George & Nadine Sieber
George Sieber (1930-2015) was a history professor at UW Oshkosh from 1962 to 1990. Prior to UW Oshkosh, he taught American History at New Glarus High School, the University of Iowa Extension, and Lakeland College. George received a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College, a Master of Science in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a PhD from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He was a member of the Oshkosh Optimist Club, the Candlelight Club, and the Winnebago County Historical Society, as well other historical organizations in the state. On May 27, 1961, George married Nadine Day. They had two children, Mary Susan and Quinn.
Nadine Sieber (1932-2022) began teaching on the Navajo Reservation and went on to teach in Sheboygan, La Crosse, the San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico, and eventually retired from teaching in Oshkosh. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UW-La Crosse and a Master of Science from Winona State University. Nadine had a favorite quote which surely became her mission in life: “I wondered why somebody didn’t do something, then I realized I am somebody.” She was a member of the Wisconsin Winnebago Business Committee, State Teacher’s Retirement Board, State Advisory Committee on bilingual-bicultural education, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Cancer Society, Optimist Club, Winnebago Historical Society, Wisconsin Education Association Council, National Education Association, Diversity Council, and League of Women Voters, among many other organizations that were dear to her.
George and Nadine established the Mary Susan Sieber Memorial Scholarship, in memory of their daughter. Mary Susan completed two years of classes at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, but wasn’t sure what she wanted to study. After some discussion, she decided that it would be better for her to work for a while and then go back to school. She was a waitress, a nurse’s aid, and had studied to become a beautician, but found that was not the career she wanted. Her grandmother gave her some money and Mary decided to honor her wish that she return to school. However, in 1989, at age 26, she died suddenly as the result of a car accident. Mary was a very caring person who was always ready to help others. She would have been pleased to know that others will be given the opportunity to continue their education as a result of this scholarship named in her memory.