University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

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e s Albert Vincent Osmun HE ALUMNUS, looking back upon his college life from the van- tage point of his maturer years, sees many things to which as a student he was blind. He appreciates more clearly the difference between that popular acclaim which is but the im- pulse of a moment, to be destroyed by later impulse, and that enduring esteem and respect which registers true popularity. He understands more and more clearly with every passing year that the impression made by a strong teacher upon a student leaves a mark which can never be effaced, but which grows deeper as time passes. The col- lege graduate will hold in memory longest those of his instructors who have thus given him something enduring, something which he has been able to carry away with him. Few have been more successful in this way than Professor Al- bert Vincent Osmun. There are many alumni, graduates of the past eight or nine years, and many students now in college who hold in grateful remembrance the time when in the field, in the laboratory, and in the classroom they first re- ceived from him that stimulus which has led them on to that understanding and enjoyment of Nature which knowledge gives to her close observers. Professor Osmun was born in Danbury, Connecticut, in 1880, his father being at the time a business man of that place. After the usual preliminary training he entered the Connecticut Agricultural College, graduating from there in 1900. He then served two years as secretary to the president of that insti- tution, at the same time continuing his botanical studies. In the fall of 1902 he came to Massachusetts, entering as a senior in the regular course, and graduating the following June with the class of 1903. Shortly after graduation he entered upon his duties as instructor in botany, and has remained on the teaching force of the Department of Botany ever since. Continuing his graduate work here, he received in 1905 the degree of Master of Science. Professor Osmun has held several offices with the American Fern Society, and has been a frequent contributor to the Fern Bulletin and other botanical publications. He is at present treasurer of the Associate Alumni of the Mass-

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e 55 achusetts Agricultural College, and has occupied a like position with the local chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi. He assisted in organizing and has always been an active member of the Mettawampe club. But after everything is said, it is as a teacher that he is best known. His dignified and courteous treatment of his students, and the energy and enthusiasm which he gives to his work is an in- spiration to all. To quote a student, he makes the boys want to work, and than this nothing finer can be said of a teacher. Professor Osmun ' s associates on the faculty of the College, his many friends in the town of Amherst, and all of the alumni of M. A. C. with whom he has come in contact, join with the class of Nineteen Fourteen in hoping that for many years to come Massachusetts may be able to keep in her service one so singularly well fitted for the post which he occupies. SIDNEY B. HASKELL.