New Statue Unveiled in Honor of Jennifer Riordan: Celebrating Kindness and Love
The Jennifer Riordan Foundation unveiled a new statue in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Tuesday to honor Jennifer Riordan. Jennifer died in 2018 due to an engine failure on a Southwest Airlines flight that blew out a window.
Her family wanted to keep her values alive: kindness, love, care, and sharing. Jennifer’s husband, Michael, said the statue symbolizes love, a key part of her motto. He explained that Jennifer uplifted those around her and inspired everyone to embody these values.
Alongside the new statue, there are three more art pieces in Albuquerque that represent other aspects of her motto. These include “Sparky the Kindness Bear” at the Westside Sports Complex, the Science of Kindness Exhibit at Explora, and a sharing wall at the Albuquerque Community Foundation.
How does the Jennifer Riordan Foundation promote values of kindness and community connection?
Interview with Michael Riordan on the Unveiling of the Jennifer Riordan Statue
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
News Directory 3: Michael, thank you for joining us today to discuss the unveiling of the new statue in honor of your late wife, Jennifer. Can you share the significance of this statue and why the location was specifically chosen?
Michael Riordan: Thank you for having me. This statue is incredibly significant to our family and to the community. We chose Lovelace Women’s Hospital as the location because it’s where we welcomed our children into the world. It feels appropriate to commemorate Jennifer’s legacy of love and caring at a place that represents family and new beginnings.
ND3: The statue symbolizes love, which is a core aspect of Jennifer’s motto. Can you elaborate on what her motto means and how she embodied those values?
Michael Riordan: Absolutely. Jennifer’s motto was about kindness, love, care, and sharing. She had this incredible ability to uplift those around her and make everyone feel valued. This statue is a representation of her spirit, a reminder for all of us to embody those values in our daily lives. Love was central to who she was—her energy and positivity inspired so many.
ND3: Alongside the statue, there are three additional art pieces in Albuquerque that reflect Jennifer’s values. Can you tell us more about them?
Michael Riordan: Yes, we’re excited about the other pieces as well. “Sparky the Kindness Bear” at the Westside Sports Complex embodies kindness in a playful way that resonates with children and families. The Science of Kindness Exhibit at Explora highlights the importance of compassion through interactive learning. the sharing wall at the Albuquerque Community Foundation encourages people to share stories and experiences, fostering a sense of community. Together, they create a network of positivity throughout the city.
ND3: What do you hope the community will take away from the statue and the accompanying art pieces?
Michael Riordan: My hope is that these memorials serve as ongoing reminders for the community to embrace kindness and love in their lives. We believe that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, and we encourage everyone to spread these values. If people can see these reminders in their everyday lives, perhaps they’ll be inspired to carry on Jennifer’s legacy.
ND3: This unveiling must be a deeply emotional experience for you and your family. How are you feeling about this day?
Michael Riordan: It’s definitely emotional—it brings back many memories of Jennifer. But at the same time, it feels like a celebration of her life and the impact she had on those around her. This day holds a significant place in our hearts as we honor her memory and strive to inspire others to live out her values. Thank you for allowing me to share her story.
The Jennifer Riordan Foundation continues to keep her spirit alive through initiatives that promote kindness and community connection, ensuring that her legacy will be felt for years to come.
The family chose to place the love statue at Lovelace Women’s Hospital, where they welcomed their children. Michael expressed that this day holds a significant place in their hearts.