Abaalmarinta La Sharafay

Kerry Olsen ’68 is one of the world’s leading experts in head and neck oncologic surgery, known for groundbreaking contributions to patient care, medical research and surgical education. During his long career at Mayo Clinic, he advanced new treatment approaches, held numerous leadership roles and mentored generations of physicians and surgeons.

While at Minnetonka High School, Dr. Olsen served as a leader on the student council, competed in track and field, and participated in many other sports. His fondest memories center on his classmates, his teachers, and a school environment that encouraged students to learn from their mistakes.

Dr. Olsen's original ambition was to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. However, during a routine physical exam, he discovered he was colorblind which made him ineligible for military aviation. Shifting gears, he explored various fields, including law and economics, before discovering a genuine passion for pre-medical coursework.

After graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in economics, he continued his studies at Mayo Medical School, where he received an M.D. degree in its first graduating class. He went on to spend four decades at Mayo Clinic as a widely respected surgeon, named professor, medical director, and board member—continually praised by colleagues for his selfless leadership and dedication to lifting up those around him.

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Olsen remains forever grateful for his family—his wife, four married children and twelve grandchildren—calling them his greatest pride and joy. He also remains deeply appreciative of the Minnetonka Alumni Association for keeping graduates connected through their shared Skipper heritage. He proudly lives by the saying "Once a Skipper, always a Skipper." 
To students and young alumni navigating their own futures, Dr. Olsen offerd the following advice: "I had numerous side roads through my education before I figured out what I wanted to do. Your interests and experiences in life change, and what you think you’re going to like at age 17 can be very different from age 21 or 31. So who knows what’ll happen?”