In memory of Dave Olson, a great teacher, mentor, and friend!

As alumni, when we talk about UNCSA we mostly talk about our major, our performances, our friends, and our memories. We say "That's what made me the artist that I am today," we rarely talk about the times spent sitting in a traditional classroom with the professors that don't teach us about our major, but love us because of it. 

The Liberal Arts program (our DLA classes) made ME that artist that I am today. 

Rosemary Millar, helped a young international freshman be less nervous when speaking publicly in her second language, and taught her the power of pacing.

Dr. G created a safe space for us talk and discuss with our peers the psychology of human sexuality, helping me be more in touch with what I need and giving me the tools to get there.

Melissa MacLeod elevated female written playwrights and showed me that my art is important, seen, and valued.

LeeAnna Lawrence created her classroom outside, making all of us pause and connect with the nature and space around us. Since taking her class, I've made part of my routine to take time for myself and nature.

Elizabeth Klaimon showed me all the different ways I could criticize, analyze, and talk about art.

Dean Wilcox (or Dean Dean) made the well known "Self, Society, and Cosmos"course accessible to all his students in his 8am class. I vividly remember all of us sitting at just one big communal table going back and forth about philosophy and religion.

These are just a few of the unforgettable DLA Professors I had during my 4 years at UNCSA,  but this year I couldn't forget to mention Dave Olson. 

Dave was one of those teachers that gives you a smile even before you have his class. I was fortunate enough to have him as a teacher during my freshman year, and as a friend for all the years after that. Dave taught me about non-profit organizations, and in his class I learned all the ins and outs of starting my own non-profit, but most importantly he taught me how to take everything with ease. I wish I had had the opportunity to be his student again in one of his other classes. Dave and I stayed in touch during my time in school, we would catch up in the hallway, or sometimes after one of the school productions. When I was lucky I would catch him having lunch at the Pickle Jar and we would sit and talk. During my senior year, when I was considering getting a Master's Degree right out of school, Dave sat down with me and helped me look at all the pros and cons of the options I had. Upon graduating we mostly stayed in touch through Trivia Crack, yes the game app! Dave loved trivia, his students, and the arts! When I was his student we started a Trivia Crack game, he won 99% of the games, but it was really wonderful to know that he was still playing with me after all those years. When quarantine started we became more responsive in our game and were very active in the days leading up to his passing. For weeks our unfinished game was sitting there waiting for him to play his turn until finally declaring me the winner, although this time I had lost. I lost a fantastic teacher, a mentor, and a great friend. Dave, Trivia Crack won't be the same without you, UNCSA isn't the same without you, and the arts isn't the same without you!