During chapel today—May 11, 2010, at Northland International University, Dr.
Ollila was presented with his original but completely refurbished Dodge Power Wagon. This rugged,
vintage-looking vehicle was used by Doc O back in Gratiot, Upper Peninsula
Michigan, during his early logging days. The presentation today was made by Dr.
Matt Olson on behalf of Northland as a continuation of the efforts previously
made to honor the Ollilas’ twenty-five years of faithful service. After the
truck was driven into the Pioneer Athletic Center to be presented, Doc O
recalled several fallen trees that had marred the truck’s image. The oak used
for the truck bed was cut and planed by Doc O, and the restoration work was
completed by his son-in-law as a complete surprise.
But this was just “the rest of the story.” During the annual Men’s Heart
Conference of 2009, Les and Charlene Ollila were honored for twenty-five years
of service at Northland. The special tribute service was kept a surprise until
the moment that family members and dear friends walked in to join the Ollilas on
the front row. Testimonies were shared by those whose lives have been touched
by the Ollilas over the past five decades, and a video tribute was shown,
tracing the path that God has led the Ollilas down these many years.
Also to honor their twenty-five years of service to Christ at Northland and to
ensure that future generations benefit from their life-touching-life
philosophy, Northland created the Les and Charlene Ollila Scholarship, which
was announced during the tribute service. It’s been the prayer of the
administration that students who exemplify the same spirit of servant-leadership
as Doc O and Charlene will be blessed and encouraged in their efforts to serve
the Lord by receiving financial assistance from this scholarship fund.
Since Dr. Ollila joined the Northland administration as president over
twenty-five years ago, his impact has been multiplied by his example of
servant-leadership and his philosophy of ministry, multiplying exponentially
through each graduate who goes out into ministries all over the United States
and around the world.
“Now you know the rest of the story” if and when you see “Doc O’s, Forest
Ventures, Gratiot Location” Power Wagon around Northland’s campus.