JOHNSON CITY – East Tennessee State University celebrated the extraordinary and impactful stories of the inaugural recipients of the ETSU Heroes during a ceremony on March 30. The ETSU Heroes recognition program honors the exemplary service of those who “embody excellence and contribute significant and innovative accomplishments” to the university.
Recipients of this prestigious award received a medallion and honorarium.
“Quite often we get so caught up in the pace and flow of day-to-day life that we miss acts of bravery, fortitude, kindness and grace that happen around us each day. This event provides us the opportunity to take time to celebrate those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Dr. Brian Noland, president.
Five ETSU Heroes from across the university were recognized and presented with their medallions by ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland and Jeremy Ross, ETSU chief operating officer. In addition, Ballad Health also received special recognition for the health care heroes risking personal health and providing steadfast leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom Tull, vice president and chief experience officer, accepted the resolution of appreciation on behalf of Ballad Health.
The ceremony also included remarks by Dr. Virginia Foley, ETSU faculty trustee, as well as piano, jazz and percussion ensemble performances by ETSU students.
The inaugural ETSU Heroes are:
Patti Marlow is the executive aide with the ETSU Marching Band. She has worked for the ETSU Department of Music for 32 years and is renowned in the marching band for her ability to solve problems and for the compassion she has for her students. She maintains contact with many alumni of the program and has formed lasting friendships with them and their families. On Senior Day each year Marlow stands on the field with students whose families cannot attend so that they will not be alone as they are recognized. Marlow fosters a safe and welcoming presence that many marching band students rely on for support.
Zachary Olsen is technical director for the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance. His designs and input were instrumental in the completion of the Aerial Dance Studio in Brooks Gym, and he continues to support the aerial dance program with his technical knowledge. As the director of the scene shop at the Martin Center for the Arts, he is faced with challenges that he meets with proactive and innovative solutions. Olsen is also known for his unwavering support of the students he leads and his commitment to providing students with meaningful, quality experiences. He graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2015 with his Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts - Design and Technology with emphasis as a technical director.
Derek Patton is the public safety office assigned to the ETSU Health Johnson City Downtown Day Center. Officer Patton often exceeds his duties as head of security to offer counseling to clients, assist staff with their own duties, and offer guidance when needed. His incredible patience puts clients at ease and encourages them to open up about their needs. Officer Patton also encourages and motivates the staff of the day center. Officer Patton’s support is instrumental to the function of the Downtown Day Center. He has been with ETSU for 15 years. His career in law enforcement began in 1992 with the Washington County Sheriff's Department and then as a patrol sergeant with Jonesborough Police Department.
Kelvin Tarukwasha is the general manager of Sodxeo Dining Services at ETSU. His leadership is characterized by its flexibility, innovation, and extraordinary service. During the pandemic, Tarukwasha helped provide quality meals to students isolated in quarantine rooms. Tarukwasha shows his care for students through the example he sets for ETSU dining services. He has initiated a scholarship in support of ETSU students and continues to support Bucky’s Food Pantry and other local charitable meal service organizations.
ETSU Health was also recognized as an ETSU Hero in recognition of the system’s efforts to provide care throughout the pandemic. ETSU Health is comprised of students, faculty, and staff from the five health sciences colleges: Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, and Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences. The ETSU Health team stood on the front lines from the moment the pandemic began by establishing the region’s first drive-through COVID-19 testing site and later opening the first COVID-19 Community Collection Site that delivered molecular PCR test results within 24 hours. Students, faculty, and staff provided education and made items such as hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and other products available. The ETSU Health team also delivered some of the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines and has continued to offer vaccine clinics.
In addition to the Heroes honorees, ETSU student Emily Burnette received a special recognition for her act of heroism that occurred on the ETSU University Commons. While walking to class earlier this year, Burnette saw a woman fall and injure her leg. Burnette called ETSU Public Safety and remained with the injured woman, refusing to leave her side until the paramedics were finished treating and transporting her.
Noting the increased mental health challenges that the community has faced throughout the pandemic, ETSU also recognized the work of one of ETSU’s most popular and photographed figures, Pepper. As the resident therapy dog on campus, Pepper was presented with a bone and treats for her work spreading smiles across campus.
The Heroes celebration will become an annual event on campus, recognizing the work that often takes place behind the scenes to make ETSU and the community a better place to live, work and study.