Tusculum receives grant to expand Nettie Day, increase ability to focus on veterans’ needs

WASHINGTONNettie Fowler McCormick Service Day is a longtime and cherished tradition at Tusculum University in which students, faculty and staff head into the community to perform a variety of projects that assist organizations in need.

Tusculum University students participate in Nettie Day in 2018.

The annual event, scheduled this year for Wednesday, Sept. 11, at about 35 community sites, will feature more than 700 volunteers. Tusculum’s ability to expand Nettie Day with increased attention on veterans’ needs and more financial resources will grow in 2020 with the receipt of a $45,000 grant from the Corporation for National & Community Service.

Tusculum is one of just nine organizations in the nation to receive a 2020 September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Grant.

“This is exceptional news for our university and will show our commitment to civic engagement more fully,” said Dr. Greg Nelson, Tusculum’s acting president. “We are proud of our record of community service and welcome the opportunity to improve the quality of life in a comprehensive way with Nettie Day.”

The grant will enable Tusculum to expand the number of communities Nettie Day serves and increase participation to more than 800 people. The funds will also help Tusculum purchase new supplies, such as hand tools, paint brushes and goggles, that can be used for several years. It will also support staffing needs, transportation expenses and meals.

Tusculum will place further emphasis on veterans’ needs and honor these individuals’ service through these Nettie Day activities. At least 20 percent of Nettie Day participants will serve at several locations to address veterans, military families and/or veterans support services.

In addition, Nettie Day will provide an opportunity for veterans, a military family member or a currently serving member of the armed services to give back to the community by participating in this special day. Each volunteer and representatives of the agencies that are served will receive a button with a slogan about the service of veterans.

“Nettie Day reinforces an important message about the value of community service, and we are grateful to receive financial support from an organization that shares the same viewpoint,” said Dr. Ronda Gentry, Tusculum’s executive director of student persistence and engagement. “This grant recognizes the excellent work the Tusculum family is already providing and allows us to grow Nettie Day in new and innovative ways, especially to honor those who have served our country so admirably.”

Organizations interested in hosting a team from Tusculum for Nettie Day in 2020 should email Courtney Washburn, the event’s coordinator, at cwashburn@tusculum.edu.