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Betty Osiek, Ph.D.
2009 Alumni Merit Award recipient |
Yo Enseno Espanol
Osiek, ’62, Found Her Niche Teaching Spanish
Betty Osiek, Ph.D., proudly accepted Lindenwood University’s Alumni Merit Award under the watchful eyes of nearly 700 students during commencement ceremonies May 15 at the Family Arena in St. Charles. She received the award in recognition of her outstanding achievement in the field of education.
Osiek always has had a deep passion for knowledge, but did not consider furthering her own formal education until she was in her late twenties. After dropping out of high school her junior year, she worked for 10 years in the athletic garment industry before being inspired to return to school.
It was on a trip to Mexico with her husband, Edward, that Osiek realized her love for the Spanish language and her desire to study it.
“I identified with it right from the beginning,” she said. “Somehow I understood it and I just fell for it.”
Osiek took and passed her high school equivalency exam in 1959. She immediately enrolled at Lindenwood as a part time student, and began studying Spanish and Education as a full-time student that same year.
“Lindenwood opened their arms wide to me and let me try it out,” said Osiek. “Everyone was positive and encouraging, and I just went as far as I could with each step. They’re the reason I was able to start school again as a 28 year-old and have my doctorate at the age of 35.”
Osiek graduated from Lindenwood in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education. She earned a full tuition scholarship to Washington University, where she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees.
Her love of language and her natural ability led Osiek to accomplish much during her long career. Highlights include serving as an assistant professor of Spanish and French at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and also as a long-term professor of Spanish at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
She authored two books on Columbian poet Jose Asuncion Silva, and served as editor and contributor to several volumes of The Handbook of Latin American Studies. A multitude of other various notes, articles, and reviews have been written by Osiek throughout the years, as well as the translation of a Mexican drama into English.
“During my teaching career I also traveled to Spanish-speaking countries every summer,” Osiek said. “I used photos and other things from the trips and brought them back into the classroom as learning tools.”
Osiek remains in contact with many of her former students, who often call and write to share their stories of how she impacted their lives.
“Many of them have had full teaching careers of their own and are now preparing to retire,” she said. “And so the cycle has come full-circle.”
Osiek continues to lead a self-described studious life, reading voraciously and leading Bible study classes at New Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Charles. Ever the instructor, she says her latest project is teaching her 25 year-old pet parrot, Chica, to say “It’s not easy being green.”
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