The Olds College community celebrated Convocation 2018 this past weekend, as hundreds of Olds College graduates crossed the stage. The students were led into the Ralph Klein Centre Gymnasium by a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Honour Guard, bagpiper and Agricultural Management instructor Luke Laurence, and dozens of administrators and instructors.
The 103rd Convocation Ceremony began with Master of Ceremonies Debbie Thompson celebrating the success of our 2018 Convocates, who have “demonstrated determination, hard work and intellect throughout their studies.”
The 2018 Valedictorian Address was given by Agricultural Management convocate and outgoing Students Association of Olds College Vice President of Communications Julia McCrae, where she commended her fellow students for their dedication and sacrifices, thanked instructors, family members and peers for investing and believing in them throughout their academic journeys.
Stuart Cullum was sworn in as the 13th President of Olds College in the official President’s Installation Ceremony. President Cullum took his oath of office, swearing to “carry out the duties and powers of the Office of the President, honour our heritage, live our values, and forge our future without fear or favour.” Mr. Cullum was selected as Olds College President after an extensive national executive search conducted by the Olds College Board of Governors. The Board appointed Cullum as Olds College’s 13th President on July 1, 2017.
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“Mr. Cullum brings a depth of experience and knowledge from the Agriculture industry and of the post-secondary system in Canada,” explained Board Chair Leona Staples. “He demonstrates passion for technology and in creating exceptional learning experiences for students. In his first 11 months on the job, Stuart has displayed vision, strategy, and compelling leadership among the college community, and with our community and industry partners.”
Following the installation ceremony, President Cullum delivered a message to the convocates. He urged them to maximize what they have learned at Olds College, and make positive changes in the world.
“People will tell you that you live in a world of constraints and that it is our job to operate with less,” Cullum asserted. “It is a trap to constrain you and your creativity. It will lessen your potential for impact. We don’t live in that world, we live in a world of abundance, change, and progress that is providing access to technology and resources once thought impossible.”
Convocation concluded with awards presentations, with awards presented by the Olds College Alumni Association, Faculty Association of Olds College, and President Stuart Cullum. Award winners include:
- Governor General's Academic Collegiate Bronze Medallion
Christopher Gatien, Land & Water Resources – Double Major in Environmental Stewardship and Rural Planning - Olds College Faculty Association Outstanding Student Award
Cassidy Kirsch, Agricultural Management - Olds College Alumni Association Proficiency Awards
Dana Hauck, Business Management; Jamie Kuzma, Agricultural Management, Finance Major - Alumni Association Graduation Award
Julia McCrae, Agricultural Management - Presidential Instructional Excellence Award
Laurie Newsham, Arboriculture Instructor
Congratulations to the Olds College Class of 2018!
