Receiving the Memphis UT Knoxville Alumni Chapter Scholarship helped Michael Pham, a 2017 graduate of Christian Brothers High School, become a Volunteer.
“What excites me most about attending UT is the amazing atmosphere that I’ve gotten to know a little already. Now I am ready as ever to be a Vol for life,” said Pham, a UT freshman studying philosophy.
The Memphis UT Knoxville Alumni Chapter recently fully endowed its chapter scholarship—a goal they set in 2016 and achieved in less than two years. This means that students like Pham will benefit from the scholarship in perpetuity.
“UT alumni living and working in the Memphis area are excited to help the next generation of Vols. This endowment will ensure that students from the Memphis area have the opportunity to earn scholarships for years to come,” said Adam Hensley, the chapter president.
The chapter board and fellow alumni in the Memphis area have made donations to the scholarship fund. They have also received funds through major events like their Memphis Alumni Gala and the Big Orange Caravan event this year.
While fundraising for the endowment, the chapter gave funds annually to benefit current UT students. Since its inception, the chapter has awarded 25 scholarships.
“Our alumni chapters play a key role in recruiting and retaining UT students. These scholarships convey our alumni’s commitment to our students, encouraging them to work hard and pursue their passions,” said Lee Patouillet, associate vice chancellor for alumni affairs.
Since 2015, the number of scholarships funded by alumni chapters around the country has risen from 11 to 50. The number of donors contributing to each scholarship has increased from 10 to 2,543, and total donations to chapter scholarships have grown from $36,430 to $104,590.
About Join the Journey
As UT Knoxville aspires to become a preeminent institution, the $1.1 billion Join the Journey campaign will assist in positioning the university among the nation’s elite. The comprehensive fundraising campaign focuses on increasing support for undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, faculty support, college priorities, and athletics. The funds raised will create a student experience that reaches beyond the ordinary, shaping the next generation of leaders for the state, nation, and world.
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Contact:
Brooks Clark, nclark5@utk.edu, 865-974-5471