Rick Sain, PharmD, served two years as president of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy Alumni Association Board. He plans to continue to give back to his alma mater by donating during the fourth-annual UT Health Science Center Giving Day on Tuesday, April 23.
The 24-hour campaign raises funds to support the university and its mission to create a healthier Tennessee. The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise funds from 1,000 donors. Dr. Sain, a 1989 College of Pharmacy graduate and accomplished pharmacist in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, said he is proud to be able to support his alma mater and help reach the fundraising goal.
“The College of Pharmacy gave so much to me and shaped my life in so many ways,” he said. “As alumni, we have a unique opportunity to pay it forward by supporting UT Health Science Center. Our contributions not only honor the legacy of our alma mater, but also ensure that future generations of health care workers have the tools and resources they need to thrive in the ever-evolving health care landscape.”
Donations can be made to support a specific college – Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy – or an initiative or program at UT Health Science Center. Some donations may be matched to double their impact. This year, more than $400,000 is being offered in matching grants and challenges, which are unlocked when certain goals are met.
Thanks to the generosity of UT Health Science Center’s alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community members, Giving Day has surpassed the participation goals every year it has been held. Last year, the campaign raised more than $635,000.
“Supporting others is an incredible feeling. At UT Health Science Center, this feeling is magnified through investing in those who dedicate their lives to helping others,” Vice Chancellor for Advancement Brigitte Grant said. “I am proud we are fostering a culture of philanthropy across our campuses and in communities throughout Tennessee. Giving Day is a time to celebrate the impact we can have on the health of our families and neighbors when we come together. Every donation counts—no matter the size.”
This is the first Giving Day since UT Health Science Center began implementing its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, which serves as a five-year roadmap for the university. The plan outlines the university’s new mission, values, and vision: Health Tennesseans. Thriving Communities. Giving Day is an opportunity to directly aid the university in its effort to improve health care and the overall health of people across the state.
This year, Giving Day coincides with Student Appreciation Day. The Office of Advancement team will be in Student-Alumni Center on the Memphis campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to engage with students. The event will include food, games, and giveaways. Student events will also take place in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville.
To show appreciation for donors, UT Health Science Center will hold a Day of Gratitude for the first time on Wednesday, May 1. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to visit the Madison Plaza lobby or the General Education Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to record video messages or write personal notes thanking donors for their support. The event aims to boost the culture of philanthropy, highlight the power of gratitude, and demonstrate how each gift makes a difference that extends beyond the university.
“I encourage fellow alumni to give because our contributions have a tangible impact on the future of our great profession,” Dr. Sain said. “Together, we can foster innovation, expand access to medications, and empower pharmacists to be leaders in patient care.”
To participate in UT Health Science Center Giving Day or get more information, go to givingday.uthsc.edu.