Dear Sewanee Family:
Now that the students have returned, our campus has been restored to its rightful place of energy, excitement, and possibility. Over the summer, we made meaningful progress on several strategic priorities that will shape Sewanee’s future. We advanced plans for the University’s next comprehensive campaign, strengthened our efforts to elevate Sewanee’s national profile, and deepened the relationships that are essential to our long-term success. Together, these efforts position us well for the opportunities ahead.
|
|
| |
|
At the heart of both our progress and our place is you! Your unfailing support of Sewanee—through your generosity, your engagement, your advocacy, and your belief in the University—makes this work possible. I am grateful for all that you do on behalf of this extraordinary place and for the confidence you continue to show in our future. There is much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to.
We hope this edition of Philanthropy and Engagement helps keep you apprised of Sewanee’s progress and recognizes those within our community who continue to make this place special.
EQB,
Burns Jones, C'95, P'28
Vice President for University Relations
|
|
|
|
Bob Rust, C'61, P'88, P'91, P'00
|
|
|
Bob Rust, C'61, Rallies for a 65th Reunion Fundraising Challenge |
This year’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend will be a multiple-milestone celebration for Bob Rust, C’61. Not only will he commemorate 65 years since his Sewanee graduation, but he’ll also be presented with the University’s Distinguished Service Award, a special honor given annually to alumni who show extraordinary commitment to advancing Sewanee’s mission and strengthening connections among classmates.
Even while he enjoys this accolade, Rust will be helping to lead a major effort on Sewanee's behalf. In recognition of his class’s significant reunion year, he and classmates aim to raise approximately $2 million toward the Class of 1961 Chair, an endowed fund established by the class in 2001.
Rust believes Sewanee’s professors are more than worthy of this undertaking. Though the University’s endowment is relatively modest, he says, “When it comes to our faculty, we’re second to none.”
|
|
|
|
Opening Doors: Cecily Millen Elizondo, C'12, Expands the Sewanee Experience |
Nearly every day, Cecily Millen Elizondo, C’12, sees firsthand how a top-caliber education and dedicated mentorship transforms students into leaders. Since July 2025, Elizondo has served as director of advancement at George Jackson Academy, New York City’s only independent middle school serving boys from all income backgrounds. Her work, she says, partly influenced her recent decision to establish an endowed scholarship at Sewanee and to join the Sewanee Women’s Alliance as a junior member. Elizondo also regularly supports the Sewanee Fund.
|
|
| Cecily Millen Elizondo, C'12
|
|
|
|
Elizondo toured the University on what she calls a “perfect bluebird day” in the spring of 2008. Since then, her affection for the Domain has only grown. “I don’t think that finances should bar you from experiencing this campus,” she says. “I want Sewanee to be accessible to as many folks as possible.”
|
|
|
|
The Rev. Rob Wood, C'89 (left) with friend and fellow Sewanee trustee Perrin Dargan, P'16
|
|
|
The Rev. Rob Wood, C'89, Helps Sewanee Mark a Milestone in Parish Giving |
A decade has passed since the Rev. Rob Wood, C’89, began serving as rector at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers, North Carolina, but he still remembers his earliest sermon. “It was about God creating full-circle moments,” he says, noting that Good Shepherd was also the name of the chapel at General Theological Seminary in New York, where he studied for the priesthood.
Another moment of convergence came when Wood was elected to represent the Diocese of Western North Carolina as a University trustee. Now back at Sewanee to help guide the institution that formed him as an undergraduate, Wood says he sees more deeply into the meaning of the hymn sung often at All Saints’ Chapel and throughout the church: “Christ is made the sure Foundation.”
|
|
|
|
|
Under Wood’s leadership, the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers recently provided the School of Theology’s first parish-funded Cornerstone Scholarship. At Sewanee’s seminary, each of these scholarships represents a commitment of $5,000 per year for three years. Cornerstone Scholarships provide support by significantly reducing a seminarian’s financial burdens in multiple areas.
“Congregations supporting seminaries, which support churches—now that’s a full circle,” Wood says.
|
|
|
|
Bunker Renovations Completed at the Course at Sewanee |
Fall is often associated with football, but Sewanee’s spectacular foliage and picturesque views also create the perfect setting for a round or more of golf. Recently, the University completed significant renovations to the Course at Sewanee’s bunker system, thanks to support from generous alumni, parents, and friends.
|
|
| Upgrades to the Course at Sewanee's bunkers have not only protected them from washouts and soil contamination but have also substantially reduced ongoing maintenance costs.
|
|
|
|
Updates were essential “to address aging infrastructure, drainage issues, and inconsistent playing conditions,” says course superintendent John Bloecher.
Fully redesigned in 2013 by acclaimed golf architect Gil Hanse, the course has been ranked as the ninth best nine-hole course in the U.S. by Golf.com. Earlier this year, Golfweek named it the #2 Public-Access Golf Course in Tennessee. The course is also integral to Sewanee's golf program, which continues to gain attention. In April 2026, the University's men's and women's golf teams both won Southern Athletic Association Championship titles.
Bloecher says upgrading the bunkers has resulted in “a more visually appealing course and a better, more consistent experience for golfers.”
|
|
|
|
Stay Connected with Sewanee |
|
| Showing your support for the University has never been easier! Explore a wide range of giving options, and choose one that's right for you.
|
|
| Update your contact information so you never miss news and event invitations from Sewanee.
|
|
| Discover more stories about amazing alumni—and fuel your campus nostalgia—by checking out Sewanee magazine.
|
|
|
|
The University of the South • Office of University Relations • waystogive.sewanee.edu
|
|
|
|
Please note that unsubscribing from this newsletter will prevent you from receiving important updates and communications from Sewanee.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
|
