For the second year in a row, more than 43,000 donors and philanthropic investors have chosen to support UT Knoxville.
In all, UT received $155 million in private and corporate gifts in fiscal year 2017.
“We are grateful for the generous support of our alumni, friends, and corporate partners,” said Chancellor Beverly Davenport. “The biggest factor in moving universities from good to great is the level of engagement from alumni and friends.”
Private support helps to bridge the gap between state funding and student tuition and contributes to the state’s goal of raising the percentage of college-educated Tennesseans. In the past year, donors made it possible for UT to create 20 new faculty awards, 24 new graduate fellowships, and 119 new scholarships providing access to the most qualified students across the state.
Hunter Barber was the drum major at Fulton High School in Knoxville. In the fall he will attend UT on a Tennessee Pledge Scholarship—which, combined with other federal, state, and institutional aid, covers tuition, fees, room and board, and a book allowance.
“This scholarship means more to me than I could attempt to put into words,” said Barber. “Coming from a less fortunate family, I appreciate so much that this scholarship will allow me to attend my dream college, the University of Tennessee.”
UT’s 55 alumni chapters are an important source of scholarships. This year 34 chapters funded 48 scholarships for the university.
“We are proud of the growing number of Volunteers who have joined us on our journey,” said Chip Bryant, vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs. “Every gift and every donor contribution moves the university to an even higher level of excellence.”
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CONTACT:
Brooks Clark 865-974-5471, nclark5@utk.edu