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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” (Lao Tzu). As an alum, I am sure you remember your first step as a Pioneer. You may remember both the anxiety and the excitement as you began your educational journey at Tusculum. Many dream of an educational journey at Tusculum, but need additional financial assistance to start and complete their journey. As you remember how far you have come, you know how valuable your Tusculum experience and education have been for preparing you for your journey. Tusculum equipped you for your career and life journey.
Last week I got to visit with more than 100 new Pioneers at Pioneer Quest as they registered for classes, met with professors, and worked through their financial aid. They were all anxious and excited to begin their journeys. In just a few weeks, students will move on campus and begin Pioneer WOW (Welcome Orientation Week). This next generation is about to begin their journey. If you are willing to mentor a student, whether locally or remotely, please contact Melissa Bryant at mebryant@tusculum.edu.
| | | | Rev. Jonas Hayes ’99: A Life of Faith, Service, and the Pioneer Spirit | | Cagle '98 Named ORAU Senior Vice President and ORISE Director | | Cavanaugh '80 Appointed to Ballad Health Board Committee | | Frizzell '00 Chosen as Tusculum University’s Dean of Students | | | | |
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
HOSTED BY TUSCULUM ALUMNI
COME CHILL WITH US!
ALUMNI & STUDENTS
LET'S CONNECT OVER FREE ICE CREAM!
AUGUST 21, 2025
Niswonger Common Breezeway
6:00 PM-7:00 PM
(OR UNTIL THE ICE CREAM IS GONE!)
A SWEET WAY TO KICK OFF
THE SEMESTER AND BUILD
PIONEER CONNECTIONS!
ALL TUSCULUM STUDENTS
& ALUMNI WELCOME
| | | To make a gift, click the "Make a gift" button below. Be sure to use the ‘Please use my donation for’ drop-down menu and select "107 Bridge Campaign" to ensure your gift is directed to the correct fund. | |
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Nominate!
We’re still accepting nominations for the 2025 Alumni Awards—but not for long! The deadline to submit your nominations is September 1, 2025. Help us recognize outstanding Tusculum alumni who exemplify the Pioneer spirit in their professions, communities, and beyond.
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🧡 You're Invited to Tusculum Homecoming 2025! 🧡
October 28 – November 2, 2025
| Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer, and there's no better time to return to campus than Homecoming Week 2025! Whether you're cheering from the stands, honoring loved ones, or dancing the night away, there's something for everyone. Come celebrate our shared traditions, relive the memories, and reconnect with fellow alumni. | *Please note this schedule may change as we continue to plan events for the Homecoming celebrations!!! | |
Save The Date!
Homecoming Alumni Award Celebration & Dance
📅 Saturday, November 1st | 7:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor outstanding members of the Tusculum family and celebrate with music, dancing, and great company.
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Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert at NPAC!
Date: October 22, 2025
🎟 RSVP by September 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Set sail on an unforgettable adventure with Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert! Experience the beloved film like never before with live music performed by top Hollywood studio musicians, Polynesian rhythm masters, and vocalists. Enjoy unforgettable songs like “How Far I’ll Go,” “You’re Welcome,” and “Shiny” performed live as the movie plays on the big screen.
This family-friendly event is free, and tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tusculum will have a reserved alumni section, so be sure to claim your tickets early!
To reserve yours, please contact Melissa Bryant at alumni@tusculum.edu.
Feel free to bring your kids, grandkids, partner, friends, neighbors, or fellow alumni; this magical evening is for all ages!
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Mentor a Tusculum Student
Are you a Tusculum University alum looking to make a meaningful impact? We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new mentor program designed to connect experienced alumni with current students, creating a powerful network of support and guidance. This program aims to help students navigate their academic journey, explore career paths, and prepare for life after graduation. Join us in building the "Bridge to Success" for future generations of Tusculum Pioneers.
| | In honoring Marion Edens and his legacy of service to students, we are pleased to announce that the scholarship honoring Mr. Edens, a longtime member of staff of then Tusculum College, has reached official endowment status. With many “Edens stories” circulating among alumni of the 50’s and 60’s, this scholarship honoring the impact by one man into so many lives seems a fitting tribute. Thanks to generous support, the Edens Scholarship Fund has surpassed $67,000 in donations, and with your continued help, we are well on our way to reaching the $100,000 goal to further honor Mr. Edens’ enduring legacy. | | | |
Bring Tusculum Closer to Home
Start an Alumni Chapter in Your Area!
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Stay Connected. Lead Locally. Pioneer Together.
Are you passionate about staying connected with fellow Tusculum alumni in your region?
Great news, Alumni Chapters are launching soon in these areas:
Tri-Cities
Knoxville
Nashville
Greenville, SC
Asheville, NC
No special requirements or membership fees — just a love for Tusculum and a desire to build community with fellow Pioneers near you!
Alumni Chapters offer a great way to gather informally with others who live or work nearby. As a Chapter Leader, you’ll team up with the Tusculum Alumni Association to host one signature event per year in your area. You’ll also receive an invitation to our annual Volunteers’ Conference on campus—a chance to connect with other leaders and stay plugged in to all things Tusculum.
Interested in starting a chapter or want to learn more? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to discuss how you can get involved by emailing alumni@tusculum.edu.
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We mourn the loss of members of our alumni community. Though we may not have all the details, we remember and honor those who have passed. Each person’s contribution to our community, in their own way, has left a lasting impact that will continue to resonate with us.
Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them. Their memories will forever be cherished, and their legacies will live on in the hearts of those they touched.
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Tusculum University Magazine
Hey, Pioneers! Please take a moment to click the buttons below to update your contact information and to submit class notes. I would love to include your information in the next digital magazine.
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Share news about new jobs, promotions, graduate school success, weddings and births with your fellow alumni by submitting a Class Note through alumni pages on the Tusculum website.
We are currently collecting TU alumni class notes to be included in the next edition of our magazine.
Please click the orange button above to update your contact information and the orange below to submit a class note.
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Dear Alumni and Friends!
As we move into the final stretch of summer, I hope this season has given you time to rest, recharge, and make meaningful memories with family and friends. While the slower pace of summer offers a chance to breathe, here at Tusculum, we’re energized by all that lies ahead.
Campus has been alive with activity, from summer programs and athletic camps to preparations for welcoming our newest Pioneers this fall. There’s a special kind of anticipation in the air as we ready classrooms, residence halls, and student spaces for the start of a new academic year. It’s a time of new beginnings, and we look forward to the inspiration and momentum our students bring each August.
I’m also excited to share that Homecoming 2025 planning continues in full swing! Be sure to mark your calendars for October 29 – November 2, with the Alumni Awards Dinner scheduled for Saturday, November 1. This cherished weekend is always a highlight of the year. Offering a time to reconnect, celebrate, and remember what makes our Tusculum community so special. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!
As always, your presence and participation, whether in person or from afar, strengthen the heart of our Pioneer family. Thank you for continuing to support and uplift Tusculum.
As always, please feel free to email me at mebryant@tusculum.edu or call at 423.636.7407.
Kind Regards,
Melissa Bryant '18 '19
Director of Alumni & Community Engagement
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