[086] Emmett Kennon Bequest Called 'Transformational' Gift to University

Sept. 13, 2010
CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919
Joe Bales, 615-898-5818
Chris Massaro, 615-898-2450

Emmett Kennon bequest called ‘transformational’ gift to university

MURFREESBORO—A $3.6 million bequest left by Emmett Kennon (’38), who passed away in October of last year at the age of 94, will benefit the university in the form of student scholarships and enhancements to MTSU athletics.
“Of the total $3.6 million, about $3 million was earmarked for scholarships, and $600,000 was given to the athletic department to use at their discretion to meet program needs,” said Joe Bales, vice president for Development and University Relations. “Since we have actually received part of this settlement of the Kennon estate, we have already made plans on how we would utilize the funds. We’re looking forward to fulfilling the vision that Mr. Kennon had for the university.”
That vision came into focus early on, Bales said, who recalls the time two years ago when Kennon met Bales for breakfast and reflected on his beloved alma mater.
“He was really struck by the fact that we had moved up in stature, that we had risen to a whole new level of excellence,” Bales noted. “That excited him. At the same time, as Mr. Kennon was one of the first ones in his family to attend college, so he understood that many students needed some help. Helping others was very important to him. He told me he wanted to do something to help our students. I think we have fulfilled his wishes.”
Of the $3 million for student scholarships, $1 million will be put in the new Centennial Scholars program, which will ultimately support 10 students throughout their college career. The program is designed to attract some of the best students in the region, Bales said.
The remaining $2 million will go into a general scholarship endowment that will be unrestricted and allow the financial aid office to support the needs of many students each year. Unrestricted money can be awarded to help students across campus regardless of their field of study.
“Mr. Kennon didn’t believe a college education should only be limited to an A student,” Bales pointed out. “For the student who worked hard and was diligent, they might not have a 4.0, but that didn’t mean the college experience wasn’t valuable to them.”
According to Chris Massaro, Director of Athletics, about half of the $600,000 earmarked for athletics will go toward expanding and improving the facilities. Another portion of the athletic gift will be used to maintain and support the Emmet and Rose Kennon Sports Hall of Fame.
“We want the Kennon Hall of Fame to be a dynamic place for visitors and alumni to gain an appreciation of the history of our athletic program.” Massaro said. “Emmett Kennon is the classic example of athletics providing the front porch for the institution. Mr. Kennon came to MTSU because of athletics as a student athlete and later re-engaged with his alma mater through athletics.”
The Kennons previously donated $1.5 million to construct the building adjacent to Murphy Center that bears their name.
Finally, $100,000 of the amount designated for athletics will go toward a student-athlete scholarship. “There will be a Kennon athlete-scholar who, just like Mr. Kennon, will get their education because of their athletic ability,” Bales said. “We really feel like we are in line with what Mr. Kennon held as priorities, what he valued.
“If I have one regret it’s that Mr. Kennon will never meet the students who will benefit from his gifts—but more importantly, the students will not get the chance to meet him,” Bales said. “Getting to spend time with Emmett Kennon was one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences that I’ll take from my career.”
"More than anyone I've ever known, Emmett Kennon loved MTSU and was never afraid to show it,” added Jim Simpson, director of the Varsity Club. “His loyalty to this institution stands as an almost unattainable example for all our alumni. His continuing generosity was overwhelming."
“This is a transformational gift,” Bales said of the Kennon bequest. “This will provide opportunities for literally thousands upon thousands of students for generations to come.”

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