Serving our community of students, alumni & friends

Dec 2009

Equine Students put on a show to express their appreciation for the new Equine CentrePg 3

Coming Events 2 3 Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation Grand Opening

CLC’s Green Roofs part of Sustainable Landscaping 11 Christmas flower

sales contribute to new home for less fortunate

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On a campus known for beautiful, innovative gardening and lush plant growth, it’s interesting to note that some of the College’s newest contributions to landscaping and horticulture are several metres above the ground where you can’t easily see them. Currently, the Community Learning Campus’ soon-to-be-opened Core High School and Health and Wellness Centre, along with the Fine Arts and Multi Media Centre are host to several test plots as the College’s School of Environment investigates the viability of specific Green Roof plant varieties.

The Green Roof concept is part of Canada’s emerging Sustainable Landscape movement. By building a roof from appropriate construction material and covering it with the correct vegetation, numerous financial and environmental benefits can be achieved. A Green Roof lasts two to three times as long as a conventional roof, dampens sounds within a building, reduces inside and outside ambient temperatures during summer months and filters the surrounding air. It also manages storm water runoff, filters water and supports food production and biodiversity.

Gord Koch, a Landscape Management Instructor in the College’s School of Environment, says that significant headway has been made in the development of roofing membrane systems for Green Roofs. “Areas where ongoing research continues to grow is in plant material and growing media,” said Koch. “Which is where Olds College and the School of Environment come into play. Our unique climactic conditions, such as winter chinook winds and low precipitation rates during the growing season, are factors in determining which plants will adapt to Green Roof applications within Central Alberta’s Zone 2 growing region.”

It’s important to note, added Koch, that growing conditions change dramatically from the ground to 10 or 30 metres above grade. Some of the plants being tested include Woodland Strawberry, Kinnikinnick, Purple Hen & Chicks to name a few. With the assistance of Kim Wickwire, Olds College Production Horticulture Instructor and $15,000 in combined funding from the Olds College School of Innovation and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, these plants are being tested in two growing media compositions at different soil depths. The sites have wireless transmission solar-powered weather stations that record temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, precipitation and evapotranspiration.

“This subject area has been incorporated into our new curriculum and taught at the diploma and applied degree level to Landscape Management students,” said Koch, adding that much of the knowledge being gained on this front is now being utilized in major cities. Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary lead the nation in Green Roof square footage, respectively. “It’s an ongoing process when it comes to the whole Green Roof movement and it won’t be long before you see one of these in a neighbourhood near you.”

Olds College is already gearing up for this year’s Gala, on Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Olds College Alumni Centre.

We are proud to announce that this year’s Student Ambassadors are Gregory Borduzak and Kaycee Lunde. The name of the College’s official Partner of the Year will be announced in early 2010.

Every year, this definitive annual Olds College event draws numerous luminaries ranging from regional business leaders to government officials including ministers and the premier.

Tickets will go on sale January 4th. For further information please contact Judy Edwards, Special Events Coordinator, at jedwards@oldscollege.ca or 403.556.4749.

CLC goes green on top

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Traditionally, Olds College’s Equine Science Program has always received more applicants than there is space. The new, larger centre, featuring indoor livestock labs and multifaceted Equine Reproduction Centre (to name just a fraction of its features) will allow the College to double the number of students in Equine-related programs. The end result will be more students who are better equipped to enter the workplace, and new crops of leading graduates for the equine industry.

Funding for this $9 Million centre came from the Government of Alberta through the larger 2009 Capital Vision Campaign. A testament to the value Olds College’s supporters place upon real-life, hands-on education, it has benefitted both students and the industries that need them through the creation of state-of-the art facilities such as the Community Learning Campus and the Botanic Gardens and Treatment Wetlands.

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The weather outside may have been cold on December 8, but it was warm and comfortable inside as key government officials joined approximately 200 invited guests to celebrate the grand opening of the Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation (CECI) and 2009 Report to the Community. The event also marked the official naming of the Shirley McClellan Riding Arena and Olds College’s conclusion of its 2009 Capital Vision Campaign – which successfully raised over $32 Million for vital new learning facilities such as the CECI and several others.

Following a brief introduction by Jordan Cleland, Olds College Vice President of Advancement, the Hon. Doug Horner, Alberta Minister of Advanced Education and Technology took the stage. He spent several minutes detailing a close working partnership between the College and Provincial government and praising the efforts of College staff, faculty and students.

Bill Quinney, Olds College Board of Governors Chair, briefly spoke after Horner and then Shirley McClellan took the stage, sharing a few words prior to the official naming of the arena. A plaque dedicating the arena in McClellan’s name was then unveiled.

“This is an event of great significance to both the Canadian Equine Industry and the province of Alberta and we think it couldn’t be more fitting

Olds College opens national equine centre, dedicates Shirley McClellan Riding Arena

to honour Shirley McClellan this way,” said Dr. Tom Thompson, Olds College President. “During a storied career that has seen her in the roles of Provincial Treasurer, Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Deputy Premier and today, the Chair of Horse Racing Alberta, she has been an unabashed proponent of rural education. We are honoured to name this magnificent new structure the Shirley McClellan Riding Arena.”

After the presentation, a student equine demonstration, ribbon-cutting and tours of the new cutting-edge facility took place. Throughout

the official program, dignitaries shared elements from Olds College’s 2009 Report to the Community.

The Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation is now the definitive national centre for innovation incorporating leading-edge expertise, facilities, technology and applied research to provide unique human resource solutions for the equine industry. More than 750,000 Canadians work in this $15.7 Billion industry and the need for a centralized curriculum that can be applied nationwide is stronger than ever. In a recent study, a range of student needs from business viability and sustainability education to environmental stewardship awareness to genetic improvement and breeding training were identified.

“I applaud your focus on increasing access to learning opportunities, meeting industry demand for training and keeping up with the fast pace of innovation within technology,” said Horner. The minister also complimented the College regarding the Capital Vision Campaign, successful in part due to financial support from the Alberta government. “We know this investment will yield long-term benefits to students, taxpayers, and society,” Hon. Doug Horner

Dalin Bullock, Chair, Olds College School of Agriculture, Claire May, Olds College student, Hon. Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, Shirley McClellan, Chair, Horse Racing Alberta, and Bill Quinney, Chair of the Olds College Board of Governors, cut the rope to officially open the Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation.

Shirley McClellan poses for a photo in the new Stabling.

Olds College Students gave riding demonstrations during event.

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Government of Canada invests In Botanic Gardens and WetlandsOlds College is receiving $2.6 million to complete the Botanic Gardens and Treatment Wetlands on College land through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a funding program under Canada’s Economic Action Plan to encourage local job creation. The announcement for this funding happened on December 4, less than two months after the project’s official ground breaking ceremony and the presentation of a cheque for $490,700 by David Poppitt of Westcreek Developments.

The federal funding will cover more than half of the project’s total $4.768-million price tag. The Province of Alberta has matched a portion of the dollars already generated through Olds College’s fund raising campaign to cover the remainder of the costs.

“The Botanic Gardens and Treatment Wetlands project at Olds College is an excellent example of the positive effects our government’s Economic Action Plan is having in communities across Canada,” said Blake Richards, the Member of Parliament for Wild Rose, who joined Olds College president Dr. Tom Thompson and board members to announce the federal funding.

“Not only will this project create local jobs and help stimulate the area economy during a time of recession, it will also leave a lasting environmental legacy that will benefit the community for years to come. I am very pleased to be able to deliver these funds for a worthwhile project that will create employment while providing a natural laboratory for environmental research,” Richards said. The College is currently creating a six-acre wetlands area on its lands that will treat grey water while also providing an outdoor laboratory for research into wetlands’ ability to purify grey water. This project is the first of its kind in Alberta and is expected to give researchers insight into the usefulness of plants and water features as a natural means of cleansing grey waters runoff.

As part of the project, a public botanic gardens park will be planted on the 12 acres of land comprising the Botanic Gardens and Treatment Wetlands, providing Olds College students with a second outdoor lab to study and experiment with perennial plants and trees.

“We are extremely excited to see the last pieces of this project fall into place and we are very grateful for the hard work of our M.P., Blake Richards,” said Dr. Tom Thompson, Olds College President. “This investment not only ensures the completion of our Botanic Gardens and Wetland project, it will help usher in a new area of scientific research that benefits all Albertans while providing better trained graduates for a wide variety of industries.”

The Government of Canada has made major investments in Olds College this year. In July, the college received $2.9 million in federal funding for a comprehensive infrastructure renewal project at the 96-year-old campus. And in May, the college received $500,000 to complete overdue roof repairs to facilities. Three months prior to that, the federal government had announced that, through its College and Community Innovation program, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) was committing $2.3 million to the Olds College School of Innovation’s Biodiesel Production, Alternative Feedstocks and Commercial Adoption program.

The grants bring the total of recent federal government investments in the institution to $8.3 million this year, while supporting environmental research and preparing the college to meet the demands of current and future growth.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the national economy over the next two years and to improve the country’s long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $1-billion Community Adjustment Fund. The CAF will provide an economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in and around communities that have experienced significant job losses and lack alternative

Capital Vision Campaign: It’s a Wrap! 5

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Smiles all around for this years Fall Golf Classic

Landscape Pavilion “The Landscape Pavilion here at Olds College is one of those attributes that makes us unique. It is not just any institution who can offer students a warm, safe environment to learn their trade during the cold, bitter months. Olds College is that place, where solutions to weather barriers are just a common, day-to-day luxury and I am so proud that we have had the support from industry, government and private donors to make this possible.”

– Jack Berggren, Olds College School of Environment

Botanic Gardens & Treatment Wetlands “The Botanic Gardens and Treatment Wetlands will provide students with an outdoor lab to study and experiment with perennial plants and trees as well as investigate the dynamic nature of the aquatic environment. It will also be a place to conduct applied research into the use of constructed wetlands for the treatment of domestic, agricultural and industrial wastewater. Ultimately, we will also be able to drought-proof our campus and create healthy green ecological environments to be enjoyed by our community and all Albertans.”

– Dr. Abimbola Abiola, Chair, Olds College School of Innovation

Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation “The college’s reputation in equine training has brought students from across Canada, making us the largest trainer in the country. The Canadian Equine Centre of Innovation will position Olds College as the national leader in equine training and will have a tremendous impact on the education of future students. With additional facilities created by the new centre, it will allow significant growth and innovation in programming over the next five years. The expansion has already started with the introduction of our new Equestrian Coaching and Business and Event Management majors and the Fall of 2010 will see the Advanced Farrier Science Program move from a one year certificate to a two year diploma. In addition, this increased capacity will allow significant enhancement to equine continuing education on campus and across the country.”

– Dalin Bullock, Chair, Olds College School of Agriculture

Bell e-Learning Centre and Fine Arts & Multi Media Centre (Community Learning Campus) “Since we opened the Fine Arts and Multi Media Centre in February, the facility has been a beacon of activity for high school and college students as well as a multitude of users from various community groups in Central Alberta. The fact that it was chosen as only one of five flagship sites for Alberta Arts Days in September is testimony for the added value we are bringing to the community in terms of arts and culture via the Community Learning Campus.

Regarding the Bell e-Learning Centre, ever since we opened it back in October 2008, we have utilized state of the art technology and the SuperNet to provide quality educational opportunities for rural Albertans. On any one day we have Olds High School students taking Physics 30 via video conference with students in Cremona. That same day Olds College students are taking a GIS class in the dual computer lab classrooms. Finally a local community group has the Excite Room booked for a planning session. Our vision for the Community Learning Campus is clearly taking hold.”

–Kerry Moynihan, Executive Director, Community Learning Campus

Olds High School and Health and Wellness Facility (Community Learning Campus) “I truly believe that the new, soon-to-be-opened Olds High School and Health and Wellness building will become a symbol of the unity of our community. The idea that more can be gained by sharing spaces is becoming evident as each of the Community Learning Campus facilities are opened.”

–Tom Christensen, Principal, Olds High School

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We’ve finished off our Capital Vision Campaign with huge success! Stay tuned to see the great things made

possible for Olds College and the community, thanks to the generosity and vision of our supporters.

Dear Olds College Alumni,

As the end of 2009 draws near, we look back and reflect on the events of this past year. While 2009 was an eventful year, one event in particular truly affected each and every one of us: the economic recession. After navigating perhaps the largest recession in several decades, we now need your support more than ever as we strive to maintain Olds College as the world renowned institution it has become.

A gift to the Olds College Opportunities Fund is an opportunity to grow Olds College’s capacity and impact the future of its students. It is a gift that will support the enhancement of student experiences in fundamental ways. Your gift ensures that every Olds College learner benefits from ongoing curriculum renewal that allows us to keep pace with industry standards and technology. It guarantees they have access to faculty who deliver innovative education as well as access to leading technology through operating resources made available because of the Olds College Opportunities Fund. Your Impact

An investment in the Olds College Opportunities Fund allows you to impact the lives of more than 1300 students annually across all academic programs. The Opportunities Fund will enable us to achieve a number of milestones that will significantly enhance student success and contribute to the development of highly skilled graduates.

An investment in Olds College is an investment in students, in rural Alberta and in the economy. Your gift to the Olds College Opportunities Fund provides the practical tools needed by graduates to enter the workforce and make an immediate and positive impact locally, provincially and nationally. Remember, by combining the power of the many and the power of the committed, we can achieve success beyond our wildest dreams. To quote Mother Teresa,

“No act of charity is ever too small.”

We need you, our alumni who understand the enduring value of Olds College, more than ever. We need your help to get your college through these tough economic times. By contributing yourself, as well as encouraging others to contribute, you help ensure that Olds College is there for our sons, daughters and grandchildren. As an added incentive, all donors who donate $250.00 or more will receive an Olds College windbreaker.

In closing, I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and joyous holiday season. To quote one of our alumni:

“In my life, I needed some help and stability. Olds College gave me the support to succeed. If I didn’t go to Olds College,I wouldn’t have made it. I always thought that if I ever have sufficient funds, I’m going to donate to the school.”- Ernest Damkar, Alumni Donor, Olds College Class of 1951

Sincerely,

Dr. Tom Thompson Laurinda Parkinson, PresidentPresident & CEO, Olds College Olds College Alumni Association

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Our last General meeting was on November 16, 2009 and some good discussion took place. We have carefully reviewed the surveys we received after last summer’s Reunion and the Reunion Committee is considering all of the suggestions and criticisms received.

Our Casino in October went very well. We do not know our proceeds at this point, but we had excellent volunteers working with us. Curtis Miller and Jason Finnigan worked their first Casino for us and enjoyed the experience. Several Alumni members graciously gave their time to help as well as Friends of Alumni. We thank all of you for your enthusiastic help.

An Alumni E-newsletter was initiated November 6 to those Alumni who have e-mail addresses registered with OCAA. We hope that those who received it found it interesting, and feedback is most welcome. If you would like to receive this E-newsletter, please contact Brett Humphries, Alumni Officer or update your contact info on the College website.

The OCAA Directors have been discussing our Class Agent program and are always looking for Alumni to work with the Alumni Association

ALUMNI REVIEWOlds College AlumniAssociation Boardof Directors 2008-2009

President Laurinda Parkinson ‘69

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

Honourary PresidentEdith Edge ‘51

TreasurerTodd Morrison ‘01

SecretaryGerry Coen ‘58

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

OCSA RepAndrew Corrigal Faculty RepJason Switzer

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

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

Dunham, Agnes Sherman Home Economics, 1937 ------- -------- --------Hinman, Willard “Bill” Cook Agriculture 2 in 1, 1940 ------- -------- --------West, GrantHorticulture, 1973 ------- -------- --------

Elliot, DelbertAgriculture, 1938------- -------- --------White, James “Jim”Agriculture 2 in 1, 1959------- -------- --------Kolody, Walter Agriculture 2 in 1, 1959------- -------- --------

Jensen, LynnOlds College Rodeo Coach, 2004 - 2007------- -------- --------Alwast, GuntherOlds College Mechanic, 1978-1991------- -------- --------Mitchell, Duncan Agriculture, 1940------- -------- --------

Tragedy struck the family of a young alumnus in November when Shalagh Aebig, a Fashion Marketing Major, Class of 2008, sustained head injuries during a fall. Aebig was walking home from her job at Holt Renfrew in Calgary when she slipped on some ice and fell. Despite medical assistance, she succumbed to her injuries at a hospital and passed away on Nov. 29.

“Shalagh was always dressed fashionably, walked quickly yet gracefully and always offered words of support to her colleagues and classmates. She was the perfect student Chair for our Rock-a-Billy fashion show as she was organized, truly got a long with everyone, was a great networker and professional beyond her years,” said Anne Blackburn, Olds College Fashion Marketing Coordinator and Instructor. “If you said something well, or came up with a good idea, Shalagh would hold her hands together and say ‘I love it!’ It made you feel good to get her approval. She graced the halls of the college like a little ball of sunshine and all the staff appreciated her positive energy.”

Shalagh was born on Nov 10, 1982 in Calgary at Foothills Hospital, the first of triplet sisters. Condolences may be emailed to meghanaebig@hotmail.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter in Shalagh’s honour at www.calgarywomensshelter.com.

in maintaining contact with their classmates to promote continuing involvement with the College. The Directors will be reviewing this committee in the near future and if there is anyone interested in participating in this program, we would like to hear from you.

One project that I have undertaken recently is the updating of our Directors Handbook. The biggest part of the project has been to update the lists of motions made in General Executive Meetings and AGM’s since 1997! I have found many interesting items in this reading material, and am pleased to say that I have reviewed all of the General Meeting minutes. Only the AGM minutes are left for review.

As I write this I am curled up by the fireplace watching the Grey Cup on TV – what an exciting finish to the game! Less than a month now until the Christmas season is upon us. From the OCAA Directors as well as myself, I would like to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday Season, and may 2010 be a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous year for you all.

Respectfully submitted,Laurinda ParkinsonPresident, OCAA

Aebig, ShalaghFashion Marketing Major, 2008

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The Olds College Alumni Association wishes togive special recognition to Alumni or former CollegeStaff who have distinguished themselves by makingsignificant contributions to the College and/or theirchosen vocation. Their contribution may range fromthe local community to international in scope, butmust be outstanding in quality. Normally, these con-tributions will be those “over and above” that whichwould be expected of regular employment or jobfunction.

The Hall of Fame provides permanent recognition,including a photograph and the achievements ofeach award recipient. A special Hall of Fame AwardReception is held at the annual Summer Reunion inJuly. The 60 Alumni honoured in the Hall of Famecan be viewed on the lower level of the LearningResource Centre on campus. A maximum of twoawards are given each year, and only theliving are considered for induction, except underexceptional circumstances.

Nominations for the Hall of Fame may be submittedto the Alumni Office anytime; however, the SelectionCommittee meets only once a year. Nominators arerequested to provide detailedinformation in each of the following categoriesto assist the Committee in its evaluation of eachnomination. Names, addresses and phone numbersfor both nominee and nominator(s) should also beincluded.

For the benefit of the Selection Committee, pleaseprovide and organize information about the nomineeusing the following headings (add any additionalinformation you feel is relevant):

CONTRIBUTION TO OLDS COLLEGE(other than financial)

• Through Alumni Association, Advisory Committees,Board of Governors, Olds College Office ofAdvancement, hiring/recommending graduates,ambassadorship, promotion of the College, volun-teerism, etc.

CONTRIBUTION TO LOCALORGANIZATIONS

• Related to chosen vocation, such as those for thebetterment of farming or agriculture if career isagriculturally related.

• Leadership volunteerism in local community.

PROVINCIAL CONTRIBUTION(or NATIONAL, or INTERNATIONAL)

• Leadership positions held and/or contributions toorganizations.

CONTRIBUTION WITHINCHOSEN VOCATION

• Whether in farming, research, education,horticulture, business, homemaking, etc.

• Accomplishments

• Quality of contribution is important.

CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY

• Other than to career and organizations related tocareer, e.g. community, family, church, service orga-nizations.

Deadline for nominations is March 31 each year.Send your nominations to:

Olds College Alumni Association4500 50th StreetOlds, AB T4H 1R6

Toll Free: (800) 661-OLDS Ext. 7952Phone (403) 507-7952Fax (403) 556-4754E-mail alumniassociation@oldscollege.caCourier Room 721, LRC, Olds College

Olds College Alumni AssociationHALL OF FAME AWARDApplication

Olds College again played a part in the second annual Olds Fashioned Festival of Trees, held on November 27 this year in the Community Learning Campus’ Fine Arts and Multimedia Centre (FAMMC ).

Contributing a tree that embodied 2009’s Olds College Gala theme, ‘There’s a Future in our Past’, it drew visually from the College’s connection with the Equine industry. It ultimately sold for $500, contributing to this year’s gross total of $14, 700. Last year’s total was $12,000. Like last year, this year’s funds will be split with 60% supporting Olds Fashioned Christmas and 40% the TransCanada Theatre within the Fine Arts and Multi Media Centre.

Despite the unpleasant weather outside, Bonnie Giles, Co-Chair of the Olds Fashioned Christmas along with Bibianne Munksgaard, says the event was a success. “I think it went very well,” said Giles. “Next year we hope to engage the community more but this is only our second year so overall we are every pleased.” Giles was quick to thank Olds College’s Business Services division for help during the event’s organization. She specifically thanked both the College’s Rachel Risi for acting as cashier, and community member Ben Fulkerth for serving as Artistic Director.

Festival of Trees fills Fine Arts and Multimedia Centre

One of the primary intentions behind The Olds Fashioned Festival of Trees is the nurturing of community spirit, achieved in part by being an integral part of Olds Fashioned Christmas in partnership with the Town of Olds, Olds College, Chinook’s Edge School Division and the Community Learning Campus.

Rosemary Currie decorates the Olds College tree entry for the Olds Fashioned Festival of Trees.

A colourful crop of poinsettias grown in an Olds College greenhouse will ultimately help yield a new home for someone in an impoverished country, thanks to the work of Miranda Elsby. Currently completing her second year as a Greenhouse Major in the College’s Production Horticulture Program, Elsby sold the poinsettias, as well as Christmas wreaths, from December 3 through the 16th at the local Staples store in Olds. Her goal this year is to raise $1700 to fund a Habitat for Humanity trip

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North American Energy Symposium a great successStaff and faculty from rural colleges across both Canada and the U.S gathered at the Community Learning Campus (CLC) on Olds College campus for a three-day symposium in November. Showcasing best practices in applied research related to energy, the North American Energy Symposium featured sessions on a variety of topics including bio-energy, solar, tidal, coal and wind power and the oil sands to name just a few.

“The Community Learning Campus and Olds College partnered closely to bring this event to our community,” said Kerry Moynihan, Executive Director of the Community Learning Campus. “Given the availability of a state-of-the-art centre such as the CLC and the innovative work being

conducted by the Olds College School of Innovation [OCSI], it made perfect sense to have such an event here and we were very proud to be part of it.”

Approximately 40 registrants from across North America were in attendance. Participants in the panel sessions include representatives from Shell Albian Sands, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, OCSI, The Kentucky Coal Academy and the Lethbridge College Alternative Energy Institute among several others. The keynote speech was delivered by John Rhind, Chief Operating Officer for Shell Albian Sands.

Closing remarks were delivered after an intimate lunch at the PaSu Farm near Carstairs, AB, by the Honourable Mel Knight, Alberta Minister of Energy. “Olds College is home to a number of bioenergy projects, including those related to biodiesel and gas,” said Knight. “We know that renewable and alternative energy will become a bigger part of our energy mix and we support the continued research and development of renewable energy and alternatives for fossil fuels.”

The symposium was presented by the Alliance of Rural Colleges, a partnership between the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Rural Community College Alliance and the Rural Policy Research Institute. Feedback from members of those organizations was nothing short of enthusiastic.

“Olds College and the CLC did an outstanding job of hosting the event. Their campus is magnificent, and an example of excellent energy programs,” said Dr. Randy Smith, President of the Rural Community College Alliance. “The innovation at our rural colleges never ceases to amaze me. Much work and effort went into the planning of this event and I extend a huge thank you to Kerry Moynihan, Bob Wilson [Olds College Vice President, Academic and Research] and all of the staff of Olds College and the CLC.”

Flower sales contribute to new home for less fortunate

to another country where she will help construct a home for a local family.

“I was in high school and I went on a Habitat for Humanity trip to Honduras,” says Elsby. “We built a house and ever since then I’ve wanted to give something to them.”

Her long range plans include returning to the dairy farm she is from near Mission,

B.C. and establishing cut flower greenhouses. Before then she hopes to travel with Habitat for Humanity to Madagascar. With plants and materials supplied by her instructor, Peter Johnston-Berresford, Elsby figures she is now well on her way to making the trip in the summer of 2010.

”It’s kind of a hard place to travel to,” she says, “But right now that’s the goal.”

Tanya McDonald, OCSI Research Scientist, leads Symposium attendees on a tour

Mirande Elsby (3rd from Left) Poses with Production Horticulture classmates.

Volume 3, Number 3Publication 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 Barr, Graphic Design and Multimedia Coordinator

Print: Calgary Colorpress

“I am continually proud of what our students accomplish on the behalf of people less fortunate,” said Cindy Easton, OCSA General Manager. “It demonstrates the kind of selfless spirit that makes our students and the OCSA a pleasure to work with.”

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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.

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.

Jan 15, 2010Preview Day Animals & Agriculture

January 29, 2010Annual Career Fair(Olds College School of Trades and Career Studies, along with the School of Environment, and the School of Business)

Feb 12, 2010Preview Day Horticulture & Land

March 12, 2010Growing the Legacy Gala

Mar 19, 2010Preview Day Trades, Business & Fashion April 10, 2010Open House May 2010GeoData Collection & Mapping Week June 19, 2010Graduation 2010

Coming Events

OCSA commended for fight against national hunger A national campaign to reduce local hunger drew significant support from Olds College students this past fall. From September 14 to October 16, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) relied on student associations across Canada to help organize and implement its FCC Drive Away Hunger program.

In Olds, the program was overseen by the Olds College Student Association (OCSA). On their behalf, members of the College’s Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Club canvassed the area and ultimately collected nearly 235 Kg (525 lbs.) of groceries, valued at approximately $2,756. The groceries were then donated to the Mountain View Food Bank Society.

Citing a 69% increase in the number of food hampers given out since 2008, the Food Bank sent an official thank-you

letter to the OCSA in October. “Job losses with few benefits plus the cost of children going back to school has caused pressure on many families with little or no savings,” said J. Harry Warne, Mountain View Food Bank Society Treasurer. “It is through the efforts of people like yourselves that a project such as the Food Bank is able to meet the needs of the County of Mountain View. Your thinking of the needs of the Food Bank is greatly appreciated.”

Following the completion of the campaign, FCC donated $1000 to the OCSA to help defray the cost of promoting and implementing the program. In total, FCC estimates that 1, 627, 617 lbs. of food were raised across the country for Canadian food banks.