News & Events

Endowment Received for Osher Reentry Scholarships

University Center is the recipient of a $1 million endowment to support scholarships for adult students pursuing a baccalaureate degree.  The endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation comes after two years of successful administration of the scholarship program through annual grant funding. 

The Osher Reentry Scholarships are uniquely structured to encourage and support lifelong learning among non-traditional students in Sioux Falls.  The scholarships are awarded to adult students who have a gap in their education. 

“This scholarship serves a population of students who want the advantage of a college degree, but don’t have a lot of other options for financing their education” said Dr. Mark Lee, University Center Executive Dean.  “For some, receiving a scholarship can make the difference between earning their degree and never returning to college at all.”

A student’s financial need is considered when determining award amounts – students with greater need may receive a larger scholarship.  In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.  Both full- and part-time students are eligible.

University Center will distribute at least $50,000 in Osher Reentry Scholarships to students each academic year.  There are currently 36 students studying at University Center on an Osher Reentry Scholarship.  In the past two years, there have been a total of 56 Osher Reentry Scholars.  The $1 million endowment ensures that the scholarship will be permanently available to adult students in Sioux Falls. 

Applications for the Osher Reentry Scholarship are now being accepted.  Students who are interested in applying may download an application.

The Bernard Osher Foundation also helps fund the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at University Center.  In sum, the San Francisco based foundation has invested about $2.6 million in support of lifelong learning activities at University Center in Sioux Falls.  For more information on the Bernard Osher Foundation visit:  www.OsherFoundation.org