"Blind Side" family lectures on importance of compassion

The family emphasized the power of one in making a difference.

By Kaitlyn Gibson

Published Sept. 17, 2010

Sean and Collins Tuohy conducted a book signing and shared their story, as portrayed in the film "The Blind Side," with students Wednesday. The Delta Gamma Foundation Lectureship in Value and Ethics partnered with Kappa Delta and the Missouri Students Association to sponsor the event.

“We bring a speaker to campus every year to give an ethics and value presentation,” Delta Gamma President Amanda Klohmann said. “We take into account the four pillars of Mizzou: excellence, respect, responsibility and discovery, and we choose speakers based on that criteria.”

The Tuohy family qualified for this honor due to their well-known story of adopting Michael Oher when he was a homeless 16-year-old wandering the streets of Memphis, Klohmann said.

“We had narrowed (the Tuohys) down from a big list because ‘The Blind Side’ was popular, and we knew we could draw in crowds,” Klohmann said. “Everyone from an athlete to a scholar to a business student would be inspired, because this story speaks to a lot of people. The Tuohys went against stereotypes and gave back to community. They helped out when they didn’t have to.”

The book signing, held at University Bookstore, allowed students one-on-one time with the Tuohys. Collins Tuohy, Sean's daughter and college graduate, said her story could personally relate to students.

“For me personally, I think my story is very pertinent because I just graduated,” Collins Tuohy said. “It shows that you don’t have to be 40 to make a difference. The most important thing is that you can do something now to be kind and improve race relations on campus.”

Sophomore Sophie Mashburn said she attended both the lecture and the book signing due to the inspirational nature of the Tuohy’s story.

“It’s all about giving,” Mashburn said. “The fact that they didn’t think twice about helping even if they may not have had the money at first. I admire the selflessness of the family.”

Mashburn said college students in particular could learn from the family.

“University life is a selfish, fast-paced world,” she said. “What the Tuohys are trying to get across to our student body is to see everyone’s real worth, to be a more giving, accepting student body.”

Leigh Anne Tuohy, originally scheduled to speak, cancelled her contract 10 days before the lecture to participate in Extreme Makeover Home Edition. This caused some frustration and disappointment, Klohmann said.

“We had so much hype and excitement around Leigh Anne coming that many were very upset,” Klohmann said. “Instead, she sent a video message explaining why she would not be there and introducing her daughter and husband. The new book ('In A Heartbeat') really speaks more to the father’s side of the story, so in a way it fit perfectly.”

Despite the last-minute alteration, the event still proved motivating, freshman Peter LeGrand said.

“(This event) has shown me that it’s time to change the world now,” LeGrand said. “We can make a difference now as college students.”

Previous speakers have included international journalist Lisa Ling, Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin and motivational speaker Christopher Gardner.

This year’s lecture was held in memory of philanthropist Paul Martin, who contributed $150,000 to the Lectureship Foundation. The Tuohys focused on the power of one, or the idea that one individual performing a single kind deed makes a difference.

“Find something to be a part of, get involved, and do it passionately,” Collins Tuohy said.