Why Give

The deep-rooted connection between Charles and Suzanne Forlidas (’75, ’87) and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is nothing short of a love story – one of dedication, gratitude and a fervent belief in the power of personal investment in public education. Suzanne’s journey with UTC began when, upon graduating from high school, she witnessed the transformation of the private …

Graduating from UTC in 1992, Richard X. Zhang’s profound connection with UTC and its Honors College has grown from graduate to donor, creating an indelible impact for our students. This philanthropic act underscores Richard’s commitment to educational excellence, echoing his earlier contributions like the Robert Fulton and Richard X. Zhang Endowed International Exchange Scholarship fund, granting students the opportunity to …

“If you knew Alan, you knew his love for the Mocs,” says Alan’s wife, Laura. Alan Cooper (‘96) was a well-known face at Chattanooga football and basketball games. The year before he passed, Laura had Alan’s truck painted UTC Blue and Gold for tailgates at Finley Stadium. His brother, Scott Cooper, has agreed to continue that tradition. While at UTC …

Kathy (‘90) and Eddie O’Brien (‘87) are steadfast pillars of support for initiatives across UTC, showing genuine dedication to campus life. Together, they have made significant contributions to both academic and athletic endeavors. Their support extends to the Marching Mocs, where the heartbeat of campus spirit resonates, and to the esteemed Gary W. Rollins College of Business, known for its …

More than 70 students have benefitted from the legacy of Dr. Littleton H. Mason over the past 30 years. Dr. Mason spent over 17 years of his career at Chattanooga City College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He was dedicated to helping students and the community fulfill the “dream of equality.” In memory of this life-long passion, Dr. Mason’s family established the Littleton H. Mason Scholarship. Unlike other scholarships based in an area of study, the Littleton H. Mason Scholarship is awarded by UTC’s Multicultural Center to students who are keeping Dr. Mason’s

On Saturdays in the fall, you’ll find Reuben Lowery III on the football field. The two-time SoCon Defensive Player of the Week and SoCon Defensive Player of the Month can also be found in the lab and classroom pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Dean Valerie Rutlidge (left) and Mary Ann Stewart (right) Mary Ann Stewart (‘72, ‘76) will tell you that she’s a listener more than a speaker. When presented with an opportunity to create the John “Ebb” and Mary Ann Stewart School of Education Model Classroom and Fab-Lab in the recently renovated historic Hunter Hall, Stewart heard an incredible way she could …

Thanks to an extraordinary $8 million gift from the Kennedy Foundation, Inc., the School of Nursing is set to realize its long-cherished dream of a state-of-the-art facility. This landmark donation, the largest in the School of Nursing’s history, paves the way for the construction of the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building. The Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences …

Thanks to alumni and supporters like you, we raised $1,734,947.42 from 2,131 donors during our fourth annual Mocs Give Day on Oct. 3. This exceeded the day’s original fundraising goals of $1 million from 1,500 donors. A record number of students, faculty and staff participated in Mocs Give Day this year, with over 600 students making gifts. Among the highlights …

A love for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a passion for football and basketball inspired Glenn Allen (’79), and his wife MiDori, to support UTC for over four decades and many more years to come. To say that Glenn and MiDori have a love affair with UTC basketball and football is a bit of an understatement. To say …

For Destiny McClendon (’25), the athletics scholarship was an opportunity for her to succeed. Making the Dean’s List and Athletics Director’s Honor Roll, Destiny played in all 30 games in her rookie campaign. Shooting over 36% from the field and second on the team for 3-pointers made, Destiny currently maintains an A average, was the recipient of the 2021 Georgia Youth of the Year award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and studies communication.

Made possible as part of a generous $40 million gift from UTC College of Business alumnus Mr. Gary W. Rollins and his wife, Kathleen Rollins, in July 2018, the Rollins Scholars program provides up to 20 outstanding incoming freshmen students with $4,000 annual scholarship for up to four consecutive years of study. In addition to the scholarship support, Rollins Scholars attend core classes together, live in the same residence hall and participate in hands-on, educational experiences outside the classroom.