The generosity of our donors helps us deliver a Sewanee experience that will continue to develop students of capacity, character, and consequence for generations to come.

Lillie Belle Viebranz Renner, C’15, Leads Young Alumni Giving as Breslin Society Member

"I think [philanthropy] is a muscle that needs to be flexed. And it's not necessarily always comfortable—so it's better to start early."

Don Renaldo II, C'99, Shapes the Mountain through Sewanee Fund Endowment

"If my kids don't go to Sewanee, or don't even apply or consider it, my investment is still worthwhile."

The Rev. Suz Lowe Cate, C'84, T'12, Supports Hamilton Hall with Study Carrel Gift

"My personal theology is, what has been given by God is not given to us—it's given through us, to the world and the church, to be used for God's purposes."

Dr. Serena Satcher, C'85, Generates Opportunities with Sewanee Fund Support

"There's a lot of talent out there, and a place like Sewanee is a great environment for development and for young people to gain exposure to a variety of disciplines."

Bill McElveen, C’72, P’10, Raises the Bar for 50th Reunion Giving

 “[Sewanee] helped me learn how to deal with people and develop relationships—and that’s been a blessing to me over my career.”

The Rev. Lou Tucker Parsons, C’77, T’02, Elevates the School of Theology with Hamilton Hall Funding

“I was raised to believe that from whom much is given, much is expected."

Alice and Lee Spencer, P’12, Advance Sewanee’s Mission through Strategic Support

"It’s important for Sewanee to stay competitive in the world of athletics. We saw a need and have tried to fill it.” 

James Spriggs III, C'97, Fuels EQB with Sewanee Fund Gifts

“[Sewanee graduates] excel because they learn how to think. They learn how to learn. They’re open to new ideas, versus being in a box or having blinders.” 

Burns Family Supports Turf Initiative and Scholarship Endowment

"[Sewanee graduates] show up at companies and elevate everybody else around them."

Mary Cupp, C'78, Celebrates Sewanee Journey with Cornerstone Scholarship Gift

"Sewanee started me on a grand adventure."

Fred Rhodes Jr., C'08, Pays Tribute to Sewanee Community

"Sewanee is just one of those special places—it's an experience that doesn't really end."

The Rev. Claire Templin Makins, C'01, T'17, Strengthens School of Theology with Scholarship Funding

"I know giving back will allow people to have the same experiences I did."

Kilmartin Family Creates Endowment for the Sewanee Fund

"[A Sewanee education] gives you the ability to hold a conversation with anybody, cover any subject, recognize something in common, and to treat people with compassion and respect."

Susan Mashour Diehl, C'83, Honors 'Foundational' Sewanee Experience with Planned Gift

"I looked at other colleges, but Sewanee was a magical place. It still is."

The Rev. Dr. Chris Keller, P'08, Cultivates Curiosity through SUMMA Theological Debate Camp

"I wanted students to have access to a university library, and I didn't want [SUMMA] to have a 'church camp' feel. Sewanee was the place I had in mind."

Dr. Cortez Brown, C'16, Champions Pre-Health and Multicultural Programs

"I think it's important to give back—to lift as you climb."

Larry and Margo Williams, both C'81, Build Opportunities with Scholarship Support

"I think most people who attended Sewanee feel a real sense of loyalty to the University because they appreciate the friends they made and the great education they received."

Sewanee Athletics Rallies for $1M+ Fundraising Initiatives

"At Sewanee, we want every single thing we do to be excellent."

Board of Regents Member Chalankis Brown, C'11, Prioritizes Sewanee Fund Philanthropy

"I'm excited to help get the word out about how special the University is, and to take part in shaping its next chapter."

Dan Rather, C'85, Establishes Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department Endowment

"The Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department was a major part of my community experience and continues to be."

Shelley Martin, T'24, Promotes EQB with Recurring School of Theology Gift

"These years at Sewanee have been some of the best of my life. Some of the hardest and most difficult, but also the most beautiful and enriching."

Bill Stamler, C'56, Bequest Sets a Sewanee Record

"Bill supported and loved many schools—but Sewanee always came out on top."

The Rev. Canon Doris Westfall, T'05, Transforms Seminary with Hamilton Hall Gift

"My family didn't grow up with much money, but what we do give, I think we give with great love and with no strings attached."

Asitha Sandanayake, C'95, Gives to Pay it Forward

"I wouldn't be living and working in the United States now if it weren't for Sewanee. It's almost miraculous that I ended up here. I'm eternally grateful."

Marshall Chapman, C'84, Boosts Field Research by Supporting Potter Endowment

"One thing I learned from my father is that you should give back to your community. I see Sewanee as my community."

Exornati Alumni, C'67, Push Reunion Project Past $1 Million

"Sewanee is a part of my family and always will be."

Dr. Julius, C'72, and Kathy Mullins Give to Promote Scientific Research

"If I was having trouble with a subject [at Sewanee], it was easy to go talk to any of the professors. You didn't even have to make an appointment. You could knock on their door."

Curtis Johnson, C'14, Strengthens the University Art Gallery

"As a student with varied interests, Sewanee helped me see it was possible to explore many parts of my identity in my professional life."

Penny Elkins Cowan, P'09, P'12, Enriches Sewanee with Employee Support

"Over the years, our family has received a lot of benefits from the University, and that's also a reason we feel compelled to give back—because Sewanee has been such a supportive place to work all these years."

The Rev. Ann Benton Fraser, T'07, Aids Seminarians through Parish Giving

"As a seminarian, I was prepared for stewarding the Episcopal faith in a way that still feels relevant, even as the way the church is expressed in the world is changing."

Carolyn and Bill Shiverick, P'23, Spotlight Sewanee's Music Scene

"Sewanee is such a great liberal arts college, and we felt like it needed to include a facility to accommodate musicians."

Board of Regents Chair Jim Folds, C'86, Shapes Sewanee's Future with Strategic Giving

"One motivation for my service to Sewanee is the fact that we have so much potential as a university and as a place."

The Rev. Gedge Gayle, Jr., T'63, T'76, Guides the School of Theology as Fideles Society Member

"I have great affection for Sewanee's campus and for the progress that the School of Theology continues to make."

Amber Singleton Camiul, C'11, Forges Connections with Gifts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

"Whatever I can give, I give. And as I can give more, I give more."

Joanne Boyd, C'77, Strengthens Sewanee Women's Athletics with Gift of IRA Assets

"The more I learn about Sewanee, the more interested I am in giving money to the things I believe need support."

Janet and David Wrather, P'21, Support Sewanee 'In Perpetuity'

"Sewanee is a beautiful place, and I really feel I want it to succeed in perpetuity."

Holland, C’75, and Debbie West Broaden Students’ Horizons with Study Away and Ralston Listening Library Gifts

“We saw a gap that needed to be filled, and it was an area where we thought we could actually make a difference in students’ life and educational experiences.”

Marty and Kristin Middendorf, P’25, Extend Family’s Legacy By Supporting Fowler Center Enhancement

“If something is meaningful to you or meaningful to your family—whether it’s an athletic or an arts or an academic program—that’s something worth your support.”

Stephanie Ferreira, P’25, P’26, Gives to Support Her Children’s Growth

“My children love the place and the space, so I told myself, ‘Whatever we have, we need to plant it here.”

The Rev. Kat Chappell, T’23, Invests in the Church With Recurring Sewanee Gift

“There’s no price tag that I could put on my education and Sewanee experience, but I can show my gratitude by giving a small amount monthly.”

Dr. Dick Briggs, Jr., C’56, Creates $1M Scholarship Fund Through Direct IRA Contributions

“I would encourage everyone who has an IRA, and wants to engage in charitable giving, to consider using it.”

Alumni Couple Bess and Lee Allen, C'05, Support Sewanee with Time and Treasure

“I feel like Sewanee made us more philanthropic-minded. Sewanee creates an environment that encourages you to think outside yourself.”

ETHAN WHITE, C'21, MAKES IMPACT THROUGH MONTHLY GIVING

“It’s easier to have a discipline of giving a little bit every month.”

Don Olmstead, C'81, Makes Sewanee a Priority with Planned Gift

"Sewanee was a natural choice because of our connections and because of everything the University has done for us."

Dessie Moxley, GP’24, Fills a Need with Fowler Center Fueling Station

“Give until it feels good, and I can say that it does feel good to know that you've helped. And it feels especially good at Sewanee because of the appreciation of so many of the people who are positively impacted by Sewanee’s excellent stewardship of their gifts.”