An innate entrepreneurial spirit and tireless work ethic fueled Bob’s highly successful career, famously highlighted by his role in founding and growing Turbo Resources in the 1970s. Navigating the business landscape with remarkable adaptability, Bob and his late wife, Carole, went on to establish the Brawn Family Foundation. While much of their philanthropic work centered on Calgary, their vision for building stronger communities through health, education and sport successfully extended to Olds College.
The partnership between the College and the Brawn family began in 2012 with a generous $275,000 contribution from the Brawn Family Foundation. This transformative gift was designated for major upgrades to the South Riding Arena, renamed the Brawn Family Arena in 2012. The gift has allowed for a number of necessary upgrades to the arena, providing the Olds College Broncos Rodeo Team a home where they can practice weekly and hold events such as the Alumni Rodeo and Canadian College Rodeo Association (CCRA) sanctioned competitions.
Beyond investing in campus infrastructure, Bob and Carole ensured a lasting legacy of student support through the creation of the Brawn Family Foundation Award. This endowment honours two students annually who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community involvement and equine experience.
The first award winner must be a second year student in Veterinary Technology or Agriculture Management. Nominated by program instructors after their first year, the recipient receives an award of $2,500. The second award winner goes to a first-year student in Vet Medical Receptionist, Vet Tech Assistant, or Farrier Science who is a member of the Olds College Rodeo Team. Based on the same criteria, the winner receives $1,250, to support their educational journey
Olds College will remember Bob Brawn fondly and with enduring gratitude. His legacy will live on across our campus, within our arena, and in the lives of the student-athletes and leaders he chose to empower.