The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“RECOGNIZING DEAN STEVE OLSON OF SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2185-E2186 on Sept. 30, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING DEAN STEVE OLSON OF SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA
______
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, September 29, 2008
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, to recognize Steve Olson, who has recently retired as Dean of Occupational Education and Economic Development at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC).
Dean Olson began his career as a Plant Science Instructor at SRJC in 1970 and was named Department Chair in 1974. Thirteen years later, he was selected as Dean of Instruction, Educational Programs and Services. In this role he administered a variety of programs for the college including the Agriculture Department, the college's Shone Farm, international education, as well as Community Outreach and Development.
During his tenure at SRJC, he helped establish the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and the college farm. He also expanded course offerings to more than 50 sites throughout Sonoma County, created a study abroad program for SRJC students, and developed an educational telecommunications program at the college.
Throughout his career, Dean Olson has been an active participant in many professional associations, serving as Vice President of the California Agricultural Teachers Association (CATA), President of the North Coast CATA, founding Chairman of the State Advisory Committee on Vocational Agricultural Education, a member of the California Joint Policy Council on Higher Education in Agriculture, President of the California Agricultural Leadership Associates, and co-chair of the Northern California Advocates for Global Education. His involvement in his community has also extended to numerous non-profit organizations including the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, the Sonoma County 4-H Foundation, Chair of the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Foundation, and Director of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair among others.
Over the years, Dean Olson has been recognized for his many accomplishments with such honors as the Friend of 4-H Award, the Rotarian of the Year Award for Northern California, the Friend of Sonoma County Agriculture Award, and the Harold D. Bostock Lifetime of Service Rotary Award.
Madam Speaker, Dean Olson has had a long and distinguished career where he has been a model for his community and his profession. He plans to spend his retirement years with his wife, Elaine, and their six grandchildren pursuing their many hobbies. It is appropriate at this time that we honor Dean Olson for his many accomplishments and wish him well in his retirement.
____________________
