BGSU alumnus’ donation to support international opportunities for students

BOWLING GREEN, O.—A Bowling Green State University alumnus has committed an additional $100,000 to expand international opportunities for students at the University.

Michael Hoskins ’77, of Austin, Texas, has pledged funds to establish the Hoskins Global Scholar Program, which will support as many as five students annually. Student recipients will each be granted $5,000 to support their study abroad experience as well as explore a global academic opportunity to enhance their experience.

Students will engage in research experiences, internships and creative endeavors as extensions of their semester abroad. Upon their return to BGSU, they will present the results of their efforts in a symposium designed to share their new understandings across campus. Upon completion of their presentations, students will qualify for an additional $1,000 in support.

BGSU is one of the few universities in the U.S. with this type of academic program available to undergraduate students.

“As a business leader with a global network, Mike Hoskins is investing in international opportunities for BGSU students because he knows how important cultural awareness and foreign language skills have become in the marketplace,” said President Mary Ellen Mazey. “I’m so pleased that he shares our commitment to preparing students to graduate with a well-rounded education.”

The spring 2015 Hoskins Global Scholars are:

Christina Akin, a history major from Sidney, Ohio, will travel to London to study at Kingston University. She will undertake an independent research project entitled “Black Britain in the 1950s-60s.” 

Philip Anthony, a graduate student in French and Spanish, will travel to Alcalá, Spain, to study in the BGSU program there. He will undertake an independent research project entitled “Cultural Comparison of the Roma in the French and Spanish Societies.” 

Andrew Menich, an AYA Integrated Social Studies major from Akron, Ohio, will travel to Staffordshire, England, to study at Keele University. He will undertake an independent research project entitled “The First 50 Days in the House of Commons,” looking at the political events before and after the U.K. general election. 

Michelle Pogozelski, an international studies and economics major from Parma, Ohio, will participate in the BGSU program in Alcalá, Spain. She calls her project “Field Experience working with NGO’s in Spain.” 

Hoskins has stayed connected to his alma mater as he rose to become an entrepreneur and an early expert in the big data industry. His background is in computer programming and systems development. He has served as president of Data Junction Corporation, and after leading the sale of the software company to Pervasive Software, he served as its Chief Technology Officer. The company has been sold again, and he continues to serve as Chief Technology Officer for the consolidated company, Actian Corporation.

He has been inducted into BGSU’s Dallas-Hamilton Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame, and is recognized as one of the University’s 100 Most Prominent Alumni.

Hoskins graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance in 1977 from BGSU, where his father, marketing professor Bill Hoskins, developed the first international programs in business. Hoskins speaks three languages, has lived and worked outside of the United States for more than 15 years, and has traveled to more than 100 other nations.

“I share my father’s value of a global educational experience, and my personal experience living and studying in Australia has provided so many opportunities for self discovery and growth,” Hoskins said. “I hope my investment allows students to take the fullest advantage of their study abroad experience.”

Hoskins is a long-time supporter of BGSU. An earlier $100,000 donation by Hoskins supported study abroad experiences for students in BGSU’s College of Business.