On July 18, 2026 at the Olds College Alumni Reunion, an Induction Ceremony was held to celebrate the 2026 Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit award winners.
Every year, the Olds College Alumni Association accepts nominations for the Hall of Merit and Hall of Fame. These awards are presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves by making significant contributions to Olds College, the community, society, and/or their chosen career or industry. The Hall of Merit award goes to alumni under the age of 40, and Hall of Fame over the age of 40.
The ceremony was held in the Alumni Centre and highlighted three deserving recipients for 2026. Before the award winners were announced, Al Kemmere, Chair, Olds College Board of Governors, introduced previous Hall of Fame members, Dwayne Neustaeter Sr., Rob Park and Irene Wagner to the stage to each present an award. In addition, Dalin Bullock, Vice President Academic and Student Experience, welcomed everyone in attendance and congratulated the award winners.
1971 Agricultural Mechanics
Ed’s career began in the Agricultural Sector where he applied the technical knowledge and skills as Farm Manager and Crop Production Specialist obtained during his studies in Agriculture Mechanics. He travelled to many different countries, and experienced various cultures and working situations. Ed eventually returned to the family farm to take over management of the operation. During this time, he was recruited by Olds College to fill in for an instructor on medical leave, and this evolved into a long-term commitment serving in many different capacities and reaching international business. Ed has been actively engaged in community service and volunteer work. He attributes his success to the great education received at Olds College providing a good foundation to go forward and succeed.
2007 Arboriculture Major, Ornamental Horticulture
The Arboriculture Major, Ornamental Horticulture Program met Charlene’s desire and need to acquire a fulfilling occupational purpose. She also participated in the student-run arboriculture club activities. Her professionalism in the arboriculture world in Edmonton helped Olds College become a destination for others to further their education, and became especially attractive for women wanting to work in or around trees. Charlene is a member of the International Society for Arboriculture (ISA) and part of their Prairie Chapter. She is also a certified Arborist and volunteers many hours to the ISA.
She is involved in many different areas of training and education in Olds, using tree-related tools with arborists, firefighters and other professionals. In her community, she is actively involved in women's hockey and local fundraising activities.
2015 Agriculture Management, Major Finance & Marketing
Brianna grew up on her family's ranch in B.C. and is now the owner of a small cow-calf operation and consulting business near Sundre, Alta. Her early involvement in 4-H fostered a passion for the beef industry. She is a certified Crop Advisor with the American Society of Agronomy and currently the Project Lead with the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) at Olds College. Her focuses are enhancing climate change resiliency and environmental sustainability relating to forage production, grazing practices, soil health and remote water level sensing technology. She participated in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders mentorship program, and is a Director of Western Stock Growers Association of Alberta. Her studies at Olds College gave her a strong foundation in production and business, and the confidence to apply that knowledge in real-world situations.
Overall, the Alumni Reunion welcomed back 165 alumni — spanning grad classes from the 1950s to the early 2000s — to the campus for the day. It led to great discussions, reunited old friends and allowed an opportunity for alumni to see what’s happening here on campus. It was a beautiful day and the perfect time to honour the Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit Award winners.