Longtime BU prof has seen many changes

For the past 45 years, professor Dennis Oleson has had a front row seat to a long list of changes and improvements made at Brandon University.

Brandon University professor Dennis Oleson was recognized for 45 years of service in the department of psychology on Wednesday. Oleson was responsible for all statistics and research methodology courses, many of which he designed, at BU.

The department of psychology professor was awarded for 45 years of service Wednesday as BU and its board of governors recognized him along with other long-service and soon-to-be-retired employees. This year marked the first time the university has honoured an employee with this many years of service.

“This is the first time we’ve had to design a pin for someone with 45 years of service for the past 20 years we’ve been hosting this event,” Kristen Fisher, administration officer in the office of BU president Deborah Poff, said. “Unfortunately we don’t have the pin here today, but we hope to be able to present it to him by Friday.”

The event, hosted inside the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at BU, is one of importance every year, Fisher said.

“These are the people who are here everyday for the students, so it’s important that they be recognized for their many years of dedicated service.”

Oleson came to BU in 1968. In addition to serving as chair of the department of psychology for more than a decade, he was also responsible for all statistics and methodology courses, most of which he designed himself.

One of the biggest changes he’s noticed is how BU has grown over the years, he said.

“It’s developed quite a bit since 1968,” he said. “Aside from getting bigger and better, it’s gotten better in the sense that it’s more diverse, we’ve got students from all over the place now which wasn’t quite the case in 1968.”

But with getting bigger, Oleson admits it’s lost a “certain personal touch” that he remembers once existed.

“There’s been lots of change, mostly for the better and it will continue to change and continue to get better,” he said. “What people have to realize is a university is a living, growing thing.

“Students will keep coming so long as we have something for them to come here for.”

In the classroom, Oleson taught students over the years how to think like a psychologist and how to approach problem- solving systematically using the scientific method. Through his teachings, psychology majors learned how to identify and understand internally valid research. Along with his course load, he also served on a number of university committees and played an active role in the formation, certification and ongoing executive functioning of the BU faculty association.

But his 45 years of service weren’t all about work — with his retirement fast approaching, he will also be leaving the university with many good memories.

“Between the students and dealing with faculty members it’s been fun all around,” he said. “I’ve got some qualms about leaving the place I’ve been here so long, but new things will happen and I won’t loose touch with Brandon University. I’ve got too many friends here that will certainly outlast me.”

He adds that having BU in the Wheat City has really added something special to the community.

“Brandon as a city is very lucky to have a university like Brandon University here, even just this building (Lorne Watson Recital Hall) is something that people in Brandon should be coming to see in terms of the musical things that are put on here.”

As for his plans when he’s off the BU payroll as of Sept. 1, he said he’s looking forward to his retirement.

“I’m just going to retire, no more plans, 45 years of planning is long enough.”

» lenns@brandonsun.com

Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition May 9, 2013