Torchbearer: Spring 1998

Senior Gifts Make Lasting Memories

Traditions are the future's link to the past. They help endear the university to its alumni.

Traditions abound at UTK–Torch Night, the Honors Banquet, Rocky Top and Aiei Proso. Another is well on its way to achieving the status of creating fond memories for future graduates..

The Senior Gift Challenge is a tangible legacy around which graduates can unite. The Senior Gift program also establishes the idea of giving to the university before students receive that first and inevitable solicitation from the alumni office.

Near the end of last fall semester, this year's seniors announced they will leave as a remembrance a brick entrance to the Hill. This is an excellent choice, as all the previous senior gifts have been.

In 1990 my predecessor, Chancellor John Quinn, had the idea that the senior class should consider paying tribute to the university for the opportunities provided them as students.

Dr. Quinn's suggestion was warmly embraced. With the help of the campus alumni office, students formed a steering committee, raised money, and the Class of 1991 presented the first Senior Gift to the university–chimes for the bell tower in Ayres Hall.

The announcement of the gift has, in fact, become a celebration. Students who volunteer to work on the various gift committees donate hundreds of hours of time devising the fund-raising campaign, identifying an appropriate gift or project, and developing detailed plans for it. At the ceremony the students recognize an individual or two for leadership, and the entire event is a special time as we wind down fall semester.

Being asked to participate in the announcement has become a highlight on my calendar!

On your trips back to campus for sporting events, concerts, or to visit sons and daughters who are current students, you may have heard the Ayres chimes, checked the time on the clock tower near the library, or admired the university seal inlayed in the sidewalk in front of the University Center. They are here because of the generosity and hard work of senior classes.

These, the brick entry to the Hill, and other Senior Gift projects beautify and improve our campus, and they add to the rich traditions known and loved by UTK graduates.

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