Temple University Athletics
Dr. George Edberg-Olson Passes Away
6.30.09 | Football
June 30, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - Dr. George Edberg-Olson passed away on Monday afternoon. He was 84.
For more than six decades, Dr. Edberg-Olson was a dedicated fan and financial supporter of Temple University Athletics. In 2000, he gave a $1 million bequest for the Temple football complex which bears his name.
"The Temple Athletics community is saddened by the loss of one of its greatest benefactors," said Temple University Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw. "George Edberg-Olson had a passion for Temple student-athletes and was able to touch so many with his kindness and generosity. Our collective hearts go out to his family at this time."
"It is a sad day for us at Temple Football," said football coach Al Golden. "Dr. Edberg-Olson was a great person. He supported our efforts in producing well-rounded student-athletes, not only through his generous financial support, but through his enthusiasm and spirit. He will be greatly missed by the Temple University community."
Dr. Edberg-Olson was an emeritus professor of the Department of Hispanic and Iberoamerican Languages and Literatures. He began his career at Temple as a student after World War II, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education in 1949.
Following graduation, he worked for a short time in the pharmaceutical industry before returning to education and enrolling at the University of Havana where he received his licentiate (master's) degree. While in Cuba, he was a member of the American Caribbean football team which played against schools in Central America.
He continued his studies at the University of Kansas where he earned a doctorate in Spanish Literature. He returned to Temple to teach Spanish. After publishing several books and articles, Dr. Edberg-Olson was named chairman of the department.
Through the years, Dr. Edberg-Olson developed a passion for Temple Athletics. He was named to the athletic committee which gave faculty administrative oversight of sports activities. He loved regattas and presented the Temple rowers with a brand new shell which the crew promptly named the "George Edberg-Olson."
Dr. Edberg-Olson always attended football and basketball games. While supporting Temple Athletics, he became an expert on college and university mascots and colors. He composed articles in Temple's media guides and programs about the history of Temple's traditions.
In 2007, Dr. Edberg-Olson was the recipient of Temple's F. Eugene Dixon, Jr., Inspiration Award for his belief in and support of the role that athletics play in the development of students as individuals and as citizens.
Funeral arrangements are still pending.
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UPDATED July 2:
Services for Dr. George Edberg-Olson will be held on Thursday, July 9 at the Kirk and Nice Funeral Home [at Sunset Memorial Park on County Line Road]. Visitation is set for 1 p.m., followed by services at 2 p.m. Interment will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Temple University Owl Club or the Pennsylvania SPCA.
