The University of Tulsa Magazine - TUAlumni.com

H O M E C O M I N G 2 0 0 4
K. Michael Sheehan
MR. HOMECOMING
Family: Penny (wife), who teaches 2nd grade in Collinsville; two sons,
Ryan and Lance; daughter-in-law, Katey
Work: Safety/Recycling Coordinator at TU since June 1994
Hometown: Collinsville, Oklahoma
FAVORITES Hobby construction on/of houses. • Book Anything by Tom
Clancy. I enjoy the fiction or nonfiction intrigue. • Vacation destination
I’ll go anywhere there’re mountains; I reach a point in the summer
when I get tired of the heat, and then my very understanding wife
books us somewhere COOL!
LIFE LESSONS Funniest experience at TU: It wasn’t the funniest
thing at the time, but it was the most memorable. The
December we had the heaviest ice/snow storm I can remember,
President Lawless happened through the campus as we
were attempting to get the snow and ice off the roads. He
asked how things were going, and I replied, “It’s not easy, but
not to worry. This is Oklahoma, and it will be gone in three
days.” Thirty days later he was reminding me that it was
still around (including on the roads). • Best advice received
Probably the best and hardest to follow was given by my dad.
He said when you’re doing a job, have patience, because
preparation is 90 percent (or more) of the job. Sometimes
I am a very impatient individual. Another was given by our
church pastor at the time in a sermon. His name is Rick
Brinkley, and many will recognize him as CEO of the Better
Business Bureau. He said, “When you’re going through
Hell, keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t look back. Don’t look
around. Keep going.” I’ve always thought this to be very
appropriate for anybody. • What advice do you give to
your children? “Fly outside the cockpit.” Translation: Be
acutely aware of what is going on around you when you
drive, and stay ahead of the moment. “Work hard, play
hard” in that order. I do not drink alcoholic beverages.
I don’t condone, I don’t condemn, but we have always
told our children that if they do consume alcohol, DO
NOT get behind the wheel. We have always said use
a designated driver, or if you are EVER in a position
that you cannot get safely home, CALL US and we will
come get you, anytime, anywhere, and be nonjudgmental
about it. • Cure for the blues: I don’t think I have ever been
“Blue”, but my most joyful moments are being surrounded
by family. • What would your acquaintances be surprised to
know about you? I can play English Handbells. • What are you
most proud of? My family. • What four people would you invite
to dinner? What would you ask them? Probably my dad, probably
Penny’s dad, who are both deceased. Penny’s father died relatively
young. My dad died rather suddenly. Neither one of them got
to see their grandchildren mature, and what they have done with
their lives. I think we would be telling them, rather than asking.
Albert Einstein. I’d ask him what more he could have accomplished
if he had lived longer. Leonardo Da Vinci. He was ahead of his time,
and I’d ask him what would he have envisioned, had he lived longer?
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