With a recent name change and the inauguration of its 28th president, Tusculum University is blazing a new trail that will firmly establish this educational institution as a pioneer in the region.
Kindall Hurley, first lady of Tusculum University, left, is joined on the back row by Crystal Jessee. On the front row are, left to right, are Helga Hull, Debbie Corey, Linda Kelly and Linda Ayers.
The university is moving the needle on multiple fronts as it becomes a first-choice destination for students in the Appalachian region. To accomplish its goals and aspirations, Tusculum will rely heavily on the faculty, staff, administration and Board of Trustees collaborating with the community to provide the best possible educational and social experience for students.
This partnership was on full display Friday, Oct. 12, when Tusculum held the President’s Gala for the first time. Members of the Tusculum family joined philanthropists from the community to celebrate the university’s achievements and positive direction.
About 400 people filled Pioneer Arena for a special evening of dinner, dancing and fellowship, all designed to showcase Tusculum as a leading university in the region.
“For us to remain successful and continue to advance, a partnership between all sectors of our university and our local and national supporters will be essential,” said Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president. “All of us are committed to moving Tusculum forward, and the unified atmosphere at the gala demonstrated our university’s best days remain ahead of us. We’re extremely excited and look to the future with conviction.”
The gala provided an opportunity for personnel throughout Tusculum and the community to pose for photos and enjoy themselves on the dance floor. It started with a reception under a tent outside the Scott M. Niswonger Commons and continued inside a gorgeously decorated arena, which featured attractive orange lighting reflecting off black drapes. Use of the university’s official colors illustrated the pride permeating the occasion.
Ladies attended clothed in their finest dresses and gowns, and gentlemen came to the dinner sporting tuxedos or other fine evening wear. Once inside, they dined and participated in toasts to Dr. Hurley that were conducted by Dr. Ken Bowman, a Tusculum board member, and Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, executive vice president of the College of Health Sciences and founding dean of the Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine.
It was appropriate for Dr. Buzzelli to contribute to the evening’s success because he oversees a college that will play a key role in Tusculum’s continued transformation. The optometry college is seeking accreditation so it can begin accepting students for fall 2020. That same year, the College of Health Sciences plans to welcome the first class of students into the proposed physician assistant program.
“Our gala was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the many people who diligently serve Tusculum University,” said Dr. Gregory W. Nelson, the board’s chairman. “We have an outstanding university with first-class faculty and staff, and our excellent student body will make a positive imprint on the world. The board supports their efforts and views Tusculum’s future with confidence.”
The energy at the gala celebrated a university focused on pursuing new frontiers. Some of those ventures will be made possible through the Tusculum 225 – University Rising capital campaign that will infuse new dollars to increase student scholarships, further assist faculty and staff and enhance Tusculum’s infrastructure.
Representatives of the community joined members of the Tusculum University family for the President’s Gala.
“We will build off the legacy for which Tusculum is well-known and take the next steps to drive the quality of our university to the next level,” said Jill Salyers, vice president of institutional advancement and marketing & communications.
“Tusculum’s base of support is impressive, but we are continuing to seek ways to expand community interest in the university. Our first gala is a major example how people are recognizing the value of our Judeo-Christian heritage and excellent academic offerings and are seeking to grow resources to serve students for another 225 years.”
Tusculum is already preparing for the second annual President’s Gala.
To obtain more information or to express interest in supporting this event, please contact the Institutional Advancement office at 423-636-7303.