Reverend Dr. Robert L. Polk became a friend of my parents, while attending Doane with them, and was best man at 
their wedding (in 1952). Bob Polk has had a wonderful life and has been, and is, an inspiration for thousands.
Doane University is naming their newly built amphitheater in Robert Polk’s honor, on May 17, 2024 (details here). I plan to be there. This is also the commencement weekend at Doane and Dr. Polk will be speaking.
I want to collect here some pictures, videos, and information about this great man for myself (and perhaps others) in anticipation of his honor and being together with him in Crete, NE, on the Doane campus.
Bob Polk (which sounds informal, but that’s what my dad always called him) was born May 8, 1928, in 
Chicago, Illinois. He was the first black person to attend Doane College (now University). He graduated in 1952, the same year my dad, Walter J. Olsen, graduated. After Doane, he went to seminary. The first church he served, as a pastor, as in North Dakota. He has served the church and people his entire life. In his memoir, Bob Polk says, “My life’s work has moved along two parallel passions: ministry and social justice – majoring in race relations.” More details can be found following the links below.
Webpages and Videos 
- The Robert L Polk Amphitheater – includes a tribute video.
- Guest Preacher on O8.04: the Rev. Dr. Bob Polk – includes a description of his life and ministries.
- Video: A Book Discussion with Rev. Dr. Robert Polk – His book is titled, Fly in the Buttermilk: One Black Man’s Odyssey Out On the Prairie, is a memoir of his five year serving in North Dakota.
- Video: Robert L. Polk Lecture on Race & Social Justice – Doane University started a lectureship series in Robert Polk’s honor. This video is an overview of Robert Polk and the lectureship series.
- Robert L. Polk Lectureship Series – Lectures on Race and Social Justice. I believe this series has been going since about 2016.
- His book (a memoir, 2022): Fly in the Buttermilk: One Black Man’s Odyssey. Amazon.
- Video: Black Manifesto Memories with Riversider Hylda Clarke & Rev. Robert Polk
Pictures of Bob Polk (click pics to enlarge)
Doane College pic ’50-’51
Doane Graduation Day 1952
List of Doane Graduates 1952
Robert L Polk authored or co-authored 3 books.
Pictures Near and Dear to the Olsen’s
Bob Polk as best man for Walt and Ruth Olsen, 1952
Walter Olsen graduated from Doane and got married the same day in Crete, NE.
Bob Polk and Walt Olsen
50th Wedding Anniversary in Lincoln, NE. Amazing picture!
This family picture, from my parents’, Walt and Ruth Olsen, 50th Wedding anniversary party, is special.
- Many of the people in this 2002 photo have passed, some way too early.
- This would probably have been on the Doane graduation weekend.
- Bob Polk appears to be wearing a Doane award around his neck. He probably received it on the graduation weekend. I’ll have to find out which award it was.
- This anniversary party was held in the backyard of Liz (my sister) & Ed (my DKP brother) Schulenberg.
In Conclusion
I am very thankful for Bob Polk and all that he has done as a pioneer, faithful minister, leader, inspiration, and friend of our family.
This page created by Jim Olsen. URL: http://faith.drjimo.net/bob-polk-to-be-recognized-at-doane-university/
Special thanks to my wife, Marilyn Olsen, for finding and scanning the pictures.