Malee Olson, from Aberdeen, South Dakota, is the third generation to attend NDSCS. She enrolled in the Culinary Arts program in 2019. Despite the pandemic and all of the sudden changes, Malee still gained the hands-on experience that would prepare her for the food industry. Some of her favorite experiences were catering large events, baking apple pies from scratch during Thanksgiving, and baking as a work study for the school cafeteria. Malee recently graduated after her summer internship at Moccasin Creek Country Club and is now employed.
Malee's father, Brent Olson of Aberdeen, SD, attended NDSCS from 1983-1986. In 1985 he graduated with a Diesel Technology degree and the following year obtained his associate's degree in Electrical Technology. He went on to work at 3M in Aberdeen. Brent appreciates the skills he obtained while at NDSCS. His diesel knowledge came in handy while working on machinery on the family farm and his electrical degree allowed him to own and operate his own business. His years at 3M took him as far as Singapore as well as more locally to Minneapolis. Many lifelong friends were made, and his favorite memories of NDSCS included study time with friends, bowling league, and racquet ball.
Malee's grandmother, Karen Lee Hartman Olson attended NDSCS, graduating in 1962, with a Advanced Secretarial Degree. She quickly realized after working for a lawyer that she wanted to teach business classes. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education and Library Science. After teaching for 34 years in the Langford School District, she retired and still lives on the family farm near Langford. Karen reminisced about touring NDSCS with Brent and was excited he chose her alma mater. She also remembered how different the campus looked as more dorms had been built between 1962 and 1983. Karen's brother-in-law, Russell Olson also attended NDSCS in 1959.