Harbor Entrepreneur Center director receives CSU Distinguished Service Award

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern University presented the Distinguished Service Award to John Osborne, a successful Charleston entrepreneur, at commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 5 at North Charleston Coliseum.

Osborne is the executive administrator of Charleston Angel Partners, director of The Harbor Entrepreneur Center and managing partner of Good Growth Capital. In addition, he has a background in the financial services industry in commercial banking, private banking and wealth management with First Citizens Bank, Regions Bank, Bank of America and MassMutual.  Osborne also serves as a member of the Industry and Innovation Council of SCbio, South Carolina’s life sciences industry organization.  The Harbor Entrepreneur Center hosts SCbio’s Charleston office onsite.

He received a bachelor of science in finance and economics from Charleston Southern in 2002 and played on the CSU men’s golf team for four years.

“CSU provided a great foundation in my chosen major of finance and economics to build from as I continue to grow businesses which also support economic development efforts in our region,” said Osborne. “My involvement in startups stems from a combination of genuinely caring about seeing people pursue their passions and a recognition of the need for a more systematic way to connect people with resources to those who need them. It’s been a lifelong journey which is still evolving.”

President Jairy C. Hunter Jr. said, “John always exhibits strong leadership skills and a willingness to help others. John is a superb example of a servant business leader. He is humble, intelligent and committed to helping entrepreneurs be successful in their business ventures. We are blessed that John chose to attend CSU. He was an excellent golfer and student. ”

Osborne said, “To be recognized for service to the community, which is something I am passionate about, by CSU is a humbling honor for which I am grateful.”

Osborne is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Charleston. He is currently serving on the West Ashley Revitalization Commission, the South Carolina Innovation Advisory Council, and is a founding member of the Start Up Champions Network. He has been recognized by Charleston Regional Business Journal as a 40 under 40; by Azalea Magazine as Visionary of the Year, and was named to Charlie Magazine’s 50 Most Progressive.

He has been on the Board of Directors for Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, The Education Foundation, The Charleston International Film Festival and The Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

Osborne and his wife, Allison, have two sons.

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Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.