UNT students, staff, faculty and alumni come from every walk of life, but they have one thing in common: They frequently step into the role of hero in their own communities and beyond. That’s why, to close out an exceedingly difficult year, we wanted to highlight those in our community who invariably show us the path to a better future. On this episode of UNT Pod, join us as we discuss the Eagles, past and present, who assume the mantle of hero each and every day.

In this episode, we discuss:

● A variety of UNT heroes, from everyday heroes to real-deal lifesavers

● Our unique history of military heroes

● Our gratitude to our alumni in the medical community who have sacrificed so much during the COVID-19 pandemic

Featured in this episode are:

● UNT Spider-Man (version 2.0)

● Travis Monk, an alum and Collin County deputy sheriff who saved a family of six on Lake Lavon

● Brian Richardson, former chair of UNT’s Department of Communication Studies who has implemented programs to help students and alumni achieve the careers of their dreams

● Lauren Taylor, a current grad student, Miss Wheelchair Texas 2019 and volunteer with the Dallas-based nonprofit To Be Like Me, which uses interactive experiences to build awareness and compassion in children when it comes to differences and disabilities

● Steven Pettit, a kinesiology alum and Mean Green super fan, who at age 39 was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer and given only a year to live

● Lehi Tollestrup, a grad student in rehabilitation counseling and Army veteran, who after surviving his own battle with PTSD and addiction strives to help support active-duty military and veterans struggling with mental health issues

● Mentions of our historic military heroes, our healthcare heroes, and other heroes including alums Lilyan Prado Carrillo, Given Kachepa, Kia Davis, Jackie Davis and Krystal Hamilton.

Helpful links:

● Read our previous stories about many of the heroes featured in this episode:

o Ask the Expert: Brian Richardson

o Lauren Taylor

o Tenacity Takes Root: Steven Pettit, Lehi Tollestrup and Lilyan Prado Carrillo

o Beyond the Green featuring Steven Pettit

o Given Kachepa

o Brenda Sweeten, Jackie Davis and Krystal Hamilton (PUSH)

o Kia Davis

o Heroes of COVID-19

Follow our Podcast

● @UNTPod

Join the Conversation

● Connect with us on Twitter @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT.