Justin Osmond, CEO of Olive Osmond Hearing Fund Featured at WGU Lecture Series, January 31

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Justin Osmond, one of Western Governors University's (WGU) inspiring alumni, will speak at WGU's lecture series, Sage Talks, on Tuesday, January 31, at 6:30 p.m. MST. He will share his inspiring story of persisting through adversity to motivate lecture attendees to overcome their own challenges and reach their goals in the new year ahead. The lecture will take place at The Leonardo, an interactive museum in the heart of Salt Lake City, and will be streamed live online. The event is free and open to the public, who are requested to RSVP at www.wgu.edu/sage-talks/new-year-new-you-learning-to-challenge-your-limits.

You can learn more about WGU's Sage Talks at www.wgu.edu/sagetalks and by following @WGU on social media.

Growing up with a 90 percent hearing loss is difficult for anyone, but being the son of Merrill Osmond, the lead singer of the world-renowned Osmond family, made deafness an even bigger challenge for Justin. In fact, Justin was told he would never be able to play a musical instrument like that of his father and family. However, through extraordinary displays of courage, determination, and self-belief, Justin has risen above his circumstances to lead a full, meaningful life.

Having worked hard through 12 years of intense speech and listening therapy, Osmond has learned to speak with passion and through modern-day technology, hear with conviction. And despite being told by teachers and professionals that he would never play a musical instrument, Osmond has gone on to become an award-winning musician and has shared the spotlight with the likes of Billy Crystal, Garth Brooks, Susan Boyle, Kevin Costner, Oprah, and many other distinguished individuals.

Osmond is the Founder and CEO of the Olive Osmond Hearing Fund, a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve and provide education, technology, and resources to the deaf and hard of hearing. Having dedicated his life to similar pursuits across the globe, including The Hearing Fund UK, Osmond touches the hearts of not only those living with a hearing loss, but everyone he comes in contact with.

Following the lecture, the public is invited to a reception hosted by the WGU leadership and faculty at The Leonardo. Attendees are encouraged to mingle and meet the speaker and WGU leaders. Museum admission is included with registration.

WGU's lecture series, Sage Talks, is named after the university's mascot and has been created to provide personal and professional development, inspiration, and continuing education opportunities to the community. The series features leaders and innovators in fields represented by each of WGU's four colleges: business, education, healthcare, and information technology. Lecture topics are centered on leadership, new innovations and disruptions, and how education shapes the future.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 77,000 students nationwide and has more than 75,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In less than 20 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

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Contact for media inquiries:
Joan Mitchell – VP of Public Relations
801-428-5463
jmitchell@wgu.edu

Contact for enrollment information:
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SOURCE Western Governors University