Why Give

Because Mocs Soar Together

Your support for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has the power to change lives. Your generosity enables students to pursue their aspirations and helps create a brighter future for our Moc community by providing them with exceptional learning experiences, access to renowned faculty, top-ranked academic programs and improved learning environments.

We express our heartfelt gratitude for your thoughtful demonstration of what it means to be a Moc.

Your Impact

Honors impact gala attendees.

The Honors Impact

Impacting Lives, Shaping Futures One way that Elizabeth and Kelly Jo focused on sustaining the college’s work was to promote giving to the O’Dea Lecture in the Humanities series at the Gala. Named after UC Foundation Professor of English Gregory O’Dea, who also served the Honors College for more than 25 years, Gala attendees and other supporters raised over $34,000 …
Walker and Sarah Rhodes.

Supporting UTC Starts Early

Walker (‘13) and Sarah (‘15) Rhodes Passionate supporters of UTC Athletics, Walker (‘13) and Sarah (‘15) Rhodes have a special connection to the university that began as students. A love story rooted in UTC sports, Walker met most of Sarah’s family, prior to meeting Sarah, through their shared enthusiasm for Mocs football. Walker and Sarah finally met after the 2013 …
Alvarado on a study abroad trip.

Alexander-Higham Scholarship

The Scholarship Impact Abroad Every other summer, students journey from Chattanooga to Spain to take upper-level Spanish and culture classes. One of these trips included Jacqueline Alvarado, a senior Political Science major and first-generation college student at UTC. Jacqueline’s experience was made possible by the Alexander-Higham Fund for First Generation Study Abroad. Drs. Michael Alexander and Carol Higham, husband and …
Suzanne and Charles Forlidas Feature

Fostering Excellence Through Generosity

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 …
Students sit around a table having a discussion

Innovation Through Philanthropy

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 …

Forever a Moc – Alan Cooper (‘96)

“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 …
Photo of Eddie and Kathy O'Brien

Champions of Campus

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 …

Dreaming of Equality

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
Ruben Lowery running on the football field during a game.

Football and Rockets

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.