There really is no greater school than the University of Tennessee, and our alumni’s impact and long standing relationship with them reflects that perfectly. Certain alumni impacts such as donations, scholarships and funding campus improvement have made so much on campus possible. Without certain donations, and while grateful, depending on the alumni funding is potentially problematic for a few reasons.
The cost of attending college is both a huge financial and emotional investment. The debt most college students face post graduation is something that can stick with them for the next 30 years. While the experiences and scholarly knowledge students pay for is undoubtedly worth it, there is still much to be said about the ridiculously expensive tuition we are burdened with, that is, if you are an out-of-stater.
Picture this: You have just given your last four years to the University of Tennessee, feeling excited and a sense of relief about graduation. You are an alum now and are done paying tuition dues for your alma mater — or so you thought. Not long afterwards, you are approached via numerous emails, letters and alumni programs about giving back to the school.
Giving back to something that was once held so dear to their hearts is understandable, but is it expected? Or even frowned upon if not done?
Within the first year of graduating, alumni begin to receive requests to donate back to the school. Whether it be for new facilities or a renovation of their once classroom building, alumni haven’t fully escaped losing finances to UT just by graduating.
This is a very quick request and one that seems a little excessive to new graduates. Post college graduation is a time to find your footing and make some real money at a job you can hold now that you are not in school, not give what you’ve worked for back. For past students who are passionate about our beautiful campus, but who do not have the means to do so, it can really put you under unnecessary pressure.
On the other hand, if certain alumni have the financial means to do so a decade from their time at UT, more power to them. After all, their success is rooted within the school, and being able to return that favor through donating is very special. It is inspiring knowing that alumni are shaping the future Vols with funding, yet this is not doable for everyone.
UT’s alumni are very special to them, and they still want to make sure that this is known in ways beyond asking for funding. There are many benefits that Vols can get after graduating, such as discounted Dollywood tickets for alumni and family, Brookdale senior living services, and even certain insurances for long-term care. There is even a designated website to find alumni perks and benefits, so it is safe to say that our past students are honored and cared for. After all, Vol is a verb.
Beloved UT alums will always be a part of this family, whether financially obligated or not. While not everyone has the means to do so, giving back to our school is what makes us able to have it. Alumni involvement is arguably one of the major backbones of our school’s funding, but at what cost?
Ansley Graves is a junior at UT this year studying journalism. She can be reached at [email protected].
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
