CA M PA I G N N E W S L E T T E R SUMMER 2017 • VOLUME 1 • No. 3
UNA DERBY DAY 2017 “And they’re off!” Those three little words ignite what is termed the most exciting two minutes in sports. On the first Saturday of May, the University of North Alabama joins in the excitement as President and Mrs. Kitts host the University’s signature fundraiser, UNA Derby Day. Saturday, May 6, represented the fifth annual event. UNA Derby Day serves as an opportunity for the campus and community to gather in a social setting to share the excitement of the race and its cultural connection to the area, all while benefiting the UNA Foundation. This year, one of the primary focuses of the Derby Day coordinators was to work with as many local businesses
UNA Derby Day
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Campaign Messages
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as possible to bring new, unique features to the event. For the first time, UNA Derby Day incorporated a craft beer tasting station courtesy of Singin’ River Brewery, mint juleps created by Brian Lovejoy of Odette, and catering by Alan Phillips of Red Clay Epicurean, with assistance from the UNA culinary students. As always, the silent auction and prizes were highly supported through donations from local business owners. Some of the items this year included a Robin Wade coffee table, a Thunderstik Lodge pheasant hunting trip, two round-trip Boutique Air tickets to Atlanta, diamond earrings from Creative Jewelers (designed by First Lady, Dena Kitts), a four-night stay at a Gatlinburg cabin, and numerous other items.
Center for Professional Selling
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Endowed Scholarship
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Marigail Mathis Reception Hall
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2017 Derby Day SPONSORS
PREMIER SPONSOR Coby Cares Foundation
SIGNATURE SPONSOR
Trustmark Construction Corporation
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Anderson & Anderson, LLC Northern Trust Wells Fargo
TRIPLE CROWN
Bank Independent CB&S Bank Garnet Electric Gerber/Taylor Associates, Inc. Weichert Realtors – ProSouth
RUN FOR THE ROSES
Abroms & Associates, CPA BBVA Compass Bank Coats Electric Co., Inc. Cre3te Architects Elliott & Associates Flexco J. K. Johnson Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Harold and Tricia Lewis/ Brian and Jan Ingle Lyons & Company, Inc. M. H. Machinery Sales, Inc. Merrill Lynch Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow and Dr. Martha Morrow Nationwide Insurance Patterson, Prince and Associates, P.C. Pillar & Peacock Progress Bank Renasant Bank Steve Logan Senator Larry Stutts The Cigar Room UNA Alumni Association UNA President’s Office Vulcan Materials Company 2
David Brubaker and Amy Holt
Sybil Cleveland ’84 and Dr. Debbie Shaw ’82
In sponsorships alone, the UNA Foundation raised $79,450. This year, our Premier Sponsor was once again the Coby Cares Foundation. This foundation was established by the Brubaker family, who also donated Coby Hall to UNA. Mr. David Brubaker spoke during the event about the Coby Cares Foundation’s mission and efforts to support children facing numerous challenges. Among the top-tiered sponsors were also Trustmark Construction Corporation, Anderson and Anderson, Northern Trust, and Wells Fargo. This event would certainly not be successful without the support of the Shoals community through sponsorships, silent auction donations, other in-kind gifts, and ultimately attendance at the event itself. Despite the heavy rainfall on the grandstands of Churchill Downs, sunshine and a cool breeze made for a beautiful afternoon on the Coby Hall lawn for UNA Derby Day. Another great turnout made it evident that UNA is fortunate to have such a loyal group of individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring success for both the students and the University as a whole. Thanks to your support, we are excited to announce that the event raised $121,410 for the UNA Foundation. Please make plans to attend the sixth annual UNA Derby Day, May 5, 2018!
Joel Andrews, Jill Andrews, Harold Lewis, Jan Ingle, Brian Ingle, and Tricia Lewis
Dr. Ken Kitts, Dena Kitts, June Strickland, Colin and Corbin Kitts
Julie Riedel, Jean McIntyre, and Blair Riedel
Dear Alumni & Friends of the University of North Alabama, Many of you may wonder where the years have gone, and this picture of me while a student in the ’60s reminds me I am no different. It seems like just yesterday that I sat in my first college classroom at what was then Florence State College.
Build the Pride Campaign
For some reason, the memories don’t seem to fade as much as one might think they would. I recall, perhaps better in the hindsight of maturity, that I grew up in many ways while a student. Sure, I made plenty of mistakes, but thanks to the faculty and staff around me, I had mentors to help me chart the direction my life would take upon graduation. I left the University better prepared to make it in this world. And it is for that reason I choose to give back. I support the University in various ways, but financially what makes my heart proud is supporting scholarships for students. I struggled to make ends meet when I was in school, and I want to do what I can to help others in similar situations. The University of North Alabama needs us. We are getting closer to our campaign goal, and every single dollar counts. If you have not already given, I hope you will now. And even if you have, perhaps you will consider digging a little deeper. There are so many areas of campus that need our help, and we want to remain competitive with our peer institutions. The future is now, and it starts with us! Roar Lions! Harry Smith ‘64 Chair, UNA Foundation
Laura ’55 and Don Harrison Co-chairs of the UNA Campaign “Memories remain strong for me of my time as a student here, and I am grateful to have been named a co-chair of the campaign along with my husband, Don. Even in Cincinnati we hear of the strong academic reputation of the University of North Alabama, and it makes us proud. We are committed to supporting the University of which I hold the value of my degree so dearly.” — Laura Harrison ‘55
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THANKS
A MILLION . . .
$31 million
Members of the UNA Family,
The Shoals India Scholarship Alexandria Buttgereit Junior, Spanish “Thank you so much for choosing to invest in students’ lives by supporting us through scholarships! It truly means a lot, and I am so grateful. It is people like you who enable us to pursue our academic dreams and passions.”
“Spring Fling” – somewhere along the way it ceased to be, but during the late 70’s and early 80’s, it was a time of year we greatly looked forward to as students. It consisted of sunny, warm weather after a cold winter season, sport competitions and fun games. It closed with a concert in Flowers Hall (I remember Kool & the Gang playing one year). It is one of many memories that stands out to me which brought students together for fellowship and fun. We loved being in college and we loved the University of North Alabama. I’ll never forget how a small-town girl like me from Tennessee came to feel such a part of something much bigger than I had ever experienced. As many of us did, I went on to experience even bigger things and places, but my time at UNA made those adjustments much easier. I’ve now returned home – I’ve been here a year May 1 – and I could not be spending my time any better than I am now being of service to my alma mater. Now I need to reach out to many of you who believe as I do that we all have a responsibility to support our University. We are making significant progress in our campaign and we have so many of you to thank. I continue to be amazed at the generosity of UNA’s alumni and friends. But we still have work to do. There are so many ways you can support the campaign:
• Make a financial gift in honor of someone (we will send an acknowledgment letter to them). • Endow a scholarship in your name or in a loved one’s name. • Join the President’s Cabinet. • Consider a planned gift – place UNA in your estate plans, or make UNA the owner of a life insurance policy (with premiums paid to UNA as a tax deduction).
• Name a classroom or building area after a loved one.
There are many other ways you can choose to support the University of North Alabama, and we stand ready to discuss ideas with you. We believe in making the University a better place, and to achieve a level of excellence that will continue to make you proud of your degree. Together, we can accomplish great things!
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Roar Lions! Dr. Debbie Shaw ‘82 Vice President Office for Advancement & Executive Director UNA Foundation
to the guests, Smith stated, “I am confident that my involvement in the Center for Professional Selling has provided me the opportunity to grow not only as a student, but also as a person and a business professional. The knowledge and experience I have received from this program have proved to be invaluable.” Smith went on to say that the professional selling learning experiences he gleaned from his concentration have already proven its value. After receiving four offers for career positions, he was happy to announce that he has accepted a position with Gartner, Inc., in Ft. Myers, Florida. “Today was a great opportunity to meet Mr. Steele and thank him personally for his gift supporting the center,” said Smith. “As a student, I admire his career history and his generosity to his alma mater.”
Alumnus STEELE Leaves Mark on CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL SELLING After a long period of planning, the Robert H. Steele Center for Professional Selling was officially announced by UNA President Kenneth D. Kitts at a ceremony April 27. Robert Steele ’78, an entrepreneur, former professional football player, and former State Representative from Georgia, was on hand to accept the proclamation from Kitts in front of a large crowd of well-wishers. UNA student Tommy Smith was asked to come to the podium and give the welcome for the event. Smith is a marketing major with a concentration in professional selling who graduated in May. In his welcome address
“I am confident that my involvement in the Center for Professional Selling has provided me the opportunity to grow not only as a student, but also as a person and a business professional. The knowledge and experience I have received from this program has proved to be invaluable.” — Tommy Smith
President Kitts recognized Steele for his gift which is the largest of its kind to the Center for Professional Selling. He also stated that Steele’s generosity positions the center to impact generations of UNA students. “Robert is an exemplary alumnus of the University of North Alabama,” said Kitts. “Professional selling has been Robert’s passion and with his height of success, he exemplifies all that the Center for Professional Selling represents.” In his remarks, Steele stated that he didn’t simply want to “write a check”, that he wanted to be involved in the creation and sustaining of the center. This was welcomed news to Dr. Greg Carnes, dean of the College of Business, where the Steele Center is housed. Carnes noted that Steele has been involved in writing the mission and vision statements for the center and plans to be a hands-on contributor to building the infrastructure of the newly formed initiative. The naming of the Robert H. Steele Center for Professional Selling is the second time in one year that Steele’s named has been placed in perpetuity at the University. In October, 2016, he was inducted into the University of North Alabama Athletic Hall of Fame.
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THANKS
A MILLION . . .
B. J. Cale, Dr. Bill Cale, Marissa Phillips, Savannah Jones, and Natalie Lindgren
Leadership Scholarship Jose’ Figueroa-Cifuentes Senior, Criminal Justice “My education means more to me than anything in the world. As a first generation student in this country, the education and scholarships offered at UNA have given me the opportunity to meet and overcome many barriers as a minority. UNA offers every student the same opportunity to expand and grow more than they can imagine, so for that, I thank you!”
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON • APRIL 7, 2017
On April 7, the Endowed Scholarship Luncheon was held as an opportunity for the donors of endowed scholarships and their recipients to meet. This was also an occasion to honor the donors who provide the necessary support to elevate the university’s mission to increasingly higher levels of excellence. No gift offers more satisfaction to both the donor and the recipient than the establishment of an endowed scholarship. When an endowed scholarship is created, it provides perpetual scholarship dollars that enable UNA to compete for the best and brightest students. Even more importantly, it benefits UNA students for generations to come. Through the generosity of donor’s gifts, it has permitted students to attend UNA who might not otherwise have had the opportunity. For many prospective college students, the dream of a college education seems elusive. Current economic realities continue to reduce state appropriations and contribute to rising tuition costs. Highly qualified and motivated students rely more and more on the generosity
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Linda Vaughan’70, Bill Vaughan, Emerson Chambers, Evan Thornton ’15, Dr. Bob Garfrerick, Tiera Leftwich, and Dr. Jeffrey Bibbee
of others to create scholarships that will enable them to pursue their educational dreams. When a student receives a scholarship, it empowers them to learn, to study abroad, to excel, to dream, to dare. During the 2016/2017 academic year, almost 500 students received scholarships based on an endowed fund award amount totaling over $600,000. The UNA Foundation is always striving to provide increased support for students, and is pleased to announce that for the 2017/2018 academic year the endowments will provide over $800,000 in scholarship support. It is only through the generosity and benevolence of UNA’s donors we are able to achieve this growth and success each year.
Karina Cisneros Juarez and Dr. Jean Johnson
For more information about Endowed Scholarships please contact Deborah Hensley at 256.765.4861 or dlhensley@una.edu.
Tiera Leftwich
RECENT SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENTS CREATED Rivers Starkey Endowed Scholarship Johnny O. Long Student Athletic Trainer Endowed Scholarship William Luckey Crocker & Jean D. Crocker Endowed Scholarship Major Dwayne Williams Endowed Scholarship
Sharon Warren and Barbara Waites
Ronald Hall & Maxine Johnson Hall Endowed Scholarship Tiffany Paige Ferguson Nursing Memorial Endowed Scholarship Grace Foundation Excellence Endowed Scholarship James Shelby Clem Endowed Scholarship
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THANKS
A MILLION . . .
Patterson, Prince, and Associates Endowed Scholarship Ambur Love ’16 Graduate Student, MBA “Your kindness has made a huge impact on my life and has sparked me to try my hardest to bring that happiness to someone else.”
Chester L. McKinney, Jr., Tommy Mathis, and Joe M. McKinney
Tommy Mathis Honors Late Wife with
MARIGAIL MATHIS RECEPTION HALL University of North Alabama family and friends gathered April 25 to celebrate namings in the former Keystone building in downtown Florence which has become home to the Connie D. McKinney Department of Human Sciences, Hospitality and Design. One of the namings, designated for the Reception Hall, was made possible through the generosity of Tommy Mathis to honor the memory of his beloved late wife Marigail. Special guest Natalie Chanin shared personal remembrances of Marigail. “Marigail’s warm generosity and deep knowledge about the textile industry never ceased to inspire me. She gave me a context for understanding how textiles developed in our community but also how I could move forward with Alabama Chanin. She was a mentor to me and is deeply missed,” she said.
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A native of Florence, Marigail McCreary Mathis developed a love of textiles as a child. By her 20’s, Marigail landed a job with a premier manufacturer of fabric for men’s sportswear. She later became vice president and one of the lead designers for her family’s company, Lexington Fabrics. In the 1980’s, she launched her own line of clothing, Marigail, where she proved to be an innovator with her various showrooms and boutiques across the nation. Marigail has been an inspiration to the fashion merchandising students in the Connie D. McKinney Department of Human Sciences, Hospitality, and Design. Through the previously established Marigail Mathis Endowed Scholarship given in her memory, and now the Marigail Mathis Reception Hall, she will continue to leave her mark on UNA students.
“Marigail’s warm generosity and deep knowledge about the textile industry never ceased to inspire me. She gave me a context for understanding how textiles developed in our community but also how I could move forward with Alabama Chanin. She was a mentor to me and is deeply missed.” — Natalie Chanin
Dr. Debbie Shaw ‘82, Vice President of Advancement, recognized Mathis for his continued support to the students and faculty within this program. She then recognized Chester L. McKinney, Jr., and Joe M. McKinney of the Shoals, who last year honored the memory of their late mother by naming the Connie D. McKinney Department of Human Sciences, Hospitality, and Design. In doing so, they offered to match additional gifts given by others for select naming opportunities in the building. The McKinneys were delighted to be able to present their first check matching this donation for the building. Dr. Shaw announced a second gift was received naming the department chair’s office and the administrative assistant’s office. These were made possible by the generosity of a very special lady to the University and especially to the department, Dr. Kay Abbott. Abbott served as the department chair of the then Human Environmental Sciences from 1983 to 2005. Abbott began as an associate professor and
was promoted to professor in 1988. Upon her retirement, she was granted emeriti status with the title of professor emerita of Human Environmental Sciences. While Dr. Abbott was unable to attend, Chester and Joe McKinney presented a second check matching this gift. In closing, Dr. Shaw remarked “we invite you to be part of this choice group of donors in supporting this department. Our students would thank you, and our faculty would thank you for being part of providing a wonderful environment in which students can learn and grow.” For more information, please contact Johnette Davis at 256.765.5081 or jdavis29@una.edu. 9
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Purple Level • $1,000 minimum
• Invitation to annual President’s Cabinet meeting September 22
PRESIDENT’S CABINET
The UNA President’s Cabinet was formed in September 1992 and serves the purpose of providing financial leverage to raise funds, cultivate relationships, achieve University goals, and ultimately support students. The current President’s Cabinet represents a group of committed leaders who contribute a minimum gift of $1,000 to the 1830 Fund annually. The Office of Advancement strives to keep all members informed through various correspondence and early access to University publications. Members are also engaged through an annual President’s Cabinet meeting, as well as other invitations to special events hosted by the President. UNA is privileged to have such dedicated alumni and friends and eagerly anticipates the continued growth of this prestigious group.
• Various invitations to special events hosted by the President • First access to: Quarterly campaign newsletter Digital University of North Alabama Magazine The Annual Report • Monthly President’s Cabinet Newsletter (Sent via email) • Recognition in the Annual Report
Gold Level • $2,500 minimum • In addition to the aforementioned benefits, Gold Level members will also receive a special invitation to the annual Donors of Distinction Dinner For more information about the President’s Cabinet or questions about joining, please contact Elizabeth H. Tyson, Office of University Advancement 256.765.5080 • etyson@una.edu
President’s Cabinet • 2017 Members
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Abroms, Marty Aldridge, Randy and Dana Anderson, Joel and Carmen Augustine, Elaine Azbell, Raymond Baker, Ben and Brenda Balch, Dennis and Betty Bank Independent Baschab, Pamela Battcher, John and Ann Betterton, Andy and Sandra Bishop, L. O. and Grace Botes, Bradford Brewton, Vince and Callie Plunket Brink, Barbara Broadfoot, James Brubaker, David Brubaker, Jay Burney, Pat Cale, William and Betty Jean Carnes, Greg and Jan Choat, Steve and Gaye
Cole, Rosie Cole, Weldon and Delores Craig, Ann Crocker, Luckey and Jean Crow, Charles and Cherion Daniel, Jeff and Maray Dante, Hugo and Viviam Darby, Lynn and Diane Douthitt, Bob and Deanna Drummond, John and Toni Gosa, Ed and Carloyn Gregory, Hulet and Jaqueline Haley, Richard and Leigh Hamby, Gene and Judy Herring, Paul and Dawn VictorHollis, Jerry and Tara Howard, G. Dan and Anne Hunt, Chuck and Heather Ingle, Brian and Jan Irons, Tammy and Curly Hallman Jackson, Joe and Judy Johnson, Jeff and Tina
Johnson, Mary F. Kennedy, David and Shirley Kirkpatrick, Ricky and Vickie Kitts, Ken and Dena Lambert, Don and Susan Locke, William Marbury, David and Nancy Mauldin, Macke and Kim McIntyre, Jean McKenzie, Robert and Frances Mills, Derrick and Tamesha Milnor, Warren Morrow, Johnny Mack and Martha O’Connor, John and Glenda Opler, Nancy Paseur, Deborah Bell Patterson, Jeff and Lisa Patterson, Ron Petty, George and Anne Pickens, Bill Potts, Robert and Irene Prince, Danny and Rita
Riddle, John and MaryAnn Roush, Donald and Kathleen Self, Shirley Shaw, Debbie Smith, Gary and Debbie Smith, Harry and Beth Stone, Frank and Theresa Strong, Bill and Rachel Tallman, Doug and Debbie Tallman, Marilyn Thigpen, Neal Thornell, John and Nita Trapp, Rusty and Gail Trousdale, Troy and Lucy Upchurch, Dennis and Sheila Vaughan, Bill and Linda West, Bobby and Nancy White, Tom and Mary Witt, Elaine
Jobs
as a result of the University
3,542
Earnings
as a result of the University
$392,160,000
Sales Taxes Total as a result of the University
$2,806,384
Local Taxes Total as a result of the University
$3,619,676
T O T A L I M PA C T
THE ECONOMIC I M PACT of the Universit
on Colbert and y of NORTH ALABAMA Lauderdale Cou nties Members of the UNA campus community can wholeheartedly endorse the value of our University to students, faculty, and staff, without hesitation. We also recognize that UNA’s impact reaches far beyond our campus by improving the overall quality of life for citizens of Florence and the greater Shoals area. Because we welcome accountability and take seriously our role in the local economy, we have elected to produce a thorough study of UNA’s economic impact. The last report, released in 2011, showed a total impact of $279 million. We are excited to announce that our current economic impact has since increased to over $316 million. This figure represents nearly 1/15 of the total Shoals Gross Domestic Product. The report also shares that 3,542 jobs exist as a result of UNA.
Dr. Kenneth D. Kitts
CHECK OUT FULL REPORT AT
The study also provides figures on graduate earnings, sharing that UNA students who obtain a bachelor’s degree and remain in the Colbert/Lauderdale County impact area will make over $1 million more in lifetime earnings than a local resident with a high school diploma only. Though many benefits of the relationship between the University and the Shoals community cannot be quantified in dollars and cents, this study is reflective of our role in making the Shoals a better place to live and work. As UNA and the business community mutually benefit from each other’s successes, I anticipate a continued culture of innovation and growth for the Shoals area.
goo.gl/vlBzWY
Roar Lions! Dr. Ken Kitts President
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CA M PA I G N N E W S L E T T E R Spring 2017 • Volume 1 • Number 2 goo.gl/H84638 Fall 2016 • Volume 1 • Number 1 goo.gl/7lL5Ve