Don Osborne

Facilities Management and Services
1971–2008

Don Osborne made great contributions to campus and the community during his 37-year career, both behind the scenes and in a lead role.

A supervising painter for the Physical Plant and later Facilities Management and Services, Osborne went the extra mile to keep campus as clean and beautiful as possible. Part of his routine was to arrive at the University at 6 a.m. every day to check for graffiti or other issues with campus buildings. The process took over an hour, but it ensured that students and employees arrived seeing a well-maintained campus day after day.

Osborne’s eagerness to serve the University extended to many other corners of campus. He was a member and chair of Staff Council; he was an ardent supporter of North State Public Radio and Chico State Athletics, receiving a volunteer of the year award from the latter; and for a number of years was a member of campus’ Friends of the Animals organization, winning the Cat’s Meow Award from the group in 2008. Osborne also aided many coworkers through his 40 years serving on the board of the University Credit Union, now known as Star Community Credit Union.

In the small town of Capay in Glenn County, Osborne has been a pillar of the community for many years. He has been an active member of the Capay Volunteer Fire Department since 1982. He has served two terms (1983–1988 and 1996–2000) on the Capay Joint Union Elementary School District Board of Directors. In 2006, Osborne was inducted into the Glenn County Educators Hall of Fame. In 2011, the Capay Ranch Women’s Club of Orland recognized him as a “Living Treasure” for his outstanding contributions to the area.

Ian Turnbull, former staff member and chief of the Capay Fire Protection District, said, “As chief, I have had the opportunity to work directly with Don on solving many issues. He has been an involved member, ready to help when needed without pretense or ego. He has always shown solid judgment and a commitment to guide our organization and be a true steward of this critical institution in our community.”

Osborne has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Chico State.