Olds College recently dedicated the school's new brewery as Wilson Hall in honour of two longtime supporters of the college, Roy and Erma Wilson.
Roy, 81, a former Calgary-Bow MLA, graduated from the college in 1951 ñ the same year Erma graduated from the home economics program ñ then became the college's first chair of the Olds College Foundation in 1982. He served in that role for three years. The Wilsons have donated over $480,000 to the college over the years.
ìI'm really grateful for (the rededication). That's a wonderful thing that they've done for us,î Roy said.
ìOlds College had a major impact on me. I'd been a poor student all through public school and then wanted to go to Olds College for years and years. When I got there, the exposure and the training and just the whole atmosphere brought me out of my shell and I ended up being an extrovert. I've always appreciated the fact that Olds College really (propelled) me to do things that I never dreamt of.î
As a result of his involvement with the college, Roy was inducted into the Olds College Alumni Hall of Fame in 1988. In 2001, he and Erma were recognized as philanthropists of the year for the monetary gifts they've given the college over the years. In June 2013, Roy and Erma were each given an honourary degree in applied science at the school's centennial graduation ceremony.
ìBoth Erma and I are just delighted with the results of our association with the college starting as students,î he said.
Peter Johnston-Berresford, coordinator of the brewmaster and brewery operations program at the college, said the school couldn't have found better recipients to name the hall after.
ìWithout people like the Wilsons' largesse we wouldn't be able to offer the diversity and the range of programs we have now,î he said.
