Olds College has set the date for its 14th annual Growing the Legacy Gala, one of its most high-profile fundraisers.
It will take place Thursday, April 7 at the Ralph Klein Centre.
“The Growing the Legacy Gala is a celebration of the courage, competence, action and determination that is at the heart of every Olds College student and graduate,” college president Tom Thompson says. “This philosophy reflects our vision and has shaped Olds College's success.”
Olds College chair Robert Clark agrees.
He says the gala is about “recognizing the support we receive and the successes we achieve beyond our campus.”
“We are excited to celebrate our distinguished history of giving young people the tools they need to create the opportunity to succeed,” Clark adds.
The college is continuing its tradition of choosing two of its brightest and most well-rounded students to serve as masters of ceremonies (MCs).
Event organizers say that practice allows guests attending the gala to “see first-hand the type of people that Olds College turns into the workforce every year.”
This year's MCs are Mackenzie Argent of Cremona and Josiah Schut of Salmon Arm, B.C.
Argent is a student in the agricultural management program and is serving as student ambassador at the college this year.
She spent seven years in the Cremona 4-H Club, where she participated in public speaking and judging competitions across the province.
Argent loves rodeo and was a contestant in the Miss Rodeo Sundre competition.
Argent was also heavily involved in student leadership in high school and attended conferences across the country.
She spearheaded the "Blessing Bag" campaign, which collected almost 200 bags containing products like shampoo, conditioner, granola bars and toothbrushes. Those bags were donated to people living in poverty in Calgary.
“I adore speaking in front of crowds, and am an experienced master of ceremonies, thanks to student leadership opportunities and my involvement in 4-H,” Argent says. “It is truly an honor to be involved in such an important annual event.”
Schut is a second-year agricultural management student at Olds College.
“Josiah has shown great dedication to his studies, earning a 4.0 grade point average,” a college news release says.
He is also a member of the Olds College Broncos men's soccer team. Schut also belonged to a 4-H club and has led Bible studies at the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship club.
“I am looking forward to my role as Olds College Gala ambassador because this will be a fun and unforgettable experience for everyone in the room,” Schut says. “I hope to help make this amazing annual event a one of a kind.”
Shunda Construction, which built the 450-unit Centennial Village student residence and conference facility as well as other college facilities such as the wetlands, is title sponsor for the gala for an unprecedented two years (2016 and 2017).
Shunda is a partner in the operation of Centennial Village via College Housing Olds Co. (CHOC). The facility was officially opened earlier this year.
“Supporting the Olds College Gala is a way to celebrate partnership and community; a way to recognize a year of achievement and the anticipation of new development in the future,” Shunda Construction and Consulting Ltd. president Ben Meyer says.
"The Growing the Legacy Gala is a celebration of the courage, competence, action and determination that is at the heart of every Olds College student and graduate."TOM THOMPSONOLDS COLLEGE PRESIDENT
