On May 3, the University of Tennessee at Martin officially launched its portion of the $1 billion University of Tennessee fund-raising campaign to enhance programs of excellence at all of the university’s campuses and institutes. The program included speakers, Chancellor Tom Rakes, President John Petersen and Dr. Anne Meek (‘59), and concluded with “coaching” by Lady Vols Coach Pat Summitt (‘74).

UT Martin has raised $30.5 million, or 77 percent of its $40 million goal, the largest goal attainment percentage of any UT campus or unit. Also, UT Martin achieved 56 percent participation in its Family Campaign, the largest percentage of any UT campus.

“While we are grateful and pleased with extraordinary leadership gifts given to date in The Campaign for Tennessee, there is still much work to be done,” said Len Solomons, vice chancellor for university advancement. “The ultimate success of this effort will depend upon the generosity and involvement of loyal alumni and friends throughout the region. As the university publicly launches the most ambitious fund-raising effort in UT and UT Martin’s history, every gift makes a difference. During the next three years of the capital campaign, we will need larger numbers of gifts of varying sizes to reach our goal and ensure success.”

Campaign Goal $40 million

Academic Programs $15,500,000
Athletics $4,500,000
Scholarships $13,500,000
Student Life $4,750,000
Campus Enhancement $1,750,000

The University of Tennessee at Martin Campaign for Tennessee Leadership

Honorary Co-Chairs

Mr. James W. Ayers
Mr. J. Houston Gordon (‘68), Esq.

Campaign Co-Chairs

Dr. Lew Dougherty
Mr. Ray Smith

Campaign Steering Committee
Mr. Bill Blankenship (‘56)
Mr. Crawford Gallimore (‘71)
Mrs. Bettie Graham
Mr. R. Newell Graham
Dr. Ron Kirkland (‘70)
Mr. Charles E. Moore
Dr. Margaret Perry (‘61)

Family Campaign Chairs
Mr. Charley Deal (‘92, ‘96)
Ms. Bettye Giles
Dr. Jerald Ogg (‘76)

University of Tennessee Administration
Dr. John Petersen, President
Mr. Henry Nemcik, Vice President for Alumni and Development

UT Martin Administration
Dr. Thomas Rakes, Chancellor
Mrs. Len P. Solomons, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement