‘Keep Climbing!’ New Student Award Named for PT graduate

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communication Director

A new College of Health Sciences student award has been created and named for a 1985 graduate of the Physical Therapy department.

This year, administrators will give out the first-ever Tassa Jones Wigginton Perseverance Award, which will be given annually to “a student who has overcome challenges while completing the degree, showing perseverance and dedication to the PT profession,” the official award proposal reads. “This can include raising children, loss of a family member, financial challenges, physical challenges, etc.”

The award is named for Wigginton, who graduated from the College of Health Sciences with a BHS degree in Physical Therapy in 1985. Wigginton was 40 years old and raising children when she was attending PT school, and sometimes her children had to accompany her to campus.

In fact, many of her classmates said she took on a mother figure role to the class while she was also making lifelong friends.

“I am very humbled (with the naming of the award),” Wigginton said. “But I didn't graduate by myself. I thank God. I also thank my late husband, John T. Wigginton and our now adult children, Jacques and Nieta. They were the wind beneath my wings. They ‘graduated’ with me. My family was one team. Our class was another. We persevered together.”

Wigginton said the focus should be on the future students who win the honor. The CHS Student Awards ceremony will be held from 2-4 p.m., Feb. 28 at the UK Chandler Hospital’s Karpf Auditorium.

“It’s far beyond what I anticipated,” Wigginton said. “I hope the award reminds each person that they are not alone, that others see their mountains and are encouraging them to keep climbing. Keep climbing!”

After graduating, Wigginton worked for many years at the local VA hospital. Recently, her classmates, remembering her challenges and dedication, wanted to recognize her for her effort and dedication with an award.

Those students who win the award will receive:

$100 cash amount.
Plaque given to student with the name of the award, year, etc.
Recognition during college-wide award event in the spring. The College community, families, and friends are invited to attend.

“It can be a real fight to finish school, to take on the next challenge,” Wigginton said. “A next challenge is sure to come. This lets my name be a silent encouragement in their future ‘good climbs,’ their future fights of will, to persevere. I hope it also reminds them to look around for other encouragers. Getting this award should let them know that they have cheerleaders.

“It will be nice to see the student get the award,” she continued. “It’s the students’ day — not about me! We are coming to cheer on the students. We’re there to congratulate future alums!”