Each day here on campus, there are countless individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure all operations at ETSU run smoothly. From professors, to police officers, even to dining hall workers, each member of the University team works together to create an environment of inclusion, prosperity, and cohesion.
On Wednesday, March 30, ETSU hosted the first annual Heroes Ceremony to commemorate and reward outstanding members of the ETSU community, both inside and outside university walls, who represent the model of exceptional service and bravery that typically go unnoticed. The ceremony, hosted in the University Martin Center, featured the monetary gift, a medallion and a proclamation of five heroes across the community for their outstanding service to the ETSU educational system through bravery, determination and dedication.
In the first annual commemoration of the program, University President Dr. Brian Noland and Jeremy Ross, ETSU chief operating officer, organized a selection committee across campus who compiled a nomination guide with a timeline, eligibility, selection criteria and standards, nomination information and a nomination form for the ceremony.
The Office of the President, the Office of Administration and the Human Resources Department were the organizing entities for the ceremony and program and allowed the spotlight to illuminate members of the ETSU community who go unnoticed for their contributions to the University. Whether an individual has been a part of the University for a few months or an abundance of years, an ETSU hero is selected to recognize role models exhorting the highest level of excellence and respectability both on and off campus.
During the ceremony, five individuals and organizations were selected for this exceptional honor. Patti Marlow, Zachary Olsen, Derek Patton, Kelvin Tarukwasha and ETSU Health were among the recipients of this year’s medallions and honor. In addition to these members of the ETSU community, student Emily Burnette was commemorated for her act of heroism when she provided assistance to a woman who fell and injured her leg while walking to class.
Pepper, the resident therapy dog on campus, was also presented with a bone and treats for her work spreading smiles across campus in times of discomfort or distress. Though the ceremony also included remarks by Dr. Virginia Foley, ETSU faculty trustee, as well as piano, jazz and percussion ensemble performances by ETSU students.
Tisha Harrison, coordinator of the ceremony, described some of her favorite moments as “the overall positive feeling the event portrayed.” “With the many issues facing people daily,” said Harrison, “having an event recognizing there is good happening around us every day and to appreciate people that do extraordinary things that get overlooked at ETSU and across our communities is syexciting.”
After an immensely successful inaugural year of celebration, the Heroes ceremony will become an annual event on campus that aims to recognize the work that often takes place behind the scenes to make ETSU and the community a better place across the board. If you know someone who you believe exhibits the values of an ETSU hero, please visit the nomination form at www.etsu.edu/heroes/nomination-form.php.
