USask ‘more than an educational institution’

In 1964, Shirley Olley (BSc’80) took university classes for the first time at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) when she was 29 years old.

Looking to fulfill a science class requirement for her major in mathematics, Shirley was encouraged to try computer science.

“It was wonderful professors who encouraged me even though I was older than almost all other students, especially in computer science,” she said.

Almost 45 years later, she established the S.A. Olley Award in Computer Science and Economics to recognize undergraduate or graduate students majoring in the subject areas.

Establishing the award is a way for Shirley to give back to the university that served as an alma mater for herself, and all four of her children. USask was also a place of employment for herself and her husband, the late Economics Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Olley (PhD).

"During our 30 years in Saskatoon, the university was more than an educational institution for me and our family; it was the place we took our children for swimming lessons and summer activities, and where we made many social connections and developed treasured friendships,” Shirley wrote when establishing the award.

“Our four children - Beth, Steven, Susan and Maureen - enjoyed living in Saskatoon, embracing the cold winters playing hockey, skating and skiing. All four graduated from high school in Saskatoon and earned degrees at USask. After Bob and I retired, we moved to Ontario and we always looked back at USask fondly.”

Recipients will be awarded $5,000 in recognition of their achievements and demonstration of commitment to their community. Awards are to be distributed equally between the Departments of Economics and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Science each year. Shirley donated $500,000 to the fund, which will be endowed in perpetuity. Additional donations may also be received to the fund.

Though the award does not specify the gender of recipients, Shirley hopes that it will help some women pursuing education in Computer Science or Economics.

It took Shirley almost 15 years to complete her degree. Between raising four children, and life in general, she would take classes whenever she could. She chipped away at requirements, taking two or three courses per year, including one by correspondence.

Shirley graduated from USask in 1980 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.  

After graduating in 1980, Shirley worked in Computing Services for a year. She taught introductory Computer Science in the College of Arts and Science for five terms and worked at the College of Veterinary Medicine on computer research projects assisting professors and students for 12 years.

“I’m a Prairie person—a Prairie girl, born and raised there,” she said. “I was very proud to go to the University of Saskatchewan.”

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