2010 Extraordinary Community Service
Roger McDonald
Roger McDonald is a senior electrician at the university. In 2008, he and his family suffered a terrible loss after his 15-year-old nephew, Ryan, was shot and killed at Central High School. After the difficulty of that first holiday season, McDonald was determined to make the next year a little brighter for his family. Last Christmas he did just that, collecting toys for kids who otherwise might not have had a Christmas. He set up collection barrels on campus and around the community. The news of his project spread, and soon other UT employees were putting out more collection barrels and gathering even more toys. Ultimately, the McDonald family was able to donate hundreds of toys to Child and Family Services and the Helen Ross McNabb Children and Youth Center, keeping Ryan’s memory alive and proving that something wonderful could come from something so tragic.
Jessica Murphy
Jessica Murphy is a senior majoring in sociology. She has served in all aspects of campus life including Delta Gamma sorority, Student Alumni Associates, UT Ambassadors, Panhellenic Council, Campus Crusade for Christ, and the Cross Greek Ministry. In addition to her participation on campus, Murphy is an integral part of Redeeming Hope Ministries "Food in the Fort," program where she distributes food and clothing every Wednesday morning to people in need in the Fort Sanders area. Her commitment to the community also can be seen in her work with Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Habitat for Humanity, and mission trips to Appalachian communities and Honduras.
Kate Phelps
Kate Phelps is a senior in the College of Communication and Information. She has been an integral leader for Dance Marathon, raising money for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital by adding new fundraising opportunities such as a 5K race and increasing participation at the finale event by 100 people. In her role as vice president of foundation for Delta Gamma sorority, Phelps expanded opportunities for students to volunteer throughout the community. With her guidance, chapter members doubled their volunteer service hours.
Bridget Wade
Bridget Wade is a senior in legal studies and a true servant leader through her work with TeamVOLS. Wade participated as a team member in the 2008 Alternative Fall Break trip to Roanoke, Va., and the 2009 Alternative Spring Break trip to Cincinnati. Her enthusiasm and leadership made her the obvious choice for team leader for the Alternative Fall Break trip to perform maintenance on the Appalachian Trail, showing her team and other students that service opportunities are around them at all times.
Interfraternity, National Pan-Hellenic, and Panhellenic Councils
Last year, the Interfraternity, National Pan-Hellenic, and Panhellenic Councils collaborated with Habitat for Humanity to finance and build a brand-new home with a deserving Knoxville family. The councils incorporated the campaign into Greek Week, raising the necessary $30,000 to build what became known as the “Greek House.” During the weeklong build, at least 30 fraternity and sorority members volunteered to work each six-hour shift. The group tirelessly worked to build the first and only Habitat home in Knoxville to utilize the new two-story design above a full basement. After the week of hard work, the students dedicated the house with the Brownlow family, who now call it home. Their work isn’t over though—the councils have already contracted to finance and build another Habitat home this month.
Extraordinary Community Service honors are awarded to faculty, staff, student organizations, and students who have demonstrated exceptional community service.