Henry Olson, 1936-1963

Henry Olson was born July 2, 1893, in Cokato, Minnesota to Reverand Gabriel O. Olson and Jennie Berg. He received his BA degree at St. Olaf College; his MA degree from the University of Iowa and LLD from Buena Vista College. He was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa. He served in the US Navy during World War I. His teaching career began as a rural schoolteacher in Winnebago county, Iowa. In 1918-1919 he was a high school instructor at Lake Mills where he became the principal from 1920-1923. On August 11, 1920, he married Lydia A. Lundell in Dalbo, Minnesota; they remained married until he died in 1963. Together they had four children, Ralph, Henry, David, and Patricia. He was first the superintendent of school at Shannon City and then at Greenfield (both in Iowa) where he served for eight years. In 1931 he became the business manager of Buena Vista College as well as a professor of education. After two years he was named president of the college in 1933 where he served until his resignation in 1953. During his time as president he was called, by his friends, the “savior of the institution.” The construction of Swope Hall was completed during his time here at BVC, but the highest achievement was securing admission to the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The NCA is a peer review association for educational accreditation. After his resignation he moved to a farm in Dalbo, Minnesota where he resided until his death December 9, 1963, at the age of 70.