• Current Scholars
• Alumni
• Dream Big
• Scholar Travels
• Scholar Art & Music
• Scholar Stories
• The Scholar Experience

Christopher Olsen

Biography

Profile: One of two University of Missouri alums to be named to the inaugural class of Graduate Arts Award recipients by the Foundation, Christopher Olsen is a talented and creative writer who hopes to pursue a Master of Fine Arts.  Chris earned degrees in English and film studies at University of Missouri, but will concentrate on writing in graduate school. The university’s Public Affairs Office issued a press release when news came of Chris’ award and the young man’s professors couldn’t have been prouder.  Professor Trudy Lewis, who nominated Chris for the award, said in the release he is “fearless in his pursuit of forms and ideas.”   She added that "Chris' fiction combines narrative, poetry, science, philosophy, and religion in symphonic complexity . . .  unlike many experimental writers, Chris is able to modulate his technical virtuosity with real emotional insight, as demonstrated in a recent story about the death of a disabled child.”

Inspiration: Chris is inspired by the aforementioned Dr. Lewis.  “The nomination from Professor Lewis was an honor because she is one of the finest, sharpest instructors I’ve ever had.”

Aspiration: Chris has been bitten by the teaching bug; at least teaching on the university level.  After he earns his M.F.A., he wouldn’t mind going on for a doctorate degree and land a job shaping the minds of young writers in academia.

Making a Difference:  Chris had poetry accepted by the intercollegiate undergraduate literary journal run by Cornell University known as "Rainy Day."

Accolades: At the top of Chris’ list of awards is the Graduate Arts Award from the Foundation.  He also graduated with honors from the University of Missouri earning a 3.6 GPA.  Chris was also a Peer Advisor in the University’s Department of Residential Life.

Interesting Fact: Chris is a talented filmmaker. 

Other Scholars Like Christopher