‘Tech Goes Pink’ event unites campus and community in breast cancer awareness efforts
Tennessee Tech University recently brought the campus and local community together for the second annual Tech Goes Pink, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of breast cancer, honoring survivors and remembering those lost.
The event was organized by Tech's Office of Intercultural Affairs and bolstered by campuswide partnerships, community support and dedicated student leadership — hallmarks that organizers hope will make it a longstanding Tech tradition.
Held on the university’s main quad, Tech Goes Pink invited students, faculty, staff and community members to explore informational booths, enjoy free food and participate in activities that highlighted both prevention and remembrance.
The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, University Health Services and several external partners — including Cookeville Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Center and Foundation, the Putnam County Family YMCA and Academy Distribution Center — played key roles in providing educational resources and outreach.
“It’s not about one particular office or one particular person,” said Charria Campbell, director of Intercultural Affairs at Tech and lead organizer for the event. “It’s about everybody coming together, supporting each other and raising awareness of the impact of breast cancer. Our students, especially, were the driving force behind making this event happen.”
Campbell first envisioned Tech Goes Pink several years ago after seeing friends and family affected by cancer. With support from university leadership and community health partners, the inaugural event took shape last year and quickly gained momentum. Student organizations, including members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, helped design logos, organize volunteer efforts and promote the event across campus.
A central part of Tech Goes Pink is its survivor and memory walk, a tradition introduced in the event’s first year and expanded this fall. Students carried a banner filled with handwritten names and messages honoring loved ones affected by breast cancer — part of a long-term plan to eventually create a commemorative quilt as the event grows.
This year, participants also created personalized paper luminaries representing survivors and those lost to cancer. At dusk, dozens of luminaries illuminated the pathways of the main quad. Amy Mason, a Tech alumna and local breast cancer survivor, shared her story during the program and helped lead the walk.
Another key focus of the event was education. Tech’s health partners distributed information about screenings, early detection and resources available in the region, including programs available to cancer survivors through the Putnam County Family YMCA.
“For many students, this event opened their eyes to the fact that breast cancer can affect anyone — men included,” Campbell said. “Creating awareness and helping people understand prevention was one of the biggest goals.”
Tech Athletics amplified the message by hosting a series of “Pink Out” athletic events. Fans were encouraged to wear pink at recent football and basketball games, and survivors were recognized during a home football matchup. Survivors were also invited to take part in the football team’s Eagle Walk, a pregame tradition that brings fans together to cheer on the team as they enter Tucker Stadium.
The increased visibility helped bring more students and community members to Tech Goes Pink, Campbell said, noting that people who attended last year returned with friends and that new partners have already expressed interest in contributing to next year’s event.
“What means the most is seeing our campus and our community come together,” Campbell added. “We hope this continues to grow as an annual event that supports survivors, honors loved ones and reminds everyone of the resources and hope that are out there.”
Individuals interested in future partnership opportunities with Tech Goes Pink can contact Campbell at cycampbell@tntech.edu.