Tom Terry Helps Keep Oklahoma Beautiful

Along with preserving the history of Oklahoma Baptist University as OBU's archivist, Tom Terry dedicates his time to keeping Oklahoma beautiful. The Board of Directors of Keep Oklahoma Beautiful will recognize Terry's commitment to Oklahoma's beauty with the Champion Volunteer Award. 

Nancy Keith, president/CEO of Greater Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce, nominated Terry for his service to the Shawnee community. Keep Oklahoma Beautiful notified Terry after he had been selected to receive the award. Terry will be honored during the 18^th annual Celebration of Environmental Excellence on Nov. 18, in Tulsa, Okla.

Terry began his work when he became the chair of the beautification committee for the Greater Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce. Since his time as chair, Terry took Oklahoma State University's master gardener program and is currently working with the beautification committee to provide 18,000 trees for Shawnee residents.

Terry also spends his time teaching tree-planting instruction meetings around Shawnee. Terry has worked with several Shawnee organizations including The Shawnee News Star, OBU, Habitat for Humanity and Shawnee schools, among many others.

Terry hopes to continue teaching people about the environment and will continue working with beautification committees to help in keeping Oklahoma beautiful.

"One of the great gifts of volunteering is that I get to meet many people that I would have not otherwise known," Terry said. "Many of these people take on responsibilities and help expand the work in the community."

Terry continues to admire the landscape and preserve campus history on Bison Hill.

"My only involvement with campus landscaping is to appreciate it and encourage the workers I see to continue to do a great job," Terry said.