OLESEN RECEIVES OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD

Rick Olesen, Estherville native, was presented the Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award by Iowa Lakes Alumni & Friends Vice President Norma Beaver at the Iowa Lakes Community College commencement at the Estherville campus on Friday, May 15.

In its 18th year, this award is presented annually by the Alumni & Friends Association to a graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College who exemplifies outstanding support for community, business, school and service clubs – a good representative of the college.

Olesen earned his business degree at Iowa Lakes Community College in 1994 and continued at Buena Vista University to complete his bachelor’s degree in 1996.  Currently employed at Iowa Lakes Electric in Estherville, he has been the Vice President of Operations and Engineering since 1992.

Olesen’s contributions to the community include being an active member of the Estherville Rotary Club, ILEC representative on the Iowa Lakes Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Program Advisory Committee and member of the Avera Holy Family Health Foundation.  The father of four children he also has coached flag football, AAU basketball and American Legion baseball.  Olesen considers it a high priority to spend time with his children and family.

The Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award was established in 1992.  Hall was a 1968 graduate of Iowa Lakes and he continued on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Mankato State.  Hall was a strong supporter of Iowa Lakes, serving as an assistant football coach and active member of the Century Club for many years.

Norma Beaver, Vice President of the Alumni and Friends Association, presents the Jim Hall award to Rick Olesen at commencement exercises May 15.