Once a student library assistant, Rick Osen to retire after 35 years

Rick Osen began working as a student assistant at Western Libraries while he was a Huxley undergraduate majoring in human ecology at Western Washington University. Little did he know at that time that the Libraries would grow into his life’s profession for 35 years, or that he'd have tremendous impact on shaping the Libraries’ future.

Osen has held managerial and administrative positions that have involved virtually every department in Western Libraries at one time or another, including acting dean of Libraries from 2012 through 2013. Additionally, Osen has served as the assistant dean for Administration and Planning and the acting assistant dean for Collections and Technology Services. He has also participated on a number of campus-wide committees over the years and has been very involved with the Orbis Cascade Alliance.

During his many years at Western, Osen has seen a lot of changes. He notes in particular the expansion of the campus itself and how interesting it has been to watch and experience this growth.

"There wasn’t much in the way of south campus when I got here," he said. "And of course there have been a lot of other changes in the university, changes in the library world in general, especially during these last 10 to 15 years. And, the opportunity to be able to work in so many different areas in the library over time was very beneficial to me, especially since I tend to like to try new things."

Osen received the Professional Service Organization Excellence in Service Award in 2007, and he was also the recipient of the President’s Exceptional Effort Award in 2012. As part of this award, Osen was commended as being instrumental in moving the Libraries forward due to his leadership, his ability to identify key issues and his ability to work effectively with units across campus.

Western Libraries is hosting a special retirement celebration for Rick Osen from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in the Wilson Library Reading Room (4 Central) to honor his many years of exceptional service to Western Libraries and to Western Washington University. Everyone who has known and had the pleasure of working with him is invited to this celebration, and an R.S.V.P to connie.mallison@wwu.edu is requested by Jan. 27.

When Osen was asked to reflect upon what he will remember most fondly after he retires, he responded: “All the good people here at the university and the Libraries.” Upon retirement, he looks forward to “all the usual stuff,” including having more time to spend time with family, to write and to play golf. 

Western Libraries is collecting statements from the campus community about Osen; those who would like to contribute thoughts are asked to email connie.mallison@wwu.edu to answer the question: “What will you miss the most about Rick Osen?”

Gift contributions may be sent to Elaine Furlong at mailstop 9103 or dropped off at the Library Administration suite, Haggard Hall Room 231.