Natalie Haslam Courtyard dedicated at new campus

Roane State Community College and its partner, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, recently dedicated a lovely space in the center of their new campus in west Knoxville to Natalie Haslam, a beloved community leader who passed away earlier this year.

Jim Haslam, left, and his son, former Gov. Bill Haslam, at the Natalie Haslam Courtyard dedication. (Photo courtesy Roane State Foundation.)

The new facility is called the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center. It is located on Sherrill Blvd. on land donated to the project by Covenant Health and it is crucially important to our region. The Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce has identified health-related careers including nurses, paramedics, and various medical technology positions as the most urgently needed now and in the foreseeable future for East Tennessee as our population grows and ages.

Students in these fields, most of whom hold jobs at the same time they are attending classes, need a space during their day to take a break. The new Natalie Haslam Courtyard will provide that.

Roane State Community College President Chris Whaley making remarks. (Photo courtesy Roane State Foundation.)

“We know healthcare education is demanding, and students need places to rest, recharge, and connect,” Roane State President Chris Whaley said during the dedication ceremony. “This courtyard was designed with that intention, and it needed a name reflective of its purpose to care for others. That’s why we are honored to officially dedicate this space as the Natalie Haslam Courtyard, in appreciation of the Haslam family’s support and in tribute to Natalie’s enduring legacy.” Members of the Haslam family made a substantial financial contribution to help fund the project.

In addition to Whaley, former Gov. Bill Haslam and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally spoke at the event.

Gov. Haslam at the podium.

“Our secret is our community colleges and technical schools, and they are huge assets in Tennessee,” Gov. Haslam said. “Roane State, in particular, trains one third of all the health workers that get trained in East Tennessee. Natalie was one hundred percent convinced that East Tennessee was the center of the universe, and she thought the mountains were her mountains. She died nine months ago, and we miss her every day. This was a perfect way to acknowledge her and remember her.”

“I appreciate Mr. Haslam and Natalie’s work with helping graduates, as they have dedicated their hearts and souls to education all the way from pre-K to college and beyond,” Lt. Gov. McNally said. “Soon you’ll see the students congregate out here, and they’ll talk about their coursework and how they did on tests. And you’ll see comradery develop as classes become closer together and they move toward graduation, and Natalie is such a big part of that.”

More than $14 million in community support, including land and financial gifts, helped fund the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center.

As the campaign concludes, just $1.5 million remains toward the goal for student scholarships and emergency aid.

 You can learn more at thrive.roanestate.edu.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally speaking. (Photo courtesy Roane State Foundation.)

It was a lovely day for an outdoor event!

The new Regional Health Science Education Center is located at 9575 Sherrill Blvd., just across the street from Parkwest Medical Center.

Prior to the official event, from left, Roane State President Chris Whaley, Kirk Harris, and Dr. Lynn Massingale. Harris is director of continuing healthcare education at Roane State. Massingale, a founder of TeamHealth, is co-chair of the Thrive Campaign, Roane State Foundation’s initiative to raise funds and community awareness for the new facility.

Members of the Knoxville Symphony performed throughout the event. From left: musicians Edward Pulgar, Tobias Esler, Alice Stuart, and Joshua Ulrich. The Symphony’s director of operations, Josh Beach, is standing behind them. Among the selections, they played “The Tennessee Waltz,” Natalie Haslam’s favorite song, and “Rocky Top,” Jim Haslam’s favorite!

Lt. Gov. McNally, left, greets Aram Demirjian, music director and conductor of the Knoxville Symphony. Natalie Haslam was on the committee that selected him to serve in that position 10 years ago.

David and Sandy Martin arrive for the event.

Former state Rep. Jim Henry and Christi Branscom.

Cindy and Mike Baker.

President Whaley with Jan McNally, honorary co-chair of the Thrive Campaign with her husband, Randy McNally.

Nazzy and Hash Hashemian.

McNally chats with Michael Torano, the KSO’s new director of development.

McNally and Cindy Whaley.

President Whaley and his daughter, Tori.

Former state Rep. David Coffey, left, greets Jim Haslam prior to start of ceremony.

Show time! Great crowd.

Can’t miss it!

Getting ready for the monument unveiling. From left, Janice McNally, Chris Whaley, Jim Haslam, Bill Haslam, and Randy McNally.

Off comes the drape!

The monument features yellow roses, Natalie Haslam’s favorite flower. (Photo courtesy Roane State Foundation.)

Ginger Baxter, left, and Joan Ashe chatting after the ceremony.

Although she couldn’t attend, caterer Holly Hambright provided the food for the reception afterwards. When Roane State planners contacted her, Hambright said, “I absolutely want to do it! Natalie was a huge supporter of me when I went into the catering business.”

As they left, all the women were offered yellow roses by the college’s student volunteers.

Dr. Bhavana Vora, pictured here with Randy McNally, got one! Dr. Vora and her husband, Dr. Amit Vora, pledged $125,000 to support Roane State Community College’s health science training programs.

My favorite picture of the day! Nazzy Hashemian pinching Victor Ashe’s cheek. Ha.