|
This summer my wife (Starr) and I hiked numerous trails around Sedona, Arizona. The views from the trails were incredible and the vistas of the rock formations were beautiful. The destination was worth the climb.
Hiking can serve as an analogy for our life and educational journeys. The destination makes the heat and obstacles along the path worth it, but also the journey itself needs to be savored along the way. As Tusculum alumni, you faced challenges and obstacles and your journey required discipline and hard work. Fortunately, you had supportive faculty and staff how helped ensure you completed your journey.
As we hiked and looked up at the impressive mountains, we also had to look down at the trail because of the rocks, cacti, uneven terrain, and steep cliffs. One evening we hiked as it started to get dark which made the same trail much more treacherous. I then thought of “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Since Pioneers blaze their own paths and often get off the path, the light is that much more important. Tusculum Tusculum’s motto “Sit Lux,” which can be translated “Let there be light,” reminds us of how important the light of Tusculum education is for our educational, career, and life journeys.
This generation of Pioneers needs your support for their Tusculum journey.
| | | | |
Greeneville City Schools has appointed Donita Huff, a lifelong Greeneville resident and Tusculum alumna, as the new assistant principal of Greeneville High School. With over 22 years of experience in education and a strong background in leadership at Greeneville Middle School, Huff brings a student-centered approach focused on 21st-century skills and community engagement. A graduate of Chuckey-Doak High School and Tusculum College, Huff’s deep ties to the area and commitment to student success make her a valuable addition to GHS’s leadership team.
Read more: Greeneville Sun article
| | | |
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.
| | |
EVERY FRONTIER NEEDS A PIONEER!
Make a gift; share your story; answer the call
YOUR FRONTIER AWAITS!
Frontiers, A Campaign for the Support of First-Generation Students
Since our founding in 1794, Tusculum University’s core mission has been to provide an outstanding education on the frontier that prepares students for their lives and careers. Even from our earliest days, providing education to First-Generation Students has always been at the heart of what we do. Two hundred and thirty years later, our mission remains the same; only the frontiers have changed.
Today, Tusculum’s student body includes 58% first-generation students – meaning neither of the student’s parents or guardians have completed a bachelor’s degree. In addition, more than 98% of our traditional undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Earning a college degree is vital for young men and women to develop into career-ready professionals, but various costs can be an obstacle on the path to graduation. This is where a special scholarship supporting first-generation students can have a significant and lasting impact.
We are proud to announce the launch of a special campaign focused on raising scholarship support for our first-generation students. Frontiers, A Scholarship Campaign for the support of First-Generation Students, will run throughout 2025. In the months to come, we will be highlighting this unique part of our history and sharing stories from many of our first-gen students and alumni. Our Goal is $125,000.
| |
| | |
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.
More details coming soon — stay tuned!
| | | | 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 $46,000 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. | | | |
PLANNED GIVING NOTE! We buy life insurance to help provide financial assistance and security for loved ones upon our death. As life unfolds for many of us, however, the original beneficiary no longer requires financial support. What then? There are various ways of managing this situation, and it’s always wise to consult a financial planner before acting on your own. But one excellent way is to re-designate as beneficiary a non-profit whose purposes have been near and dear to you in life. Such as Tusculum University! Yes, you can designate all or part of the life insurance benefit to Tusculum. Again, consult with your financial planner to assure that this change is processed correctly and in the most advantageous way for all concerned. But generally, this is a fairly simple and generous strategy by which your gratitude for Tusculum’s blessings in life may continue to bless others after our earthly life and work are finished.
Richard D. Raum
PCUSA Pastor, retired
Planned Giving Specialist, Tusculum University
rdraum2@gmail.com
701-226-2084
| | |
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.
| | Tusculum University coaches offer a variety of sports camps for boys and girls of all ages. Camps range from beginning/recreational to advanced skill training for competitive teams. Some dates listed are exclusive for team training. Tusculum sports camps are owned and operated by individual coaches and interested persons should contact the coach directly via the information listed below or go to the provided link for registration information. For more information, contact Dom Donnelly, Associate Athletic Director for Communications at: ddonnelly@tusculum.edu. | | 2025 TUSCULUM SUMMER SPORTS CAMP INFORMATION | | |
Walter Thomas "Tommy" Keasling
| |  | | | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | | |
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.
| | | | |
Dear Alumni and Friends!
I hope this message finds you enjoying a relaxing and joyful summer! While students are away for the break, campus remains active with summer camps, campus tours, and preparations for an exciting new academic year. Each new season brings fresh opportunities to connect, reflect, and grow together as a Tusculum family.
We hope you had a safe and meaningful Independence Day filled with celebration, reflection, and time with loved ones. The Fourth of July is always a special reminder of the values we cherish, freedom, service, and community, all of which are deeply rooted in the Tusculum experience.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to share that planning is well underway for Homecoming 2025, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to campus! Mark your calendars for October 31st to November 2nd and stay tuned for announcements, including the Alumni Awards Dinner scheduled Nov 1st. We are working closely with campus partners to ensure this year’s celebration is meaningful, memorable, and fun for all generations of Tusculum alumni.
Whether you’re near or far, your continued involvement means a great deal to us. Thank you for being part of this incredible community.
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
| | | | | |
