GREENEVILLE – Celebrate the many ways Tusculum University transforms students’ lives by catching the first viewing of the episode featuring Tennessee’s first higher education institution on the national show “The College Tour.”
Kobe Funderburk, front center, was one of the students who shared his Tusculum experience. Part of the filming included a session with some of his fellow men’s basketball players and J.T. Burton, the head coach, back center.
Tusculum will hold an orange carpet event Thursday, Feb. 8, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre in downtown to premiere this episode. All community members are invited and are encouraged to wear orange and black, the university’s colors, to this fun and informative event.
“We are ecstatic to showcase how Tusculum equips our Pioneers in a caring Christian environment to be career-ready, civically engaged professionals,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president. “The region can be proud of our students’ achievements and the active and experiential learning we provide these Pioneers during their studies. Join us for this terrific event and learn further why Tusculum is such a tremendous asset for our region.”
Among the activities attendees will enjoy are a performance by the Tusculum Band, a chance to meet students who participated in the episode and a brief question-and-answer session with them. Dr. Hummel will make remarks, and Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison will present a proclamation declaring Feb. 8 as Tusculum University Day in the community and describing Tusculum’s impact. As guests enter the Capitol Theatre, they will have an opportunity to be photographed and to meet with Tusculum’s admission team.
“The College Tour” filmed the episode on campus in October. Tusculum will receive the finished product in early February.
Students David Bowlin, Stephen Brewer, Isabelle Delbridge, Kobe Funderburk, Josie Norton, Grayson Patterson, Xavier Velazquez, Maggie Vickers and Todd Wallin as well as 2012 graduate Dionté Grey participated in short segments. They shared their impressive Tusculum experiences, detailed the vast array of programs and activities that support students, highlighted the one-on-one connections with professors and emphasized how the foundation Tusculum laid prepared them to succeed and make a difference.
Student Xavier Velazquez, right, participates in his segment at Pioneer Field.
Student Isabelle Delbridge, center, films her segment next to McCormick Hall.
The show’s host, Alex Boylan, said the orange carpet event is a can’t-miss gathering.
“This is an incredible opportunity to be among the first people ever to watch this episode and celebrate what makes Tusculum so special,” he said. People can watch his complete message at https://youtu.be/6GIXmgjUBA0.
Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement, who is organizing the orange carpet event and episode viewing, said community members can add their personal touch to the day’s festivities.
“This is not just a university event but also a way to honor the deep connections between Tusculum and the community,” Roberts said. “We would love for businesses to recognize the orange carpet event and episode launch on their signs or inside their facilities. Perhaps businesses want to extend the event by staying open later and inviting community members to join them for post-watch activities. Tusculum is invested in the community, and we are grateful for the many instances in which the community invests in our students.”
Dr. Hummel concurs.
“In addition to providing an outstanding education, Tusculum contributes significantly to the region’s economy and quality of life,” he said. “Conservatively, we have identified an annual economic impact of $58.3 million. Our students will further strengthen the community when they put their degrees to work after graduation. A partnership between the university and the community has positive ripple effects that create a win-win scenario.”
Student Josie Norton films her segment on the patio of Virginia Hall.
Student Todd Wallin, right, films his segment in Behan Arena Theatre on the set of “The Glass Menagerie.”
The primary goal of filming the episode is to attract new students. Dr. Jacob Fait, vice president of enrollment management and financial aid, who established the relationship with “The College Tour” and led the filming process on Tusculum’s end, has big plans for the event. He is inviting all students who have been accepted to Tusculum to attend so they can participate in the excitement this episode has generated. He will also use the episode in further student recruitment efforts.
“Appearing on a national television show is quite an accomplishment and a recognition of the caliber of Tusculum,” Dr. Fait said. “Our students and Dionté were fabulous in discussing the value of a Tusculum education, and their messages will be powerful for potential new students to understand the reason our university is the best choice. Tusculum is affordable and a great university to grow academically, socially and spiritually without getting lost in the crowd. This episode tells that story effectively.”
Anyone with questions about the event can email Roberts at eroberts@tusculum.edu. To apply, please visit https://site.tusculum.edu/apply-visit/apply/. More about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.