OLDS, ALBERTA, JANUARY 31, 2012

Everyone attracted by business innovation, passion for philanthropy and a bevy of bright ideas will want to lend an ear to keynote speaker W. Brett Wilson at this year’s Olds College Gala, March 23, 2012.

A successful business and philanthropy television personality, Wilson was the lead deal-maker from CBC’s Dragons’ Den for three years and is the current marquis investor on Risky Business. He will address assembled business leaders, politicians, alumni, staff and students at Gala 2012.  Themed as “Cirque du Gala,” this year’s event is to be held for the first time at the Ralph Klein Centre due to increased demand for tickets on this wait-listed annual sell-out event.

“Our annual black tie gala event has sold out in each of its first nine years, so we’re taking it to a larger venue. We’ve had Premiers, titans of industry, lieutenant governors, local business and community leaders, federal and provincial cabinet ministers at Galas past”. said Olds College Vice President Advancement Jordan Cleland. “We wanted to take a highly-compelling value proposition to yet another level by having a nationally-renowned celebrity speaker and Brett certainly fits the bill”.

Wilson is known for his business successes, promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation plus philanthropic leadership.  His national business credits include co-founder of one of the oil and gas industry’s leading investment banks —FirstEnergy Capital Corp. — and acquired holdings in agriculture, real estate, sports and entertainment. He is the founder of the W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan.

He is a noted philanthropist, exhorting Canada’s business community to approach corporate social responsibility as a realm of opportunity rather than a mantle of obligation.  His efforts have raised awareness for numerous charities and multi-millions in financial support.

Combining principled business practice with philanthropic passion, Wilson has been elevated nationally to the apex of leadership accolades in both sectors.  He has been named Alberta’s Business Person of the Year, Calgary’s Person of the Year and recognized as a National Builder for his encouragement of entrepreneurship, particularly with youth.  In 2010, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Royal Roads University.

The Olds College Gala is the pre-eminent annual showcase for the institution’s achievements and student leadership, as well as an important fundraiser for student opportunities. For information on tickets and sponsorship please visit http://www.oldscollege.ca/gala or contact Doreen at (403) 556-8232

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    DONATION OF 100 VINTAGE CARS AND TRUCKS THE LARGEST IN OLDS COLLEGE 99-YEAR HISTORY

    January 17, 2012
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    Calgary area businessman and rancher J. C. (Jack) Anderson will be donating the proceeds from the sale of his collection of 100 vintage cars and trucks to Olds College during its 2013 Centennial year. Planning for the “100 Cars and Trucks For Our 100th Year” auction is underway. Mr. Anderson’s prized collection will be auctioned [...]

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      Canada West Equipment Dealers Association: A $25,000 sponsor of the 2013 World Plowing Championship

      December 19, 2011
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      Only 1 year and 212 days until over 60 competitors from 30 countries lower the plow at Olds College for the 2013 World Plowing Championship. Canada West Equipment Dealers Association (CWEDA) announced that they would be sponsoring $25,000 for the event in 2013. CWEDA represents over 450 farm industrial and outdoor power equipment dealers in [...]

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        Olds College announces the winner of the $100,000 Centennial Innovation Fund

        December 14, 2011

        On October 21, 2011, as an initiative to celebrate the Olds College Centennial, Olds College staff, students, and alumni were invited to submit a proposal for up to $100,000 that demonstrated creativity and innovation in pursuit of the goals and  outcomes as identified in the College’s Comprehensive Institutional (Business) Plan. The $100,000 is funded through [...]

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          Olds College Online Auction launch

          December 1, 2011

          Olds College Advancement is launching the Olds College Online Auction today.  The Online Auction is an “opportunity to raise project/operational funds and the profiles of the Olds College programs and students.” The funds from the Online Auction will not only assist Olds College in continuing “educational priorities and unanticipated opportunities for students and faculty, awards [...]

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            NSERC announces funding recipients

            December 1, 2011

            The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced the 35 projects selected for funding on November 25. Of those selected, Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) Bioenergy Research Scientist, Tanya McDonald was awarded a total of $100,000. “NSERC ARD grants are enabling small and medium sized companies that often experience a limited [...]

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              Olds College Restructures to Optimize Enrolment

              November 24, 2011

              Seeking to ensure the long term sustainability of Olds College as we approach our 100th year in 2013, Olds College announces today that the Student Recruitment division will report directly to the Vice-President, Academic and Research, effective December 1, 2011. “Olds College prides itself on our agility in getting out in front of big picture [...]

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                Completed infrastructure upgrades through KIP poise Olds College for visible renewal

                November 10, 2011
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                Thanks to $6.83 million in vital upgrades over the past two years, possible through joint federal-provincial funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP), Olds College is now able to turn its attention to the visible interior of older facilities, resulting in improved and renewed learning and common space. The revitalization plan will address the appearance [...]

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                  Olds College announces $100,000 Centennial Innovation Fund

                  October 21, 2011

                  Olds College alumni, staff, students, and are invited to submit a proposal for up to $100,000 as an initiative to celebrate the College’s centennial and garner highly innovative and creative ideas that align with the College’s Comprehensive Institutional Plan (CIP).  This proposal may include academic offerings, aspects of campus life, school policy, or facility improvements [...]

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                    Pomeroy Inn and Suites Inc. sponsors major arboriculture purchase for Olds College.

                    October 14, 2011

                    Mere weeks after the announcement of their $25,000 President’s-level financial support for Olds College’s 2013 Centennial, Pomeroy Inn and Suites Inc. has purchased a $15,000 collection of trees for the College. The 25 trees will be planted in the College’s Botanic Gardens III and Treatment Wetlands, walking distance from the soon-to-be-constructed Pomeroy Inn and Suites [...]

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                      Employment opportunities expanded through new motorcycle mechanic program

                      September 29, 2011

                      Following recent approval by Alberta Apprenticeship, Olds College will offer a Pre-Employment Motorcycle Mechanic program with the first student intake slated for February, 2012.  The program prepares graduates to perform entry level assembly, maintenance, repairs, and restoration of motorcycles and other multi-wheeled lightweight all-terrain vehicles. The popularity of motorcycle and recreational vehicle use and the [...]

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                        First-ever agreement for rural learning: Campus Alberta Central creates new paths with Stettler community

                        September 28, 2011

                        Central Alberta learners now have increased access to a greater variety of educational options, thanks to two separate new agreements signed with Campus Alberta Central; one with the Town of Stettler and another with the Stettler District Community Adult Learning Council.   Stettler area residents will be able to utilize learning opportunities such as on-site, [...]

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                          Five major new sponsors join Olds College 2013 Centennial celebrations

                          September 26, 2011

                          Recognizing Olds College’s near-century of contributions to rural Alberta and the nation a whole, five new sponsors have lent their financial support to Olds College’s 2013 Centennial. There are six tiers of sponsorship and Pomeroy Inn and Suites Inc. is the newest contributor to come in at the President’s level with $25,000 in support. Joining [...]

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