Tuesday, March 12, 2013

[331] Freshman's family surprises MTSU president with $100,000 gift


For release:  March 5, 2013

Editorial contact: Andrew Oppmann, 615-339-8851 (cell) or Andrew.Oppmann@mtsu.edu



Student’s mother met McPhee as he was helping her son move into Corlew Hall during ‘We-Haul’

MURFREESBORO — When MTSU freshman Jonathan Lusk moved into Corlew Hall last fall, he and his mother were surprised to learn that the guy helping lug the boxes was President Sidney A. McPhee.

The Lusk family later surprised McPhee with a $100,000 donation, which they asked be split between scholarships and a computer science laboratory renovation. They presented the check to the president during a recent visit to campus.

"My wife and I want to support my grandson and make sure he gets a quality education," said Jonathan's grandfather, William C. Lusk, retired senior executive vice president & CFO for Shaw Industries Inc., a Fortune 500 company, based in Dalton, Ga., that is one of the world's largest manufacturers of carpet and floor coverings.

It was Jonathan's mother, Ju-Hsin, who recognized McPhee during “We-Haul,” a three-day event where volunteers from across campus pitch in to help about 3,000 students move into the university’s 14 traditional residence halls, two apartment complexes and two houses on Greek Row.

"I was very impressed," said Ju-Hsin Lusk, managing director of corporate training, workforce development and continuing education for Chattanooga State Community College.

As for Jonathan, he said while he appreciated the kindness, he had no idea who McPhee was on that day.

"The first time I met him was when we were moving into the dorm and he shook my hand," Jonathan said. "My mom pointed out to me that it was the president."

McPhee, who makes a point to help out during We-Haul each year, said the Lusk family's gift to the College of Basic and Applied Sciences was deeply appreciated.

"The contribution by the Lusk family will be put to very good use and will help many students," McPhee said. "We are delighted that the Lusk family honored our university with this generous gift."

Jonathan is studying computer science and hopes to take advantage of the improvements that his grandfather's gift will make possible. He has been impressed with campus.

"Good teachers, great students," he said.

About MTSU

Founded in 1911 as one of three state normal schools for teacher training, MTSU is now the oldest and largest public university in Middle Tennessee. With an enrollment of more than 25,000 students, MTSU is the largest undergraduate university in Tennessee.

MTSU remains committed to providing individualized service in an exciting and nurturing atmosphere where student success is the top priority. With a wide variety of nationally recognized academic degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels, MTSU takes pride in educating the best and the brightest students from Tennessee and around the world.

MTSU is committed to developing a community devoted to learning, growth, and service. We hold these values dear, and there’s a simple phrase that conveys them:  “I am True Blue.” Learn more at www.mtsu.edu/trueblue.

For MTSU news anytime, visit www.MTSUNews.com.


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MTSU News and Media Relations can set up interviews upon request with the Lusk Family. Please contact Jimmy Hart for assistance at 615-898-2919 or Jimmy.Hart@mtsu.edu

A printable campus map is available at http://tinyurl.com/MTParkingMap12-13.



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