Dr. William Terry Osbourne- 1974
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988
Dr. Terry Osborne, a native of Port Jefferson, New York who now resides in North Carolina, came to Acadia during the academic year 1923-24. Having received his Bachelor of Physical Education from springfield in 1922, he subsequently took special work at Cornell University. He entered Clark University in the fall of, ’22, receiving his Master of Arts degree that following spring.
While on the faculty of Acadia from ’23 to ’40, he was founder of the Maritime Interscholastic Track Meets, the Acadia Relays and organizer of both the Nova Scotia Basketball and Referees Association.
In addition to being an outstanding teacher of physical education, he was also a brilliant coach –guiding the girls’ varsity basketball team to eight Maritime Intercollegiate titles and the boys’ court squad to several provincial senior and Maritime Intercollegiate championships –and a near miss at a national senior title. In swimming, tennis and tumbling he was also very astute, inspiring his charges to numerous triumphs.
Following his years of service at Acadia, he gained international prominence for his twenty-five years of service with the Y.M.C.A. –being praised for his work in the cause of humanity. Among his citations are those awarded to him by the Worlds Committee of the Y.M.C.A. and the Republic of Korea.
It was indeed fitting that Acadia in 1974 conferred upon this gentleman –one who contributed so well to the Acadia tradition –the honorary doctorate of civil laws degree.
What an honour to have the privilege to introduce for induction to Acadia’s Sports Hall of Fame, Dr. Terry Osbourne.
