Arizona Western College Foundation

AWC Foundation Honors Bob Olsen

Nov 23, 2008 --

BY DARIN FENGER, SUN STAFF WRITER

Lots of graduates leave Arizona Western College and do great things, but when a graduate comes back as a high-profile leader to support and help build programs, a special award is in order.

Leaders with the Arizona Western College Foundation say they felt just like that about a certain cherished alumnus: Bob Olsen. That's why the foundation recently bestowed its first Prestigious Alumni Award upon the soon-to-retire leader of Yuma Regional Medical Center.

The AWC Foundation lauded Olsen for his involvement in helping AWC develop healthcare-related programs. Those programs, foundation leaders say, not only provide local health care with quality professionals, but also give local people important professional opportunities.

"I think Bob is one of the finest people I've ever had the privilege to meet," said Ruth Whisler, executive director of the AWC Foundation. "He's a delightful human being - very intelligent, probably brilliant - but not with an ego to get in the way of his work with people and students and all he has done in this community."

Olsen graduated from AWC with an associate degree in business administration. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and a master's degree in business administration from Webster University.

Whisler stressed how Olsen's career proves just how far a graduate can go thanks to a solid start at community college.

"I think that Bob represents Yuma's story. I think he presents America's story. He is someone who comes and starts his education at a community college and then goes on to dedicate his life to the benefit of others around him. What a fantastic man."

Olsen told The Sun that he certainly didn't expect the honor.

"There have been lots of alums from AWC who have been certainly deserving of this. Having been selected was certainly a surprise and an honor."

Olsen returned the favor and complimented AWC, thanking the school for giving him the chance to get his education locally all those years ago.

"I was able to stay in Yuma and raise my family," he said. "AWC is a tremendous asset to the community in terms of giving people the opportunity to begin their college education and do it at home. AWC and its affiliation with Northern Arizona University-Yuma has been just an asset for the community and everybody here."

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Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.