Impact Stories

Learn how gifts from generous VOLstarter donors are directly affecting the lives of UT students.

UT Takes on the Super Bowl

Sources of Strength

CCI: Land Grant Films Medal of Honor Project

CCI: School of Journalism and Media Paralympics

CCI: Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations

SEC Food Fight

Cornhole Club

UT Takes On The Super Bowl

Thanks to support from the Volunteer community, a group of University of Tennessee business students and student-athletes had the opportunity of a lifetime—traveling to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII through the Big Orange Combine. Students worked the Super Bowl Experience, met industry professionals, and gained real-world insights into sports, media, and business operations.

“The VOLstarter assisted our group of business students and student athletes in making an opportunity come true. These funds made it possible for students to travel, work, and enjoy the trip,” said the project coordinator.

This experience gave students the chance to apply classroom lessons on one of the world’s biggest stages, showing the power of donor support to turn opportunities into reality.

Strengthening Support/Safety On and Off Campus

Thanks to support from the Volunteer community, Sources of Strength was able to expand its mission of promoting mental health, safety, and well-being among UT students.

With funds raised through VOLstarter, the organization was able to host an interactive event on Pedestrian Walkway featuring the founders of NightCap, a brother-sister duo who created scrunchies that double as drink covers. Students received free NightCap scrunchies and learned about drink-spiking prevention, entrepreneurship, and the importance of looking out for one another.

Through this campaign, Sources of Strength continues to empower students with tools and support to help those struggling with depression and anxiety, while fostering a safer, more positive Volunteer community.

Honoring Heroes Through Student Storytelling

Thanks to support from the Volunteer community, the Land Grant Films Medal of Honor Project gave UT journalism students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to document the stories of America’s bravest heroes during the 2022 Medal of Honor Convention in Knoxville.

With help from Volstarter, students gained hands-on experience filming daily news segments, conducting interviews, and producing a PBS-ready documentary—honoring recipients while learning to tell powerful stories that matter.

“The Medal of Honor Project helped me realize I made the right decision in UT and the College of Communication and Information,” said Jeremy Thomas, USMC veteran and journalism student. “Without this experience, I wouldn’t have the same confidence in my abilities or certainty that this is what I’m meant to do.”

This project continues to inspire students to tell stories that honor service, sacrifice, and humanity—preserving history through the lens of the next generation of storytellers.

CCI: School of Journalism and Media Paralympics

Thanks to the generosity of the Volunteer community, the School of Journalism and Media was able to raise awareness and support for its groundbreaking Paralympics Project, giving students the opportunity to cover the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Through a partnership with the USA Today Network, ten UT sports journalism students joined more than 3,000 professionals from around the world to tell stories of perseverance, inclusion, and triumph. Their coverage reached a national audience of more than 3 million readers, shining a spotlight on both the Paralympic athletes and UT’s commitment to experiential learning.

VOLstarter not only helped make this trip possible—it helped the program share its mission, connect with supporters, and showcase the incredible work of UT students on a global stage. As one student reflected, “Being in Paris for the Paralympics reminded me why I chose journalism—to share stories that matter.”

Expanding Professional Opportunities for Tombras Students

Thanks to support from the Volunteer community, students in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations are gaining real-world experience that brings classroom learning to life.

With VOLstarter funding, 29 students traveled to Nashville to visit top employers and connect with UT alumni working in the industry. Others attended the PRSA National Conference in Washington, D.C., where they learned from national leaders and explored future career paths in public relations.

Because of donor support, these transformative trips came at little to no cost for students—opening doors to professional growth, networking, and hands-on learning. Your generosity helps provide the #1 student experience in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations.

Volunteers Lead the SEC in Fighting Food Insecurity

Thanks to support from the Volunteer community, UT proudly placed first in the SEC Food Fight competition, raising the most points across the entire conference!

The Big Orange Pantry met record-breaking demand this semester, ensuring every student has access to the essential resources they need to succeed. Support from the Volunteer community helped stock the pantry with food, hygiene items, and clothing for Volunteers in need.

With VOLstarter support, the campaign reached a wider audience of students, alumni, and friends, helping the pantry expand its reach and raise vital funds to combat food insecurity on campus.

This achievement highlights the compassion and strength of the Volunteer community, showing what it truly means to step up and serve others.

Learn more about Big Orange Pantry

Cornhole Club Expands and Thrives at UTK

Thanks to support from the Volunteer community, the UTK Cornhole Club has taken its game to the next level.

With the help of generous VOLstarter donors and sponsors, the club purchased three custom cornhole board sets and a custom airmail box from Cornhole Solutions. This new equipment enhances practice sessions, elevates competition performance, and proudly showcases UT spirit at tournaments.

“The support we’ve received from donors and sponsors has been incredible,” said club president Avery Hickey, who led the team during the 2024–2025 academic year. “It’s helping us grow our community, compete at a higher level, and represent the University of Tennessee with pride.”

Through this campaign, the Cornhole Club continues to foster teamwork, connection, and Volunteer pride, one toss at a time.