Dear Sewanee Family,
Maybe it’s because Sewanee’s fall weather has been so warm, but I find it nearly impossible to believe that we’re over halfway through the Advent semester! I’m doing my best to enjoy the foliage outside my window at the Bishop’s Common before the trees are bare.
In University Relations, fall is a season of back-to-back celebrations—we loved welcoming Sewanee parents and friends for Family Weekend in September and greeting seminary alumni at the School of Theology’s St. Luke’s Lectures and Homecoming in early October. Now, we’re gearing up for the College’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, which will take place Nov. 1-3. Cheers to our alumni from class years ending in 4 or 9, and especially to the Class of 1974, who will celebrate their 50th reunion! Exornati alumni play a critical role in Sewanee philanthropy, and I’m always inspired by their enthusiasm for supporting current and future students.
|
|
|
|
Of course, it’s never too early to start shaping the Sewanee experience! Recently, we introduced the Breslin Society, a giving society created to honor young alumni who are elevating the University through their recurring gifts. In this issue of Philanthropy and Engagement, I’m excited to share the Sewanee story of Lillie Belle Viebranz Renner, C’15, one of our outstanding Breslin benefactors. It takes the dedicated generosity of many Sewanee alumni—and University families, faculty, staff, and friends—to ensure our campus’s continued growth and vitality.
As you prepare for the winter holidays, please put a red circle around Giving Tuesday, which is set for Dec. 3. The end of the calendar year is a great time to reflect on the people, places, and causes that are important to you and to offer a little extra support if you’re able.
Thank you for everything you do to help Sewanee shine!
With appreciation,
|
Vice President for University Relations |
|
|
Lillie Belle Viebranz Renner, C'15, Leads Young Alumni Giving as Breslin Society Member
|
Lillie Belle Viebranz Renner, C’15, is eager to keep her memories of Sewanee sharp—not only because she loved her time on the Mountain, but also so she’ll never lose her focus on giving back. “I’ve done a lot in my career, and I’ve taken and run with opportunities, but I’m a product of all the experiences I’ve had,” she says. “I think the further away you get from a place like Sewanee, the harder it can be to quantify its impact.”
Lillie Belle and her husband, Hurst Renner, C’13, make it a point to discuss their Sewanee giving annually and to increase their support as they’re able. Their philanthropy makes them a key part of Sewanee’s Breslin Society, a giving society that recognizes alumni based on their recurring support and the number of years that have passed since their graduation. Along with contributing to the Sewanee Fund, the Renners provide gifts to the Cumberland Plateau Scholarship Endowment Fund, which Lillie Belle established with her parents in 2016. “I get emotional thinking about my friends and my experience [at Sewanee],” she says, "because it was amazing.”
|
|
Lillie Belle Viebranz Renner, C'15
|
|
|
Philanthropy in Action
Meet the Sewanee alumni, parents, and friends who are shaping students'
experiences on the Mountain!
|
|
|
Donald Philip Renaldo II Family Endowment for the Sewanee Fund
|
“If my kids don't go to Sewanee, or don't even apply or consider it, my investment is still worthwhile."
|
|
School of Theology
Class of 2012 Study Carrel
|
The Rev. Suz Lowe Cate, C'84, T'12
|
"My personal theology is, what has been given by God is not given to us—it's given through us, to the world and the church, to be used for God's purposes."
|
|
“There's a lot of talent out there, and a place like Sewanee is a great environment for development and for young people to gain exposure to a variety of disciplines."
|
|
|
Richard "Stretch" Whittington II, C'02
|
| Meet a Sewanee Fund Volunteer! Q&A with Richard "Stretch" Whittington II, C'02 |
Who are the cheerful Sewanee alumni messaging you about Tiger Tuesday or urging you to attend your upcoming reunion? They’re Sewanee Fund volunteers—University grads who generously give their time to ensure the success of their alma mater! We shared five questions with Richard “Stretch” Whittington II, C’02, who has been helping the Sewanee Fund since 2022.
What's your volunteer role?
I'm the co-chair for the Class of 2002, working with Richard Wilkens, C'02.
Major/minor at Sewanee?
I was a political science major and a religion minor—but I should have been a geology major! Those were my favorite classes and what I ultimately pursued as a career.
Favorite spot on campus?
This is an impossible question! How can you whittle down 10,000 acres (at the time of my attendance) and four years into one place? I'd say Gailor when it was a dorm and dining hall, or Shakerag Hollow, or the Bishop's Common for all the memories, or duPont Library, or the football practice field for all my hours spent there, or...
Favorite meal at McClurg?
Breakfast omelet with bacon and cheese made by Jack Nance. While Jack was cooking the omelet, we were able to develop a friendship that endures to this day.
What's the best thing about being a Sewanee Fund volunteer?
Knowing that my efforts have a tangible impact on the University and current students.
|
|
|
| Want to Help Write Sewanee's Next Chapter? Apply to Join Our Team! |
University Relations is seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic advancement officer to enhance Sewanee's mission by cultivating and stewarding leadership-level donors. Learn more and apply here!
|
|
|
Stay Connected with Sewanee |
|
Showing your support for the University has never been easier. Find the best way for you to give today!
|
| Update your contact information so you never miss news and event invitations from Sewanee.
|
| Explore the latest features on Sewanee's remarkable students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
|
|
|
The University of the South • Office of University Relations • waystogive.sewanee.edu
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
735 University Ave | Sewanee, TN 37383 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
