N.C. State students to honor Kay Yow

N.C. State senior Jeffery Johnson never met Kay Yow, but after directing a student-lead project honoring the former Wolfpack women’s basketball coach he feels connected to her spirit.

Johnson, a member of State’s student government, worked with fellow students for nearly a year to organize a memorial that pays tribute to Yow, the Hall of Fame basketball coach who died on Jan. 24, 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

Johnson and his peers will gather on Tuesday at 3 p.m., at the campus memorial site located between Reynolds Coliseum and the Talley Student Center for an official dedication of the “Coaches’ Corner – Kay Yow Memorial.”

The dedication is open to the public.

“Working on this project was my way of meeting her,” Johnson said. “Talking with so many people who knew her and the wonderful things she did for people ... I kind of got to know her myself.”

Johnson, a finance major and student athletics director, will speak at the dedication, along with State chancellor Randy Woodson and athletics director Debbie Yow – Kay Yow’s younger sister.

The memorial includes a garden surrounded by a stone walkway that leads to a bust of Yow. It’s placed on a pink granite pedestal - honoring her efforts to raise money and awareness for cancer through efforts such as Hoops 4 Hope.

Johnson said the idea emerged after last year’s student body election, where an exit poll revealed an anonymous suggestion to build a memorial. “We took that idea and ran with it,” he said.

Students brainstormed on the idea and worked with the administration to complete the logistics of the project, raising nearly $50,000 to cover expenses.  

“It draws a sense of pride for students,” Johnson said. “We’re glad to honor the memory of someone who meant so much to our university.”