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PULASKI, Tenn. — The ������� welcomed Genesis Barrigon and Katherine Barrigon to campus Wednesday, Aug. 12, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the two cousins whose journey from the Emberá Purú village in eastern Panama to Tennessee has been years in the making.

Genesis and Katherine were recognized during a luncheon at ������� attended by UT System President Randy Boyd, ������� Provost Prentice Chandler, state Reps. Mark White and Clay Doggett, state Rep.-elect Noah Smith, university leaders and members of the campus community. The cousins will begin classes at ������� this fall, with Katherine studying nursing and Genesis studying English. Their arrival represents an opportunity not only for the two students but also for the Emberá Purú community they call home. Genesis and Katherine will be able to take new resources back to their village, including educational and professional knowledge they have not previously had access to.

“We thought to ourselves, it would be great if a few talented, smart and determined young people could receive an education they could utilize back in their home village,” Boyd said. “So that’s the hope. We’re counting on these two young ladies to go back to their village and do just that; provide resources and educate members of their community. Thanks to Genesis and Katherine for being the inspiration.”

White, who first introduced Genesis and Katherine to Boyd during a 2022 visit to Panama, said the students’ arrival represents the fulfillment of a vision that began during that visit.

“We’re here to celebrate these two young ladies, thanks to Randy Boyd, Krissy DeAlejandro and the Boyd Foundation for making all of this possible,” White said. “This opportunity began with a simple belief that education could open a door for these young women and their community. Today, we are seeing that belief become reality.”

The luncheon also provided an opportunity for university leaders and community partners to celebrate those who helped make the students’ enrollment possible, including Cup of Cold Water Ministries, which has worked with the Emberá Purú community for nearly two decades, building trusted relationships with families while encouraging educational opportunities for young people throughout the community.

“This opportunity is important to me because I want to be a help in my community and a translator in the future, teaching children and my community,” said Genesis. “President Randy Boyd, I want to thank you for this opportunity. My mother said that you have opened to me a door so now I’m here, and my purpose is to complete my duty as a student, daughter and member of my community.”

“I am so happy for this opportunity, and it is so important for me because I want to study nursing,” said Katherine. “I would like to be a kind nurse in the future, helping my people and my community. So, President Boyd, thank you for the opportunity you have given us to study at the �������.”

Genesis and Katherine presented President Boyd with tokens of their appreciation, including a bag of coffee beans and a mug, both curated from their village in Panama. As they begin their studies, Genesis and Katherine will become part of the ������� community while continuing to carry the experiences, culture and hopes of their home village with them.

Classes for the fall 2026 semester begin Aug. 19.

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The ������� provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, ������� offers personalized learning, hands-on experiences and a close-knit campus community while serving southern Middle Tennessee and preparing students for success.