Jayne Holder, director of UTC Alumni Affairs, was among several UTC alumnae honored at the 25th Annual Women of Distinction awards luncheon, which benefits the American Lung Association of Tennessee and its mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. This annual event is a Chattanooga tradition created to honor accomplished women who have distinguished themselves within their family, career, and community.
Holder is past president of the UTC Alumni Council; past chairperson of the Blue and Gold Club; a member of the Mocs Club; Tower Society and UT Women’s Council. She is currently vice president of the Chattanooga Quarterback Club. Holder has volunteered at the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House and is the organization’s first female board president in its 20 year history. She has also volunteered for Contact of Chattanooga, Chattanooga Symphony Guild and the American Heart Association.
At this year’s luncheon, the American Lung Association celebrated the continuing achievements of more than 240 women who have been honored throughout the award’s 25 year history. In addition to the local honorees, the Lung Association presented UTC alumna Richardia “Rickie” Pierce with the Tennessee Woman of Distinction Award.
UTC alumnae honored were Kim Coffey, ’77, ’87, Robin Derryberry, ’82, ’85, and Delores Harvey, ’54.
“These women truly represent a living legacy as they continue to serve their community through their professional, civic and philanthropic endeavors,” said Debbie Brown and Barbie Standefer, this year’s selection committee chairwomen and former Women of Distinction.
Coffey is owner of Pediatric Physical Therapy Services. She is a past president of the Hamilton County chapter of the UT Alumni Association, served on the executive committee of the UT Alumni Association board of governors, and is a past member of the UTC Alumni Board.
Derryberry is president of Derryberry Public Relations. She currently is on the executive committee of Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, and is a member of the Rotary Club, UT Women’s Council and Friends of the Zoo.
Harvey was a music teacher in Hamilton County Schools for eight years and accordion teacher at Cadek Conservatory. She is a past member of the UTC Alumni Council, and she and her husband, Steve, are past recipients of the Gordon Davenport Award at UTC for their support of UTC Athletics.
Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States today. In Tennessee alone, more than 814,000 children and adults are affected by lung disease such asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.
