Richard "Dick" Ollen, BA'55
Dick Ollen has a stellar track record—literally. While working toward his undergraduate degree in business, which he received from Northeastern in 1955, the now retired business executive was also a “miler” for the men’s track team, regularly competing against the best times set for the 4-minute mile.
As a runner, Dick had a talent for pace-setting and contributed to record-breaking racing times in intercollegiate competitions at Madison Square Garden and at the Boston Garden. He was so well-known for his speed and consistency that teammates, fans, and even writers for Sports Illustrated referred to him as “The Mechanical Rabbit.” Dick was inducted into the Northeastern University Hall of Fame in 1979 for his contributions to men’s track.
The same hard work and dedication that Dick brought to his athletic pursuits helped lead to his success as a Northeastern student and ROTC member, and later to his entrepreneurial career in insurance, banking, and advising. Co-op experiences at John Hancock Mutual Life, the United Investment Council, and United Business Services gave him invaluable experience in actuary and insurance that he used as a teacher and led him to an advanced degree in business. He received his master's degree in business administration from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957.
After serving in the United States Army between 1956-1961, Dick worked for over a decade as an executive for banking and trust firm, the Massachusetts Company. He later held senior officer positions at GEICO Investment Services and the American Guaranty and Trust Company. In 1993, he founded his own management firm, Ollen Management Company.
Dick Ollen, Northeastern track star.
Over the years, Dick has maintained close ties to Northeastern, especially through his work as a member of the Northeastern University Corporation, beginning in 1994. He was a member of the Board of Overseers from 1996-1998 and a member of the Board of Trustees from 1997-2006. He continues to serve the university as a Lifetime Trustee Emeritus.
Dick and his wife, Jane, at a Northeastern event.
Supporting Northeastern is very important to Dick and his wife, Jane. Together, they have provided financial resources for student scholarship support, the College of Business Administration, the men’s track team, and Northeastern University Veterans Memorial, among other designations. Most recently, Dick and his fellow Phi Gamma Pi fraternity members have chosen to support the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Program, which provides access to a Northeastern University education for post-9/11 veterans.
The Ollens reside in New Hampshire.