Oleksiak family establishes 2 scholarships in support of CU-Lock Haven men's basketball

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Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach Brian Oleksiak '14 has witnessed one moment hundreds of times during his 15 years at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven - the moment a prospective student-athlete learns they've been offered scholarship support.

"You can just see it on their face," Oleksiak said. "They don't even have to say anything. There's a sense of relief. It means so much to them and their families."

For Oleksiak, those moments have reinforced something he's long believed; a scholarship is about far more than dollars. It's about opening doors, easing burdens and giving students the opportunity to focus on becoming the best versions of themselves.

Now, thanks to the Oleksiak family, more Lock Haven men's basketball players will experience that same sense of opportunity.

Brian and his wife, Meisha, recently established the Oleksiak Family Scholarship, while Brian's mother, Mary, created the Kevin M. Oleksiak Scholarship in memory of Brian's late father. Together, the two scholarships represent a five-year commitment to investing in Lock Haven men's basketball student-athletes and the lives they will build on and off the court.

For Brian, the decision was shaped by more than a decade of watching student-athletes overcome obstacles that many never see.

"We've had students from all different financial and demographic backgrounds," he said. "Some come from difficult home situations or financially limited means. When they get here, athletics gives them a safe place to grow academically, socially and athletically. Being part of that is incredibly rewarding."

Oleksiak arrived at Lock Haven in 2011 after following his former coach and mentor, Mike Nestor, from Shippensburg University. What began as an opportunity to launch his coaching career soon became something much more.

He earned his graduate degree from Lock Haven, built lifelong friendships with colleagues, met his wife, Meisha, and found a community that continues to shape both his family and his coaching philosophy.

"The Haven Family is all about the people you surround yourself with," Oleksiak said. "I want our student-athletes to understand how important relationships are and how much people can impact your life. There are good people here who truly have students' best interests at heart."

Those experiences inspired Brian and Meisha to deepen their own commitment to the program after more than a decade of supporting Lock Haven men's basketball through biweekly payroll deductions.

"We reached a point where we were in a position to do more," Oleksiak said. "We knew there were student-athletes who could benefit from our help, and it felt like the right time for our family to give back."

As a former student-athlete himself, Brian understands firsthand how difficult it can be to balance college athletics, academics and employment.

"Being a college athlete is demanding," he said. "Scholarship support frees up time for students to focus on their academics, but it also gives them the chance to experience college. Working extra hours to make ends meet can take away from the friendships, experiences and personal growth that are such an important part of becoming who they are."

While Brian and Meisha established one scholarship, Mary's decision to create a second scholarship honoring her late husband, Kevin, made the family's impact even more meaningful.

Kevin, who passed away four years ago, was one of Brian's biggest supporters throughout his athletic and coaching journey.

"My dad was always involved in sports and school and everything I cared about," Brian said. "My parents gave me a great life because they were always there supporting me."

Mary understood what Lock Haven basketball had come to mean to Brian and recognized the financial needs facing today's student-athletes.

"She knew there was a need," Brian said. "She understands what this program has done for my life, and she wanted to help someone else experience those same opportunities."

Brian is quick to point out that neither scholarship was created to build a legacy around the Oleksiak name.

"We didn't do this because we wanted recognition," he said. "We did it because of what this program means to our family. From the time I was 22 years old until now, this community has changed my life. This is our family's way of giving something back."

The scholarships will support student-athletes who embody the values Brian works to instill in them every day - honesty, respect, accountability, resilience and a commitment to making those around them better.

"Our goal is to recruit high-character young people," Oleksiak said. "When someone supports Lock Haven basketball, they're making a direct impact on an incredible group of students who are working hard every day to become leaders in their communities. Every gift matters, and every opportunity you create can change a student's life in ways you may never fully realize."

For the Oleksiak family, that's exactly the kind of students they're excited to be investing in - not just academically and athletically, but personally and professionally.

Categories:

• Alumni
• Athletics
• Foundation - Lock Haven

Tags:

• Alumni
• Scholarships