Testimonials from Union's Alumni Explain
the Importance of Local Support

Sheila Terrell spoke at Union's Knox County Fund Drive held last Monday. Terrell, who has earned several degrees from Union, is currently working on her Rank 1. She has two daughters attending Union, Tiffany Jones and Tabitha Frederick. Both are following in their mother's footsteps and plan to become educators.

Union College received $3,300.00 in donations toward their $200,500 Knox County Fund Drive goal thanks to the generosity of those who attended the Knox County Fund Drive dinner on April 11, 2005.

The dinner was held at the Patridge Campus Center on campus. Union College friends, alums, local businesses, organizations, and local church representatives were invited to enjoy an evening of fellowship and camaraderie.

Event organizer and Union's new development officer, Susie Blevins-Campbell said, "This was the second Knox County Fund Drive event so I knew our local residents were expecting an evening where they could connect with other college supporters. I really feel the dinner helped to bolster support from Union's local friends."

Testimonials, delivered by Union alumni Sheila Terrell, Janey Skidmore, John David King, and George Hammons, gave attendees some insight into how Union College has shaped lives of local citizens.

"Union has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. However, I didn't realize the high level of quality education that the college offers until my oldest daughter started student teaching. She has received the best education and she really knows what she's doing." Terrell commented.

Terrell, who is currently earning her Rank I has two daughters attending Union, Tiffany Jones and Tabitha Frederick.

Skidmore used a recent television commercial to create an analogy about Union's role in our community. "The money spent by Union College Students in this community--$400,000. The money spent by Union College in this community--$1 million. Fifteen thousand hours of community service--$120,000. Supporting the love of learning and enthusiasm for life-priceless."

She concluded her testimonial with, "Don't miss out on this opportunity to stand with Union College. Be a part of our Knox County fund drive."

For a more current perspective, student Travis Carmack shared his feelings on what attending Union College has meant to him and the importance of local support in providing financial aid to students.

"I will start a tradition in my family. I will be the first person to earn a four-year degree. And I wouldn't be able to do this without the support from patrons just like you. People in this community have made it possible for me to attend Union and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you," he said.

The dinner was a success, Blevins-Campbell commented. "Nearly 200 possible prospects were identified and those in attendance agreed to contact those prospects in hopes of developing long lasting and positive relationships."

Currently the college has raised $96,773.00 toward the goal. With a deadline of June of this year, Blevins-Campbell encourages everyone interested in the success of Union to contribute to the Knox County Fund Drive.

April 22, 2005

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