More than 7,700 Volunteers came together Nov. 5 for Big Orange Give, supporting their favorite parts of Rocky Top and showing their belief in the power of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to change lives. The annual day of giving completed its 13th year with more than $2.6 million received for current and future students, surpassing its $2.5 million goal.
Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement Brian Broyles emphasized the inspirational impact that this year’s day of giving will have in the lives of the students and communities that UT serves.
“There’s nothing like Rocky Top, and the overwhelming response from the Volunteer community on Big Orange Give demonstrates that every year,” said Broyles. “I’m inspired by the way members of this community show up for one another and how they continue to foster generation after generation of Volunteers.”
An outpouring of support
Alumni and donors gave generously to hundreds of funds spanning every part of the university and the student experience. Caitlin Carroll, a senior from Knoxville who serves as president of the Student Alumni Associates, spent the day witnessing the outpouring of support while participating in student events and thanking donors.
“The Volunteer spirit truly comes to life during Big Orange Give. I’ve loved being part of this special day,” said Carroll. “Every contribution, no matter the size, has a tangible impact on students like me, whether through scholarships, enhanced learning initiatives, student organizations or updated facilities. I’m deeply grateful for the generosity shown by donors who invest in our dreams, our growth and our UT community.”
Some of this year’s contributors supplied more than $530,000 through 60-plus match and challenge gifts, including several from the UT Alumni Board of Directors.
“Championing Big Orange Give remains one of the board’s highest priorities, and I’m proud to say that we collectively supplied $105,000 in matching funds this year,” said Clay Hart, president of the board. “We look forward to Big Orange Give every year to truly exemplify that Volunteer spirit, and it’s exciting to see that same passion reflected in the thousands of alumni and donors who chose to join us for another outstanding day of giving this year.”
Making a difference for students
Colleges and units received the most support, with more than $2.3 million in gifts, but Big Orange Pantry—which alleviates food insecurity and provides essential hygiene items on campus—was the most popular choice. With 742 donors, it had the largest number of contributors to a single fund.
“Our resources and services aim to remove real-life barriers to student success and engagement, strengthening the ability for students to fully engage on and off campus,” said Blake Weiss, director of the university’s Center for Basic Needs, which houses the Big Orange Pantry. “Generous support like that received during Big Orange Give tells students that their experience here matters, and that sense of belonging can make a lasting difference in their lives and normalize the well-being of our campus community.”
From the beginning of Big Orange Give in 2013 through 2025’s day of giving, the initiative has generated roughly $26 million in gifts to UT.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)
Laura Tenpenny (865-974-4866, ltenpenn@utk.edu)