Western Governors University graduate spreading hope - ksl.com

SALT LAKE CITY -- Thousands of people graduated from Western Governors University Saturday. Among them -- an impressive man who's overcome big odds and is now spreading hope around the world.

Walking to the sound of the graduation march, 255 students filed into Abravanel Hall to receive their diplomas. Osmond family member Justin Osmond was with them.
Justin has lost 90-percent of his hearing, but he didn't let that hold him back from earning his master's degree.
"It's been a great journey for me and I'm a better person because of it," he said. "I hope I can take what I've learned, go out in the world and make a difference."
Justin is already making a difference with a foundation that helps children around the world who have lost their hearing.

 VIDEO:
Western Governors University graduate spreading hope - ksl.com

What have I been up to?

 
Have you been following Merrill's new blog? 

I know it’s been awhile since I updated my blog but in the next few weeks I’ll try to catch up on some great things that have happened in the last few months. I’ll talk about my new Love Song CD, some of the places I’m going both on tour and off. 

See More: Merrill Osmond Live Journal  

"The Wii Fitters"

"The Wii Fitters"

Yesterday afternoon we drove down to Steve's house for the weekend. Anneli met a couple of her friends from Richmond in Arizona for a short vacation. The grandchildren had a new toy - a Wii Fit and we had so much fun doing the "Just Dance Kids" while Steve finished working for the day. What great exercise and fun we had together for hours. We even talked grandpa into taking a turn.

How are your fitness goals coming? I walked a lot on the cruise and will spend the next couple of days having fun with "Just Dance Kids." It's a great way to get some aerobic exercise. Has anyone bought "Dance Party" or an adult version that they have loved - to help me decide whether to buy this one or an adult version? The kids version was hard enough for me. Ha!

 

Follow Kathy's blog:  One Bad Apple Dish

'Jonah and the Great Fish' translates better to film

OREM, Utah — Not so engaging as a stage musical, "Jonah and the Great Fish" works much better as a film adaptation.

Originally performed on stage at the SCERA Center for the Arts, the film version of "Jonah," starring David Osmond as the main character, was screened recently at the LDS Film Festival.

Read the complete story on MormonTimes.com.

Justin Osmond beats the odds to speak at grad ceremony

Justin Osmond, the son of Merrill Osmond, was born with 90-percent hearing loss in both of his ears.

However, by practicing for hours a day, Justin learned to speak and even play several instruments, including the violin, piano, viola and drums.

He continues to give back to others who are hearing-impaired with the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund, which he founded in honor of his grandmother.

To continue his non-profit work, Justin decided to go back to school for his MBA at Western Governors University, headquartered here in Salt Lake City.
On Feb. 12 Justin will graduate and has been selected as one of the student speakers at WGU’s winter commencement ceremony. For someone who struggled to speak, Justin is now making a graduation speech in front of thousands of people.

SOURCE: SL Tribune