Allan W. Ostar

Allan William Ostar, age 101 (September 4, 1924 - April 17, 2026), was a decorated World War II veteran and a nationally recognized leader in American public higher education.

Born in 1924, Allan grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from Boys High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1941. After attending Pennsylvania State University for one year, he volunteered for the U.S. Army at age 18.

During World War II, Allan served as a corporal in the 42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division. He participated in major European campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge and Operation Northwind, and was with the first American soldiers involved in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp in April 1945. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor and recognized for his "outstanding courage and devotion to duty." In 2013, he was further honored by the French government with the Legion of Honor as a Chevalier (Knight) for his role in the liberation of France.

After the war, Allan returned to Penn State, graduating in 1948. As a student, he served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Collegian. He then pursued graduate studies in mass communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Allan went on to become a tireless advocate for public higher education in the United States. He served as the first full-time president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in Washington D.C. from 1965 to 1991, during which he helped shape the identity and mission of public state colleges and universities nationwide. He worked closely with national leaders during a transformative era in education policy, including contributions to the drafting of the Higher Education Act of 1965 with President Lyndon B. Johnson. Throughout his career, he was a strong and consistent voice for keeping college accessible. He championed affordable tuition and robust federal student aid. As he often said, his goal was to ensure that "everyone who has the desire and the ability to go to college should have that opportunity."

After 25 years at AASCU, Allan continued his work in higher education by joining Academic Search, where he helped identify candidates for university presidencies. He remained active in that role from age 67 to 80. Among the many searches he led, he felt particular satisfaction in helping to select the president and academic leadership for a new American-style university for women in the United Arab Emirates.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Allan received numerous honors, including Distinguished Alumnus of Penn State in 1989, and the Kamm Fellowship. Over the course of his career, he was awarded 27 honorary doctoral degrees from colleges and universities across the country. He also received the Distinguished Public Service medal from the Department of Defense in 1991 for his role in the creation of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges program.

Allan and his beloved wife, Roberta "Bobbie" Hutchison Ostar, shared nearly 77 years of marriage after meeting at the Penn State Daily Collegian. Together, they built a life centered on family, education, and exploration. They were enthusiastic world travelers, and their love of travel became a cherished family tradition carried on through three generations.

In 2006, Allan and Bobbie left Washington, D.C. for Seabrook Village Retirement Community in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Within a year he was made a member of the regional Board of Directors for Erickson Senior Living, a position he held for three years.

His favorite retreat was the family condominium at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach, Delaware, which he and his family enjoyed since 1973.

Allan was devoted to his family and felt great pride in their lives and accomplishments. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; his three children: Karen (Jack) Ostar Kleinheksel, Becca (Jamie) Ostar Gregerson, and John (Lyn Corley) Ostar; six grandchildren: A.J. (Ryan Maitland) Kleinheksel, Peter Kleinheksel, Bryce Gregerson, Jason (Rhiannon Fleet) Gregerson, Briar (Matt) Ostar-Exel, and Erica (LaMaurice Gardner) Ostar; and two great-granddaughters, Aletha and Abriana Maitland Kleinheksel.

Allan is deeply missed. He will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to expanding educational opportunity, his distinguished military service, and his unwavering love for his family.

Donations in his memory may be sent to the public higher education institution of your choice.