Alumni and Friends
In Memoriam:
Shelby Rene Glisson
S
helby Rene Glisson, granddaughter of Harry and Judy K. Hiza, friends of the Honors College, died Feb. 4, 2016, following complications of a lung transplant. She was 21.
Shelby Rene Glisson
The niece of the late Michael Martinelli Jr., an MTSU Honors student who died in 1996 and for whom the college’s Michael Martinelli Library was named, Ms. Glisson had a rare lung condition that required her to be on oxygen from the age of nine months and undergo a double lung transplant at the age of 12. In spite of her health challenges, Ms. Glisson graduated from Friendship Christian School in Lebanon and attended the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga where she was a nursing student. She was a member of the Student Nurses Association and Sigma Kappa sorority. She loved animals and volunteered at New Leash on Life, a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter in Lebanon. According to her mother, Michele Glisson, Ms. Glisson was a good friend who was empathetic to others’ burdens. She loved life, had a positive attitude,
and was tenacious. Her story inspired others to overcome obstacles and keep fighting for their dreams and goals. “Shelby was brave. She probably didn’t think about it, but she faced situations with poise and grace that would make more experienced adults crumble,” her mother said. In May 2015, Ms. Glisson posted online, “I want to leave this earth knowing that I left an impact.” Her short life is making a difference in the lives of others through the Shelby Glisson Memorial Scholarship for nursing students at UT–Chattanooga. The scholarship gives preference to students with health challenges and financial need. A primary funding source for the scholarship is Shine for Shelby, an annual 5K glow run/walk and fun run for kids held in the fall. This year’s race is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, on the Winfree Bryant/Collage Hills Church of Christ campus in Lebanon. Scholarship donations can be made directly by mailing checks payable to UCF–Shelby Glisson Memorial Scholarship to UTC Development and Alumni Affairs, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403. Ms. Glisson is survived by her parents Dickey and Michele Glisson; grandparents Harry I want and Judy Hiza, to leave this Gloria Martinelli, and Hazel Glisson; and earth knowing aunts, uncles and that I left cousins. She was preceded in death an impact. by grandparents — Shelby Mike Martinelli Sr., Doris Jean Cox, and May 2015 Johnny C. Glisson and uncle Mike Martinelli Jr., for whom the Honors College awards a scholarship each year.
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