JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Inspired by the impact that longtime geography professor William “Bill” Colley had on students and faculty at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Pitt-Johnstown faculty on Thursday unveiled a new William・Announced the establishment of the Collie Foundation.
In honor of Colley, who passed away in April 2022 at the age of 83, the foundation will support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in geography and related fields at Pitt-Johnstown through scholarships.
“Dr. Colley's research has had a lasting impact on many students during his 50 years at Pitt-Johnstown,” said Foundation President Matthew Thurnell. “As we looked at the possibility of creating something to remember that work, it became very clear that the best way to remember and honor that work was to continue his mission.”
By providing resources and guidance to students and championing the field of geography, Thurnell said, “we can ensure that the next Bill Colley has the opportunity to study and deepen this field.”
Colley began his career at Pitt-Johnstown in 1971, where he was instrumental in establishing the Department of Geography, the only geography department in the entire University of Pittsburgh.
He taught at Pitt-Johnstown until 2021, making him the longest-serving faculty member on campus at the time of his retirement, said Ola Johansson, professor of geography at Pitt-Johnstown.
Cory served in the Peace Corps in Liberia in the 1960s.
He earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a master's degree from Case Western Reserve University, and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.
Colley has also been an active member of the Pennsylvania Geographical Society for most of his career, serving as editor of the Pennsylvania Geographer from 1990 to 2022. Cory was honored with the Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
“Dr. Cory had a tremendous impact on many people,” Johansson said. “Alumni of his who graduated decades ago sometimes visit his office, so it was important for us to honor his legacy.”
Cory was also a mentor to Johansson, who described the late professor as a “larger than life person.”
“He was the department chair when I arrived at Pitt-Johnstown as a new faculty member, and I learned a lot from him about how to be successful as a teacher at a small college,” Johansson said.
Thurnell, an instructor at Pitt-Johnstown University, said Collie's influence on his life was “immeasurable,” beginning with their first meeting in the general education course, “Earth and People,” which Thurnell currently teaches. Stated.
The two formed a 501(c)(3) foundation with Carrie Lo, user support manager for the college search website Niche.com, and one of Colley's past students.
“I’m really happy to be a part of this,” Lo said.
It's hard to put into words the impact Cory had on so many people, she said, adding that he was the face of Pitt-Johnstown to many past students.
In honor of his life and career, they are continuing his mission to “connect interested students with scholarships and other resources to continue their education in the field of geography,” she said. Ta.
Johansson pointed to the rising cost of education and said the foundation wanted to offset spending on students.
“For us, that means working to provide resources to students in geography and related fields,” Thurnell said. “It means insisting on the need for geography education as a lifelong pursuit. This is a lofty goal, but one that has been held by everyone involved in this project for a long time.”
Scholarships are available to students studying geography and/or related fields. Graduates going on to graduate school are also eligible.
Foundation officials said one of Colley's proudest accomplishments was having more than 200 students go on to graduate school.
For now, the Foundation is focused on reaching out to students and colleagues who have learned from Corrie.
If you would like to donate to the Foundation, please visit www.williamkoryfoundation.org or send your donation to The William Kory Foundation, Rear 706 Lawrence St., Johnstown, PA, 15904.