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Jack Welch
It is an honor to name things after someone. Organizations and governments name buildings after people, living or dead, to commemorate their lives or generosity. Most government buildings often bear names of deceased notables. Naming structures after people can generate controversy though. People debate whether a commemorated individual merits that honor.
Recently, I attended a long-time friend’s funeral. He was a pillar in the community for over forty years. He will be remembered for his love of broadcasting local sporting events.
Should local governmental agencies name a structure associated with sports, like a stadium, field, or gymnasium after impactful people? Most people would agree this person was synonymous with the local school district.It seems like most agencies name something after a deceased person. Although this is appropriate, I have always been a proponent of naming things in honor of the living. Either way, naming a scholarship, field, building, street, or anything associated with a person making a significant impact on a specific area in a community would honor this person and their family.
When a person has something named in their honor, we realize this is only a remembrance for the living. The memory may inspire others and it is an honor to the living family members. This particular individual definitely deserves to be honored.
I recommended naming a baseball field in honor of a legendary coach. This person started the program and had success plus later served as an administrator and board member. This person propelled the program. My suggestion was to name the field for a maximum of twenty-five years or until death.
I also recommended naming streets in a newly built area for three outstanding local athletes. These athletes made significant contributions to their respective athletic teams. They were also outstanding collegiate and professional players with impeccable reputations. I felt their name recognition would promote our community and inspire young people for the future. The city accepted my recommendation for two of the three persons. Hopefully someday, the other person who was an outstanding high school, collegiate, and WNBA player will be honored.
One of the problems in naming things after people is where does it stop. Just like my recommendation for three outstanding athletes and a former coach, I am sure there are people believing many other former athletes, coaches, and administrators are just as worthy.
How about universities and school districts? Names of buildings and places play a very important role for a university and school district. Naming buildings or other structures honors contributions and history. They speak to the history, values and mission, and efforts of universities and school districts to create an inclusive community for all. Names also recognize and honor positive contributions
of those associated with the university or school district.
When honoring a person, I believe it is valuable to name something in their honor while they are living. I understand legacy and history for future generations but I like to honor living people.
Thought for the week, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” — Shannon Alder
Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.