Dr. Masaru James (Jim) Tsujita has been a leader in the agriculture and horticulture industries for over 60 years.
His career showcased his passion and expertise, from humble beginnings as a farmer in southern Alberta to his career in academia and research.
Tsujita was officially inducted into the Olds College Alumni Association Hall of Fame at the annual reunion weekend in July.
The college gives special recognition to alumni or former staff who have distinguished themselves by going above and beyond in making important contributions to their community.
In 1956 Tsujita attended the Olds School of Agriculture. He returned to post-secondary school and received his bachelor of science in agronomy/horticulture from Utah State University in 1962 and masters of science in plant science and horticulture from the University of Alberta in 1964.
He returned to Olds College as a instructor and spent 10 years teaching the agricultural technology program.
He spent time as the head and senior instructor in the plant science department, as well as coordinator for the crop and soil technologies program, applied research, growers program for Hort Week, and coordinator of technician retraining for Agriculture Canada research stations for Western Canada.
Tsujita attained his doctorate in 1974 at Ohio State University and was offered a position at the University of Guelph.
He retired in 1995 after 20 years there.
Tsujita and his wife Lilly reside in Fergus. He volunteers at the New-to-You store and is a director on the Groves Memorial Hospital Volunteer Association.
