January 2026

Your memories of Tusculum likely elicit a wide range of emotions. You feel the pride of completing your challenging degree, but you also remember the anxiety of starting Tusculum, possibly in a state far from home or while working full-time with a family. You remember the exhilaration of winning a game or championship but also the sting of a loss or failure. You may remember the financial stress, but also the appreciation for a donor who supported your scholarship. You fondly recall good times with friends or even finding your soulmate.

The last weeks of this fall semester were filled with a wide range of emotions. During the weekend before finals, five students were in a terrible car accident in which four were injured, and Payton Cook passed away. Payton was a freshman from Canada and played on the men’s lacrosse team. His loss was felt deeply by his team and the entire university. As we looked back on Payton’s life at the memorial we were filled with grief, comfort, unity, and strength. Less than a week later we celebrated graduation for about one hundred of our newest alumni. They and their families beamed with pride in their accomplishment and looked forward to their futures.

DeBusk ’95 Recognized as The Greeneville Sun’s 2025

Best Bank/Credit Union Executive

McKeever ’12 Naturalized as U.S. Citizen 17 Years After Coming to Tusculum for Soccer

Batson ’14 Named Supervisor of the Year for Greeneville City Schools

Rambo ’21 Named PreK–4th Educator of the Year for Greeneville City Schools

Tusculum students from the Discipleship Living-Learning Center prepare shoeboxes for children in need across the world

Tusculum University seniors demonstrate research skills and knowledge during capstone project presentations

Tusculum University celebrates the life of freshman Payton Cook at memorial service that highlights how God can transform lives and the importance of relying on each other

Compelling stories and achievements abound for more than 100 graduates who earn degrees from Tusculum University

Wizard of Oz on Ice at NPAC!

Date: February 6, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Niswonger Performing Arts Center

Step into a world of wonder with Wizard of Oz on Ice, the second performance in our 2025–2026 Free Community Performance Series! Experience this timeless story like never before as Ice Creative Entertainment presents a breathtaking, all-new reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s beloved classic, performed on a dazzling synthetic ice stage. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, this magical performance promises to captivate audiences of all ages!

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 by January 4th.

Reserve yours, please contact Melissa Bryant at alumni@tusculum.edu.

Feel free to bring your children, grandchildren, partner, friends, neighbors, or fellow alumni; this enchanting evening is perfect for everyone!

Every Frontier Needs a Pioneer: Frontiers Campaign

Since 1794, Tusculum has prepared students to lead with purpose, community, and faith. Help today’s Pioneers continue that legacy.

Make your year-end gift by Dec. 31.

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Stay Connected with Tusculum University!

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EVERY FRONTIER NEEDS A PIONEER!

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YOUR FRONTIER AWAITS!

In honor of Marion Edens and his extraordinary commitment to students, we are proud to announce that the scholarship established in his name, celebrating his many years of service at what was then Tusculum College, has officially reached endowed status. Alumni from the 1950s and 1960s still fondly share “Edens stories,” and this scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to the profound influence he had on generations of students.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Edens Scholarship Fund is making strong progress toward its $100,000 goal. With continued support, we are well on our way to fully funding the endowment, ensuring that Mr. Edens’ legacy will continue to inspire and support students for years to come.

Now is the perfect time to honor a man who gave so much to Tusculum and its students. Your support helps carry forward his remarkable legacy.

For More Details Click Here

Dates to Remember

Old Oak Festival

April 25 & 26, 2026

Golden Pioneers Reunion (Class of 1976)

May 8 & 9, 2026

Silver Pioneers Reunion (Class of 2001)

May 8 & 9, 2026

May Commencement

May 9, 2026

Learn More

Bring Tusculum Closer to Home

Start an Alumni Chapter in Your Area!

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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Click Here for the Athletic Scedule

Ellen Lou Simpson Deane '78

1956-2025

Ashley Bernice Jozsa '72

1951-2025

Ralph S. Bible '86

1940-2025

Dan Duggar

1947-2025

We mourn the loss of members of our alumni community. Although we may not have all the details, we remember and honor those who have passed away. 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.

Click here to Like and Follow our Alumni Facebook page!

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.

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Happy January from Tusculum!

As we begin a new year at Tusculum University, our community is full of hope, momentum, and excitement for all that lies ahead. The spring semester is underway, and with it comes fresh opportunities to learn, serve, and grow, embracing the Pioneer spirit that makes Tusculum so special.

We are grateful for our alumni and friends whose continued support uplifts our students and strengthens our mission. Your engagement, generosity, and encouragement help Tusculum thrive, fostering a caring and purpose-driven environment where students can pursue their goals with confidence and direction.

Looking forward, we are energized by the possibilities of 2026, from meaningful alumni events and celebrations of student success to continued progress in the Frontiers Campaign and initiatives that expand access, enhance the student experience, and prepare leaders for tomorrow.

From all of us at Tusculum, thank you for being an essential member of the Pioneer family. We wish you a prosperous and fulfilling year filled with purpose, joy, and connection.

If you have any questions or would like to connect, feel free to reach out to me at mebryant@tusculum.edu or call 423.636.7407.

Warmest regards,

Melissa Bryant '18, '19

Director of Alumni Engagement

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