Celia O’Connor

 

In the late 1950s, the head of Montana State’s mathematics department told Celia O’Connor that “women can’t do math.” But O’Connor proved him wrong, earning her mathematics degree from MSU in 1963. While her husband, Tom, served in the Navy, O’Connor pursued a career as a mathematician. She earned a master’s in computer science and statistics from Texas A&I and taught math around the world, following Tom’s assignments. She worked with software companies providing technology and computer engineering solutions to government and private industry, including coding some of the original software behind the Global Positioning System. Together with her late husband, O’Connor helped found the nonprofit Warriors and Quiet Waters in Bozeman, which helps post-9/11 veterans and their loved ones thrive and find peace, meaning and purpose through fly fishing and other outdoor activities, with Tom serving as a founding board member and O’Connor volunteering to directly help visiting veterans. She remains a staunch supporter of women’s excellence and education, and she is an advocate for MSU’s Travis W. Atkins Veterans Center, the MSU Library and Bobcat student-athletes. 

“Celia has set an example for young women pursuing careers in computing and math, inspiring them to push their own limits and achieve great things.”