On May 22, 2026 at the Red Deer Pro Rodeo, Olds College of Agriculture and Technology hosted an alumni reception before the rodeo action began. Alumni were invited to the Chalet on the Westerner Park grounds to visit with other alumni, share food and drinks, and enjoy great live music from Kenzie Duboiz (an Olds College alumni as well) and her fellow musician Dane Von Hagen.
The festivities started a few hours before the official rodeo start time and the group moved from the Chalet to the arena when it was time for the rodeo action to begin. The Red Deer Pro Rodeo team did a fantastic job and put on a great show with the best in the business putting their talents on display in the arena.
This marked the first alumni event outside of reunions in seven years, and what a way to restart these gatherings. Alumni were invited to come with a guest, resulting in a total of 60 alumni and guests attending. Of these alumni, there was a representative from each decade starting in 1956. Generations of Olds College graduates mingled and connected, creating a buzz in the room.
“I was absolutely thrilled by the incredible turnout at our first Olds College Alumni Roundup at the Red Deer Pro Rodeo,” said Tammy Sakundiak, Alumni Engagement, Olds College. “It was wonderful to see so many alumni make the effort to attend, reconnect, meet new people, and share memorable stories and laughter while reminiscing about their time at Olds College. The energy, friendships and sense of community throughout the event truly reminded us how special and lasting the Olds College connection is.”
Not only did generations of alumni gather, but individuals travelled far and wide. One alumni, Doug Anderson, travelled from Vancouver Island for the event, bringing his daughter. “I’ve always wanted to bring my daughter to a rodeo and she's been wanting to see where I went to college, so when we saw the email inviting us, it was perfect!” Anderson explained.
Some alumni didn’t have to travel far at all. A spectator of the reining competition next door, a local resident of Red Deer, heard about the event walking by and was delighted to see a gathering of fellow alumni. He immediately went to grab his wife (also an alumni) and they joined the group and got the opportunity to connect with other former students of the College.
“I believe that students, staff and faculty — both past and present — carry a special affinity for Olds College, and keeping that spirit alive is a priority for us,” Sakundiak stated. “It is something I feel truly honoured to help rebuild and strengthen through meaningful alumni engagement opportunities that continue to bring our community together.”
The evening was an excellent example of that Olds College connection. It was heart warming to not only see a strong turn out but the way that individuals across generations connected, shared stories and ultimately demonstrated the true spirit of Olds College.
For the Olds College Alumni who missed out, keep your eye on your email for future events! Additionally, make sure the College has your updated contact information and attend the Alumni Reunion on July 18, 2026. For those looking for other ways to be involved with alumni, consider joining the Alumni Board and Committee.