In 2017, Bob and Carollyne Collier established the Bob Collier Award at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with a clear mission to drive student success by rewarding excellence in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit within the agriculture sector.
Years later, that vision has gifted almost $300,000 to students at Olds College.
The Colliers specifically designated it as an award, rather than a scholarship, to recognize the intensive labour behind the student projects. The Bob Collier Award is open to students campus-wide, regardless of their program of study, requiring applicants to pitch an original idea or a significant improvement on an existing one to benefit the Canadian agriculture industry.
Each year, a panel selects five winners from a pool of 10 finalists. The winners receive $6,000 and sit down with the Colliers to discuss their projects, backgrounds, student life and plans for the future. This year's lunch took place on Friday, April 17. This annual tradition over the past ten years has allowed the Colliers to connect directly with the students becoming a highlight of their involvement with Olds College.
This year, the award winners included Balikis Soliudeen (Agricultural Management Diploma), Everett Derksen (Bachelor of Applied Science Degree - Agribusiness), Hailey Ryan (Precision Agriculture Techgronomy Diploma), Kale Gillies (Business Management Diploma - Sports Management Major) and Zacharie Beauregard (Agricultural Management Diploma).
The 2026 winners were a great example of what the Colliers have aimed to achieve with their awards each year: to highlight and support students from all areas to think of the future and how creative ideas can drive it. All of their projects were innovative and showed a connection to their strengths and background.
For more information
4500 - 50th Street
Olds Alberta
Canada T4H 1R6
www.oldscollege.ca
