West Point, Virginia
- Elis Olsson
Why did you decide to attend EHS?
Like many of the “new boys” in my class, I did not make the
decision to go to Episcopal High School; my parents did. My father had gone to
EHS, and he wanted me to do the same. The truth is, I was a shy, small-town boy
who was intimidated when I first stepped on the EHS campus. EHS was a Spartan environment
back then, and the “rat system” was a big part of daily life, but the School
was a great place for me to push myself and grow. EHS prepared me for future
challenges and gave me more self-confidence.
What is your favorite EHS memory?
It’s tough to pick a favorite memory – playing football for
Ed Rice, visiting D.C. on biology field trips with Mr. Johns (great teacher and
friend, scary driver), and playing a bit part in “Oklahoma” would all be near
the top of my list. But I have to say that my favorite memory was participating
in the summer trip to Germany. Our German teacher, Steve Six, led 17 of us on
bicycles through Germany and Austria – 1,700 miles in six weeks. We would ride
through scenic vistas in the Austrian Alps all day, up and down mountains, and
then Mr. Six, an ex-Marine, would goad us into a pushup competition that night
in the youth hostel. It was insane, but absolutely amazing – one of those
experiences that you look back on and say, “If I can do that, I can do
anything.”
How do you think Lanier '11 has grown at EHS?
EHS has given Lanier tremendous opportunities for growth.
Her trip last year to the Dominican Republic and her trip to Kenya this summer
have exposed her to different languages, customs, and cultures. She has been
challenged in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Whatever path she
chooses in life, she will be better for the experiences she has had at EHS.
Tell us something we probably don't know about you.
Back in the early ’80s, EHS offered a class in aviation. The
School owned a tabletop simulator that was kept in a room on the third floor of
the Learning Center behind a glass wall. The glass wall had a gap at the top.
For some reason I didn’t take the class, but I was always fascinated by
aviation. On the weekends, when no one was around, I would climb over the wall and
use the flight simulator. Now, I’m a professional pilot. As Joseph Campbell,
the American mythologist, said, “Follow your bliss and the universe will open
doors for you where there were only walls.”
Your father, Sture Olsson '38, was also a great supporter of the School. How has his legacy impacted the relationship that you and Lanier have with Episcopal?
My dad was a strong personality, and he had a big influence
on our lives. He passed away shortly after Lanier started at Episcopal as a
freshman. Just a few weeks earlier, we drove up to my parents’ home to have
dinner with him. Dad knew that Lanier was headed to EHS and, though he was not one
to show his emotions, he was very proud of her. Dad had served on the EHS Board
of Trustees when they made the decision to go coed. At the time, there was
still a lot of concern among the alumni about whether or not it was the right
decision. That night when we went up for dinner and Lanier walked into the
kitchen, he was sitting at the table and said, “Hey, rat, go get me a glass of
water.” That was his gruff way of saying, “I’m proud of you.” It’s neat for
Lanier and her younger sister, Maja ’14, to know that they share EHS with their
grandfather. In fact, they share that with both of their grandfathers. Their grandfather
on their mother’s side, Billy Percy ’57, also went to EHS.
What's your philanthropic philosophy?
There are many reasons to give. Andrew Carnegie said,
“Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in
his lifetime for the good of the community.” While many of us have seen our
“surplus wealth” decrease over the last few years, we are still truly blessed
to live in this country and have the freedom and opportunities we all have.
Charitable giving is a way to be part of something larger than ourselves and
give others the opportunities we have enjoyed.