Crawford Alumni Center

 

Tech alumni and friends share what they are thankful for…

 

This year, we are thankful that we will add another alumnus to our family as our niece receives her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing next month. Congrats to Caroline Heck and all December 2021 graduates! 
–Richard Suttles, `99 industrial technology, and Amanda (Heck) Suttles, `00 English 

 

We’re thankful for all of God’s blessings, and especially at this stage of life for nine young grandchildren, whom we refer to as “the little blessings.”
–Gary Knox, `78 engineering science, and Melissa Grove Knox, `77 foods and nutrition 

 

I am thankful for a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I’m thankful for a loving wife of 37 years and 3 children who know the Lord. I’m thankful for a University (TTU) that gave a kid from inner city Memphis an opportunity to play College football (‘75, 76) when no one else would.  
–Fred Curry, Golden Eagle Football `75-76

 

To paraphrase Charlie Daniels…ain’t it good to be alive and a Tennessee Tech alum! –Maggie R. Smith, `82 animal science and `90 agricultural education 

 

I am thankful that the LORD is merciful to all of us.  
–Kerry Stone, adjunct faculty in Tennessee Tech’s School of Music 

 

Being able to love again after the loss of my wife.  
–Bill Cole, `67 history 

 

I am thankful for just being alive!  On Sunday, September 19, 2021, around 3 p.m., my wife Linda Kay and I were eating at Outback Steakhouse. After finishing my steak and baked potato, I fell out of the booth and died for 26 minutes. Others immediately started CPR.  I was rushed to Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, then died for between 4 to 6 minutes. I spent 11 days in the cardiac ICU and 21 more days recovering, I'm back home now still in rehabilitation.  Very happy to be alive! 
–Walter Geraghty, `71 secondary education 

 

I am thankful for being able to continue to live in my own home, appreciating the wonders on the earth as a result of seasonal changes, books that enlighten me, music & art that inspires me, family that loves me, friends that encourage me and causes that give purpose to my life. May everyone that reads this find an equal number of things to be thankful for. 
–Jewel Tabor, `70 administration and supervision 

 

I am thankful for the accounting firm I started this fall, A3 Accounting Services LLC, based in Ooltewah, TN.  I am glad that I can serve clients anywhere thanks to technology and help my clients with bookkeeping, tax planning and preparation, and CPA Exam tutoring services.  Gratitude goes to my clients who make it possible for me to do what I do!  Tennessee Tech gave me the training I needed to get my MBA in accounting and pass the CPA exam on my first attempt.  I am thankful for my bride and our three daughters who have supported this business, as well as my sister who has helped me with marketing ideas.  Above all, I thank the Lord Jesus for making the dream of owning my own firm become a reality.  
–George Fuller, CPA, `17 MBA 

 

Class of ‘67 survivor. Thanks for that after circulatory system surgeries, COVID-19 pneumonia, military service, and 55 years of marriage.  
–David Fallert, `67 biology 

 

I am thankful for God’s blessings and grace extended for life, hope, peace and joy and the opportunities to glorify His name, serve others, and grow to be more like Christ.
–George McCleskey, `73 civil engineering 

 

I am thankful that I graduated from Tennessee Tech and was able to attend the Golden Grad Alumni Banquet.
–Eugene Wilmore, `58 industrial management 

 

I am thankful for our School of Nursing which provides our nurses, the heart of medical and health care.
–Barbara Reynolds, retired dean, Tennessee Tech School of Nursing 

 

I am thankful for being alive.
–Leon Broyles, `67 agricultural science 

 

I'm most grateful for family and friends and this Great Country that we live in. Also, not too bad when you live at the beach!
–Steve Arnold, `77 journalism 

 

I am thankful for the good foundation I received at Tennessee Tech for what turned out to be a long and interesting profession and life.
–Jack Hammontree, `63 accounting 

 

I’m thankful for my parents. They went without so that my college education was paid for. They didn’t work high paying jobs, they just worked hard and saved so I could leave college with an education and debt free.  
–Kim Grahek, `93 history