NEA-Alaska Board of Directors voted unanimously to honor the recently deceased Dr. Merritt Olson, widely known as the "godfather" of the Alaska Teacher Retirement System.

Merritt Olson Memorial Service

March  30, 2010

Remarks by NEA-Alaska President Barb Angaiak

                 It is rare that the work of one individual impacts the lives of thousands they have never met. Those who didn’t have the chance to meet him, or know who he was, must take time to understand what Merritt Olson meant to public education and public service in Alaska.

                Quoting from an article written by Don Schulz: “Merritt is still considered by many to be the “Godfather” of the Alaska Teacher Retirement System. He worked unceasingly to improve the retirement benefits of all teachers and public employees. With 12 years of service on the Teacher Retirement System Board, no one in Alaska knew more about the system, its history, and the long struggle for improvement and eventual gains in teacher pensions.

                In order to protect pension funds, Merritt was a prime mover for legislation that would establish an autonomous pension fund board protected from the vagaries of legislative or administrative action. Merritt served on that Alaska State Pension Investment Board since its inception. Beyond any official capacity Merritt continuously served as a resource to individuals, organizations, and legislators who sought information or who needed assistance in solving problems with pension issues.

                NEA-Alaska recently completed construction of a new building in Juneau. The beautiful structure is just steps from the state capitol and will serve our members with office and meeting space for many years to come. Today I bring you word that the NEA-Alaska Board of Directors voted unanimously in its meeting yesterday afternoon in Juneau to honor the work of Merritt Olson by naming the large conference room after him. It shall be named the Merritt Olson Memorial Board and Conference Room and a plaque is to be hung in a place of honor so all will know how important he is to our membership, past, present, and future.

                We respect our elders. We learn from their willingness to serve as role models and mentors. Today we honor and remember the work of Dr. Olson and know that his effort and commitment will live on. Merritt will be missed by the entire NEA-Alaska family.