Student excellence and donor generosity was celebrated on Wednesday, March 21 at the Olds College Night of Distinction. The Olds College Alumni Centre was filled with student award winners and donors, as students paid tribute to the supporters who donate to student awards, facilities, and programs.
The evening included a number of presentations to outstanding students, including The Students’ Association of Olds College Awards:
- Outstanding Contribution to Olds College Students by a Student: Martina Holtkamp
- Student Club of the Year: Animal Health Club
- Ian Hall Outstanding Staff/Faculty Member: Kurt Spady
- Business of the Year: Wildrose Medical Clinic
- Outstanding Student Board of Directors Member: Ethan Williams
- Olds College Alumni Association Good Samaritan Award: Juanita Dieleman
The evening was highlighted by the presentation of the recipients of the new Bob Collier Award. The Bob Collier Award is allocated to five returning students enrolled full-time at Olds College in any program that is two years or longer in duration. Recipients must portray excellence in innovation, creativity and an entrepreneurial aptitude in relation to the farming and agriculture sector. Each recipient is awarded $6,000, with five recipients selected every year.
57 students applied for the Bob Collier Award with lengthy essay proposals outlining a project that meets the award requirements. Of those 57, ten students were invited to present to a panel on their proposal, and five were selected as the inaugural Bob Collier Award recipients:
- Allana Beuermann (Bachelor of Applied Science, Agribusiness) - VCS Calf Feeding System
- Shawn Chenard (Agricultural Management - Production) - Self Leveling Grain Auger
- Emma Hanchuk (Equine Science – Breeding and Production ) – Mare Lactation Induction
- Simon Kouwenberg (Bachelor of Applied Science, Agribusiness) - Tillage Depth Control
- Brooklyn McDonald (Animal Health Technology) - Hemp Bedding
Olds College donors and partners who entered a new level of giving to the College were also recognized at the event.
The evening closed with the presentation of a cheque totaling $2,517 from Olds College President Stuart Cullum to Students’ Association of Olds College President Cassidy Kirsch. The funds were raised for the Student Emergency Bursary Fund by College staff at the Executive Office Staff Christmas Social this past December. This fund goes to helping students overcome unexpected financial hardships.
View the Night of Distinction Photo Gallery
Olds College would like to thank all of our donors and partners for their contributions to student success, and congratulate all 438 Olds College student award winners.
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