Wonderful woman! Her stories from her experiences with Mines students enriched our Great Decisions group discussions. Sad to lose her. She will be missed. Our deepest sympathy, Joyce Jennings & Bill Cox
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Thank you Leslie for EVERYTHING! You will always be remembered for your kindness, your good deeds, and your care towards the CSM International Students (above and beyond your Student Advisor role). Goodbye from a friend in Malaysia.
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I was an international transfer student entering Mines. Like many others, I ended up working at the International office and Leslie would help me even more along my journey through Mines. She would be the “go to” person for most of the international students on campus. During her “reign”, international office becomes a place many of us felt most at home. Without Leslie, I wouldn’t be at Mines and I am not sure where I would be today. Thank you Leslie. You will be missed.
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short notice have to work called lots phone full please call me 3034348414 thank you will be missed
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My condolences to Leslie's family. I first met Leslie in 1997, at the time I served as the Mount Lookout Chapter, Daughters for the American Revolution. Leslie was a proud and dedicated 28-year member of the DAR. She enjoyed most to attend the DAR ROTC award medal presentation ceremonies at CSM. She served at the Mount Lookout Chapter Regent from 2011-2014 and held title of Honorary Chapter Regent. Leslie loved to participate in DAR history, educational and patriotic community events. Chapter members are saddened by her death, and she will be missed.
1
2015, Colorado School of Mines, Illinois Street, Golden, CO, USA
1
I had the privilege of working in the International Office with Leslie and Michelle for over three years started around 1992. Leslie was an incredible presence – always kind, available, and wonderfully connected. She was truly a mother figure to us all. Her tireless efforts each year to secure funding for and organize our International Day always made it a huge success. Leslie opened my eyes to a dimension of college life I hadn't fully grasped until I graduated and entered the professional world. She'll always hold a special place in my memories.
2
My heart was broken when I heard of Leslie's passing, we had been friends for so long - roommates in Virginia and co-workers at the Smithsonian. Kept in touch all these years, visiting each other on occasion and talking numerous times throughout the year. She was there for my daughter's birth and also came to her wedding. The last time I spoke to her she was in the hospital and in true Leslie style she said I am not afraid to die, but I am afraid what will happen to Abbie. Rest in peace my friend, I will miss you so much.
Joanie O'Rourke
Centreville, VA
1
Our deepest condolences to Leslie’s family. She certainly made a big impact on many people’s lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Cecilia Suaznábar and Michael Fry.
1
How could I forget the first time I met Leslie. I had just arrived from winter in La Paz, Bolivia to a hot summer evening in Colorado. I was wearing a turtleneck and a coat, there we no cellphones and my only contact was Leslie. I took a transport from the airport to Chauvenet Hall which was obviously closed. I managed to call from Safeway and thankfully, she came to pick me up. She smiled and gave me a nice warm welcome. She took me to Twin Towers to stay with a nice French girl who had just arrived as well. This girl is still a good friend of mine today. She encouraged me to participate in as many activities as I could, she game me my first job on campus and no matter how crazy her schedule was, she always managed to make room for whoever was coming to see her. She was very honest and had no issues speaking her mind. She was funny and loved bringing people together. She masterminded an International Day in which we loved to participate. Mines was a small but very diverse community and Leslie Olsen was definitely one to make that happen. Thank you, Leslie! I will always keep a special memory of you in my heart.
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Leslie was the first person I talked to when I arrived in Colorado. I was 17, it was my first time abroad, and my ride from the airport fell through. Leslie arranged for a shuttle to give me a ride to the International Students and Scholar Services office at CSM. Soon, I learned that many International students hung out at that office often (in between classes, before going home) because it was a safe place; Leslie had made it a home.
Leslie was kind, honest, wise, and had an amazing sense of humor. She went above and beyond to make sure we would succeed at Mines; she has rightfully been called a second mother to many. She opened her home if a student needed it. I remember a time when a student was mistakenly accused of not having all her paperwork in order; Leslie went to the respective office and clarified the situation immediately, even though it was late at night. When another student was giving birth, she was the one with her at the hospital. She knew each student well, she cheered us on when we succeeded, and she scolded us if it was warranted. She loved us regardless of the decisions (sometimes wrong) that we made. She was present at every graduation, celebrating with each one of her students. She met our families and remembered their names. She followed up with us after we left Golden, and continued to make us part of her family. She was present at Christmas parties, at Baby Showers, at many milestones, showing us how much she cared. After she left Mines, one of her activities was to help care for the kids at church while their parents engaged in Bible studies; the kids loved her and respected her.
It was a privilege to meet her, she will remain in my heart.
My deep condolences to her family,
Alexandra Wayllace and family.
1
Leslie was an institution and a home away fom home. Honest, genuine and supportive, she celebrated successes and helped overcome the tumbles. She truly believed in me and all of her international students.
She made the world a better place, using humor, kindness and truth to guide us in times of uncertainty. She remained a beacon of integrity and she was my friend, my mentors, my mom, my advocate and my unyielding supporter regardless of what I did or how I performed.
The world lost a beacon of light in dark times.
To her family, my deepest condolences as she left an indelible mark in my life. She made me a better, kinder and more resilient human being.
I’m so grateful to have had her in my life, and I’m so sorry for your loss. Leslie is simply irreplaceable!
My most heartfelt condolences.
Irúa Euribe and family
1
Leslie was the first CSM-associated person I met. I was waiting to fly to Denver and then travel to Golden to have an interview for a faculty position in the Fall of 1985. As fortune would have it, I sat in the airport waiting area right next to Leslie. Leslie offered insight into the institution and invited me to take a tour of the school once we arrived in Golden. She gave me a copy of the Bulletin and lent me a book on the history of Mines. This material prepared me well for the interview. I believe that Leslie's help played a part in my appointment as a faculty member at Mines. The loss of Leslie, a kind, generous, thoughtful friend, has affected me strongly. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Leslie's family, friends, and colleagues.
3
Leslie, you always stood by and helped those new arrivals at Mines that came from afar and enjoyed home and a bit of comfort when they were entering a new world, standing by their side and doing what was necessary behind the scenes when they came across difficult patches in the road. Thank you, Leslie, for making the world better for people who will never forget your support for them when they needed a special push. As the world stands today, there are many around who would benefit from your support today. May we live by your example.
2
I was so sorry to hear about Leslie's passing. She was such a warm and welcoming person who made my first days at Mines bearable and the next few years unforgettable. Thank you, Leslie, for your care and affection to Mines' international students over thr years.
2
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