COOKEVILLE – Throughout its history, Tennessee Tech has been known for its basic sense of values, work ethic and culture of kindness. In January, Tech began to recognize those among us who demonstrate kindness to others in various ways through Wings of Kindness.
Tech First Lady Kari Oldham launched Wings of Kindness as a special initiative to recognize students, faculty, staff and others across campus for choosing kindness in today’s busy, often hectic world. Described in her own words, she said kindness is often displayed by “simple acts such as opening a door for someone, taking time to say please and thank you, making eye contact and smiling, paying an unsolicited compliment, helping campus visitors feel welcome or cleaning up someone else’s mess.”
These are simple but selfless acts that powerfully demonstrate the importance of someone other than self. Maya Angelou put it this way, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people never forget how you made them feel.”
The First Lady and President Phil Oldham recently recognized several individuals with a Wings of Kindness award.
The recipients are: Mich Turpeau, kindness in McCord, game night host; Debbie Gunnels,
humble kindness, brightens lives of CDL children; Lee Ann Shipley, kindness in the classroom; James Baier, brings kindness to all he does for students; James Hammons, bakes fudge brownies to make tests a little easier; Brittany Bajo, welcoming kindness in her home for prospective grad student; Hannah Buckner, raised charity money through puppy kissing booth; Nathan Anderson, kindness demonstrated by listening; Jake Oligny, kindness in every greeting; Jessie Green, warm and welcoming kindness, looks for opportunity; Lisa Rice, shares ice cream and popcorn to calm others; Sylvia Horne, kindness helps others overcome fear of public speaking; Hunter Dinger, kindness and knowledge of Jeeps helped stranded student; Nathan Morgan, loves volunteering, led Tech volunteers in tornado cleanup; Abigail Faith Thomas, opens doors, gives generously, volunteers in tornado cleanup; Robby Sanders, generously gives students his time and attention; Yunus Quraishi, often caught in simple acts of kindness, holds doors, gives smiles; Cheri Hunter, donates to Clothes Closet, shared umbrella and ride on rainy day; Vanessa Curry, visited student who suffered storm damage; Michael Davis, caring attitude toward fellow students; Kim Williams, shows extraordinary dedication to students who need health services; Devon Cotter, gave extraordinary empathy and time to fellow students; Lisa Bowman, makes all feel welcome at the Counseling Center; Leigh Ann Ray, unparalleled selflessness in the COVID-19 situation; Face Shield Crews, worked day and night to meet local, state needs; Coach Alexander & Football Team, shared kindness visits to nursing homes; Mason Hilliard, leads with kindness, answers every call for help; 1000+ Student Volunteers, defined ‘Wings Up’ with tornado response; Michelle Huddleston, untiring kindness and attention to tornado victims, volunteers; David Burnett, donated to Food Pantry for those in need to purchase groceries; and, Charlene McClain, alerted helpers to needs of a mother needing milk for three children.
For more information on the Wings of Kindness, go to https://www.tntech.edu/president/kindness.php.
