Purdue University Fort Wayne student receives One Brick Higher Award for life-saving response

Noah Olson, a freshman at Purdue University Fort Wayne, receives the One Brick Higher Award from Chancellor Ron Elsenbaumer during the men’s basketball game on Saturday (Jan. 26). (Photo provided) Download image

Purdue University Fort Wayne Chancellor Ron Elsenbaumer surprised a student with the One Brick Higher Award for his heroic efforts to save the life of a person in need.

Freshman Noah Olson received the One Brick Higher Award during a timeout of the men’s basketball game during homecoming on Saturday (Jan. 26).

One Brick Higher is a special honor awarded by President Mitch Daniels to Purdue University faculty, staff and students who go beyond the requirements of their role and through extraordinary effort to improve the lives of those around them, increase the effectiveness of the workplace, or prevent or solve problems.

In late November, Olson saw a young woman in distress jump into the freezing cold St. Joseph River. He jumped in after her and pulled her to safety. Emergency personnel arrived within minutes and took the woman and Olson to the hospital.

“We are so very proud of Noah,” Elsenbaumer said. “It takes a very special person to risk their own safety to save the life of someone else, and we honor him for his selflessness.”

Olson is a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering technology.