Olds College Today

In 2013, it will be one complete century since our founder and first President. W.J. Elliott, opened the doors of the Olds College School of Agriculture and Home Economics. And what a storied century it has been.

In the course of that 100 years we have seen and accomplished much, all the while evolving to meet the needs of our learners and the greater nation as a whole. Through responsive, responsible growth we became the Olds Agricultural and Vocational College and, finally in 1971, Olds College to reflect our broader course offerings.

Our proud beginnings hail back to when students of the day took classes in the latest in farming techniques, animal husbandry, and home economics. Then, the College was mostly self-sufficient. Students grew vegetables and grains, raised livestock and processed the food they ate on campus. As agriculture changed and the needs of our students changed, so did we – the only agricultural college to remain open throughout the Great Depression.

The real life hands, on-learning that made us leaders in agricultural training was applied to trades and new disciplines such as horticulture. Home economics evolved into cooking, sewing classes evolved into a fashion program, and typing and shorthand courses became a modern, computerized office administration program.

In short, learner-focused adaptation driven by recognition of the needs around us has ensured Olds College’s growth and made us what we are. Today we remain in steadfast pursuit of our vision, dedicated to being a premier Canadian integrated learning and applied research community. Within our many centers of excellence, you will find specialization in agriculture, horticulture, land and environmental management, business, fashion and more.

An institution gets to this point through forward thinking, by looking into the future. But time must be taken to reflect on where you have been, and there is certainly no better time than our 2013 Centennial Anniversary. With thousands of alumni, staff, students and faculty whose own accomplishments are the success we measure ourselves by, it will be grand celebration, one that will last a whole year. By visiting this site, you celebrate with us and I hope you will visit often.

Whether it’s by attending one of our Signature Events or simply learning more about how Olds College has impacted our community, you play a part in our history – and the beginning of our second century, something truly to be celebrated.

Dr. H.J. (Tom) Thompson

President, Olds College