Pam Fulton

is honored with a Brick from Theresa Hearn and Sheryl Stams.

By conventional standards, a heroine is a woman who gains recognition by performing acts of bravery and courage. To us, a true heroine is a woman who lives every day of her life with bravery and courage; a woman who leads her life based on kindness, goodness and faith; and, a woman whose every deed is motivated by love. Our dear friend, Pam Fulton, fits this definition of a heroine.

The story of Pam's life is full of examples of her innate tenacity. As a child, Pam had difficulty with reading and comprehension. Growing up in a time when there were no special remedial programs for school children, Pam struggled but did not falter in her quest for an education. Today, Pam is a veracious reader she always has her nose in a book.

Pam's personal experience helped her to recognize her own daughter's learning disability. Having first-hand knowledge of the pain and frustration that her youngest daughter was feeling inspired Pam to seek out special services for her child and to work diligently to ensure that her daughter's education was not limited. Both of Pam's daughters have successfully earned college degrees and her youngest is an elementary school teacher.

Pam has demonstrated great courage during her lifetime. As a young bride, Pam's husband was sent to fight in Vietnam and he was wounded during combat. Though this was an incredibly frightening experience, Pam's strong faith in God enabled her to rise above her fear.

When her husband returned from Vietnam he began a distinguished career as a police officer. Again, Pam's faith in God and tenacity for living gave her the strength to endure the uncertainty and stress each time her husband put on his uniform and badge.

Pam's courageous and nurturing spirit have touched countless people beyond her own family. During Pam's tenure as a secretary at Wichita State University and Friend's University, she took many student workers "under her wing," including the two of us. Pam was lovingly referred to as "Auntie Pam" by many students because of the care and concern that she expressed for them. Nearly 15 years after graduating from WSU we continue to treasure our friendship with Pam.

Pam's strength of character and faith underwent the ultimate test in 1996 when a large, malignant tumor was removed from Pam's leg. The multiple surgeries and radiation treatments that Pam has endured have left her permanently disabled. Physical pain has become a constant part of Pam's life but not a deterrent to her passion for living or her commitment to nurturing her family and friends.

Pam faces each day with an unwavering faith in God and a beautiful smile. Though Pam tires easily and has difficulty walking, she continues to lead an active life; regularly caring for her five grandchildren, volunteering at her church, and providing love and support to her family and friends.

Our lives have been deeply enriched by Pam Fulton. Her friendship is a true blessing from God and we love her so very, very much.

Lovingly submitted by Theresa Anthony Hearn (WSU'84) and Sheryl Starns (WSU'85)

April 21, 1999