The Oregon State University Sesquicentennial Oral History Project

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Bud Ossey Oral History Interviews. October - November 2014

Bud Ossey Oral History Interviews

Two life history interviews conducted by Mike Dicianna.

October - November 2014

Location:  Ossey residence, Tualatin, Oregon.

Bud Ossey (b. 1919) is the son of Russian immigrants whose father enrolled in the Engineering program at Oregon Agricultural College shortly after arriving in the United States in 1923. Ossey grew up attending Oregon State sporting events at Bell Field and the Men's Gymnasium, and notably sat on the visiting bench as a spectator during the famous OSC vs. USC "Iron Men" game in 1933. A 1943 OSC graduate in Civil Engineering, Ossey led Combat Engineering units during World War II. Following the war, he spent thirty-six years working as an engineer, primarily with the Bonneville Power Administration, and specializing in the hydroelectric design of power houses across the Northwest. Ossey is also a charter member of the Beaver Club and has been actively involved with many other groups that have worked to advance the mission of Oregon State University. Over two interviews, Ossey reflects on his early memories of campus life, his close involvement with Beaver athletics, his service during wartime, and his career as a BPA engineer.