Campus Connection

Olson successful in leading Illinois school district

As a principal, Steve Olson gave his Illinois high school staff and students a simple, yet profound, challenge: “Be bold!” Many were, and with a litany of accomplishments, Olson was asked to step in as the interim district superintendent in 2017. The Crystal Lake area school board liked what they saw and hired Olson on a permanent basis a year later. The ’85 UWL graduate has challenged the entire district since — with impressive results. Among them: • expanded college and career readiness, with 90% continuing their education. • increased learning opportunities, including culinary and one-to-one technology programs. • improved student achievement, including three students scoring a perfect 36 on their ACTs and nine National Merit semifinalists. • continued and new extracurricular achievements, including state championships and runner-up titles. • distinguished employees, including teacher and administrator awards, along with a teaching fellowship. • additional community engagement, with 66% of 2018 seniors participating in volunteer projects. “Steve has led with integrity, vision and a dedication to serve the community that has brought us to a stronger, healthier place,” says Adam Guss, Board of Education president. “He has truly embraced the ‘community’ in Community High School District 155 and invited the public in.” Olson knows the district well. He started teaching in its South High School as a social studies teacher after graduating in 1985. Since, he has risen through the ranks, serving as guidance counselor, athletic director and dean of students at South, as well as assistant principal and principal at Central High. Colleagues praise his focus on supporting students, along with his thorough decision-making process and exemplary servant leadership skills. “Steve continually demonstrates and demands from others a focus on students and works tirelessly to make others better along the way,” says Jay Sargeant, assistant superintendent of human resources. “Steve goes to great lengths to provide recognition to all involved, often deflecting the limelight that is directed at his leadership and involvement.” Steven Olson, ’85 • Respected educator with a reputation for putting students first, while leading with integrity; recently facilitated a five-year district strategic plan resulting in a mission statement of “Enter With Promise. Leave With Purpose.” • Superintendent of Community High School Dist. 155 in Crystal Lake, Illinois. • Bachelor’s in broadfield social studies. Master’s from Northern Illinois University. Superintendent Endorsement from Aurora University.

Six to receive distinguished alumni awards

Alumni from five decades have earned top awards bestowed by the UWL Alumni Association. They’re being honored for distinguished service and successful careers. The alumni will return to campus in fall to speak with students and participate in a panel at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, in the Strzelczyk Great Hall, Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. An Alumni Awards Brunch and Ceremony is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in The Bluffs Room, UWL Student Union. Tickets are $25 per person and can be ordered through the Alumni Association at 608.785.8489. The awards and honorees include: The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumni Award Recognizes outstanding achievement of alumni who have brought honor and distinction to the university. Long-time administrator Maurice O. Graff instituted the honor in 1977. Michael McGinley, ’82 • Revered for a dedicated career in animal health, improving the lives of animals by preventing disease and championing more effective vaccines and drugs. • President of Biologicals & Pharmaceuticals, Heska Corp. • Bachelor’s in microbiology. Master’s and doctorate from Iowa State University. Advanced management program at Harvard University. James Burkhart, ’68 • Internationally recognized scholar in radon science and leader in developing high-quality radon measurement equipment to reduce radon-induced lung cancer. • Professor emeritus in the Physics Department at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. • Bachelor’s in physics and math. Master’s and doctorate from UW-Milwaukee. Rada Distinguished Alumni Award Recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years, achieved professional distinction and taken part in humanitarian activities. Professor emeritus Ron Rada and his wife, Jane, created the award in 2002. Kara Pennoyer, ’06 • Respected leader in state government, including advisor to the Wisconsin governor and his chief of staff on planning, policy development and problem resolutions, along with overseeing numerous internal teams. • Deputy Chief of Staff for Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. • Bachelor’s in political science and communication studies. Master’s from University of Illinois Chicago. Parker Distinguished Multicultural Alumni Award Recognizes outstanding alumni who have contributed significantly to the improvement of multicultural understanding on the campus and in their careers. History Professor Emeritus James Parker initiated the award in 1997. Jennifer Miller, ’70 • Renowned career working with low-income, poverty stricken or abused persons; worked to revitalize neighborhoods in Rock County, Wisconsin, and Chicago. • Retired but remains active volunteering for the Heartland Alliance for Human Rights and Human Needs. • Bachelor’s in history. Burt and Norma Altman Teacher Education Award Honors and recognizes outstanding educators and the significant contributions they make to children and communities. Professor Emeritus Burt Altman and his wife, Norma, long-time supporters of teacher education, created the award in 2015. Penny Kroening, ’85 • National award-winning leader in empowering kids to live physically active lifestyles by promoting physical literacy using creativity, design and integrated arts into lessons; 2016 SHAPE America Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. • Executive director of the Wisconsin Health and Physical Education Association. • Earned a Bachelor’s in physical education with a concentration in adaptive physical education. Master’s from Carroll University. Steven Olson, ’85 (see above)