With a $60,000 goal, Tusculum College officially kicked off the 2015-16 Pioneer Club campaign with a motivational breakfast held at the Greeneville campus on Tuesday, May 5.
“Tusculum College appreciates all that you do to support Tusculum College athletics,” said Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody, who welcomed the campaign volunteers. “What you do truly makes a difference with our students.”
Chairman of the Pioneer Club Campaign this year is Larry Coughlin, in his seventh year serving as leader of this effort. Coughlin announced the campaign goal, and the time frame of this year’s campaign, which will be four weeks, ending on June 2.
Coughlin has been actively involved with Tusculum College and its student-athletes and is respected in the Greeneville community as a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Foundation Board of the Greeneville Exchange Club. He is a member of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation Board and on the Consumer Credit Union Board of Directors.
He and his wife, Donna, have for many years been dedicated to supporting Tusculum College student-athletes and their programs. In 2010, Coughlin was recognized with the Sports Benefactor Award, which recognizes individuals for their contributions toward the Pioneer athletic programs.
Coughlin also announced team captains for this year’s efforts. Team captains include friends of the college Bland Justis and Dr. Craig Shepherd, as well as alumni Doug DeBusk, Justin Jeffers. Angelo Botta and Curtis Morrison.
The Pioneer Club is the college’s vehicle to provide athletic scholarships and program support to all athletic programs. The program began in 1991, and with the help and support of alumni and friends of the college, each year the goals have been met in both membership and dollars raised.
Athletics at Tusculum College are a big part of campus life; nearly 50 percent of the students are student-athletes.
Tusculum Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Frankie DeBusk was on hand at the kick-off event to encourage and thank the volunteers.
“Thank you for all you do. The money you raise helps every single one of our sports teams through scholarships and help for our budgets,” said DeBusk. “I truly believe we have a special place here, and your efforts go directly to support our student-athletes.”
Coughlin said volunteers will be making contacts in the community over the next four weeks to solicit support for Tusculum College athletics, and he is expecting the community to be receptive.
“What an exciting program to be a part of, and as a Pioneer Club member, you can help student-athletes enjoy the unique Tusculum College experience,” Coughlin added.
For more information on the Pioneer Club or to become a member, contact Tusculum College’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 423-636-7303.
Leadership for this year’s Tusculum College Pioneer Club Campaign includes from left, Angelo Botta, Chairman Larry Coughlin, Justin Jeffers, Curtis Morrison, Bland Justis and Dr. Craig Shepherd. Not pictured is Doug DeBusk.