Texas Tech University

LeRoy and Claire "Sally" Olsak Endowed Scholarship

 

The LeRoy and Claire “Sally” Olsak Endowed Scholarship was established by the estate of LeRoy Olsak in 2015. This scholarship is available to all students in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

After graduating from San Angelo High School in 1940 and attending San Angelo College, he transferred to what was then known as Texas Technological College. His education was interrupted by World War II when he was deployed as a B-24 combat pilot for the Red Raider Bomber Group in the Asian theater.

Upon return from the service, he married the true love of his life, Claire “Sally” Johnson, on Jan 14, 1946 in the B.O. & Elizabeth Wood Presbyterian Manse. He also returned to continue his education and graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1947. From there, LeRoy started a long and prosperous career as a manager with Texas Electric Service Company, first in Big Spring and later in Lamesa. About 40 years and many accolades later, LeRoy retired and turned his interests to the Olsak Pecan Orchard he planted in the 70's on family land at Eldorado, Texas. The pecan orchard eventually gained the ranking as one of the best in the state often producing state champion pecans.

LeRoy and Sally participated in life together through church, civic organizations, Colorado fishing trips and orchard tending. When Sally became ill with cancer, LeRoy was her devoted companion and caretaker as she was the light of his life.

After Sally passed away in 2005, LeRoy continued life to the fullest by keeping his involvement with First Presbyterian Church, Angelo State University, Texas Tech University, Texas Pecan Growers Association, Rotary Club, Red Raider Bomber Veterans and Old Geezers Walking Club. His awards and commendations from various groups are numerous and impressive and reflect the level of commitment he gave to each entity. Without children, LeRoy claimed many nieces and nephews as his extended family just the same way he and Sally always had.

To support this scholarship, “Give Now” online.

 

Contact

Alex Yack
Alex.Yack@ttu.edu
Senior Director of Development
806.742.2802

Matt Williams
matt.williams@ttu.edu
Director of Development
806.742.2802

Shelbey Havens
shelbey.havens@ttu.edu
Assistant Director of Development
806.834.1108