Peyton Manning announces four University of Tennessee scholarships on top of $4M gift – Knoxville News Sentinel
“Vol For Life” Peyton Manning has been busy this week at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, announcing the four recipients of his Peyton Manning Scholarship the same day he gifted more than $4 million to the College of Communication and Information.
The four-year scholarship is given to four incoming students each year, and 65 students have received it since Manning started the scholarship in 1998. This year’s recipients − Caroline Garrell, Caleb Hopper, Chrishton King and Luke Payne − also will participate in the selective Haslam Leadership Scholars program.
Manning was on campus Aug. 26 for the announcement and to share how his donation will be used to create two new endowments for the communications college.
Selecting students for the scholarship is a “rigorous and competitive” process, Manning said in a UT news release. While students come from varied backgrounds and will pursue different studies, their “commitment to leadership and making a positive impact on campus” is what connects the cohort, according to UT.
Manning shared some words of encouragement for the students: “Know that this is just the beginning of the positive impact you will have on the university and in the communities where you will make your mark after graduation,” he said in the news release.
Manning also announced the naming of Gate 21B – where players and their families enter Neyland Stadium – as the Danny Burnley Players Pass Gate. Burnley worked for both the football team and the stadium ticket office for 50 years, getting to know Peyton Manning and other student athletes during that time.
Caroline Garrell, a graduate of Lincoln County High School, is studying natural resources and environmental economics with plans to attend law school: “Mr. Manning demonstrates the same qualities and values I learned through 4-H. He embodies the Volunteer creed, ‘One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others,’ and his commitment to building the leaders of tomorrow is unwavering. Thank you, Mr. Manning, for showing us how to leave a legacy and continue the Volunteer spirit.”
Caleb Hopper, a graduate of Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, is studying industrial and systems engineering while minoring in business, with aspirations of becoming a CEO: “God has given all of us different gifts, whether it be leading a school club or captaining a sports team. You are using what God blessed you with to, in turn, bless us with this scholarship. It is amazing to see how you use what God has given you to help others better their communities. You are putting us in positions to help others be successful.”
Chrishton King, a graduate of Memphis University School, is studying public affairs and finance with plans to attend law school: “Now as I step into this new, unfamiliar chapter of life, I’m greeted by a host of fresh faces all eager to add their own support to my forward motion, and Mr. Manning, I cannot thank you enough for being one of them. Whatever accomplishments I manage to stumble upon in the future, know that they were made possible by your generosity.”
Luke Payne, a graduate of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, is studying business management, aspiring to be an entrepreneur: “Being in this room as a Peyton Manning Scholar is a gift I’m incredibly grateful for. I understand what an honor it is to carry this name out into the world. And, as my dad keeps reminding me, I’ll understand it even more as I move forward.”
Keenan Thomas reports on higher education for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
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