Northland College awards honorary degree to Robert Olson

April 4, 2012

Northland College today awarded an honorary degree to Robert Olson, son of Sigurd F. Olson, at an Honors Day ceremony at Northland. Olson received the degree as a result of his contributions to public service, as well as his work to protect and preserve natural resources.

"Throughout your life, you have demonstrated an abiding concern for the development of harmonious relationships between individuals, cultures, nation states, and the natural environments on which they all depend," said Alan Brew, interim vice president of academic affairs and academic dean at Northland College. "In recognition of your many achievements in developing and promoting such relationships, Northland College is pleased to honor you with the degree Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa."

Olson's history of service began with his studies of international relations at Northland College, Carlton College and the University of Colorado in Denver. He worked for 20 years as a diplomat for the United States Foreign Service at embassies and posts throughout the world, including Libya, Lebanon, France and Canada. During that time, Olson fulfilled special assignments working with marine forces in South Vietnam, the World Health Organization in Geneva, and the State Department in Washington D.C.

"What they've given is not just an academic award, but this is the equivalent of the United States [Medal of Honor] for those in military service and that's the way I see it," Olson said at today's ceremony.

Olson is now retired and lives in Seeley, Wisconsin, where he restored and managed his grandparents' property. He has authored two books and has served as the president of the Northwest Chapter of the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association.

"I'm 86 and I could either close up shop and call it quits or go on living for something," Olson said. "Northland has given me the actual opportunity to do that as a volunteer and advisor."

Olson also helped establish the Listening Point Foundation to preserve his father's Burntside Lake retreat and Sigurd F. Olson's legacy of wilderness advocacy.