Two events during the UTM Homecoming ‘04 will honor the work of the late Brian Brown, former UTM assistant director of Student Life for Campus Recreation, and mark the progress of the Brian Brown Memorial Greenway Project.

The Brian Brown Dedication and Celebration ceremony is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at the entrance to the Elam Center at UTM. The ceremony will include brief remarks and the unveiling of a plaque in Brown’s memory. University officials, past and current campus recreation supervisors and students, family and friends are invited to attend the event.

On Oct. 8 during the pyramid-building competition at 8:30 p.m. at the Elam Center, there will be a short program with a video and speeches from UTM Chancellor Nick Dunagan and Brown’s widow, Laura. A progress report will be given on a project recommended by Brown – a greenway through UTM – and organizations that have contributed to Phase 1 of the Brian Brown Memorial Greenway will be recognized.

“These two events will be fitting tributes to Brian, who lived his life according to his own motto of ‘praying hard, playing hard, working hard, and loving his family.’

“Brian loved UTM students and he loved to challenge them and involve them in recreational pursuits. He richly influenced this community with his enthusiastic love for life and his ability to involve others in community affairs. His legacy will live long for he touched so many,” said David Belote, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Office of Student Life.

“We hope that all those who knew and loved Brian will join us as we remember his many contributions to the university and community.”

In 2000, Brown suggested a greenway for safe pedestrian and bicycle traffic throughout the community. He proposed that the city apply for grant funding to help cover most of the project costs.

Just a few weeks after he had convinced the Martin Economic Development Corp. board to apply on behalf of the city for a transportation grant, he was killed while riding his bicycle on a highway designated as a bike route. His death sparked an awareness in the community of pedestrian and bicycle safety.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation subsequently awarded a $310,000 grant to the city of Martin for Phase 1 of the greenway trail. An $80,000 local match was required and completed earlier this year.

The larger portion of the greenway, a linear park that provides a place for safe recreation, conservation and non-motorized transportation, will be constructed on university property in the farm area on the north side of campus. It will link the university, downtown Martin and the shopping center area with an asphalt trail that will complement the surroundings.

“The first phase had its challenges,” said Belote. “The second phase has some real challenges with it. We’ll have to apply for a new grant and raise the funds that go along with matching the grant. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”