Byron Osborne

Remarks on Malone College's move to Canton

The following is an excerpt from an address given by Malone College President Byron Osborne before the regional meeting of Rotary Clubs in Canton on May 2, 1959.
 
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
 
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
 
Dare to Face the Present
At Malone College, in a very real sense, we have been engaged in a pioneer project. To move from Cleveland and to build and establish a college in Canton was in the eyes of some, for us, an impossible undertaking. It has, however, been our conviction that what ought to be done can be done, and that there is nothing really impossible. We have sought to employ such faith as has been at our disposal.
 
We have endeavored to follow the advice given by one sage who said, "We should act with as much energy as those who expect everything from themselves; and we should pray with as much earnestness as those who expect everything from God.”
 
It is my conviction that we should dare to face the present with vision. Vision is insight, understanding, comprehension, evaluation, recognition of relevant facts.  It was one of our Presidents, who, when he took the oath of office, placed his finger on that verse in Proverbs [29:18] which reads, “Where there is no vision the people perish.”
 
We are at our best when motivated by a desire to serve. We are in the best traditions of our noblest leaders when we give of our means, of our time, and our talent that those coming after us may enjoy the blessings that have been ours. There is no limit to what can be accomplished by those who, in the spirit of service, dedication, and determination, dare to face the present.
 
Dr. Byron Osborne ’16, Malone College President 1951-1960
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