A familiar presence on campus for 37 years, Craig Olson continues to share his enthusiasm and love for all things Wittenberg.

In addition to his role as president of the Parents Association, Olson has served on various board committees and has shared his business resources to benefit the university on many occasions.

Although he carries the titles of president of Olfield Graphics and executive vice president of Cubbison Product Identification, both of Youngstown, Ohio, the titles that bring him the most pleasure are husband, father, friend and now grandpa. Olson is above all a family man, and his family's names fill Wittenberg annals.

In addition to Craig, seven members of his family tree have ties to Wittenberg. His sisters Cindy Olson Bennett '76 and Loree Olson Gallatin '78, his daughter Cassie Olson '02, his son Christopher Olson '03, his niece and nephew Courtney Bennett '06 and Brian Bennett '08, and another nephew, Ryan Gallatin '11, all proudly wear the Wittenberg red & white.

Such voluntary recruitment efforts close to home, coupled with his years of service to his alma mater, made Olson a top candidate for the university's prestigious Class of 1914 Award, which he received during Homecoming Weekend 2006.

Laced with laughter and fond memories, Olson revealed much about himself in his brief comments at the ceremony. In the end, though, he is most proud of his eight children who enrich his life. Three remain at home, and five live in North Carolina, Florida and New York.

During their childhood and adolescent years, Olson worked to create a balance of academics, athletics and the arts in their lives, which led to many of the community activities that have flavored his own life. "I think strongly about what I have to do this time," he said. "I don't want to shortchange my younger children."

From serving as mentor for students in the Canfield School District, basketball and band booster, soccer coach or board member of the Ballet Western Reserve, Olson touches all bases. A 22-year member of the Canfield Rotary Club, Olson also currently participates in seminars and workshops to train incoming presidents for all Ohio Rotary districts.

A graduate trustee of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, he recently joined his son Christopher, both members of the Sigma Chapter at Wittenberg, in receiving the Sire and Son Award.

"It has been a privilege to get to know the people who make Wittenberg so special," he said.

- Phyllis Eberts '00