For more information, contact Stephanie Ely, 937-775-3232.
July 31, 2009
Extreme Home Makeover extremely exciting for two members of WSU family
The national spotlight is shining on two members of the Wright State family chosen this week as the recipients of a new house, courtesy of the ABC TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
Wright State alumnus James Terpenning, a 1998 graduate of WSU's Raj Soin College of Business, and his wife Shannon, a former member of the university staff, along with their four children and James' brother, were surprised by a knock on their door Thursday morning from Ty Pennington, the reality show's host.
Abandoned at birth, and disabled by polio and shrapnel that imbedded in his legs when he was an toddler in Vietnam, Terpenning arrived in the U.S. on the last baby-lift project, just before the fall of Saigon. Adopted six months later at age six, he began playing wheelchair sports when he was 14. A decade ago, he walked down the aisle aided by braces, to marry Shannon Wagner Terpenning, formerly the senior secretary in the Asian/Hispanic/Native American Center.
Now a civilian computer specialist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Terpenning was nominated by Air Force Lt. General John L. Hudson, commander of Aeronautical Systems Center.
The family has left for a weeklong paid vacation at Disney World while their Beavercreek home is demolished and a new, more wheelchair-friendly one is built. Local homebuilder Coventry Fine Homes will construct the house with the assistance of 1,500 volunteers. The Terpennings will return to a new home Aug. 6.
A former employee of Campus Recreation and the Office of Disability Services at Wright State, Terpenning coached wheelchair basketball and encouraged others to strive for their best.
"I want to show able-bodied and disabled people that anybody can do anything they want to do,” he said in an interview for Community, Wright State's alumni magazine.
He competed in the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul, Korea, winning gold and bronze medals and setting a world record in swimming. He competed as a swimmer again at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain, but switched to sitting volleyball for the 1996 games in Atlanta and the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia.
"I came to Wright State for its wheelchair sports program and had my eyes opened to so many other opportunities. Here there are no holds barred,” said Terpenning in an interview before leaving for the 2000 Paralympics.
Following are messages to the Terpennings from the Wright State community:
"I am extremely happy for James, Shannon and their entire family. They have always been willing to give of their time and talents, putting others before themselves. It is nice to see them on the receiving end of such an awesome gift."
—Drew Corbett, associate director, Campus Recreation
"James has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of others. He has faced life's challenges and has overcome them with courage and a lead-by-example style. Wright State is proud to count James as one our own and we are delighted that he and Shannon have received this honor from a community that appreciates them."
—Susan Smith, executive director, Alumni Relations
"I couldn't be happier for James, Shannon and their family. James was an avid participant in adapted rec and intramural programs and a valuable employee as a basketball official and wheelchair basketball coach."
—Eric Corbitt, director, Student Union and Campus Recreation
"Shannon was one of my prized employees. I am very happy for them and want to send my warmest wishes and congratulations. They truly deserve this honor which speaks not only to their selflessness in adversity, but to a community who values and honors such effort."
—Mai Nguyen, director, Asian/Hispanic/Native American Center
"I am so happy for the Terpenning family. James spends so much of his time and energy giving to adapted athletics, and in turn Shannon has made sacrifices so that James is able to travel and be an ambassador for wheelchair sports. I think it is a great thing that this family is getting something like this in return!"
—Shannon Morrisey, coordinator, Adapted Recreation
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An MBA from the Raj Soin College of Business is more than a credential—it’s an investment in your future that pays huge dividends and adds value to your career.
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