2014 MAX Award recipient announced

Glen Schmidt, president and chief executive officer of Calgary-based Laricina Energy Ltd., is the 2014 recipient of the Haskayne School of Business’ prestigious Management Alumni Excellence (MAX) award. This award, the school’s highest alumni honour, recognizes the outstanding success of Haskayne alumni, celebrating personal achievement and extraordinary service to both the school and the community.

“Glen is an innovator and entrepreneur whose vision and drive make him a successful leader, and someone we are honoured to recognize with the MAX Award,” says Jim Dewald, dean of the Haskayne School of Business. “His commitment to ethical leadership and giving back to the community make us proud to call Glen a Haskayne alumnus.”  

Schmidt earned his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree (with distinction) in 1981, his MBA at Haskayne in 1994, and has over 30 years of oil and gas experience with more than 20 years at the executive level.

Passionate about the University of Calgary, Schmidt and Laricina Energy Ltd. both played pivotal roles in the Engineering Leaders Campaign at the Schulich School of Engineering, funding a five-year scholarship program, a chemical and petroleum engineering graduate student space, a boardroom in the new engineering building expansion, and a portion of the Canada Research Chair in Energy and Imaging.

He also recently joined Haskayne’s Management Advisory Council, where he and other distinguished experts share their business acumen to proactively prepare students for future business challenges. A Haskayne Founder Circle Member, Schmidt volunteers his expertise to enhance the post-secondary experience for students and emerging entrepreneurs.

When asked how he felt about receiving the 2014 MAX Award, Schmidt shared a unique perspective about winning.

“It is a sense of appreciation and satisfaction, that people you know respect your work. It doesn’t feel like a prize, more like a sense of belonging. It’s much like being on a team, scoring a goal, and giving everyone a ‘high-five’ — you had a good play and you’re on the team. That’s what it feels like.”

In addition to his work at Laricina, Schmidt is a trustee of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Science and Technology, a director for Argent Energy Trust and Whitehorn Resources Inc., as well as past chairman and currently a director of the In Situ Oil Sands Alliance (IOSA). In the past, Schmidt sat on the Board of Governors for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, has also served as Director of INHOUSE Attainable Housing Society of Calgary, and Director for Elkhorn Resources Inc.

Outside of work, Schmidt is passionate about fitness, sports, and cars.

Schmidt will receive his award at a gala dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014 at Calgary’s Westin Hotel.

MAX award recipients are voted by their alumni peers, student leaders, and faculty representatives. They have demonstrated service to the Haskayne School of Business, embracing Haskayne’s core values of ethical leadership and advocating higher education. They have also positively influenced the lives of others, and have made significant contributions in their profession.

Previous recipients — and proud alumni — include Tom Buchanan, Helen Wesley, Eva Friesen, Mike Shaikh, George Gosbee, Russ Girling, Ken McKinnon, David Byler, Brian Bass, Lesley Conway, W. Brett Wilson, Hal Kvisle, Charlie Fischer, and Mike Tims.