A generous donation to East Central University has led to the refurbishment of the Linscheid Library’s student lounge.
Tommy Wayne Quaid Jr., a 1988 ECU alum, donated $8,000 ($7,000 toward the library and $1,000 for a basketball scholarship) and secured a company match from his employer NetApp Inc.of $8,000 to refurnish the student lounge in memory of his father, Tommy Wayne Quaid Sr.
New window shades, rugs and comfortable furniture, including leather couches, chairs and love seats were purchased for the lounge, as well as two tables with chairs. The lounge also includes: snack and beverage machines, plants and access to wireless. The refurbished lounge was a vision of Dr. Adrianna Lancaster, dean of the Linscheid Library, as she discussed the project with Tommy Quaid Jr.
Quaid’s father, Tommy Wayne Quaid Sr., was a 1961 ECU alum. The elder Quaid spent two years at ECU after transferring from Murray State College. Quaid Sr., like his son, played basketball at ECU and graduated with biology and chemistry degrees.
The elder Quaid was born in 1936 and grew up in Tishomingo. At 6-foot, 7-inches, he played every sport and was ultimately inducted into the Tishomingo Sports Hall of Fame in the early 1990s. His skill and determination earned him basketball scholarships to Murray State College and ECU.
Upon graduation from ECU in 1961, he started his career making cement. In his 40-year career, he served many of those as technical supervisor and succeeded in making the cement industry more environmentally safe.
The lounge includes a plaque naming the lounge in honor of Quaid Sr.
“This gift will have a lasting impact. It’s a great space for students,” said Lancaster.