Couple Commits $1 Million to SLU's Psychology Department
Recounting his many experiences as a doctoral student at Saint Louis University, Dr. Richard Olson begins to chuckle at one of his favorite memories: a whiffleball game with some "friends." It sounds like a typical story until you hear about the game's rosters, which included psychology professors Gary Burger, Gene Davenport, Donald Kausler and two of Kausler's children.
"The camaraderie between faculty and students at Saint Louis University was great," Olson said. "SLU faculty members were people as well as professors."
Richard and his wife, Gayle, adopted a similar personal approach in their careers in academia at the University of New Orleans. After they each earned their doctorates in experimental psychology from SLU in 1971, the couple moved to New Orleans and worked together at UNO throughout their careers. In addition to faculty duties, Gayle served as the associate dean of the Graduate School. Richard, meanwhile, entered administration where he served as chair of the department of psychology, dean of the Graduate School and vice chancellor for research and development. More importantly to them, the Olsons received the title of research professor based on their careers studying the effects of neuropeptides on behavior.
Although they both retired after 30 years at UNO, the couple still contributes to academia. In fact, the Olsons recently made a bequest commitment of $1 million to "The Campaign for Saint Louis University: Where Knowledge Touches Lives" that will benefit the psychology department.
"We were particularly happy in our days at Saint Louis University," Richard said. "One of the reasons we came there in the first place was because of our principles and beliefs. But the aura of the whole school reinforced our feelings, and, over the years, made it easier to continue an ethical approach to our positions as professors, administrators and research scientists. We felt exceedingly well prepared by our education. If we hadn't gotten the opportunity to study at Saint Louis University, our lives would have been entirely different. We wanted to return the favor so that other people could enjoy the same experience."
The bequest will be used to attract top speakers in the psychology field to SLU, provide travel opportunities for faculty and students and support other program enrichment.
"Top schools in psychology attract noted experts from the field to speak to faculty and students on a regular basis," Gayle said. "This allows students not just to read about the work of these scholars, but to talk to them and interact with them about their current research."
As former administrators and faculty members, the Olsons understand the difference external support can make.
"You would be surprised how much contributions can do for a department," Richard said. "And you don't have to give a lot to make a difference. Your gift, large or small, could be the deciding factor in sending a deserving student to a conference, providing scholarships or allowing a department to advance to the next level."
Getting to the next level is something that the generosity of the Olsons will help the SLU department of psychology accomplish. "Enrichments in our teaching and research programs really depend on gifts that go beyond our normal operating budget," said department chairman Dr. Ron Kellogg. "Through the generosity of our contributors, we can move the department forward to the national recognition we seek in becoming the finest Catholic university in the nation."