Charley Oswald
Private Business

Charley Oswald, economics ’51, is being acknowledged for his
success in private business. As a Summerfield Scholar, Oswald graduated Phi
Beta Kappa from KU and followed with his master’s of business administration
from Harvard in 1953. After graduation, he joined Jostens Corporation where
he rapidly advanced, serving as president from 1968 to 1970. Oswald spent the
major part of his career, from 1970 to 1994, guiding the development of National
Computer Systems Inc. (now NCS Pearson) while serving as the chairman and CEO.
Since then, he has served as founder and chairman of Rotherwood Ventures, LLC.
Charley Oswald, economics ’51, is being acknowledged for his success
in private business. As a Summerfield Scholar, Oswald graduated Phi Beta Kappa
from KU and followed with his master’s of business administration from
Harvard in 1953. After graduation, he joined Jostens Corporation where he
rapidly advanced, serving as president from 1968 to 1970. Oswald spent the
major part of his career, from 1970 to 1994, guiding the development of National
Computer Systems Inc. (now NCS Pearson) while serving as the chairman and
CEO. Since then, he has served as founder and chairman of Rotherwood Ventures,
LLC.
As a tribute to Professor John Ise in the Department of Economics, Oswald
has provided significant support to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences,
creating the Oswald Scholars Program and several professorships in the economics
department that have enabled the University to recruit internationally renowned
faculty.
In 2003, Oswald was awarded the Fred Ellsworth Medallion by the Kansas Alumni
Association. He has been a member of the Williams Educational Fund, the Chancellors
Club, the School of Business Board of Advisors, the Kansas Leadership Gift,
and is a longtime supporter of KU athletics. He is currently a member of the
KU First Committee and is a trustee of the KU Endowment Association.
2005-2006 Alumni Distinguished
Award Recipients