A former Olds resident who rose through the ranks of Olds College's administration and was involved in numerous local community groups and events will receive the Alberta Order of Excellence this fall.Sharon Carry lived in Olds for 17 years and is currently the president and chief executive officer of Calgary's Bow Valley College.She learned earlier this month she had been selected to receive the order through an “overwhelming” phone call from Alberta Lt.-Gov. Donald S. Ethell.A later call from the chair of a committee who selects order recipients revealed the reason she was selected was for the “lifetime of work and the contribution you've made to the betterment of our province” Carry said.“It was a total and delightful surprise,” she said. “I really think this reflects my work over a lifetime including the 17 years I lived in Olds. I really think that when you are recognized as a leader it's actually about all the people that supported you throughout your journey, because leaders don't take people anywhere unless people are willing to follow.”Carry was a member or served on the executive of a number of community organizations in Olds including the Kiwanis Club of Olds, the Olds Celebration '88 committee, the Olds and District Recreation Board and the Olds Indoor Pool Committee, to name a few.She was the chair and founder of the Olds Fashioned Christmas committee as well as the chair of the Olds Tourism Action Committee.In 1983, Carry became Olds College's first registrar before accepting the position of dean of student services.She then became the school's vice-president of student and support services before leaving to take on her current position at Bow Valley College in 1997.Overall, Carry spent 14 years at Olds College and she has an honourary degree from the school.She will receive the Alberta Order of Excellence along with seven other Albertans at a ceremony in Edmonton on Oct. 15.The order is the highest honour the province can bestow on an Alberta citizen.According to a provincial website, the order is “about recognizing Albertans who have made a difference, who have served Albertans with excellence and distinction, and whose contributions will stand the test of time.”[email protected]
