The University of Memphis Alumni Association has organized a parent of the year award for this year's football homecoming.
"This is the first (parent of the year) award in a number of years," said Mindy Gregory, the coordinator for alumni programs.
The award is designed to honor a parent or guardian whose life has been an inspiration to their students and others.
The winner will have the opportunity to ride in a convertible Oct. 21 provided by the alumni association in the homecoming parade. They will also be recognized the next day during halftime of the homecoming game, Gregory said.
The winner will be presented with a "silver serving tray and, if they are women, flowers too," Gregory said.
Students are required to fill out an application and submit a short, type-written essay about why the person they nominated deserves to be parent of the year.
"Most students write about the sacrifices that their parents made for them, or about the ways that their parents have helped them get through college or rough times," Gregory said.
Many students that would nominate their parents haven't heard about the award yet.
"I didn't realize that there was an award like it. I would consider nominating my father," said Jules Munn, a pre-med student at The University of Memphis. "He has always taken care of my family and been a good role model for me."
Gregory has already received several submissions, but said she is still hoping that more will come in.
Joshua Seago, a junior business management major, nominated his mother, Terry, for this year's award.
"She is a big influence on my life, and she worked 40 plus hours a week while going to school at U of M for over 15 years." Seago said.
Terry Seago received her bachelor's and master's degree from The University of Memphis.
"Part of it is her knowing that I took the time to nominate her, but if she won she would be ecstatic," Seago said.
Kristen Saunders, a 20-year-old junior theater major, nominated her mother, Angela.
"She is my best friend," Saunders said. "She's really, really great. I nominated her because of the 20 years of being there for me," Saunders said. "For everything she has done for me."
Students will be notified by Oct. 14 if their parent has been selected as the winner, Gregory said.
