[302] Former Lady Raider Endows Scholarship For Women's Basketball

Feb. 12, 2010
Former Lady Raider endows scholarship for women’s basketball
MURFREESBORO—Ms. Faye Brandon, a 1949 Middle Tennessee graduate, recently made a $100,000 commitment to the university to endow a women's basketball scholarship.
Brandon, who was a member of the Blue Raider women's basketball team in 1946-47, was recognized Wednesday night prior to Middle Tennessee's game with Denver. She presented a check to university President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee and Director of Athletics Chris Massaro.
Brandon was a faculty member in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department from 1971-92 and is a longtime member of the Blue Raider Athletic Association.
“It’s this kind of generous support that furthers not only our athletic program, but it enables us to accomplish our mission of being a student-centered university community by providing resources that help our students,” McPhee noted. “Whether on the basketball court or in the classroom, scholarship support is still one of the most critical needs that we have.”
"We are very appreciative and blessed to have the support of an alumna who has the love and passion for Lady Raider basketball as much as Faye Brandon does," said Rick Insell, head coach of women’s basketball. "This is something Chris Massaro and I have talked about since I came here five years ago, where we want to get the program to the point that all 15 scholarships are endowed.
"We are very grateful to Faye for contributing to the program in this manner,” Insell continued. “Her support and loyalty to the university and our program is undeniable, and I cannot think of anyone else who defines those two qualities better than she does. We are hopeful other alums and supporters of our program will follow her lead and add to the Blue Raider women's basketball tradition."
Joe Bales, vice president for development and university relations, said the gift demonstrates the lifelong relationship that the university strives to cultivate with all alumni. “Faye Brandon did this not just because of her love for this year’s women’s basketball team and their success but because she has almost a lifetime experience on this campus as a student, teacher and supporter. This gift represents a total personal relationship with the institution.”
Brandon’s endowed scholarship is the second for the women's basketball program, joining the gift from Wayne and Kathryn Lewis starting in 2006-07.
For more information on giving to the Middle Tennessee athletic department or the endowed scholarship program, contact either Alan Farley in the Blue Raider Athletic Association office at (615) 898-2210 or the MTSU Development Office at (615) 898-2502.

####