Introduction
Tami graduated from the Athletic Training Program at UNI in 1984. Tragically,
Tami passed away in February of 1986. Tami was known for her excitement
and passion for athletic training. Each year, one top senior female
student who embodies the same passion and excitement for athletic training
is awarded this honor by Tami's mother Mary Herb and her aunt Kathy
Raymond. Please continue reading below to learn more about Tami Jo Herb
and to meet the recipients.
Tami's Story
Tami’s journey began her junior year of high school when she
attended an athletic training camp at St. Cloud State University. A
year later she began her education at UNI as a major in Health Education.
Upon the recommendation from Tami’s high school guidance counselor
and others, C. David Burton, the Head Athletic Trainer at the time,
accepted Tami into the athletic training program.
Tami was a hard worker, and to help pay for her education, she held
a work study job at the library. Unfortunately her works study hours
were the same times that Dave expected Tami to be in the athletic training
room learning her craft. Dave was so impressed with Tami’s work
ethic, initiative, and perseverance however, that he was inspired create
one of the first work study programs within the athletic training room.
Tami could help pay her way through school as well as study under Dave’s
mentorship. Tami spent most of her time in the training room from that
point on. She often referred to the ATR as her second home.
Athletic training was Tami’s passion. She was a committed student
and eager to learn everything she could about her future career. Going
above and beyond most athletic training students, during her senior
year, Tami enrolled in EMT classes through Hawkeye Tech and the Hudson
Fire Station. On the day she was to graduate from UNI, she was also
scheduled to take her EMT practical exam. With careful planning, family,
and friends who waited at the door of the UNI Dome with cap & gown,
she made it to the graduation ceremony in time to walk with the rest
of her class. For her outstanding work and dedication to UNI, Tami received
a letter of commendation and a plaque at the graduation ceremony.
The next hurdle for Tami was the National Athletic Trainers exam in
Lincoln, Nebraska. After six weeks of waiting for her test results letter,
Tami did what only a few of all athletic training students do, she passed
the exam on the first try! After passing the board exam, Tami was awarded
a graduate assistantship at her first choice of universities, Texas
Tech in Lubbock, Texas where she studied Sports Health. No stranger
to strong work ethic, Tami worked as a janitor in the evenings cleaning
the ATR while also excelling in an intense 1-year masters degree program.
During the spring semester, Tami was excited to learn that her hard
work and perseverance has once again paid-off when she was offered a
position to teach Freshman Biology and work as the girls’ athletic
trainer at Cooper High School in Abilene, TX. She accepted, thinking
she could finish her last summer class & have her committee approve
her thesis before moving to Abilene. The administration at Cooper, however,
wanted her to help with girls’ athletic practices in early August
which meant she would not be able to take her last summer class. She
was devastated. She had goals; undergraduate degree in 4 years, pass
the NATA exam the first time, complete her Masters degree in one year,
teach & work towards her PhD. The last class and thesis would have
to wait until next summer. Tragically, next summer never came, Tami
died in February of 1986.
Award Recipients
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2006 Stephanie Bradley
Hometown: Waterloo, IA
High School: West High School |
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