For the Love of Memphis

By Heather Hampton

The day their daughter Ashleigh told them she had decided to attend the University of Memphis, Greg and Sharon Corley were overjoyed. Sharon, a UofM graduate, grew up in Dyersburg, Tennessee, and knew she wanted to go to college in a bigger city that wasn’t too far from home.

“My mother always took my sister and me to Memphis to shop and eat and I loved the city vibe,” Sharon said. “I believed Memphis would have more opportunities for a career after college, but I only knew one other friend attending the University when I started, so it was quite a leap of faith for me.”

Reminiscing about her time at the UofM, Sharon immediately began planning for Ashleigh’s dorm room — checking out organizations for her to join, finding tailgate locations and everything else an excited alumni parent would do. After all, the Collierville residents would only be about 30 minutes away from their daughter and the campus they’d grown to love.

Ashleigh was grateful to see such a joyful spark in her parents and found comfort in knowing that they would be able to watch her flourish at the UofM. During her freshman year, Greg and Sharon came to every event they could attend. From Parent and Family Weekend to sorority and sporting events, they were always there with the biggest smiles and enthusiastic school spirit.

One cherished tradition they initiated was meeting on Tiger Lane before each home football game for the team’s Tiger Walk into the stadium. This simple bonding experience for Sharon and Ashleigh has helped cement their shared love for the University.

Beyond the festivities, having her family close was crucial for Ashleigh during the inevitable challenges of college life, which would arise sooner than expected. In the fall of 2022, Greg was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer.

“When the oncologist delivered the news of the substantial amount of tumors on my liver and mesentery, we were in disbelief,” Greg said.

The devastating diagnosis changed the family’s way of living. The months ahead were tough.

Complications from Greg’s treatment led to several weeks in the hospital as they searched for solutions and next steps. Instead of letting it break them, the Corleys became stronger together, allowing their love for each other to help them persevere through a difficult time.

Leaning into the friendships she established at the UofM for a source of support, Ashleigh was able to reorganize her free time to help her parents while continuing to stay focused on her courses.

“We didn't allow it to steal our spirit and joy,” Ashleigh said. “We learned how to make the most of life. Nothing stopped my parents from showing up for anything UofM-related, not even a cancer diagnosis.

“My parents not only showed me how to keep my spirits high during tough times, but they also instilled in me that showing kindness to others can go a long way.”

That kindness was evident in a UofM Parent and Family Association e-newsletter spotlight in which Greg and Sharon readily shared helpful advice to other parents and families: “Enjoy the ride! Take full advantage of all that Memphis and the UofM have to offer for families to make memories because the time passes quickly.”

As the 2023 UofM Family of the Year, the Corleys were honored throughout Parent and Family Weekend in the fall, including an on-field spotlight at the Tiger football game against Boise State.

“This experience was so humbling,” Sharon said. “We were recognized for doing what we have fun doing. We were excited to go out on the field and see our kid’s friends cheering us on.”

Although there is no cure for Greg’s cancer, his treatment regimen is going well and the family remains steadfast, exploring available trials and options to prolong his life. The Corleys’ continued involvement as Tiger parents is a testimony of their determination, resilience and unwavering loyalty and passion for the city and the University that they love.

“I truly feel like the luckiest daughter by having parents who choose to spread joy to others no matter the circumstance in life,” Ashleigh said.