In fiscal year 2024, donors to the University of Tennessee gave a record amount to directly benefit students for generations to come.
The UT Foundation surpassed $400 million in commitment totals for the first time in UT System history. These philanthropy efforts will directly benefit students through new programming, research and initiatives, including scholarships, student services and athletics facilities.
“We celebrate this milestone alongside more than 86,000 alumni and friends who pledged their support for opportunity, growth and the future of higher education,” says UT Foundation President Kerry Witcher. “The philanthropic passion of our donors, coupled with the academic excellence throughout our campuses and institutes, drives our mission forward and will impact students for generations to come.”
Historic Fundraising by Campus
Three campuses celebrated record-breaking years.
UT Knoxville surpassed the $300 million mark for the first time with a total fundraising amount of $332 million.
UT Chattanooga celebrated its largest fundraising year in UTC history with more than $60 million in gifts. The total represents a 325 percent increase from the previous year in dollars raised to support students, faculty and staff.
UT Southern also celebrated a banner fundraising year, doubling its goal by bringing $6 million in support for the newest addition to the UT System.
Transformational Gifts
UT Chattanooga received a $30 million gift from Gary and Kathleen Rollins to support the expansion of Fletcher Hall and the home to the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. UTC’s School of Nursing received an $8 million gift—the largest in the nursing school’s history—from the Kennedy Foundation, which will help fund the new Dorothy and Kim Kennedy Health Science Building.
A gift of 600 acres, bequeathed by the late Dr. Bruce Wilson, marked the largest gift in UT Southern history.

UT Knoxville closed out the year with the naming of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, honoring one of the university’s most generous benefactors. The gift from the Haslam family will allow the college to continue to lead in the music economy.
Record-Breaking Giving Days
Campus-led giving days also exceeded goals through their campaigns.
UT Southern’s inaugural FireWeek surpassed its initial goal of 250 donors within hours. The campaign raised $48,000 from 1,200 donors showing their support to the Middle Tennessee campus.
The 10th annual UT Martin Captain’s Challenge exceeded its donor goals with 1,441 donors from 40 states donating more than $428,000.

The UT Health Science Center’s fourth annual Giving Day surpassed its donor goal with 1,155 donors from across the country contributing almost $665,000.
UTC’s Mocs Give Day raised $1.7 million, making it that campus’ most successful event.
“I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team across the university, whose hard work and passion have driven us to this historic milestone,” says UT System President Randy Boyd. “I’m incredibly thankful to our alumni and donors for their unwavering belief in the future of UT. Their generosity and support are what make this achievement possible, and we are excited to continue building a brighter future together as we make this the greatest decade in the history of UT.”