The Impact of an Education

Although everyone has faced a different story on their journey to education, the College of Business alumni family can likely all attest to the impact their education has had on their lives. Recently, the College collected alumni stories and surveyed the University’s potential audience of students. We found that even today, many students are first-generation college students. A number of them are also non-traditional students, attending school with children, working multiple jobs to support their studies, or have even come from financial struggles in their families. For most of our alumni, the impact of their education and the change it made in their lives has been profound. Nearly every graduate noted that their life would be significantly different had they not attended college, and their confidence and abilities were broadened beyond what they ever realized they were capable of. The experiences they gained in their college career provided them with the tools to continue to broaden their horizons, their understanding and their abilities. Following, are just two brief alumni stories. These are the stories of individuals who may have overcome struggles, lived out their dreams and through an education- changed the outcome of their lives.

Cliff Olsen: 1986

Cliff Olsen, born in Blackfoot, began his journey as a first-generation college student. “My mother grew up as a member of the working class in England where formal education beyond what we would call high school was out of reach,” said Olsen. His father was devoted to hard-work and believed he could make a good living without a college degree. “Arguably he has done that but not without enduring difficult times financially.”

However, Olsen’s goals inspired him to pursue higher education. “I wanted to have a grand life where I could work with some of the best people anywhere, see the world and provide well for my family,” he said. But, Olsen’s journey through his education was challenging. As a husband and parent, he had a lot to juggle. “I needed to go to school full-time and work almost full-time in order to support my family and obtain the ultimate goal which was to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).”

Olsen graduated in 1986 with his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and was able to earn the Idaho Gold Medal on the May 1986 CPA exam. This enabled Olsen to move on to Utah State University where he obtained his Masters of Accounting the following year. Upon graduating, Olsen was employed by Deloitte & Touche and has remained with the firm for 32 years, now serving as a partner. However, Olsen will be retiring from practice in a few months at the age of 59 to which he says “That would not have happened” had he decided not to pursue higher education. “My college education completely changed my life trajectory and that of my family. My children have also had the opportunity to attend college, get degrees and get great jobs. Because of my education, I have had the chance to work with leadership from some of the largest corporations in America and work with some of the best professionals in my field.”

In retirement, he’s looking forward to being able to spend more time with his family, travel, and as he puts it, “find meaningful ways to render service to others.”

Laura Benson: 1972

Looking back on her experience in the College, Laura Benson fondly recalled the relationships she had with many of her professors as one of the most prominent memories of her college career. “My instructors provided me with so much encouragement and a true desire to learn.” Benson, a 1972 College of Business graduate from the marketing program, began her education with a strong push from her parents. “My parents were adamant that I go to college, so right after graduating high school I began attending ISU.” Benson said the College of Business was her first choice in colleges, “They had a great reputation for success, and I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”

As a student, she quickly began to make the most out of her education and in her junior year, she helped develop the women’s business fraternity, Phi Chi Theta. She was also an active member in the social society, Alpha Chi Omega, and the university’s Outdoor Club.

Throughout this period, social sororities and fraternities were a prominent part of the culture at ISU. “The Greek life enhanced the college experience for me,” said Benson. “It was a base of friends, as they were all women I lived with in the dorms, and it provided a strong sense of community.” Benson said due to her participation in these groups, she truly developed life-long friendships. “I am still in contact with some of my sorority sisters and I have been active in the alum chapters in Utah, California and now Arizona.” Maintaining these connections has been a driving factor in helping her become involved in many of the communities she has lived in throughout the years.

In addition to an enhanced college experience through involvement and community, Benson said the education she received at ISU gave her a strong foundation in all aspects of the business field. As a marketing major, Benson noted that she was given the tools to have a very successful career in banking. “Right after graduating, I began working for First Security Bank.” Her career with First Security Bank spanned over 25 years in both Idaho and Utah. She retired from Northern Trust as a high-end private banker in Santa Barbara, Calif. Throughout her career she continually served her communities by sitting on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of the USA, as well as numerous other boards that helped and served women. She was also a member of the College’s Leadership Board from 2005-2010. Now in retirement, Benson and her husband, Jean-Luc Bidegain, are avid world travelers and residents of Arizona. As she reflected on her career and life, Benson noted, “My education at ISU started me on a strong path of success and for that I am so grateful.”