NEWS
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April 24, 2008
Dr. Art Olsen Recipient of St. Olav Medal
Dr. Art Olsen, professor emeritus and supporter of all that is Norwegian received the prestigious St. Olav medal during ceremonies April 14 in the Morrison Commons.
The award is given by His Royal Highness King Harold V and was in recognition of Olsen’s “great services to Norway, in particular his active work to promote knowledge and appreciation of Norwegian culture, language and history in the United States, especially in the Upper Midwest.”
The St. Olav medal was instituted in 1939 by King Haakon VII for exceptional service to Norway.
Olsen first came to Augustana in 1956, and in addition to teaching, served as associate academic dean, vice president, and provost. He retired in 1996 but continued to teach for several years.
He has been a member of the Sons of Norway since 1976 and is currently an officer. He has been an active member of the Norse Glee Club since 1988 and has attended seven Sangerfests and continues to work on Glee Club archives.
He has been a member of the Nordland Heritage Foundation since its inception in 1976. It was organized to support and promote the preservation of Norwegian heritage in America, especially the northern plains. As a member of this board he has been active in the care of four historic buildings on the Augustana campus.
Olsen is a member of the Norwegian Studies Association, a committee organized to raise funds for a Norwegian professor position at Augustana. In 1975, he was chair of the steering committee that conceived of the plan for the Nordland Fest. Since 1991 he has been president of the Nordland Fest Board.
Contact: Bruce Conley
Director of News Information
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
www.augie.edu