Mary Olson ’74 looks back on her time at Augsburg with deep fondness, not only for the lifelong friendships she made but also for the opportunities that broadened her worldview.
As a double major in English and Political Science, Mary embraced Augsburg’s liberal arts education and its emphasis on exploring new ideas. One experience that left a lasting impression was participating in a January Interim trip to Russia.
“I flew in a plane for the first time!” she recalled excitedly. “This was one of the first terms where we got to spend the entire month immersed in one topic.”
For Mary, this experience fostered curiosity, exploration, and instilled a commitment to lifelong learning; values that would continue to shape her personal and professional life far beyond graduation.
After college, Mary began working at Northwestern Bell, which eventually became part of US West, one of the original “baby bell” telecommunications companies. Over the years, her career took her to several locations across the country before she ultimately settled in Oregon.
“When I moved here, I discovered it was Minnesota friendly, but without the bad weather,” she joked.
When reflecting on her career trajectory, Mary returned to the skills Augsburg had given her. She worked her way up to become vice president for engineering at the telephone company, something she would have never predicted given her majors.
“There’s a dedication to being a lifelong learner that equips students to navigate career changes, or even go into careers that have nothing to do with their major,” she said.
That same spirit of curiosity eventually led her to another passion. As she settled in Oregon, she began exploring local wineries and developing a deeper appreciation for winemaking and in 1997 she purchased Airlie Winery.
“I’ve always loved wine and I always told my friends that in my next lifetime, I’m buying a winery,” she laughed.
Today, Mary continues to support Augsburg’s mission and the values that shaped her own journey. In honor of Augsburg’s Promising Futures: A Celebration Gala, she has generously donated 300 bottles of Airlie wine to help make the event a success.
“I believe in living generously and helping people out where I can,” she shared. “I maintain my belief that a liberal arts education has never been more essential. We desperately need higher education institutions that are teaching people how to think critically, relate to others, and adapt in a world that is constantly evolving.”
Mary also reflected on presidential leadership, particularly the legacies of Oscar Anderson (1963-1980) and Paul Pribbenow, who will be concluding his twenty-first and final year as president.
“I think it says a lot about a college when they can sustain long-term presidencies. It shows a deep commitment to the mission and is essential for building trust and lasting relationships within the community.”
Through her philanthropic generosity and continued engagement, Mary is helping ensure that future generations of Auggies benefit from the same transformative education, sense of community, and spirit of lifelong learning that shaped her own remarkable journey.