Campus mourns the passing of Katharine Olski, former director of Extended Degree

Katharine Olski, photo courtesy of University Archives

This week, UW-Green Bay learned of the passing of Katharine Olski ’77 ’79 (Communication and Master of Environmental Arts and Science), former director of UW-Green Bay’s Extended Degree (Adult Degree/Continuing Education) program. The alumna and former staff member stayed closely connected to the campus after retiring in 1997 and was an annual donor. According to the obituary, “…she went back to school, getting her master’s degree and working with the adult education program at UW-Green Bay, often covering the 35-mile commute on her motorcycle. At the time when others are thinking of retirement, Katharine earned her Ph.D. She was the first woman on the Southern Door school board, serving six three-year terms and making even the most truculent Belgian farmer admit, ‘She weren’t so bad, ainso?’ In her later years, Alzheimer’s began to diminish her symphony of notes but to the end it still rang out with strong chords of courage, patience and good humor…”

Private family services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.simplycremationgb.com.