Sigma Chi Honors Merlin Olsen
March 11, 2010
Sigma Chis are honoring the life of Order of Constantine and Significant Sig Merlin Olsen, UTAH STATE 1962, who is remembered as a committed philanthropist, Hall of Fame professional football player and actor. Olsen passed away on March 11 at the age of 69. "Brother Olsen was a dear friend and a loyal Fraternity member who inspired us all to be better men," says Sigma Chi International President Wayne Tucker, BAYLOR 1985. "Because of his generous heart and his passion for helping others, he was instrumental in advancing the Fraternity's early philanthropic endeavors with Children's Miracle Network (CMN)."
Olsen first co-hosted the CMN telethon in 1983; he served in this capacity until 1998. To date, Sigma Chi chapters have fundraised more than $6 million for CMN.
Olsen's legendary football career began while in college; he was named college football's best lineman in 1961. He went onto a successful career with the Los Angeles Rams, retiring after the 1976 season as one of the game's all-time greatest defensive players. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times in his 15-year career. Following his football days, Olsen delved into acting. He played Jonathan in TV's Little House on the Prairie, and John Michael Murphy in Father Murphy.
Yet Sigma Chis perhaps most fondly remember Olsen for his contributions to the Fraternity. He was named the Fraternity's International Balfour Award winner, or most outstanding undergraduate, in 1962. He served on Sigma Chi's Executive Committee, and he was the keynote speaker for the 1964 Leadership Training Workshop in Muncie, Ind. He also was a master of ceremonies of a 1969 Atlanta banquet at the 57th Grand Chapter, or biennial convention. He was a member of the Fraternity's International Sweetheart Nominating Committee throughout the 1980s.
"Brother Olsen was a true Fraternity man, and we celebrate his lasting impact not only on Sigma Chi, but also on the greater community, including the families of those who have been helped through CMN," says Tucker.
Video Courtesy of KSL.com
