Eric Haney: Engineering’s First Rick Olson Endowed Scholarship Recipient

Associate Dean Rick Olson has devoted nearly three decades to the University of San Diego's (USD) engineering program, demonstrating an exceptional level of commitment and dedication. Throughout the years, Olson has earned the trust of countless Toreros, with his impact felt by nearly every student passing through USD’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.

One of the Toreros benefitting from the guidance of Olson is alumnus Matthew Craig ‘03 (ISyE). Olson was Craig’s instructor his first semester, his last semester in senior design and at least three times in between. “Matt was a presence,” recalls Olson. “He's big (literally) and loud and he attacked things with the same energy that he had on the football field.” Craig wasn’t as successful academically as he wanted to be early on and came to Olson for advice. “I told him that he'd be fine if he spent as much time on school as he did on football and that helped him turn things around. Class projects became ‘missions’ that his team would dominate.” 

Over the years, Craig proved to be an exceptional leader. He sits on the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering executive advisory board and he was awarded USD’s Alumni Emerging Leader Award in 2017. That same year, Craig and his wife, Jessica, donated $50,000 to create an endowed scholarship in Dr. Olson’s name to provide support to deserving engineering students. “Matt embraces the idea of servant leadership,” says Olson. “He feels like USD contributed to his growth, so I think that when he decided to support the school, he was looking for a way to acknowledge the help he got along the way.”

On March 12, 2024, USD hosted its 34th Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon. In attendance were Dr. Olson and mechanical engineering senior, Eric Haney ‘24. Haney was selected in the fall of 2023 by the Athletics Department and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering to be the first recipient of the Rick Olson Endowed Scholarship. We had a conversation with Haney about the scholarship award and his academic journey at USD.

What drew you to the University of San Diego?

I came to USD for football, which was academic and merit based. I played football my whole life, since I was four or five. When I arrived at USD, they split us into two groups — to choose either business or engineering. I always wanted to do something in science. I was always good at math and physics. They gave us a tour and I thought the [engineering] space was super cool.

When did you know you wanted to study mechanical engineering?

That is a tough question. I noticed that where I am from [Surprise, Arizona], there are a lot of problems with engineers cutting corners and it affects the community. I always wanted to make a change. I thought maybe something in civil or structural engineering. We don’t have that at USD, so I thought mechanical engineering was the best fit. 

How did football influence you as a mechanical engineer?

I played football all four years — I didn’t redshirt. You usually get four years of eligibility, but because Covid shut everything down, I got an extra year. A lot of the kids in engineering are here for 4-and-a-half years, so because of Covid, I got to continue to play football. Football helped me a lot with time management. With engineering, it’s a lot to balance. These [skills] will help me get through the work world.

How did you feel about being the first recipient of the Rick Olson Endowed Scholarship created by Matthew Craig?

I got to meet Matt Craig. Elisa Lurkis speaks very highly of him. I hear stories about him being a hard worker. He has built businesses and is a leader. I know he also played football. When I was talking to Rick at the luncheon, he said Matt was a very generous and passionate person. He told me that if Matt made $80,000 one year, then got a raise to $85,000, Matt would give away the extra $5,000 the first year. That’s someone I’ve always wanted to be. You can tell when people love this place. That is why the engineering school is so special. 

How have you accessed support and resources during your academic journey at USD? 

I came from a public school, which was not strong academically. USD has high academics and is an accredited university, which is a little intimidating. All of my professors have helped me every step of the way to get me where I need to be. If anyone has that fear about coming to USD, you don't have to worry. You will have the support system and resources to get you through it. 

— Michelle Sztupkay