Tusculum University has surpassed its fundraising goal for the Dorm Refresh Campaign with a substantial gift from an alumna with a lengthy history of support for her alma mater.
With the recent donation from Dr. Judith Domer (pictured) plus other contributions, the total raised now exceeds $123,000. The university had set a goal of $110,000. Tusculum will keep the campaign active through National Day of Giving on Tuesday, Nov. 28, to receive additional funds for further refresh needs within the residence halls.
“We thank all of our donors who are making this campaign a major success and are especially grateful to Dr. Domer for putting us over the top of our goal,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “While our donors and alumni exceeded our goal for the focused projects in dorm refresh, so much more can be accomplished with additional support. I wish our donors could have seen the reactions and heard the appreciation of our returning students as they moved back into the residence halls this fall.”
The Dorm Refresh Campaign is paying for items such as new furniture, flooring and ceiling fans as well as fresh paint and enhanced lighting. Alumni have backed the Dorm Refresh Campaign in many ways, including holding a yard sale, contributing funds and spreading the word about the importance of this initiative.
They became dorm captains and solicited to their former roommates and classmates to gain support. That effort was quite successful. Several alumni also appeared in videos used to market the Dorm Refresh Campaign.
Dr. Domer, who graduated from Tusculum in 1961 with bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry, recently donated $25,000 to the Dorm Refresh Campaign as part of her regular giving to the university. She and her late husband, Floyd, established one endowed scholarship fund at her alma mater, and she has created a research endowment that will go into effect at a later date. She also served on Tusculum’s Board of Trustees and as president of the Alumni Executive Board.
Having lived in a residence hall at Tusculum, she understands the value of supporting the Dorm Refresh Campaign.
“When prospective students come to campus to look at housing, they are interested in living in a space that looks appealing,” Dr. Domer said. “That was my home away from home when I was in college. It has provided a source of friendship for me over the years. I have kept in touch with fellow students I knew from my residence hall, including one who still lives in Greeneville.”
In recognition of Dr. Domer’s donation, the university will name the lobby on the Charles Oliver Gray West residence hall in whatever manner she prefers. Details about the COG West lobby dedication will be shared in the near future.
Tusculum has set Thursday, Oct. 12, at 4:45 p.m. for ceremonies honoring two other donors to the Dorm Refresh Campaign. During these events, the university will unveil the Stan R. Welty Jr. Lobby in Welty-Craig Hall and the Niswonger Foundation Room.
Janet Welty, widow of Dr. Stan Welty, a 1951 graduate, recently donated $25,000 for the Welty-Craig lobby. She learned about the Dorm Refresh Campaign through Tusculum’s alumni newsletter and determined she should support this project. She said she knew her husband would have contributed to this cause were he alive today. Tusculum’s Facilities Management Department has installed new flooring in both lobbies, painted, revamped the ceilings and laundry room and installed a new television and new LED lighting.
In addition, Dr. Scott Niswonger, a 1987 Tusculum graduate and a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, as well as a prominent businessman, civic leader and philanthropist, donated $10,000 to the Dorm Refresh Campaign. He was enthused about it because it contributes to the learning that occurs in college and stimulates a fun and inviting atmosphere in the residence halls.
Both of these ceremonies will take place during Homecoming and the regular Board of Trustees meeting.
The Office of Institutional Advancement has also received 16 donations as part of a grassroots effort to name the lobby in Katherine Hall after Mary Helen Paxton. She was a 40-year Tusculum employee and ardent supporter of Tusculum’s athletic program who passed away in 2018. Her daughter, Jackie Rose, has continued the family tradition of being active at Tusculum, serving as president of the Alumni Executive Board.
Supporting the Dorm Refresh Campaign recognizes the value of a Tusculum education and the quality of the university’s campus experience, said Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement.
“Donors to the Dorm Refresh Campaign are investing in our students in a meaningful way,” Roberts said. “No amount is too small. We have been honored to receive sizable donations and other heartfelt gifts that reflect donors’ understanding that this is an important period in our students’ lives. We are pleased to enhance our residence halls and know that our students appreciate the support of our donors.”
To learn more about the Dorm Refresh Campaign and giving levels, please visit https://site.tusculum.edu/dorm-refresh/. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.
