Tree Dedication Recognizes the Service of Two UC Employees

A section of Dyer Quad, next to University Pavilion, now holds a living tribute to the service of two deceased UC employees who dedicated their careers to building student success. Two green ash trees now stand in the quad to honor the legacies of Lou Osinske and Edward Keiser. A special ceremony was held at the site as part of the May 9 dedication of University Pavilion.

Lou Osinske began her career at UC in 1958 as assistant dean to women. She later became director of educational advising and orientation before retiring as director of educational services in 1996. She served tens of thousands of students over nearly four decades at UC.

Edward Charles Keiser served UC students for 39 years and was a national leader in program administration. He held many positions over his tenure, including director of the Office of Veteran Affairs and Office of Handicapped Student Services, Dean of Men, Student Conduct Officer and Director of the Veteran Upward Bound Grant and Veterans Educational Opportunity Program.

At the ceremony, emcee Bleuzette Marshall, program manager for the Student Affairs and Services Development Office, introduced friends, colleagues and family members of Osinske and Keiser.

“Some make a living out of what they do. Others make a living by what they give. When I think of Lou Osinske, I think of 38 years of continually giving to students,” said Linda Bates Parker, director of the UC Career Development Center. “My images of Lou are of her constantly running around on this campus, in every corner, doing everything that needed to be done in order to build a strong orientation program. In 38 years, Lou was one of those student affairs professionals who gave the epitome of quality service day in and day out.”

Mitchel Livingston, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, along with Lori Bortoli, Osinski’s niece, unveiled a plaque at one of the tree sites. The plaque holds the inscription, “Planted in honor of Lou Osinske for 38 years of dedicated service to the university.” Bortoli announced the family was donating a $10,000 scholarship to the University of Cincinnati in Osinske’s name. Claudia Abercrumbie, director of development for Student Affairs and Services, says half of the award is to be allocated to a minority female, the other half is to be allocated to a single mother.

Retired UC Police Lieutenant Tim Crawford said Edward Keiser was his mentor. “He spoke and walked the walk. He wanted everything in a special way. When you think about Ed, you think about how he worked for the military people – the disabled. The memory of now being able to come somewhere to reflect and to let him know my grandson made it here safely, it means the world to me.”

Vice President Mitchel Livingston, along with Keiser’s wife, Ginny, unveiled the plaque at the tree site, inscribed, “Planted in honor of Edward C. Keiser for 39 years of dedicated service to the university.”

Leonard Thomas, project manager for the Office of the University Architect, said the trees will eventually grow to a height of 40 to 50 feet, where students can sit under a canopy of sun and shade. As they reflect under the trees, Thomas said they’ll eventually be able to gaze at a sculpture that will be coming to the Dyer Quad.