May 2026

It is one thing to talk about good ideas, it is another to implement them. It is one thing to talk about our mission, it is another to fulfill it. This past month our mission has been on full display. For example, our students have displayed their "active and experiential education" through the USS Greeneville marketing project, Pitch Day, and Academic Symposium. Students from computer science, art and design, history, and English are helping to produce a website and marketing for the USS Greeneville. Five students and seven community members pitched their business ideas. Our students won first, second, and third place. They have impressive ideas. The Academic Symposium displayed student art, poster presentations, literary readings, and the latest student research. A Tusculum education is not just talk; it is "equipping career-ready professionals."

Photo From: Tusculum University

Tusculum Alumni in Leadership: Serving on the Cabinet

Tusculum Hosts Successful Pioneer Pitch Day,

Highlighting Student and Community Innovation

Sit Lux: Passing the Light at Tusculum’s Lantern Festival

Four Tusculum University students honored for exceptional writing in annual competition judged by award-winning author

Grateful to Hear: Judy Kolb’s Holocaust Story of Survival

Old Oak Festival Delivered a Relaxing and Fun Weekend at Tusculum University

Visit our social media to see more

We’re excited to share updates from the recent AEB Meeting!

Be sure to check out the group photo to see familiar faces and reconnect with fellow members.

Please join us in welcoming:

• Vanessa Fyffe as our President

• Joni Parker as a new member and our Vice-President

We’re also proud to announce the formation of the AEB Scholarship Committee, along with newly established membership bylaws aimed at strengthening engagement and participation.

If you’re interested in learning more about AEB, or if you’re a previous member considering rejoining, you’re warmly invited to reach out and reconnect.

For more information, contact Melissa Bryant at mebryant@tusculum.edu

Stay tuned for more updates, including opportunities to support and name scholarships in the near future!

Join us for an evening of exceptional music with the Tusculum University Community Band as they present

A Symphonic Spring.

🗓 Tuesday, May 12

⏰ 7:00 p.m.

📍 Niswonger Performing Arts Center-NPAC

We are also proud to feature our 2025 scholarship recipient, Sabrina Nelson, as the evening’s soloist.

🎟️ Free and open to the public

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly event

We hope you’ll join us for this special performance!

Support Tusculum with Texas Roadhouse

Enjoy great food while giving back! Tusculum University is partnering with Texas Roadhouse for a special E-Gift Card Fundraiser, and it’s an easy way to make an impact.

When you purchase a Texas Roadhouse e-gift card using the QR code or hyperlink on our flyer, Tusculum receives 10% of your purchase. Even better, these gift cards can be used at any Texas Roadhouse location nationwide!

⚠️ Important: You must use the QR code or the provided link for your purchase to count toward the fundraiser. Purchases made directly through the Texas Roadhouse website will not be credited to Tusculum.

Double Your Impact July 9 Dine to Donate

Join us on July 9 at participating Texas Roadhouse locations in Greeneville, Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City for our Dine to Donate event. Simply show your server the event flyer (below), and Tusculum will receive 10% of your total bill.

Here’s the best part: you can double dip! Purchase an e-gift card through the fundraiser and use it on July 9 to generate two 10% contributions, doubling your support for Tusculum.

It’s a delicious way to give back. Thank you for your continued support!

Use This Link

EVERY FRONTIER NEEDS A PIONEER!

Make a gift; share your story; answer the call

YOUR FRONTIER AWAITS!

Dates to Remember

Christian Leadership Dinner

May 7, 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

Tusculum University Community Band:

A Symphonic Spring

May 12, 2026

Try Scuba

June 6, 2026

Dine to Donate at Texas Roadhouse

July 9, 2026

Homecoming 2026

October 17, 2026

TBD EVENTS:

Alumni Baseball Flyboy Game at Pioneer Park

Learn More

Tusculum University is proud to offer alumni and partners of the university the Pioneer Partner discount card, a special way to say thank you for your continued support. This program is an exciting collaboration between Tusculum University and local community businesses, providing cardholders with exclusive discounts throughout the area.

The Pioneer Partner program also highlights the incredible restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and services that make our community so vibrant. Participating businesses receive a Tusculum University decal to display, making it easy to spot where your card can be used.

Interested in becoming a Pioneer Partner?

If your business would like to participate, please click here to complete the online form or email Melissa Bryant at alumni@tusculum.edu with any questions.

To view a full list of participating businesses, please click here and be sure to check back often as our partnerships continue to grow!

Click Here for the Athletic Scedule

Willam Arthur Self '59

1936-2026

John DeWit '98

1937-2026

Melinda "Lee" Bry an '80

1956-2026

Mary Jo Slagl e '60

1938-2026

Leo Horant '73

1951-2026

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!

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 you.

Update Your Information

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.

Submit Alumni Class Notes

May at Tusculum:

Celebrating Milestones and New Beginnings!

May brings the beauty of late spring, a time of celebration, reflection, and exciting transitions. As the academic year draws to a close, the campus is filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what lies ahead. It’s a wonderful season to gather, honor achievements, and enjoy meaningful moments with the Tusculum community.

This month, we look forward to celebrating some of our most cherished traditions. On May 8–9, we will welcome alumni back to campus for the Golden & Silver Pioneer Celebration, honoring those who graduated 25 and 50 years ago. This special event offers a time to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the lasting bonds that define the Tusculum experience. Commencement will also take place in May, as we recognize the hard work and dedication of our newest graduates and officially welcome them into our alumni family.

Join us for an evening of beautiful music as the Tusculum University Community Band presents A Symphonic Spring on May 12, 2026. This performance will showcase a variety of selections that capture the energy and renewal of the season. Alumni, families, and community members are invited to enjoy this special night on campus.

Looking for a new adventure? Experience the excitement of scuba diving on June 6, 2026, during the Try Scuba event. This introductory experience is perfect for beginners and offers a unique opportunity to try something new while connecting with fellow Pioneers.

Enjoy a great meal while giving back! Join fellow alumni, friends, and community members for a fun night out during Dine to Donate at Texas Roadhouse on July 9, 2026. A portion of the proceeds will support Tusculum initiatives, making it a simple and meaningful way to stay connected and make an impact.

As always, we are incredibly thankful for the continued support and engagement of our alumni and friends. Your connection to Tusculum plays an essential role in shaping the experiences of our students and strengthening our community. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating these meaningful milestones and sharing in the Pioneer spirit.

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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