CL ASS NOTES
1960s Charles Reese III (’62), Jackson, was accepted into the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in February. David Cady (’68), Rocky Face, Georgia, was named a finalist for the Georgia Author of the Year Award by the Georgia Writers Association for his book Religion of Fear: The True Story of the Church of God of the Union Assembly (University of Tennessee Press). Cady also was recently honored at the 31st Annual Southern Festival of Books in Nashville.
Larry Markus (’70), Lawrenceburg, who created an original musical based on American history that has been performed multiple times over the past decade, transformed its narrative into his debut picture book, United States History in Rhyme—A Child’s First History Book: A Must Read for All Americans. A fun, easy-to-read introduction to U.S. history, this book proudly displays our country’s distinctive moments.
1980s John Wilson (’81), Decatur, Georgia, returned to MTSU in March as an international student recruiter in the International Enrollment and Services division. After
courtesy of Tennessee Titans
1970s
Kevin Byard Byard (’15), a current NFL star and former Blue Raider gridiron great, is the Tennessee Titans’ Walter Payton Man of the Year and one of 32 finalists for the league award. Presented annually to honor a player's volunteer and charity work along with success on the field, the overall NFL award will be announced during Super Bowl week in February. Byard earned the NFL Players Association’s Community MVP award for September after hosting back-to-school events to over 100 disadvantaged families in the Nashville area. He helped pack and distribute more than 300 distance-learning kits that included backpacks, school supplies, hygiene items, sporting goods, and gift cards. In 2019, the Pro Bowl safety launched the Byard Family Legacy Fund to provide families and individuals in the community a better tomorrow. Last July, Byard also was named the official spokesperson for the United Way of Greater Nashville. His first order of business was to participate in the organization's virtual Stuff the Bus school supply drive. In addition, Byard assisted teammates last March in helping clean up the greater Nashville area after a tornado ripped through the area. On the field, he has led the NFL with 17 interceptions from 2017 through 2019. Winter 2021 45
