For six years in a row, faculty and staff have chosen to support UT through the Big Orange Family Campaign. This year, the campaign reached 61.6 percent participation, with a record number of faculty and staff members donating to the university.
“The generosity of our faculty and staff has once again inspired me,” said Interim Chancellor Wayne T. Davis. “Their support for our university will leave a lasting impact on our campus and on the lives of our students for years to come.”
Some of the largest participation growth in the campaign was among Facilities Services employees. Their overall giving rate jumped to more than 65 percent.
Donors can designate their gifts to any college, department, program, scholarship, or established gift fund they choose. Funds supported this year include the Wade Meadows Scholarship Fund, which is given to a VolShop student employee; the Sally Carter Staff Development Endowment to enable College of Law staff members to pursue job-related training opportunities; and the John C. Parker Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in honor of a long-serving executive director of the UT Physical Plant.
“I have always felt that UT is a special place,” said Professor Sandra Thomas of the College of Nursing. “I also want others to have the same opportunities that I’ve had. That’s why I participate in the Big Orange Family Campaign.”
Human Resources Recruiting Specialist Jeremy Gilbert said the feeling he gets from contributing the campaign “creates such a wonderful energy and pride that you simply can’t wait to pass the feeling along.”
“The Big Orange Family Campaign allows faculty and staff to show their Volunteer pride as they pledge their support to help the future of the university,” he said.