Humanitarian named Lee Smith ’65 Award Recipient

After a rigorous nomination process in which generations of Marksmen were considered, the Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage & Honor Award committee is pleased to announce that Matt Osborne ’90 has been named its second recipient. This award, which was given for the first time in 2023, seeks to recognize alumni who elevate humanity by making a positive impact in the world.  
  
Osborne has spent his life in public service and, over the past decade, focused on combatting global human trafficking. Following a career in the CIA and the State Department, Osborne joined Operation Underground Railroad in 2014 and currently serves as the organization’s Global Operations Ambassador. By partnering with local law enforcement, Osborne and his colleagues provide support and intelligence to combat human trafficking across all corners of the globe, as well as victim aftercare and training. 
  
Osborne is also working to promote healthy relationships and educate young men through his volunteer work with the advocacy group New Friends New Life. The group’s “manKINDness Project” engages young men with candid dialogue about true masculinity and boys respecting girls and women. 
 
Throughout his career, Osborne has maintained a connection with St. Mark’s, returning regularly to speak with students and alumni. In 2018, he was invited to be the keynote speaker at the induction ceremony of the St. Mark's chapter of the Cum Laude Society. Osborne joined humanitarian and inaugural Lee Smith Award ’65 recipient Dr. David Vanderpool ’78 for a panel discussion about civic responsibility as part of the 2022 Alumni Leadership Speaker Series. And recently, he has spoken with Marksmen in assemblies and classes, recounting both his career as an intelligence analyst and his work combating human trafficking. 
 
“The thing I love about St. Mark’s is that you’re teaching character and leadership,” Osborne said. “You are teaching boys to be good and decent men. I think that is the long-term solution to many of the issues we face.” 

In February 2024, he visited with Upper School Marksmen and challenged them to reflect on the way they treat and talk about women, as well as their fellow men.  

"Know how important your words and attitudes are," Osborne told students. "Gentlemen, you have a golden opportunity to make sure that you are never perpetrating this type of objectification and can stand up against those who are. That's what a real man does."
  
B.A. Cullum ’99, chairman of this year’s Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage & Honor Award Committee, commended Osborne. 
  
“He’s an extraordinary alum who exemplifies the award’s qualities,” Cullum said. “Following his distinguished career with the CIA and the State Department, Matt has made a meaningful impact in the fight against human trafficking. His efforts continue today, and our alumni community and current Marksmen are fortunate to have the opportunity to engage with Matt this spring.” 
  
Osborne will be recognized and celebrated at the annual Spring Alumni Dinner on the evening of April 19, 2024. The award will be presented by Lee S. Smith ’65, for whom the award is named.