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The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont honors Jean Olson, Executive Director from 1994 through 2010. During the 16 years she served as GIV’s Director, Jean brought life to GIV through her steadfast dedication towards education, inspiration, and accessibility.
In her time serving as Executive Director, Jean Olson created opportunities for more than 5,000 Vermont students.
Jean Olson passed away peacefully in her home recently. Jean was the Executive Director of GIV for 16 years, stepping in at a fragile moment for our nonprofit, working hard to stabilize it and then growing its reach across Vermont, ensuring that these unique educational opportunities remain available to even more young Vermonters for years to come.
We honor Jean with a deep respect for her optimism and drive. Her dedication to this organization has had profound ripple effects that are best understood with the heart. You always knew that her soft, calm voice and twinkling eyes were championing the young people in this state, and that she was rooting for them to reach for the stars.
Jean’s legacy lives on in the thousands of young people who have been positively impacted by the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont. Her memory reminds us to lead with love and inspires us all to continue fostering a strong sense of community here at GIV.
In June of 2023, we sat down with Jean to reflect on the importance of GIV and her time serving as Executive Director.
Her words and her passion for helping young people resound in GIV’s work forever.
