In the last issue, I stressed my hope that UT alumni would “Recruit, Reconnect, and Reinvest” with and for our alma mater. At this time of year, it seems appropriate to underscore the advantages of reinvesting.
For many people hearing that word, the first thought that comes to mind is dollars. And gifts to UT are important (I’ll come back to that later), but gifts of time, talent, leadership, and advocacy are also crucial to our university’s success.
As products of the institution, we are key stakeholders. While faculty and administrators change and students transition into alumni ranks, alumni are forever. We have the wonderful opportunity to tell others—our friends, prospective students, elected officials, community leaders, business executives—what a special place UT is and about the many contributions it is making to the economic development and welfare of our state.
All of us can be proud of the university’s outreach in public service, research, and instruction. It is possible to have a great publicly assisted university without necessarily having a great state. But it is impossible to have a great state without a great flagship state university serving the needs of its citizens. Throughout our university—the statewide University of Tennessee—we are making major contributions to the state’s progress and achievements.
That is a story that continually needs to be told, and our alumni are the best messengers. Look for opportunities to share the good news about the university with those with whom you come in contact. If you need information, call the National Alumni Association office at 865-974-3011.
Finally—and I know I’m preaching to the choir since you’re receiving this publication as a result of your financial support of some unit or program of the university—all of us need to commit to continuing and even increasing our investment in UT.
There are many ways to do that. You may include the university in your estate plans (and if you have already done that, please let the university development office know), make a trust gift of real property and receive an income for life, purchase a gift annuity, or make an annual, corporate, foundation, or capital--campaign gift. Any UT alumnus or development staff member would be glad to talk to you about these or other methods of giving.
You also can encourage others to join you in making gifts to the university. Again, our opinion leadership can be a positive in convincing others to give, especially new graduates or “never-givers.”
Every day we have a special opportunity to put the university’s best foot forward by what we say and do at work, in our communities, and among our friends. I encourage you to join me in being even more vocal in our support of UT.
Every cause needs people more than money! But the latter doesn’t hurt at all.
Related categories: Alumni Association, Giving, President's Report
