Connecting Generations Through Giving

On a crisp fall afternoon in Ann Arbor, surrounded by the energy of a packed stadium, John Osborn found himself in a place that would unexpectedly connect past and present. Sitting in a suite at the Big House, he struck up a conversation with then-Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Jim Dalton. What began as casual small talk soon turned into something more meaningful, a conversation that would uncover a family story more than a century in the making.

Not long after, John received confirmation of what had been merely vague awareness: his great-uncle, Frank Osborn, had graduated from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy in 1908. As John dug deeper, he learned that Frank was the first in his family to earn a college degree, going on to become the first pharmacist in his community, and even the first postmaster, in his small hometown of Bettendorf, Iowa. Though Frank’s life was tragically cut short by illness not long after his 30th birthday, his impact on his community was lasting.

For John, that discovery brought new meaning to a relationship with the University that had already been growing for decades. Though not an alumnus, he has been connected to Michigan for nearly 30 years through his involvement with the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) and the Ross School of Business. His work as a guest lecturer in the interdisciplinary “Business of Biology” course reflects his passion for bringing together science, business and policy, an approach that mirrors the collaborative spirit of the College of Pharmacy today. His daughter, Delaney (now Dr. Delaney Osborn, MD), was also connected to the University as a summer research assistant at LSI in 2011 and 2012 in the laboratory of Dr. Jason Gestwicki.

Inspired by both his own experiences and his great-uncle’s legacy, John and his wife Deborah made a gift to support the new College of Pharmacy building in Frank’s memory. His support not only recognizes a pioneering pharmacist from generations past, but also helps create a space where today’s students can come together, collaborate and shape the future of healthcare.

In honoring Frank, John and his family are ensuring that a story that began in 1908 continues to live on — connecting generations through education, discovery and the enduring impact of giving.