Mark and Judy Osborne’s lifelong love story began in the heart of Buckeye country. Both Marion natives, the couple first crossed paths as freshmen at Ohio State Marion in 1970. In 2025, they celebrated 50 years of marriage, a milestone that reflects not only their devotion to each other but also their enduring connection to The Ohio State University.
“We met in freshman English,” Mark recalled. “Our fathers worked together and realized we were in the same class. That led to an introduction—and by January 1971, we were dating. The rest is history.”
Judy, a Pleasant High School graduate, and Mark, from Marion Harding High School, chose Ohio State Marion for its affordability and close-knit academic environment. “We could live at home and complete our basic education with professors instead of teaching assistants,” Judy said. “I even completed four quarters of foreign language with the same instructor!”
After one year at Marion, Mark transitioned to the Columbus campus to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, while Judy completed two years at Marion before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, graduating cum laude. Judy finished her degree in just three years and began working at Marion’s Job and Family Services while Mark completed his five-year engineering program. “She waited for me,” Mark said with a smile.
The couple married on August 30, 1975, just weeks after Mark started his first job in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “I worked six weeks, flew home for the wedding, and went right back to work,” he said.
Their Buckeye legacy didn’t stop there. Sons Steven and Brian both graduated from Ohio State—Steve in Mechanical Engineering (2007) and Brian in Strategic Communication (2008). Steve now serves as CEO of E-Crane International USA, while Brian is Executive Vice President at The Strategy Group. Steve’s wife is also a two-time Ohio State graduate, including a law degree from Moritz College of Law.
To celebrate their golden anniversary, Mark and Judy enjoyed a family dinner in Dublin, attended the Ohio State vs. Texas football game on their anniversary, and spent 10 days traveling, including visits to Biltmore Estates and Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Today, the Osbornes remain deeply involved with the OSU Marion County Alumni Club, serving as officers and helping keep Buckeye spirit alive locally. “When you live outside Ohio for 15 years, you really appreciate the many local activities there are,” Judy said. “Thanks for everything, Ohio State Marion!”
From a freshman English class to a lifetime of shared memories, Mark and Judy Osborne truly bleed scarlet and gray.