Springer-Franklin College honored the memory of Tim Johnston, a former Murray State professor who led the Springer-Franklin hike. His son Carter Johnston says the yearly hike was important to his father.
“Dad took over the hike and began promoting it,” Johnston said. “He was passionate about getting students to Land Between the Lakes (LBL), especially international students. The hike has taken place in both fall and spring semesters and we have hiked both Hematite and Honker Lake trails over the years. Dad grew the hike from small groups to groups ranging from 50-80 people at its peak.”
Eleanor Vaughan, Springer-Franklin president, said that Johnston had a love for nature. “As a way to get students outdoors and enjoying the world around them, Dr. Johnston, alongside his wife and children, and the Springer-Franklin leadership team led an annual hike through LBL. The hike quickly became a beloved tradition on campus that students and faculty alike would look forward to.”
However, with COVID-19 and Johnston’s passing in 2021, Vaughan said the hike was discontinued until last year.
“The Franklin team and the Johnston family decided to put together the first annual Tim Johnston Memorial Hike, and it was a huge success,” she said. “It was a great way to honor Dr. Johnston’s memory while doing something that he loved.”
Tessa Bradley, Springer-Franklin vice-president, said, “Last semester, Springer-Franklin’s RCC decided that we wanted to bring the hike back in memory of Dr. Johnston. That’s why the hike is now officially called the Dr. Tim Johnston Memorial Hike.”
This year’s hike will be held Sept. 28. Students participating will have an early rise on the Saturday morning before they head to LBL for a hike led by the Johnston family. Vaughan says after ending their hike at the overlook of a lake, students will go to Gattis for pizza.
Bradley said all are welcome.
“Everyone is invited to attend the hike, no matter their res-college affiliation, including students, faculty, and staff,” she said.
A sign-up form will be available to determine the planning and resources needed for the hike. There are also hopes of renting vans to transport everyone that intends to go, Vaughan said.
The sign-up form and more information are expected to be announced on the Springer-Franklin Instagram account (@springer_franklin_college). People inquiring may email Vaughan at [email protected].