Jennifer Latham Huntley Introduction
Carr College of Nursing Distinguished Alumnus Award 2011-2012
(written by Dr. Cathleen Shultz, dean of the Carr College of Nursing)
Jennifer Latham was a self-motivated, determined, and compassionate student who carried those attributes into her professional life.
She was encouraging to and repected by classmates and faculty.
She was lively and energetic with just a pitch of mischievousness.
She possessed the attributes to become an exceptional nurse.
Jennifer performed in an outstanding manner in both pediatric and adult intensive care areas in Arkansas and Alabama until a medical procedure performed incorrectly, tragically, left her legs paralyzed.
The determination and intensity of purpose Jennifer demonstrated at Harding and in her nursing career rose up again.
Never accepting "You can't do it" for an answer, she focused her mental, spiritual, and physical energy on being able to walk again.
After seven months she achieved her goal but was then confronted with severe pain episodes.
Her determination and faith in God saw her through.
Jennifer has participated in "Race for the Cure and speaks to church and civic groups about her experience and what God has done in her life.
She has served as a volunteer teacher at Chilton Christian Academy and a Juvenile Detention Center.
Creativily, she and her husband Mark have trasformed two hobbies (photography and horticulture) into successfull businesses.
Additionally, she parents three beautiful children: Braxton, age 8, Asher, age 6, and Tennyson age 3.
To quote Jennifer Latham Huntley's own words : "This entire experience could easily have ruined my life but I knew MY attitude would make me walk again...And SO this experience only changed my life and I have been made Stronger."
I present to you ....Jennifer Latham Huntley, the Carr College of Nursing Distinguished Alumnus.
My Acceptance Speech:
When I was 13 years of age, I visited Harding for the first time and fell in love with everything it offered. I knew it was where I wanted to go to college. Every moment on the campus has been a blessed memory. Now 13 years after I graduated, I stand before you humbled and honored.
I am grateful to the the Nursing School to providing an excellent education. Unfortunatley, due to a spinal cord injury from a labor epidural I was left paralyzed. I am confident that I will fully recover someday. Yet, there is not a day that goes by I do not use my education.
Dr. Cathleen Shultz is one of the best educational mentors one could have. This past week her mother passed away. I would like you to please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Sometimes life gives us obsticles but if we sty true to our faith and be positive, in the end you gain strength and peace.
Thank you to my family and friends and all of you who came this evening. And, for the opportunity to experience this award. It's a memory that I will carry with me forever.
Extra things I would like to share about Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas:
Harding is not only a beautiful campus but has unique architectural features as well. Mark and I also enjoyed attending the American Studies featured speakers from Margaret Thatcher, Mikhael Gorbachev, to George Bush Sr., etc...
As flat as the campus may seem, the Honors Society gratefully loaned me a bicycle to get around campus. However, I didn't take along my camera equipment. My mother shared some of the images she took but unfortunately her camera decided to end its life so we are thankfull for the images we have.
My Paternal grandmother made this outfit for me that Tennyson is wearing when I was her age. It was special for her to fit into it for this special occasion. When I was a senior in college my paternal grandfather passed away. Three weeks after his passing my grandmother came to visit me at Harding. I treasure those memories because she left passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm two days later.
Here are a few images from the Black and Gold Banquet where the award was presented.
I have a passion for public speaking although I have not had all the experience I desire. Mark intends to put my speech on you tube so you can view it there if you so wish. Check back soon for a link.
Mark loved to play ultimate frisbee on this lawn.
Here are a few images from the Nursing Open House also honoring me. It was a pleasure to see many of my former instructors and meet new ones as well.
This is Mrs. Johnetta Kelly in which our Group to Africa named a child we found in the middle of a busy intersection after...she's special
Tennyson and I sitting near the fountain in front of the Benson Auditorium.
Here is an image of the foyer of the new Heritage Hotel that connects the cafeteria and student center.
The story goes that if you sit on one of the Harding swings three times with your “date” then your destined for marriage. Well, here is one of us kissing and well... you see where it lead us...happily married with three wonderfully, busy, type A children.
Here are a few more images from the center of campus. It is excellent university!
Here are a couple images of the rice fields from Memphis to Bald Knob, AR.
Dr. Sam Shultz, a distinguished pediatrician at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and husband to my educational mentor Dr. Cathleen Shultz. Our hearts are with you while you are with your family in Ohio for the passing of your mother. I will always tresure the Dr. Shultz' for sharing many acts of love and keeping a watchful eye over me.
