Ólafur Egilsson becomes third honorary member in association’s 155-year history

Reykjavík Student Association has named Ólafur Egilsson an honorary member on his 90th birthday, mbl.is reported. The appointment was made on Thursday, August 20.

Egilsson chaired the association in 1967 and 1968 and has taken part in and supported its activities for decades.

The association said the appointment reflects its values of promoting national independence, culture and progress. Egilsson was also recognised for his international work promoting Iceland, as well as his cultural work and involvement in church affairs.

He is the third honorary member in the association’s 155-year history. The two previous honorary members were poet and natural scientist Benedikt Gröndal Sveinbjarnarson, who lived from 1826 to 1907, and writer Kristján Albertsson, who lived from 1897 to 1989.

Founded in 1871, Reykjavík Student Association is one of Iceland’s oldest active associations. Its purpose is to promote a thriving and nationally minded student life.

The current chairman is Björn Jón Bragason, a teacher at a commercial college, and Tryggvi Agnarsson, a Supreme Court attorney, is vice-chairman. The association’s youngest and oldest board members are 64 years apart.

The association has been active in recent months, with many new members joining.