Recorded legacy
by Leticia Romero
Every St. Mary’s University School of Law student record since 1987, from grades to certifying J.D. degree requirements, has crossed the desk of Yvonne Olfers (B.A. ’80), Director of Student Records.
Before that, they went to the desk of her mother, Sophie Catherine Olfers.
If you haven’t met Yvonne Olfers, School of Law Dean Patricia Roberts, J.D., will ensure you know about her family’s legacy in the office.
“When alums or anybody comes by the office, Dean Roberts will introduce me, ‘This is Yvonne Olfers. Her mother worked here, and Yvonne took her job,’” she said, with a smile.
Yvonne Olfers grew up in a house on the West Side of San Antonio, around the corner from St. Mary’s. Her mother was always enamored with the landscape of the University. In 1968, Sophie Olfers started working full time for the School of Law under the direction of then-Dean Ernest A. Raba (J.D. ’37), the namesake of the school’s easily recognizable, round building.
“When I started here at the law school, Dean Raba would come by and chat, and he would call me ‘Little Olfers,’” Yvonne Olfers said.
Her father, Roland Olfers, also worked for 19 years at the University as a carpenter in facilities, later becoming a locksmith.
“Mother really valued education,” Yvonne Olfers said. “She was always very disappointed that she didn’t get past high school.”
Yvonne Olfers and her brother received their undergraduate degrees from St. Mary’s University. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1980, she joined the secretary pool at St. Mary’s, moving between various departments. Olfers’ mother encouraged her to apply for her position as she neared retirement with the upgraded title of Director of Student Records under Law Dean Emeritus James Castleberry, J.D.
At the School of Law, Yvonne Olfers realized she loves working in academia. “What I learned is I like working with the students,” Yvonne Olfers said. “And I like working with faculty. I really enjoy both of those, and I get them both here.”
