GREENEVILLE – Motorists who drive near Tusculum University on Tenn. Highway 107 will soon see the higher education institution’s name affixed to a bridge.
Left to right, Danny Greene, the City of Tusculum’s police chief, Dr. Melissa Bryant, director of alumni relations for the university; Tusculum Mayor Alan Corley; Carrie Maggert, vice president of operations at the university; and Kim Collins, executive assistant to the president at the university, stand in front of the bridge where the sign will be placed.
The university has collaborated with the state of Tennessee and the City of Tusculum to secure the necessary approvals to put a sign on the bridge that will say, “Home of Tusculum University.” The placement is occurring in memory of Bill and Jane Pilloni, two beloved alumni, who graduated in 1960 and 1959, respectively. Their son, Craig, has provided substantial financial support to bring the sign to fruition.
The sign is scheduled to be unveiled in a ceremony Friday, Oct. 31, as part of the university’s Homecoming.
“We are delighted to recognize two outstanding individuals who supported our institution so fervently,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president. “All of us miss Bill and Jane tremendously, remember them fondly and are pleased their love for the university continues to show through their son. We are grateful to Craig for his thoughtfulness and generosity and know his parents are smiling in heaven because of the visibility this sign will bring to their alma mater.”
The couple established the William and Jane Shanks Pilloni Endowed Scholarship Fund as a way to support the academic pursuits of the university’s students. But the Pillonis showed their love for the university in so many other ways. They served in leadership positions in fundraising campaigns for the university and regularly attended events on campus.
They were especially known for being in the stands at athletic events, cheering the Pioneers to victory. The pair also served on the university’s Board of Trustees.
The university is engaged in the process of working with a contractor to install the sign after receiving approval from the state. With support from the city, the university worked closely with the state to meet the necessary requirements to add the lettering to the bridge.
Dr. Hummel said the university is grateful to the state and city for their understanding of the sign’s importance and for supporting the initiative.
In particular, he thanked state Sen. Steve Southerland and state Rep. David Hawk, both Republicans, who represent Tusculum, for their leadership on this matter. The two legislators were immensely helpful as the university and the city navigated the process for securing approvals for the sign. Dr. Hummel also shared his gratitude to the Tennessee Department of Transportation for enabling this project to move forward.
Additionally, Dr. Hummel expressed his appreciation to the City of Tusculum and Mayor Alan Corley, who serves on the university’s Board of Trustees, for their backing of the initiative.
To celebrate this achievement with the bridge, the university has scheduled the Oct. 31 ceremony to reveal the sign. Federal, state and local leaders will be invited to join the university and the city to mark this milestone and reflect on the Pillonis. The event is set for 1:30 p.m. that day. Should weather be unsuitable to hold the unveiling then, the university will move the ceremony to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.
While the university was able to place the sign sooner, officials elected to hold the event during Homecoming instead. Because the Pillonis were highly admired alumni, the university wanted other former students to be able to attend.
“Homecoming is an important tradition for our university and attracts many alumni, who return to relive their memories and reminisce with classmates,” said Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement. “Holding this event during Homecoming is highly appropriate and will enable us to memorialize the Pillonis, who have meant so much to our institution, and to celebrate the university in a special way. We are excited to see the sign coming to the bridge.”
Corley said he, too, is pleased to see the project becoming a reality.
“Tusculum University has a tremendous impact on the quality of life in our city, the rest of Greene County and the region,” he said. “Every year, we are impressed with the caliber of students the university attracts and the outstanding results they produce in the classroom and in community service. We are honored to have the university as part of our community and welcome the opportunity to back the sign.”
Craig Pilloni and other friends have donated a substantial amount for the sign, but opportunities remain for others to financially support the project. Anyone who is interested in donating can visit www.tusculum.edu/giving and select “107 Bridge Campaign in memory of Bill and Jane Pilloni” from the drop-down menu. The university is seeking to raise another $6,000.
“This is a wonderful method to show the respect everyone has for Bill and Jane and to reinforce the university’s value,” said Kim Collins, a President’s Office staff member who has worked with Craig Pilloni on this project. “All donations, large and small, will have a tangible effect in finalizing this project and showcasing the university.”
Anyone with questions can email Roberts at eroberts@tusculum.edu or call 423-636-7303.
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.