Victor Olmstead Alumni Spotlight

1968-1969: First Year at Cowley College
Victor Olmstead began his studies at Cowley College in 1968, drawn by the Area Vocational Technical School (AVTS) program, where he pursued his passion for electronics. His curiosity for the field began years earlier when he tinkered with an old, non-functioning radio he found on his family’s ranch, igniting a lifelong fascination with repairing and understanding electronic devices.

1969-1971: Military Service
Victor’s education was interrupted when he was called into service by the Army. Volunteering to enter an electronics-related field, he was trained on Hawk Radar systems in Huntsville, Alabama. He then completed his tour of duty in Miesau, Germany. His training and skills in electronics not only kept him off the front lines during the Vietnam War but also allowed him to contribute to peacekeeping efforts in Europe.

1971-1972: Returning to Cowley College
After an early discharge from the Army, Victor returned to Cowley College to complete his second year of study. He graduated with an associate degree in electronics, equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career.

Summer 1972: Start of Career with Sears
Victor was hired by Sears shortly after graduation, thanks to a visit from the local Sears Catalog Store manager, Oscar Kimmel (former Cowley College Trustee), who was recruiting technicians. He began his career as a TV technician in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

1974-1977: Lawrence, Kansas
Victor moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he served as the head TV technician for the Sears Catalog Store.

1977-1980: Sulphur Springs, Texas
Promoted to Service Manager, Victor relocated to Sulphur Springs, Texas, where he managed a four-city service area.

1981-1993: Return to Arkansas City
Following his father’s passing in 1981, Victor returned to Arkansas City to help maintain the family farm. He continued working for Sears as a technician while living in Arkansas City. In 1993, the closure of Sears Catalog Stores nationwide led him to work out of the Wichita Retail Service Center.

1993-2010: Expanding Expertise and Career Achievements
Victor spent the remaining years of his career with Sears, furthering his knowledge through specialized training in Dallas and Denver. He gained expertise in repairing products, including microwaves, treadmills, sewing machines, vacuums, printers, computers, garage door openers, and more. Over the years, he earned several awards for exceeding production quotas and sales of maintenance agreements. Victor retired in 2010 at 62 years old after 39 years with Sears.

2010-Present: Retirement and Continuing Passions
In retirement, Victor continued to pursue his passion, from serenading Summit Street with Christmas carols, leading the Stage 5 Senior Readers Theater, performing for the community at various locations, and directing the Burford Singers for three concerts. Victor was the recipient of a Community Volunteer award from Community Bank and a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Burford Theater.

In 2019, he and his wife moved to Massachusetts to be closer to their granddaughter. He became active at the local Senior Center Fix-It Shop, where he repairs small appliances, lamps, and other items, keeping his love for fixing things alive.

Victor also enjoys writing and composing music. He contributes short stories to the Mile Marker Review and reflects fondly on his education at Cowley College, crediting it as the foundation for his fulfilling career.

Advice to Current College Students
Victor encourages students to find a vocation that brings them happiness, stating, “Find a vocation that makes you happy, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” He credits his success and satisfaction to his ability to develop and refine his skills, along with a passion for problem-solving and repair.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu