The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is calling on alumni, faculty, staff, students, families and friends to come together Tuesday this week for Mocs Give Day, UTC’s annual day of giving.

  This year, UTC has set a goal of 2,500 donors in one day, with gifts supporting scholarships, academic programs, colleges, Athletics and other areas across the University.

  Nine challenges across campus will give donors an opportunity to make their participation go even further.

More than $1.5 million in challenge funding is available to be unlocked throughout Mocs Give Day, with many challenges driven by the number of donors rather than the amount of individual gifts.

  “Mocs Give Day demonstrates what is possible when thousands of people choose to come together for UTC,” said Dr. Lee Williams Weldon, vice chancellor for advancement and executive director of the University of Chattanooga Foundation. “Our goal of 2,500 donors is intentionally focused on participation because every person who gives is part of our success. Whether someone gives $10 or $1,000, and whether they support a scholarship, an academic program, Athletics or another area they care about, their gift moves UTC forward.”

  One of this year’s featured opportunities puts a new face, and four paws, on the impact of Mocs Give Day.

  Lucky, UTC’s newest K-9 in training, is preparing for a dual role in campus safety and community engagement. Lucky is being trained to detect explosive threats while also serving as a therapy and community engagement dog who can bring comfort, build trust and connect with students.

  Through a special Mocs Give Day challenge, gifts to the K-9 Safety Fund will support Lucky’s training and future service to the UTC community. When 250 donors contribute to the fund, an anonymous supporter will unlock a $100,000 challenge gift for campus safety.

  “Lucky gives us a fun and meaningful way to tell one of the many stories behind Mocs Give Day,” Dr. Weldon said. “But the bigger story is that there is no single way to make a difference. We want people to give to what they love at UTC. When 2,500 people make that choice together, gifts of every size and to every area add up to tremendous impact.”

  Mocs Give Day support reaches across the University, creating opportunities for students in and beyond the classroom. Gifts can help provide scholarships, support hands-on learning and research, strengthen academic programs, enhance the student experience and provide resources for faculty and programs.

  “A gift of any size can make a meaningful difference,” said UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce. “Scholarships can help a student remain enrolled, focus on learning and say yes to an internship, research experience, study abroad opportunity or leadership role. Support also helps UTC attract exceptional faculty, advance new ideas and create the distinctive experiences that prepare our students to succeed.

  “I invite our alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends to join us on Mocs Give Day. Together, we can continue building opportunity and momentum for UTC, Chattanooga and the region.”

  Mocs Give Day begins Tuesday. Donors can choose the area of UTC most meaningful to them and follow the progress of challenges throughout the day at mocsgiveday.utc.edu.