OLDS — An instructor and student were inducted into Olds College’s Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit respectively on Aug. 2.
Leatherwork instructor Nick Peters, who turned 97 just days before the ceremony, was inducted into the Hall of Fame and recent student Alex Villeneuve was inducted into the facility’s Hall of Merit.
In addition, Villeneuve was among several nominees for the 2023 Outstanding Young Farmers of Alberta/NWT award, also given out that week. He didn't win, though. That honour went to Greg and Sarah Stamp of Stamp Seeds near Enchant, Alta., about 79 kilometres northeast of Lethbridge.
The Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit event occurred on the last day of the college’s annual two-day AgSmart outdoor agriculture and technology exposition on campus.
Olds College vice-president academic Debbie Thompson, who served as MC for the occasion, explained that the Hall of Fame is for inductees over 40 years of age and the Hall of Merit is for those younger than 40.
“These awards are presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves by making significant contributions to Olds College, the community, society, and their chosen career or industry,” Thompson said.
“With Olds College having a network of more than 20,000 alumni, being nominated for the Hall of Merit or the Hall of Fame is a great honour.”
Nick Peters
Thompson said in the 1980s, Peters “generously shared his expertise and love for saddle-making,” leading a course on leather work “that quickly became one of the most sought-after programs at the college.”
Only 15 students were taken into the class, spurring a waiting list of more than 100.
“Nick’s classes were not just about learning the craft. They were an immersion into a world of passion, resilience and selflessness,” Thompson said.
“His genuine interest in his students’ projects and well-being went beyond the confines of the classroom and he often invited them to his leather shop for further guidance and camaraderie.
“Many students found solace in his wisdom and sought his advice on both their academic pursuits and personal aspirations.”
Peters is also into music.
Thompson said he has gifted guitars to those he met, challenging them to play a song within a year in return for receiving the instrument.
She said that has “not only nurtured musical talents but also served as a symbol of his belief in the power of giving and supporting the dreams of others.”
“Nick Peters is a testament to the impact that one individual can have on the lives of others,” Thompson added.
“His unwavering commitment of giving back to the community, nurturing younger generations and excelling in his passions has made him a legend, not just in our small town but to the hearts of all who have had the privilege of knowing him.”
After being inducted, Peters took to the mic.
“You know, this is one of the biggest surprises in my life, and I’ve had a few,” he said.
Peters thanked his family and all those who he had taught or helped along the way.
“All the students who came to my shop and every one of them, I’ve always learned something from them, so I have gone to school for many years through the students,” he said.
“And I’ve got to let you in on one little secret: I left home at 14 with Grade 4 and it took me 83 years to get to college,” he added, sparking laughter. “So I guess we did alright; we maybe broke a record.”
Alex Villeneuve
About eight years ago, while studying in the Olds College brewmaster program, Villeneuve was surprised to learn that the grains that were used in the brewing process were basically regarded as just waste or livestock feed.
He thought they could be put to better use, so he experimented with growing mushrooms in that spent grain, initially in his college dorm room closet, then in another on-campus facility with the support of the college and college instructors.
The results were encouraging and markets for the mushrooms were found, so he established a company, Ceres Solutions Inc., to produce them via a special process involving agricultural waste and then market them.
There were many hiccups along the way, to the point where he spent several nights sleeping by the machinery used in the process.
Since then, the company has grown with the help of family and investors. It’s now located in Crossfield.
“Beyond being a successful alumnus, Alex has actively given back to Olds College, sharing his journey and his expertise with current students,” Thompson said, noting he has given tours of the facility to entrepreneurs and students.
“Alex’s innovation not only reduces waste and emissions, but also presents a valuable employment opportunity for fellow students,” Thompson said.
“Alex’s profound impact on Olds College is immeasurable and he stands as a shining example of how dedication, innovation and collaboration can drive transformative change.
“Olds College is immensely proud to have played a part in Alex’s journey and his induction into the Hall of Merit serves as a testament to the institution’s mission of transforming agriculture for a better world by helping empower students to create a positive impact in their chosen field.”
When his turn at the mic came, Villeneuve described his induction as “a wonderful highlight of my life.”
He said there were many times during the development of the process and Ceres itself when it could all have fallen apart.
“I’m really happy and proud to say that every single time there was one of those inflection points, there was one of those critical (situations), any time I needed support, Olds College was there for me,” he said.
“I was honoured to be selected to the Hall of Merit and I hope that Olds College continues its legacy of supporting the initiative of farming practices and supporting more entrepreneurs to have the same experience I did.”
Olds College president Ben Cecil congratulated both inductees, saying they’re each very deserving of their awards.
“Our alumni are incredibly important to this organization. You are what created this place," he said.
“Our alumni define our culture, they define the direction that we move (in) as a sector, both educationally and agriculturally.”
Framed pictures of Peters and Villeneuve will be hung in the Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit in the college's Learning Resource Centre.
A moment was also taken to honour Olds College alumni who who have passed away.
