Brian Onyekachi Otuonye’s legacy lives on through new scholarship for finance students
The Brian Onyekachi Otuonye Scholarship at Tennessee Tech will honor the life, legacy and generous spirit of alumnus Brian Onyekachi Otuonye, a beloved son, brother, friend and finance professional whose compassion and personality left a lasting impact on those around him. The scholarship will support students in Tech’s College of Business who are pursuing a degree in finance – a field Brian was passionate about, as evidenced through three degrees in business.
Brian, son of Karen and Francis Otuonye and brother to Katrina and Christopher, was born on March 8, 1985, and passed away on Aug. 4, 2018. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Tech in 2007, followed by an MBA from Tech in 2008. He earned an additional MBA from DeVry University’s Keller School of Management in 2010.
The Otuonye family says Brian was passionate, joyful and kind.
“He never met a stranger,” they said. “He found ways to use his natural charisma for good, supporting his family, friends and causes he cared about. Brian encouraged everyone he knew to figure out what they wanted and to go after it with everything that they had. He loved to laugh, and his energy brought life to any room. Brian was also extremely smart. He had a remarkable memory, an enviable ability to multitask and a strong work ethic.”
For Brian, attending Tech felt natural. His father, Francis Otuonye, served as associate vice president for research and professor of civil and environmental engineering at Tech. Many of Brian’s closest friends from Cookeville High School enrolled at Tech as well. A standout high school basketball player affectionately known as “Big O,” Brian was known for his warmth, humor and magnetic personality.
“Brian was a dedicated individual, very focused, outgoing and he loved everybody – really,” Francis said. “He touched a lot of people in ways that have made an impact on their lives.”
Brian chose to major in finance because of a strong interest in wealth management. After graduating, Brian began his professional career working in Memphis before relocating to Atlanta, where he worked in logistics and forensic-related fields.
At Tech, Brian developed strong connections with faculty and classmates and spoke highly of College of Business professor Bob Wood, who encouraged his academic growth.
“Brian was one of those students you cannot forget,” Wood said. “In addition to being very good in the classroom, he was liked by everyone, and everyone was his friend. Brian took part in a short-term study abroad course to Europe that I was fortunate to lead. He was warmly embraced by all he met. Given his height, his beaming smile and sartorial style, he was often initially mistaken for an NBA star by the locals; when their error was discovered, it didn’t change anything. He was surrounded by his newfound friends constantly. His presence is missed by all those who were fortunate to know him.”
Francis recalls countless stories of Brian’s kindness, including one especially meaningful memory shared after Brian’s passing. A close friend tearfully told the family that Brian had once helped save his wife’s life after arriving at their home and discovering she was experiencing a medical emergency.
“He told us, ‘Without Brian, my wife would have died,’” said Francis. “That was one of the most moving stories I’ve ever heard about Brian.”
Family and friends say Brian formed friendships wherever he went and is remembered for his generosity, humor and volunteer spirit.
“Brian had so many friends,” Francis recalled. “I run into people all the time and they say, ‘Are you Brian’s dad?’ and I think, ‘Brian, how did you know all of these people?!’ He had this personality that was just infectious. If he said something, everyone would crack up laughing. That’s one of the things we miss the most.”
Brian’s friends agree.
“When I think of college life as a whole at Tech, I think of Brian Otuonye,” said John Boots (`07 business management and `08 MBA). “He was physically larger than life with a matching personality that filled every room he entered with happiness and humor. He brought an incredible social presence to campus and managed to be an exemplary student at the same time. The creation of this scholarship is a testament to his legacy and the way he shaped life on campus – then and now.”
Craft Hayes (`07 business management and `08 MBA) added, “Brian was the kind of person people remembered – not just because of his talent and drive, but because of the way he treated others. He had a gift for building real relationships, making people laugh and showing up for the people around him. This scholarship is a meaningful way to carry forward the impact he had on his friends, colleagues and community.”
In addition to carrying on Brian’s legacy, the scholarship also reflects the family’s appreciation for the support Brian received from Tech.
“Brian received the Eldon Leslie Business Administration Scholarship while he was a student,” said Francis. “This was one way for us to give back.”
Other members of the Otuonye family added, “We hope this scholarship helps ease the financial burden of earning a degree. Our wish for the scholarship recipients is that they have the opportunity to grow academically, socially and spiritually because of their time at Tennessee Tech.”
One meaningful aspect of the scholarship is Brian’s middle name. Rooted in the family’s heritage, Onyekachi means “no one is greater than God,” a sentiment Francis says reflected values Brian carried throughout his life. Francis says it brings comfort to know that Brian’s name will live on through the scholarship and will inspire future generations of Tech students.
To make a gift in Brian’s memory, visit www.tntech.edu/giving and select Brian Onyekachi Otuonye Scholarship. To give by check, mail to the TTU Foundation, Campus Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505 and include the name of the scholarship.
“Helping people is just who Brian was,” Francis said. “If someone needed help, Brian would say, ‘I’ll do it.’ That’s what the world needs – people helping to make this world a better place.”