Stories From Our Family and Friends

A Mother’s Story
Of the Purple & Blue Ribbon

If you visit Stetson University, 15 miles from Daytona, next to the Chapel is a live oak tree dedicated to Stetson senior, Tom Cornelius “TC” Lane, Jr. . May 2004, TC was to have graduated, but on Christmas break 2003, he was violently killed by a hit and run driver who had been drinking. On Mother’s Day 2004, family, friends and University leaders gathered at the tree in what university leaders call “a Place of Honor.”

TC’s Legacy is that he did “Make a Difference” everywhere he went-he touched lives.. He went out of his way to help other people. Hard work was his ethic, and “excellence in all you do” was his motto. He was learning to love the Lord and learning how to be a leader by reading his scriptures in the morning before he started his morning run - Mind, Body, & Spirit were the focus of his life.

On the base of the tree that May a scar was carved into the trunk-the letter “T” as he was called by his very close friends exemplifies the pain and the scars of the loss of TC to his numerous friends. They had no idea that could damage the tree, but the scar is healing.

Among the close friends and college leaders, the sidewalk in front of the tree is known as “TC Lane.” The friends named the walkway because it is by Elizabeth Hall where TC worked and attended classes. TC was an ATO big brother, a mentor, intramural official, Red Cross Life Guard and swim instructor. In classes TC was said to challenge students and to tie one discipline to the other yet not accept the “status quo.” Professors said, “TC was completely devoid of any pretense.”

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, TC graduated Holland Hall in 2000 where he was a Tulsa Squire, Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow, Brotherhood, and Oklahoma Senate Page. He played soccer, basketball and football, and school leaders said TC was a “gatherer of people” because he brought people together. At Asbury Methodist Church TC enjoyed the youth programs. Endowed scholarships are established at Stetson, Holland Hall and Asbury (youth missions) to honor TC, help others to grow in learning, service and leadership, and remind ALL of the huge potential as exemplified in TC’s life.

“The TC Lane Seminar Room” (dedicated March 2007) in Elizabeth Hall at Stetson University stands as a tribute to honor the life of this young Stetson student noted for “Making a Difference.” This is the ONLY room EVER dedicated to a student in the 100-year history of this University. Students said, TC made us study before we could go out, “First you work and then you play.” Others acknowledge,” Because of TC we are better people.” Still others said, “TC was like the wise old man in the village everyone went to for advice,” and many said, “He was my best friend!” The Purple and Blue ribbon stand to remind us all we are fortunate indeed to have life, and we can Make a Difference in how we Learn, Serve and Lead EVERY DAY! We are an example.

Purple is the color of royalty. Purple and Blue were TC’s favorite colors. As TC’s older brother, Trevor, placed purple ribbons on the tree, we looked up into the blue sky and were reminded of the many times we were told TC MADE A DIFFERENCE to so many people from around the world. We give the purple and blue ribbon to those who “Make a Difference.” We wear the purple and blue ribbon as we share the story of how a young man twenty- two years of age Made a Difference in so many lives, and we remind others we all have that potential. Even now, TC still touches lives and Makes a Difference. We will continue the fight for JUSTICE, legislation and education to help victims of crime.