In 1948 Siemens travelled to Denmark, where he visited the folk high schools. On his return he worked for the formation of a co-operative education centre in the Prairies, that would be capable of teaching the philosophical and technical aspects of co-operation, carrying out research, and granting degrees. This vision rallied many of the co-operative leader of the time, including Alexander Laidlaw, Barney Arnasson and Harry Fowler. When fellow co-operators agreed to the idea, Siemens offered of his own land for the site.