Celebrate Steve Olson's Excellence in Education and
Leadership at the SRJC Shone Farm on November 8th 2008

Celebrate Steve Olson's distinguished 40-year career in education, agriculture and the community on Saturday, November, 8th at the Santa Rosa Junior College Shone Farm. The Santa Rosa Junior College Ag Trust is hosting "Excellence in Education and Leadership," a retirement celebration honoring Steve Olson at the SRJC Shone Farm in the Warren G. Dutton, Jr. Agriculture Pavilion.

The event begins promptly at 4:00pm with wine tasting and a silent auction. Graduates from the SRJC's viticulture and wine studies programs will be on hand to pour wines from their personal wineries. Guests will then enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner courtesy of High Feather Catering before viewing the evening's feature program honoring Steve Olson.

Entertainment and a live auction will also be provided. Items up for bid include a day of fly fishing at Upper Canyon Outfitters, local wine blends, John Deer equipment and more. Proceeds from the event will support SRJC Agriculture and Natural Resources programs. Steve Olson has been a pivotal figure in North Coast education and agriculture, having been associated with Santa Rosa Junior College from 1970 to 2007. He retired as Dean of Occupational Education and Economic Development.

Throughout the span of his career, Olson has won many honors and accolades for his contributions and community service to agriculture, education and farm youth including the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce's Agricultural Leadership Award and the Sonoma County Harvest Fair's Friend of Agriculture Award.

Olson recently received the Rotary Club's highest honor, the Harold D. Bostock Lifetime of Service Award. Olson is one of only three people to receive the award in the 87year history of the Santa Rosa Rotary Club. In the larger community, Olson's passion for and dedication to Sonoma County and agriculture continues on through retirement as he actively participates in many agricultural and community organizations such as the Santa Rosa Rotary Club, the 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County, the Sonoma County World Affairs Council, and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Foundation. For questions about the event call (707) 521-7898.