Created in May 2023, this scholarship supports students in the College of Engineering.
Rolly and Tillie Fischer
Roland “Rolly” Cole Fischer was born May 26, 1928, the only child of George and Lillian Fischer of Dayton. Rolly began his college career at the University of Cincinnati where he lettered in cross country and track. After two years at the University of Cincinnati, Rolly transferred to The Ohio State University where he completed his bachelor’s degree in business. Rolly continued his studies at The Ohio State University earning a master’s degree in petroleum engineering in 1955. His thesis was titled: “The Transportation of oil from shale from Western Colorado to the Southern California Market”.
Upon graduation, Rolly joined Union Oil and settled in what is now known as Parachute, Colorado. Rolly worked to develop a secure water supply for the oil shale industry. However, a few years later, the development of oil shale faltered.
Rolly’s career continued with Union Oil out of the Denver office as a project engineer for gas well development in the Grand Mesa area. A few years later when Union Oil closed its operations in the Rocky Mountain region, Rolly joined the Colorado River Water Conservation District as the Secretary-Engineer/General Manager of the Glenwood Springs office. During his tenure as Secretary-Engineer, Rolly was instrumental in securing water and water rights for the 13 counties of the Western Slope of Colorado. Rolly successfully grew the Colorado River Water Conservation District in headcount as well as in influence building the foundation into the organization that it is today. Rolly was often termed a “visionary” by not only those in the field but many of the neighboring states’ water experts too. Rolly’s career culminated in the fall of 1995 with the completion and fill of Wolford Mountain Reservoir located outside of Kremmling, Colorado. Under Rolly’s direction, the project was completed early and under budget. Rolly retired from the Colorado River Water Conservation District in 1996 after 28 years.
During his career, Rolly was also appointed to the State Ground Water Commission and served on the Board of the Colorado River Water Users (President, 1995). Rolly was also active in the Glenwood Springs community at various times in his life with Rotary, Elks and as a Board Member for the Glenwood Springs Golf Club.
The Ohio State University held special memories for Rolly and his bride, of 64 years, Tillie, as they met at The Ohio State. Their combined passion for The Ohio State and their desire to share their love of learning with others led to the creation of this scholarship fund. Their enduring commitment to one another can also be found at Mirror Lake with an engraved brick speaking of their love for one another.
-September 2023