The University of Tennessee at Martin's Welcome Center became the Nunnelly Family Welcome Center after a $22 million donation earlier this year. According to a university release, Bill and Rosann Nunnelly donated the money to fund scholarships for students in underserved rural communities.
The Nunnellys attended a luncheon this summer consisting of faculty and students to show appreciation for the donation. Two attendees of the luncheon were recipients of the Nunnelly Scholarship.
More than 90 Nunnelly Scholars will be able to attend UT Martin each year thanks to the bequest. Bill is a 1970 graduate of UT Martin and later established multiple businesses.
Dr. Keith Carver, UT Martin chancellor, also announced that the two University Street gateway columns will become the Nunnelly Gateway Columns. The pathway is one of the most-traveled paths in and out of the Quad, and the columns will now feature plaques in honor of the Nunnellys' generosity.
Photo provided by University Relations.