Everett C Olson has had a long and distinguished career as a vertebrate palaeontologist. 'Ole' received his formal higher education at the University of Chicago. Upon completing his doctorate in 1935, he joined the faculty of the Department of Geology at his alma mater. In 1969, he left Chicago to join the Department of Biology at UCLA, where he taught until his retirement in 1977. Olson's research has focused on the evolution of lower vertebrates from the Permocarboniferous; the origin of mammals; and the taphonomy, biogeography, and evolution of fossil communities. From this research have come 170 scientific papers and six books in the field of palaeontology. In recognition of his scientific accomplishments and service to his discipline, Ole has received the Palaeontological Medal of the Palaeontological Society and the Distinguished Service Medal of the Society of Vertebrate Palaeontology.
