O’Leary is the King Olav V Chair in Scandinavian-American Studies at St. Olaf College.
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was founded by King Olav V in 1985. It is conferred on foreign and Norwegian nationals as a reward for their outstanding service in the interest of Norway.
His Majesty the King is the Grand Master of the Order. The Order of Merit is divided into three classes and two sub-classes:
- Grand Cross
- Grand Officer
- Commander
- Officer
- Knight
The Insignia of the Order is worn in the same manner as that of the Order of St. Olav. Women wear the Knight’s Cross and Commander’s Cross on the left breast attached to a bow made from the Knight’s Cross ribbon. The Insignia of the Order is returned to the Council of the Order in the event of the promotion or death of the recipient.