Each year, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology recognizes an organization that has made a significant contribution to the College, its students and the broader community through the Community Partner of the Year Award. This year, that honour goes to Bumper to Bumper, recognizing the organization’s exceptional and longstanding support of Olds College’s trades programs, students and campus community.
The award was presented during the College’s annual Strive and Thrive event for staff, where the entire campus community celebrated Bumper to Bumper’s ongoing commitment to helping students succeed and supporting the College’s hands-on learning environment.
Represented by local leader Rob Rhodes, Bumper to Bumper has built a strong relationship with Olds College over many years — one grounded in a shared commitment to students, skilled trades and the community.
“Bumper to Bumper has been an outstanding supporter of our trades and skills programs, our campus fleet and our student initiatives,” said Dennis Beaudoin, Dean of the School of Trades & Skills. “They demonstrate a deep, hands-on commitment to our learners and our broader community.”
Bumper to Bumper’s support goes far beyond traditional sponsorship. The organization has consistently looked for practical ways to help students have the tools and resources they need to succeed in their programs and prepare for their careers.
For years, Bumper to Bumper has provided universal student discounts and donated a high-quality toolbox each year to a full-time Olds College student. In 2024, that support grew with the donation and discounted supply of premium international toolboxes, helping ensure students have access to professional-grade equipment as they prepare to enter the skilled trades workforce.
Bumper to Bumper has also provided critical support for the College’s facilities. During recent campus renovations, the organization offered discounted pricing on eight toolboxes and supplied essential Tech 1000 tools for the new welding area — directly contributing to the development of a modern, well-equipped learning environment.
The organization has also supported international trades students through tooling programs, helping remove a practical barrier and ensuring learners have the equipment they need to participate fully in their coursework.
For Rhodes, the partnership is about more than providing products. It is about being there when opportunities arise to help.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the partnership with the College is the actual relationship,” says Rhodes. “It’s about looking for opportunities to help. We work with vehicles and facilities management on a daily basis, and it’s great to be a part of that — just helping problem solve. It’s what we do.”
That spirit of collaboration is what has made the relationship between Bumper to Bumper and Olds College so meaningful. Accepting the award, Rhodes expressed his appreciation for the recognition and the strong relationship that has developed between Bumper to Bumper and Olds College staff over the years.
“To receive this award, I have to say it’s just such a sense of pride,” said Rhodes.
The feeling is mutual.
“On behalf of Olds College, we would like to thank Rob and the entire team at Bumper to Bumper for everything you do to support our students and our campus,” said Dr. Debbie Thompson, President & CEO, Olds College. “We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and the support of our community.”
The College presented Rhodes with a custom plaque for the Bumper to Bumper in Olds. This year’s award also marked the beginning of a new Olds College tradition. During the presentation, Todd Ormann, Vice President of External Relations and Research, unveiled the College’s inaugural Community Partner Bench, with Bumper to Bumper becoming its very first recipient.
The bench will remain permanently on campus as a visible and lasting reminder of Bumper to Bumper’s contributions to Olds College and its students. Moving forward, each Community Partner of the Year recipient will be honoured with a dedicated campus bench.
“Each year, we celebrate the organizations whose partnership makes a meaningful difference for our students, employees, faculty and campus community,” said Ormann. “These partners play an essential role in strengthening the College experience, demonstrating what can be achieved when campus and community come together.”
The new bench is more than a place to sit. It represents the connections that make a college community stronger — and the people and organizations who choose to invest in its future.
The College extends a special thank you to Shea and Kasey at Last Hour Design Inc. for creating the plaque and bench that were awarded to our 2026 Community Partner of the Year, Bumper to Bumper. Kasey is a proud Olds College alumni, and we're happy to support our local community businesses.
Bumper to Bumper’s partnership is a great example of what can happen when industry and education work together. Through its generosity, practical support and willingness to help, the organization is contributing to an experience that prepares students not only to enter the workforce, but to become the skilled trades professionals their communities need.
Congratulations to Bumper to Bumper on being named Olds College’s 2026 Community Partner of the Year — and thank you for investing in the future of our students, our trades and our community.