Dr. Noelle Olson passed away on Wed., Mar. 6, 2024 at the age of 29. To honor her memory, her family has created the Dr. Noelle Olson Memorial Scholarship to support young women at Big Lake High School who desire to pursue a STEM degree at a post-secondary institution.
Academics and Athletics
Olson graduated Big Lake High School in 2013 and eventually earned a PhD. in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 2022. She earned her undergrad degree at Saint Olaf. Though her academic achievements were extraordinary, her athletic achievements were just as remarkable. At Big Lake, she was a track star in the 1600 and 3200 meter. She holds the school record for both events. In her first year at St. Olaf, Olson finished second at the 2013 NCAA Division III Championships for Cross Country.
Beyond those achievements, Olson was a great person. Her younger brother Alex wrote in her eulogy, “Everything Noelle set out to do, she did to the highest possible standard.”
Her parents Rick and Shirley expressed the same sentiment.
“She was highly intelligent and persevered, mastering anything that she put her mind to. Noelle was always prepared, super organized, and had an excellent work ethic. She was conscientious, kind and loving.”
She loved her family, apple orchards, meeting for coffee, and baking.
Biochemist
Olson eventually landed a dream job at 3M as a Product Development Biochemist. Like other women, Olson was often the only woman in the room at work. According to a 2021 study by the National Science Foundation, about two-thirds of those employed in STEM occupations are men and one-third are women. That disparity did not deter Olson. It only caused her to work harder.
That drive and single-mindedness had a down side. Olson battled anorexia for most of her adult life. Though that battle will always be a part of her life, her family hopes that it will not define her. They want to remember the hope she had that she could make the world a better place. They hope that the Dr. Noelle Olson Memorial Scholarship will embody that hope and give another young woman the opportunity to make the same kind of difference.
The scholarship was set up to provide assistance to five candidates for the next five years. Currently, they have received enough funding for 2 ½ years. The hope is to provide multiple scholarships over many years. Female seniors from Big Lake High School who are planning to pursue a four-year degree in STEM can apply at https://bold.org/scholarships/dr-noelle-olson-memorial-scholarship/. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2025 and the winner will be announced on May 15, 2025.
To donate to the Dr. Noelle Olson Memorial Scholarship Fund go to: https://bold.org/funds/dr-noelle-olson-memorial-scholarship-fund/
