Acclaimed entrepreneurs Arlene Dickinson and David Werklund joined Dr. Tom Thompson for the reveal of the Werklund Agriculture Institute. The Werklund investment will ignite programming, facilities and innovation to position Alberta, through Olds College’s Beyond campaign, to be a leader in the future of Smart Agriculture in the world.

Project Managing

Dr. Tom Thompson is a master co-creator who has lent his expertise to successfully engage global partners in co-creation. He blends extraordinary precision with uncompromising care to build real results from big dreams. This has resulted in many triumphs, including:

  • Named the only college in Canada to earn an ‘Apple School of distinction’ recognition for digital and entrepreneurial advancements, during his time as President of Olds College
  • Leading the vision and development of a $70 million Community Learning Campus partnership – a revolutionary approach to learning and rural development in Alberta.
  • Nurturing the relationship which led to both a lifelong friend and to the largest personal donation in the history of Alberta colleges, when acclaimed Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist, oilfield industry leader David P. Werklund, gifted Olds College with $16 million. The transformational gift will result in the creation of the Werklund Agriculture Institute, engaging students, researchers and industry in smart and sustainable agriculture and agri-business solutions, leadership and education.

Arlene Dickinson, owner and CEO of Venture Communications and well-known personality on the award-winning CBC series Dragons Den, is the Honourary Co-Chair of the Beyond campaign committee. Ms. Dickinson was photographed with Olds College Board Chair, Leona Staples, and Dr. Tom Thompson, after receiving the 2017 Olds College Honourary Degree. Her organization, along with her passion for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, have been supportive of students and young people for years.

“His innovation in leadership, his ability to look at this differently has led to getting things done in a very innovative way. It has involved new interactions and ways of looking at things.”

Ray Price

President Sunterra Group