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Farewell to a Legend

The 2021-2022 academic year has started a little differently in the department of KRSS. As many students, staff, and faculty know, our advisor and Director of Student Support and Physical Education and Activity Program Margy Wirtz-Henry has decided to follow her dream and move to be on her family farm in West Virginia. Margy has been an influential colleague and friend to all in our department. She started in 2006 and became the director of PEAP in 2013. Even though it seems like many years of service, we certainly cannot replace a fantastic person like Margy! She will be greatly missed by all and we wish her the absolute best on her new adventure!

 

Carrie Trexler: “I’ll forever be grateful for how Margy took me under her wing when I first started in the department almost 8 years ago. I was so worried I would never get the hang of advising because she just knew SO MUCH about it! I constantly asked questions, and it was usually the same ones over and over, but she remained patient with me and continued to answer them. The reality is that Margy has the world’s best memory, and if she hears something one time it never leaves her brain. To this day, I probably still have to ask a question three times (at least) before I can remember the answer. Margy will be so missed, but I know I can call on her ten years from now and she’ll still know the answer to my questions!” 

 

 

Kelley Strohacker: “Margy was easily the most helpful person when I was hired as a new faculty member in 2013. I was probably in her office daily asking questions about the campus, general protocols, the UTK students, and everything in between. She was always friendly, welcoming, and most importantly, candid. She immediately made me feel like I was part of the KRSS team and made me feel like my ideas and insights were valuable.  Overall, Margy is just a great person, and I will miss her motivation, her work ethic, and her energy. But I look forward to hearing all about her next steps and new adventures – she has very much earned a long and happy break!!” 

 

Lyndsey Hornbuckle-Lampkin: I met Margy when she was my boss at The Rush Fitness Complex over 15 years ago.  Although her role here in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies was very different than the one at The Rush…she did not change!  Margy somehow keeps 100 balls in the air at all times and is still always willing to add a couple more to the mix to help out where she is needed.  Her energy is unmatched.  I hope she knows that she will be missed, but I wish her much rest and relaxation as she moves on to her next chapter!”

 

Samantha Childress: “I’ve been a part of the KRSS staff team for about 2 years now and I can’t remember a time Margy wasn’t here with us. She would always throw herself into her work, whether it be helping students or to help a colleague. She is the life of the party and always made the front office a hoot! I’m so happy that she is able to do what she loves but sad that we won’t be across the hall from each other. She will be so missed here in the office, but I know she is always a text or call away!”