Jane Olsen earns Founders Award

Jane Olsen earned the Women’s Center Committee of the National Women’s Studies Association’s 2015 Founders Award.

In recognition of 26 years of service to the St. Cloud State Women’s Center, the Women’s Center Committee of the National Women’s Studies Association honored Women’s Center Director Jane Olsen with its Founders Award.

The award recognizes women’s center directors who established their institution’s centers 20 or more years ago that has continued to serve students, faculty and staff for at least two decades.

“At the 26-year mark as a women’s center director, this award is a meaningful recognition not only for my work and leadership, but for the accomplishments of coworkers and hundreds of students who have worked, interned and volunteered here,” Olsen said. “We have created a vibrant, comprehensive center that has impacted the campus and, especially students, through individual and institutional advocacy.’

When the Women’s Center began, Olsen was supported by a community of feminist faculty, staff and students who worked together to get the center started and supported its mission from day one, she said.

Since that time the Women’s Center has developed numerous services and programs and helped form the LGBT Resource Center, which opened in 1999-2000.

Olsen has been involved with the National Women’s Study Association since beginning her career at St. Cloud State and is honored to be recognized by her peers.

“It’s difficult to describe the immense talent, passion and expertise of Women’s Center directors and other staff from centers throughout the country,” she said. “I have benefitted so much from these associations and friendships. It is a significant privilege to receive this award from peers whom I respect and admire so much.”