, and to tour the inner campus. It will also be available

ALUMNI REVIEWOlds College AlumniAssociation Boardof Directors 2009-2010

President Laurinda Parkinson ‘69

Vice PresidentJason Finnigan ‘01 Past PresidentSandra MacKinnon-Jahn ‘86

Honourary PresidentEdith Edge ‘51

TreasurerVacant

SecretaryGerry Coen ‘58

DirectorsJames Burns ‘67Glen Alred ‘58Curtis Miller ‘03John Perry ‘63Marjorie Brewin ‘59Joan (Sandra) Hanson ‘59

OCSA RepAndrew Corrigal Faculty RepLyle Statham

Olds College PresidentDr. H. J. (Tom) Thompson

to any Alumni who visit the campus at other times and want to have an exclusive tour. As well, the College will make use of this vehicle to transport other visitors as required on campus. Our logo will be on this Club Car to identify our sponsorship. There is a very definite need for these smaller vehicles, and if any Alumni would like to assist the Association in purchasing a second club car by making a donation, please contact a member for details.

This year we are looking for 3 new Directors to join our Board. If there is anyone who is interested in working with the OCAA, we would be more than pleased to hear from you and forward an application to you. Contact anyone on the Board for further information.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurinda Parkinson, OCAA President

Welland George Bennett Class of 1968, Agriculture------- -------- --------Ewart McDonald, Class of 1946, Agriculture 2 in 1------- -------- --------Carole Norman (Braton), Class of 1950, Home Economics ------- -------- --------Howard RasmussenClass of 1944, Agriculture 2 in 1------- -------- --------Lewis James Callahan Class of 1952, AgricultureRichard Graham

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Class of 1949, Agriculture------- -------- --------Bob PoyntonClass of 1949, Agriculture 2 in 1------- -------- --------Leonard Arnold Class of 1959, Agriculture 2 in 1------- -------- --------Frederick John Perkins Class of 1942, Agriculture 2 in 1

Got a Story?

We need your help collecting stories about Olds College! There are so many great things that have occurred as a result of Olds College and its’ students and we’d appreciate your help finding out stories we don’t know about yet!

Whether it’s a success story of a graduate, a great story of a student experience or how Olds College has contributed to our community, province and/or nation, we’d love you to tell us. Simply go to www.oldscollege.ca/story and submit your content.

These stories will be utilized as we prepare for our 100th anniversary and supplement the great stories we tell in magazines like Horizons. We look forward to hearing from you!

Lambs bring levity to Seniors

Residents of Mountain View Seniors’ Housing got a unique visit when students brought down several lambs for viewing and petting. According to Gloria Ulry, an Olds College Instructor, the visit was part of a class assignment where students participated in a team project of their choosing to demonstrate an ability to communicate in groups and teams.

“One group arranged to take the baby lambs down to the lodge to visit the seniors,” said Ulry. “I am so proud of this group. They have been excellent ambassadors for the College.”

Praise for the students’ efforts was high in a letter from Tiffany Boyd, Mountain View Seniors’ Housing Activity Coordinator. “Our residents loved the college students coming in with the baby lambs,” said Boyd. “It was great! The students were very friendly and patient.” Boyd added that similar visits from the College would be most welcome in the future.

Dr. Tom Thompson named President of PIN

Dr. Tom Thompson, Olds College President, was named President of the Post-secondary International Network (PIN) at the organization’s April meeting in Hawaii. PIN provides an international forum for studying critical issues that affect post-secondary education and improve curricula to prepare students to live in a global society. The PIN Conference in 2011 will be held in Canada, hosted by three Alberta institutions; SAIT, NAIT and Olds College. The presidents of these three institutions made a presentation to the 2010 delegates, showcasing highlights of the upcoming program.

Olds College to participate in Project Hero Scholarship initiative

Joining over two dozen Canadian institutions that will supply post-secondary education for the children of fallen soldiers, Olds College is proud to announce its participation in Project Hero. The initiative, co-founded by Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Reed and retired General Rick Hillier, provides support to the sons and daughters of Canadian military killed while serving in an active mission.

“This is a highly commendable initiative and we could not be more pleased to be part of it,” said Dr. Tom Thompson, Olds College President. “Over the 97 years that we have been an institution, many of our faculty and most distinguished alumni have given their time and, in some cases, their lives, in military service to Canada. Providing a sound education to the children of fallen soldiers is one of the most fitting ways we can think of to say thank you.”

Beginning in September 2010, Olds College will provide a tuition waiver to students meeting Project Hero eligibility. This waive, equivalent to full tuition and course fees for each semester of study, can be used towards the completion of a Certificate, Diploma, and/or Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree to a maximum of eight academic semesters. Students must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 to remain eligible for the award.

More information on Project Hero can be found at www.projecthero.ca.

For more information about eligibility and to apply for Project Hero, students should contact Jeff Suderman, Director, Student Recruitment at (403) 556-4757 or jsuderman@oldscollege.ca.

Hall of Fame Winner Announced One of the highlights of the Olds College Alumni Reunion is always the announcement of a new Alumni Hall of Fame Winner. This year’s winner is David Cormack.

Cormack was born in Lacombe, AB in 1928 and graduated from the Olds College School of Agriculture in 1947. In the 63 years since he graduated, he has continued to be an enthusiastic promoter of the College and made several significant contributions in the public forum. He has been an Alumni Class agent and President of the Alumni Association.

In 1960, Cormack began a teaching a career that would see him eventually become the head of Calgary and Region Educational Television, which was later absorbed into ACCESS (Alberta Communication Centre for Educational Systems and Services). He remained in the television sector until 1975 and then taught for the Calgary Board of Education until 1993. In 1987, he received an Order of Merit for his outstanding dedication to education within the Calgary Board of Education.

His contributions during his extracurricular time have also been too numerous to mention in entirety. Among many tasks, he has canvassed for organizations such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Breast Cancer Foundation. Cormack has also been extremely active within St. Peter’s Anglican Church and contributed to groups such as Primates World Relief. 9

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The Olds College Alumni Association’s first Jeans and Jackets dinner and dance was, by all accounts, a major success. On April 10, alumni and friends gathered at the Alumni Centre for a meal of roast pork and roast beef with all the trimmings, silent and live auctions, and dancing to a mix of country and rock and roll classics played by the Al Barrett Band. The event helped raise just under $20,000 for the Olds College Opportunities Fund, which helps Olds College respond to opportunities for students and faculty, awards and research, and campus enhancement.

“It’s always great to see so many people having a good time,” said Brett Humphries, Olds College Alumni Relations Officer. “The fact that we

could reunite old friends, bring awareness to the Alumni Association and raise money to help benefit the campus made it even better.”

This year’s event also coincided with the 40th Anniversary of Olds College’s Agricultural Mechanics program. Numerous “Ag Mech” alumni came out to join their classmates and friends and share in the evening’s festivities.

Preparations for next year’s Jeans & Jackets Dinner and Dance are already underway, and the organizing committee encourages you to mark May 14, 2011 on your calendar. Anyone interested in helping to make the 2011 Jeans & Jackets Dinner and Dance a success are invited to contact Olds College Alumni Relations at 403-556-4748 or alumni@oldscollege.ca.

Denise Rice of the Olds Ag Society was presented with the First Annual Administrative Professional Recognition Award in April at Administrative Professionals Day at the Olds and District Chamber of Commerce Staff/Employee Appreciation Luncheon.

Rice is a graduate of the program, and was selected for her attitude of service, being knowledgeable and contributing positively to the culture of the company. She received a gift basket valued at $100. The award was financed by Olds College Office Administration students taking on work through the College’s Write 2 Type program.

L to R Admin winner Lauren Norseworthy, President of Olds College Office Admin Club and Densie Rice, winner.

Good times dancing.

Al Barret Band rocks that night.

Olds Ag and visiting Danish Ag students.

Denise Rice wins Administrative

Assistant‘s Award

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On May 8, Graduates from the 2010 Olds College Groom Training and Exercise Rider and Jockey Training Programs gathered at Northlands Park in Edmonton. “Our race track programming graduation is becoming a bigger and bigger event every year. This year we had about 120 guests attend the ceremony at Northlands,” said Dalin Bullock, Chair of the College’s School of Agriculture. “This is the eighth graduation of the Certified Racetrack Groom Training Program and the fifth graduation of the Certified Exercise Rider and Jockey Program. The graduates of these programs have made a significant contribution to the horse race industry within Alberta and beyond.”

Bullock also credits the foresight of Horse Racing Alberta for creating a vision that training will assist in the advancement of the horse racing industry and, with many alumni working in the industry today, this vision has come true. “Olds College has had the privilege to develop and deliver these programs from their inception,” said Bullock. “And we look forward to offering these very successful programs in the future.”

The 2010 Groom Training Program graduating class poses with Assistant Instructor Nicole Pulu.

Race Track Graduation

Olds College Futsal becomes part of ACACWith the 2010-2011 season fast approaching, the Olds College Broncos Futsal program has joined the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). In seasons past, the Futsal program had been part of the Alberta College Athletics League (ACAL). Futsal, for the uninitiated, is essentially indoor soccer as sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body of soccer.

“The ACAC is where the big dogs play. It is probably the strongest conference in Canada in terms of college athletics,” says Greg Lendvay, Director of Old College Health and Wellness Services. “Both the organization, and the competition it will expose our athletes to, is that much stronger.”

Lendvay says joining the ACAC brings many advantages to the College, its students, and the surrounding community. Not only will it bolster the College’s reputation in athletic circles, playing among contemporaries such as SAIT and Mt. Royal University, will bring heightened exposure to the brand new state-of-the-art facilities just recently opened as part of the Community Learning Campus.

The league change also brings greater potential exposure for Olds College athletes, particularly those hailing from a rural background. Rural communities generally pay close attention to where their top athletes are and take great pride as they witness their progress.

“As well, this helps engage our athletic alumni,” says Lendvay. “As we move on to new, publicly visible successes with the Broncos Athletics program, they can look back and be proud of their own accomplishments and time they spent here.”

The Olds College Broncos Futsal program is currently recruiting for the 2010-2011 season.

Futsal Player of Broncos Womens 09’, Cali Seater.

ContinuingEducation

Doingmoreofwhatyoulove!

www.oldscollege.ca/ce 1-800-661-6537

Get a copy of the Fall/Winter 2010 Continuing Education Calendar!Call now or check our website

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When you have finished reading this issue of Olds College Horizons,

please pass it along to a friend or recycle it. Thank you.

Check out www.oldscollege.ca for more details on these and other Olds College stories.

We’d like to hear from you!Please send us your comments, stories or suggestions for future articles. Let us know how we’re doing! Olds College Horizons is published four times per year by the Office of Advancement. Please email Rick Overwater roverwater@oldscollege.ca, fax (403) 556-4704 or write 4500-50 Street Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6.

July 18 - 23, 2010Hort Week

August 9-13, 2010Fun ‘n Skills Camp

September 15, 2010Fall Harvest Golf Classic

October 15, 2010Program Preview Day- Come discover ALL of our programs

October 29, 2010Program Preview Day- Animals & Agriculture Programs

Coming Events

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Volume 3, Number 4Publication mail agreement:40010029

Submissions may be edited for content and length.

Olds College Horizons is published four times per year by the Office of Advancement. We welcome comments, letters and suggestions for stories. Please email Rick Overwater roverwater@oldscollege.ca,fax 403-556-4704 or write 4500-50 Street, Olds, Alberta, T4H 1R6

Editor: Rick Overwater, Communications Coordinator

Publisher: Shannon Northey, Manager of Development & Corporate Communications

Design: Myriah Reed, Graphic Design and Multimedia Coordinator

Print: Calgary Colorpress

Facility Renewal and Upgrading Project makes Significant ProgressLast summer, Olds College was pleased to announce that combined federal-provincial government funding was being awarded to Olds College through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP). These funds, totaling $6.836 million, were earmarked for the college’s facility renewal and upgrading requirements, to address a backlog of deferred maintenance projects throughout instructional and administrative buildings, while preventing further facility deterioration and increased future costs.

Currently, infrastructure restorations in 14 of the College’s buildings are now in the design stage. Construction work in all of the facilities will continue through

the summer months. The project scope includes upgrades to the following mechanical and electrical systems in the buildings listed below:

Campus Facilities Agricultural MechanicsLand ScienceLand Science GreenhouseDuncan MarshallAnimal ScienceIndustrial Training CentreLearning Resource CentreAlumni CentreEquine Science ArenaBeef CentreGrounds ShopFarm ShopCompost Centre

In the event that the students are not able to make their way over to Canada, Olds College will donate the proceeds to an educational organization in Haiti.

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2 minutes of yourmorning commute.

5 minutes on a treadmill.

15 minutes of walking with a friend.

To a Haitian student, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

What is a mile worth to you?Olds College is looking for your help. We are raising money to fly 3 promising Haitian students to Olds to attend the 8 month Office Administration Program in the Fall.

Olds College will be paying for their tuition. We just need your help getting them here, and a few other scholastic costs.

The distance is 3285 miles, at $5 a mile you can easily make it happen.

For more information please phone 403-556-8232. Please send donations

via ‘buy a mile’ at Olds College. Cheques can be made payable to Olds

College. 4500-50 Street Olds, Alberta Canada T4H 1R6.