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<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City. Admission to the event is by invitation only.<br>A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.<br>Remarks will be given by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, incoming Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman and UT Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kerry Witcher. UTM Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal will give the closing comments. The guest speaker will be 1987 and 1988 UT Martin alumnus Jerry Reese.<br>Freeman’s first official day as UT Martin chancellor will be Wednesday, Aug. 9.<br>The fundraising campaign set the largest goal in UT Martin history and surpassed the $175 million goal in June. The RISE campaign was the fourth fundraising campaign in the university’s 123-year history.<br>"We are so appreciative of the support of our alumni, donors and university and UT Foundation leadership who have made the RISE Campaign successful,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and RISE Campaign Director Jeanna C. Swofford. “We look forward to celebrating the success with everyone Friday evening."<br>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.<br>The RISE campaign was announced on Sept. 11, 2021, at the Skyhawks’ home game against Samford.<br>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:<br>• Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders.<br>• Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.<br>Much of the funding raised through the RISE campaign will support student scholarships and help UT Martin offer programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.<br>RISE campaign funding will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>
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