Chauncey Greene Olinger, Jr., 1933 – 2021
It is with deep sadness that the Trustees and Officers inform you of the passing of Chauncey Greene Olinger, Jr., former President of the National Institute from 2006 to 2017 and Honorary Trustee from 2017 to 2021.
He died on Monday, June 14, 2021. He was 88 years old.
In his eleven years as President, Chauncey did more to preserve and advance the cause of the National Institute than any other person. He stabilized the Institute’s finances, expanded the Board of Trustees by recruiting new Officers and Trustees, and initiated the transfer of the National Institute’s historical records to the Beinecke Library at Yale University. He was the second-longest serving President in the National Institute’s history.
In 2017, the Board of Trustees awarded Chauncey the National Institute’s Silver Honor Medal in recognition of his extraordinary and devoted service to the organization.
Chauncey is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carla Dragan Olinger.
A memorial service at Columbia University is tentatively planned for the Spring of 2022. More information will be posted on this website as it is learned.
Other Links:
Past Presidents of the National Institute: Chauncey G. Olinger, Jr.
Obituary at Legacy.com: Chauncey Greene Olinger, Jr., 1933 – 2021
Donations in Lieu of Flowers:
From Carla Olinger: “Shortly before his death, Chauncey became aware of an environmental initiative that President Bollinger of Columbia University had begun. It was a subject near and dear to Chauncey's heart: the new Columbia University Climate School. Chauncey had written a check in support of the school but did not have an opportunity to send it before his death. After finding out who should receive the check, I was able to fulfill his wish.
For anyone at the National Institute wishing to honor Chauncey with a memorial gift, checks can be written to: Columbia University Climate School.
Checks should be sent to:
Columbia University Gift Systems
PO Box 1523
New York, New York 10008
Attention: Noelle Bannister
Please include a note with the check stating that the donation is a memorial gift in honor of Chauncey G. Olinger, Jr.”
You can also donate online at Give Now Columbia. Enter “Columbia Climate School” in the fund destination and “Chauncey G. Olinger Jr.” in the In Memoriam section.