Marie Olmstead
Adapted from an article by Tom Griffin in Columns Magazine
For 17 years, Marie Olmstead, a 1958 UW graduate, has served on a secret committee that selects the UW's alumnus (or alumna) of the year — people she praises as role models. But Olmstead's words of praise could just as easily be applied to her. Starting with her 1976 service on the UW Alumnae Board, she has given thousands of hours as a volunteer. So this year, instead of helping hand out an award, Olmstead is receiving the UW Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions to the alumni association and the University.
Within the UWAA, Olmstead's service is legendary. She has served twice on the UWAA Board of Trustees. She worked for four years on a volunteer development task force and for two years chaired the UWAA's House Committee. But it is her hands-on work that is most memorable. Olmstead and her husband, Chuck, can be found at many alumni events doing mundane tasks such as scooping ice cream, handing out bagels or taking lecture series tickets.
Her favorite volunteer duty comes as a greeter at Finals Bites, where the alumni association offers free food to students cramming for final exams in Odegaard Library. "I love being around younger people," she explains. "And I get to talk to them about the value of the alumni association and the importance of the University."
DESIGN | Ken Fine
and Karisa Meyer
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