Dear Sewanee Family,

As I bid farewell to my role as vice president for University Relations, I find myself reflecting on a season filled with gratitude, beautiful memories, and proud accomplishments that we have shared together.

In the spirit of Ecclesiastes 3:1, which reminds us that "to everything, there is a season," I recognize that this chapter in my life has been incredibly rich with meaningful Sewanee experiences.

From the exhilarating moments of Homecoming and Reunion celebrations to the angelic beauty of All Saints'—or a quiet walk to the Sewanee Memorial Cross—every experience has left an indelible mark on my heart.

Through private support, we have achieved some remarkable milestones—three record-breaking Tiger Tuesday giving days, Sewanee's first major donor gala, and increased efforts to boost women's philanthropic leadership—all of which will continue to strengthen the Sewanee community, enhance the student experience, and foster relationships that will endure beyond my time here. I am immensely proud of what we have built during my tenure and the legacy of excellence Sewanee continues to cultivate.

As I transition to the next phase of my journey, I carry with me the warmth of your friendship and the inspiration drawn from your unwavering support. Thank you for playing a vital role in making my tenure at Sewanee so rewarding.

I trust that Wade and I have been able to give back to Sewanee a small part of what Sewanee gave our daughter, Abbie, C'20, and it is our prayer that every student at Sewanee has the same magical Sewanee experience that Abbie and her husband, Sam, C'20, and many others found on the Mountain.

I sincerely extend my very best wishes to Sewanee for continued success as the University navigates future endeavors. May Sewanee excel in its mission to educate, inspire, and transform lives, upholding the EQB values we love and cherish.

Thank you for the beautiful memories and for being an essential part of my incredible journey at Sewanee. With the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Pearigen the support of each of you, I look forward to witnessing the University's bright future in the days to come.

My family and I will be cheering for Sewanee from the sidelines!

With heartfelt gratitude,

For every seminar taught in a Sewanee classroom, there are usually a few more lessons occurring in less conventional spots on campus. Dr. Matt Neal, C’04, says he and his brother, Charles T. “Chase” Neal IV, C’02, gained valuable knowledge during their time on Sewanee’s football team—and had a lot of fun. “While playing at Sewanee, Chase once jested, ‘Playing football at Sewanee is my last chance to legally run somebody over at full speed.’” 

After Chase’s passing last year, Matt looked for a way to honor his brother’s legacy and turned to fond memories of shared experiences on Hardee-McGee Field. Recently, he established both the Charles T. Neal IV Football Endowment and the Charles T. Neal IV Award. While the endowment will fund critical football program expenses, the award will annually honor a Sewanee football player who exemplifies leadership and fortitude. “Chase was a starter all four years he played, and he was chosen as team captain during his senior year,” Matt says. “He had a magnetic personality that brought people together.” 

Despite a rigorous practice schedule and demanding, down-to-the-wire games, Matt says Chase’s love of Sewanee football never wavered. “He had many joyous occasions, but this funny football thing was really one of the high points in his life.”

Chase, C'02, and Matt, C'04, Neal played Sewanee football together for two years under Head Coach John Windham.

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The University of the South • Office of University Relations • waystogive.sewanee.edu