About Dr. and Mrs. Osborne
Barney and Virginia (Ginny) Osborne were both born in Ironton and grew up there. My dad graduated from Ironton High School, fought in World War II, returned home to attended Marshall University and the University of Cincinnati Medical School. My mom graduated from St. Joseph High School and Marshall University. They were married in 1949 and raised three children – Victoria, Robert and me. Dad passed away in 1985 and mom passed in 2002.
My dad had a very modest upbringing. He was the first member of his family to attend college. My grandfather was a skilled carpenter; however, he never went to college and never encouraged his children to get an education. But it was my dad, going against the advice of his father, who recognized the opportunities a college education could bring.
When I was growing up my father would often tell his three children to strive to be our best. He strongly believed that you could only reach your fullest potential with a college degree. This belief made an obvious impression on my sister, brother, and me—all three of us have achieved graduate and postgraduate degrees.
After graduating from medical school and establishing his practice in Ironton, my dad never stopped learning. He returned to the University of Cincinnati to obtain his degree in General Surgery. He also attended at least one educational program every year to improve his knowledge of medicine. One of my childhood memories was my dad reading medical journals deep into the night.
The scholarship was borne out of the idea that an education is something that can never be taken from you. Graduation from high school is the first step in a lifetime of education. It is for that reason that it is an honor and pleasure to provide scholarships to deserving Ironton High School and St. Joseph High School graduating seniors. It is my hope that much success comes to all of our scholarship winners.
Dave Osborne
President and Chairman of the Board
Dr. & Mrs. Barney Osborne Scholarship Fund, Inc.
Osborne Memorial Scholarship 