Karen Olson '71

Karen Olson '71 followed an unconventional path after graduating from Susquehanna with a degree in Music Education.

After two years of teaching elementary school music, she enlisted in the Air Force as a vocalist. "I was commissioned one year later and became an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, much to my surprise and everyone else's that I knew," recalls Karen. This was the start of her career. She was an Air Force officer for many years, and lived abroad on two different assignments.

After retiring from the Air Force, Karen worked as a church business administrator for eight years. Following that position, she returned to her previous field. Her time in the Air Force had given her the foundation and experience necessary to begin work as a defense contractor.

Although she may not have used her degree in a traditional sense, Karen's love and knowledge of music followed her throughout her life. Says Karen, "I always found a choir, musical theater or church no matter where I lived - even in Portugal!"

Karen has chosen to honor her musical education in her estate plans by making a bequest to Susquehanna's Department of Music. Karen reflects, "SU was a fantastic intro to the rest of my life. I have been fortunate with my jobs, and always feel it is imperative to give back to the next generation so they too can blossom."

Karen's planned gift will endow a fund, which ensures continuous, perpetual support for the university's music programs. Her generosity will enable countless future Susquehannans to find and develop their own lifelong love of music.