Laughter and hugs from faculty, students, family and friends of Heather Strode filled the Honors College and International Center Tuesday.
The Potter College of Arts & Letters (PCAL) hosted a celebration of life for Associate Professor of Communication Heather Strode, who died in December. The event honored Strode’s memory through words from colleagues and photos.
The Heather Strode Scholarship Fund was also created to honor Strode’s 34-year legacy at WKU. The scholarship assists students in obtaining higher education, according to the website.
“It is so hard to quantify the amount of impact that she had on the university,” Jessica Luna said, PCAL communications and event specialist.
Strode’s former colleagues shared stories, highlighting her impact on the university. Associate Professor Trish Jaggers read a poem she wrote titled: “A Tribute to Heather.”
“We don’t have to live up to our names, our names have to live up to us,” Jaggers read.
PCAL Dean Terrance Brown and School of Media & Communication Assistant Director Angela Jerome also attended the memorial. Both recounted the impact they witnessed Strode have on the WKU community.
“She continues to leave behind small but powerful gifts, nuggets of joy, wisdom and grace that shape us still,” Brown said.
A photo slideshow ran during the memorial, featuring images of Strode submitted by family and friends.
“That smile, it would light up a room,” Jaggers said while looking at pictures of Strode. “That sounds cliche, but when I see it, I can’t help but smile. It was genuine.”
Associate Professor Crystal Daugherty spoke on Strode’s journey on the Camino de Santiago – a network of pilgrimage routes in Spain and other parts of Europe. The final destination is Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where many travel to for spiritual and psychological reasons.
Strode completed the first half of the Camino de Santiago – roughly 250 miles – with her son, Tucker Strode.
“Heather didn’t need to get to Santiago de Compostela, like some of us,” said Daugherty. “I think she already knew the secrets of the Camino long before she ever set foot on it.”
Ted Strode, Heather Strode’s husband, said their son Tucker plans to finish the second half of the Camino de Santiago in her honor. Ted also took a moment to show his appreciation for everyone who showed up and celebrated the life of his late wife.
“I don’t know if Heather knew something, but she truly lived every day like it was her last day,” Ted Strode said. “I said the other night that Heather believed that life gave you choices, and she chose love.”
