This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
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.