Distinguished Engineer
Hometown: Henry
Electrical Engineering,
Robert C. Olson was employed by Control Data Corp. upon graduation from South Dakota State College and became a vital part of the company. He was instrumental in bringing two new computer products to the Control Data product line, the Cyber 170 and the Cyber 180. Both computer families were unique systems developed by Control Data for engineering leadership in developing the processes essential to the production of a quality and cost effective product. Olson, an active member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, had a career characterized by a conscientious commitment for excellence in every task undertaken. He served South Dakota as an advisor to Gov. George Mickelson on new industry. He also worked on the establishment of SDSU’s thin film research lab in Solberg Hall and assisted with grant applications for mechanical engineering research projects.