This is a scholarship fund established at the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering for the purpose of supporting students demonstrating financial need and a wide range of multidisciplinary interests and experiences that can be applied to solve complex problems.
It was established to honor three generations of Theodore A. Olsons, all of whom had close ties to the University of Minnesota.
This fund was created in 2021 with this background statement. If this matches your philanthropic interests, here is where you can contribute.
TAO Scholarship Recipients
2025-2026 Recipient: Carter R.
Carter R.
Salem OR
Chemical Engineering
Carter was inspired after meeting a chemical engineering professor at an engineering summer camp. He is glad to have made the choice to come to Minnesota and is excited to work beside professors that have made important discoveries.
“This has allowed me to engage with new and more diverse opportunities than I would be able to at home. [It] has made going here more accessible and financially secure…”
2024-2025 Recipient: River N.
River N.
Woodridge IL
Computer Science
River has a strong interest in computer science and envisions a career within this wide field, perhaps working for a game company.
She feels that the scholarship will allow her to focus on academic and personal goals as she transitions to college life.
2023-2026 Recipient: Israel Manna
Israel Manna
New Hope MN
Industrial Engineering, 2027
Israel hopes to work for a company in the areas of Supply Chain, Operations, or Continuous Improvement.
Israel’s family is from the East African country of Eritrea. He feels that the scholarship will help him to “achieve my dream, my parent’s dream, and all the sacrifices they made to help me be in this position.”
2022-2026 Recipient: Monica Robles
Monica Robles
Golden Valley MN
Aerospace Engineering, 2026
On attaining her degree, further education and industry experience, Monica hopes to travel to her parent’s home country of El Salvador and contribute to their space program. She also wishes to establish programs that make astronomy more accessible to the general public, and inspire the younger generation to pursue space exploration.
She is actively involved in various on-campus organizations such as the MnSGC Ballooning Team and the Rocketry Team, and has contributed to developing other STEM-related projects.
“Because of this opportunity, I’ve been able to dedicate enough time to my education, excel in my classes, balance my responsibilities, and even add a minor in astrophysics to my degree.”