Former assistant dean of student development, career services passes away

Former assistant dean of student development, career services passes away
Former assistant dean of student development, career services passes away

For Charles “Chuck” Olson, being assistant dean for student development and career services in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) was his passion, what he would call a service project that happened to pay his salary. Olson passed away on April 14, 2019.

During a 30-year tenure in ACES, from 1979 to 2008, Olson advised students and student groups, coordinated recruitment efforts for the college, administered scholarship programs, including the Jonathan Baldwin Turner Scholarships; and provided opportunities for students to gain internships and experience.

Students often visited Olson’s office for advice and wisdom, especially when it came time to graduate and begin a career. With time, Olson and his staff built one of the most effective job placement programs on campus.

Olson received a B.S. in agricultural economics in 1968, an M.S. in higher education in 1973, and a Ph.D. in higher education in 1979, all from the University of Illinois. For 20 years, Olson also served as secretary for the Agricultural Alumni Association. His expansive memory for names made thousands of people feel welcome in coming to campus.

The family has requested that memorials be directed to the charitable cause of the donor’s choice or the University of Illinois Foundation for the Charles E. Olson JBT Scholarship Endowment (776058). Please send to the UI Foundation, Harker Hall, 1305 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801. Contributions may be provided online at www.giving.illinois.edu. Include Charles Olson JBT Endowment in the “Other” field of the giving form.

Full obituary from The News Gazette.