Michael and Nancy Oshier Student Technology Scholarship

Alumni Michael ’71 and Nancy ’70 Oshier are graduates in mathematics from The College at Brockport. Presented with the opportunity to learn computer science in its early years, they took advantage of the computer courses offered at Brockport, and they went on to build careers based in this increasingly important discipline. Giving back, Mr. and Mrs. Oshier established the Michael and Nancy Oshier Student Technology Scholarship to recognize students who demonstrate an aptitude for technology and its advanced applications.

Michael Oshier began his career at Brockport at graduation, serving in University Research as a university systems analyst. His career at the College advanced, and in 1991, he was promoted to assistant vice president for technology. As testament to his professional dedication, Mr. Oshier received the Chancellor’s Award for Service in 1988.

Nancy Oshier began working in Brockport’s Academic Computing Center before moving into positions with Xerox Corp. and Eastman Kodak Company, where she became manager of the information systems unit of the Consumer Imaging Market Research Department. She also earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Brockport in 1974 and a master’s in business administration from the University of Rochester in 1984.

The couple moved to Montana in 1998 where they have become active in conservation. Currently, they are members of the board of directors of the Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates and supporters of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation. They also support Vital Ground, Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Great Bear Foundation, and Glacier National Park Conservancy.

In founding their award, Mr. and Mrs. Oshier noted that the globalization of intellectual competition makes it essential for students to achieve their educational goals, especially in math and science, and that any assistance the College can provide through scholarships makes a difference to students and ultimately to Brockport.

Students who qualify for the Michael and Nancy Student Technology Scholarship must exhibit good character and have completed at least two years of college-level study with at least 12 credit hours earned at Brockport. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at Brockport and must continue to maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue receipt of this scholarship. Applicants also must demonstrate an interest, ability, and potential for excellence in the use of technology in their chosen discipline. In addition, students applying for this scholarship must display real or theorized practical uses of technology in their discipline.