COOKEVILLE – Tennessee Tech continues to honor the anniversary of the March 3, 2020, tornado with Tech Strong: Day of Service.
“We have several alternative spring break opportunities for students to participate in,” said Michelle Huddleston, Tech’s associate director of service learning, leadership development and residential education. “Those include a staff appreciation event for certain campus employees and an awareness project for the Power of Putnam’s mission, a drug-free community.”
These alternative spring break opportunities are scheduled for March 18 and 19. Tech’s spring break week is March 14 through March 18. These opportunities acknowledge Tech community’s tremendous support back to the Cookeville community in the immediate aftermath of the 2020 tornado. The service projects allow students to give back to their university’s hometown.
Following the devasting tornado in 2020, Tech President Phil Oldham cancelled classes to allow students the opportunity to support community relief efforts.
Oldham said at the time, “We are part of a bigger Cookeville community that is doing an amazing job responding to the physical and emotional needs of those affected. I also ask that tomorrow be a day of service for those who are able and willing to help. Without the people of Cookeville, there would be no Tennessee Tech. It is a privilege to be able to give back. I hope you will consider taking the time to do something big or small, whether you remove debris, donate to a shelter or comfort a friend or stranger.”
Last spring, on the one-year anniversary of the deadly F4 tornado that swept through parts of Baxter, along Highway 70 and into Cookeville, the university held a memorial tribute to all those affected with students, faculty and staff sharing their stories. Derryberry Hall’s carillon also rang 19 times in memory of those killed in the violent storm. Since then, the university has designated March 3 as Tech Strong: Day of Service.
“This is a great, active learning opportunity for students,” said Huddleston. “There is no greater service than service to others, and it shows Cookeville that Tech is here willing to be a partner in making our community the best it can be.”
To sign up for these alternative spring break service projects, students can select the appropriate link below:
- March 18 Staff Appreciation Event | https://signup.com/go/sAwaVQv
- March 19 | Power of Putnam | https://signup.com/go/LUMYJfb
For more information, contact the Service and Leadership Office at (931) 372-6120.
