Professor Maria Louise Osterhoudt served St. Petersburg College with distinction as an Associate Professor in the College of Computer & Information Technology (formerly Business Technology) since August 2001, until her untimely death on February 25, 2012. Maria’s love for teaching was evident through her devotion to students and her fairness and honesty with her colleagues and coworkers. Throughout the time she was associated with the college, Maria placed students’ interests above all other concerns and encouraged them to strive for excellence. She based her instruction on skill sets she knew students would need to obtain meaningful employment.

Not a day went by that Maria failed to display genuine interest in her colleagues as well. She often greeted them with an affectionate hug and asked them how they were feeling. In addition to her caring spirit, she was also very artistic. In her spare time, she enjoyed painting and playing classical and jazz piano, talents which permeated into her teaching.  Maria was a scholar who kept up-to-date with the latest technology. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Jersey City State College, and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from the University of South Florida.

Maria will be remembered for her zeal for sharing not only the theory and knowledge of computer technology and web design, but also the application of theory and design through creative projects which were delivered with excellence. Among these projects were the re-design of the Tarpon Springs Campus web site and the initial web site design for the Veteran’s Legacies at the Bilirakis Archives on the Tarpon Springs Campus.

A memorial scholarship fund was created in honor of her memory, to provide financial assistance for tuition, fees, books and other bona fide college expenses to full or part-time students enrolled in one of the following programs: Computer/Web Programming & Analysis, Web Site Design & Management, and Digital Arts, Media & Interactive Web A.S. Degree programs at SPC. Donations can be made through the following web site: https://foundation.spcollege.edu/giving . Click on “Other, then add “Maria Osterhoudt Scholarship” in the “Other Fund” field.

She will be greatly missed by her family and the SPC Community.