Kenneth W. Osleger has created a new endowment in support of a scholarship for the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. The Kelly Irene Osleger Endowed Scholarship was established in honor of Osleger’s daughter Kelly. She died of ovarian cancer three years ago at the age of 32.
“Kelly had a bright future that was snatched away from her. I know she would like to see other young students have the opportunity to excel in life,” said Osleger. The endowment will provide scholarships for undergraduate and/or graduate students with a preference to physical education teacher education and athletic training majors. The endowment gift amount to CPASS is $100,000.
Osleger, a 1971 Physical Education graduate, played football under Jim Carlin and Bobby Bowden. Osleger credits many WVU professors and educators for their influence while he was a student at WVU.
“The most dominant person who had an effect on my future was Bobby Bowden. I learned characteristics from him including self-discipline, work ethic, planning, team work and goal setting. All of these became very beneficial in my development as a person and in my career,” he explained. Osleger currently owns a marketing services company called Onsight, Inc., based in Orlando, Fla.
“Kelly was an intelligent, vivacious, fun-loving, caring young lady that unfortunately passed away before she could fulfill her goals and dreams. Setting up this endowment will enable another young person to get assistance toward their educational goals and future path in life. I’m sure Kelly would be happy to know that someone will have the opportunity to fulfill their hopes and dreams,” Osleger said.
“Ken’s gift offers excellent opportunities for students wanting to study physical education teacher education or athletic training. As we expand our programs and learning experiences for students on their way to launching meaningful careers, donor support becomes increasingly important to the college,” said Dana D. Brooks, CPASS dean and professor of Physical Education.
Osleger is married to Catherine and has a son, Bradley, who, along with his wife, Sara, are the parents of twin 6-year-olds, Ava and Cole.
The Foundation, in partnership with the University, is currently conducting A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The goal of the largest fundraising effort in the history of the University is to raise $1 billion by December 2017. For more information on the campaign, visit www.astateofminds.com.
For further information on the comprehensive campaign, please visitwww.astateofminds.com or cpass.wvu.edu.