“‘If we only had the money’ are the words often used to begin a conversation about improvements needed at the University,” said Brenda Lawson, co-chair of the UT Campaign for Tennessee. She provided a campaign update for a UTC audience last week. “Time to Achieve,” UTC’s fundraising component of the UT system’s Campaign for Tennessee, is making good progress toward its $65 million goal.
“The campaign in Chattanooga is reaching out to all friends and supporters and asks them to rise to the occasion,” Lawson said. “Chattanooga has a strong history of sharing blessings with the community and the University.”
Lawson, of Cleveland, Tennessee, serves as co-chair with Jim and Natalie Haslam of Knoxville.
Among the donors who have recently established UTC scholarships are: Chancellor Roger Brown and his wife Dr. Carolyn Thompson; former nursing faculty member Martha Butterfield; Dr. Joe and Professor Mary Jackson; Jerry and Nan Jones; and Dr. Fred and Ruth Obear.
Interim UT President Jan Simek shared that the University continues to be affected by a downturn in the economy. He said the success of the capital campaign will have an impact on the selection of a new UT president. Simek said he is encouraged by the response to the campaign.
“It has been impressive to see the support for UT. I have felt the love and dedication it gets from its friends,” Simek said.
