Bruns Scholarship Challenge Fund Raises $3 Million, Creates Record-Breaking Number of Scholarships at UofM
November 27, 2023 — The Bruns Scholarship Challenge fully matched $1 million to create 36 new scholarships, collectively raising $3 million in three years from alumni and friends of the University of Memphis, the University announced today ahead of Giving Tuesday. The record-breaking number of scholarships demonstrates the incredible power of collective impact.
The challenge was made possible by longtime UofM supporter and member of the University of Memphis Board of Visitors, Mike Bruns and his wife, Marian. In September 2020, Bruns challenged alumni and friends to join him in increasing the number of graduating students at the UofM through the creation of new endowed scholarships that directly addressed those with financial need. The undergraduate need-based scholarships were matched 1:2 until the $1M challenge fund was fulfilled.
“I was excited to partner with the University of Memphis to create this challenge and I’m grateful that so many donors decided to join me in offering support,” said Bruns. “I knew I had to help when I learned that awards as little as $700 can make a difference between a student graduating and dropping. When we all come together, we can make an impact on the lives of students for generations to come.”
Bruns is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who serves on numerous boards sharing his time, talents and treasures throughout the Memphis community.
“We are deeply thankful to Mike and his family for their continued generosity. Through this investment, students who are struggling to fund their college education will feel the relief of that burden be lifted.” said Kimberly Grantham, interim vice president for advancement.
This Giving Tuesday, you can help make a difference, too, by visiting MomentUM to support the University of Memphis in the way that is most meaningful for you through a tax-deductible contribution.
Scholarships Matched through the Bruns Scholarship Challenge Fund:
Center for International Education Services (Study Abroad)
- Monika and Thomas Nenon Scholarship
College of Arts and Sciences
- Lisa Huffstetler Scholarship
- Lisa and David Jennings Scholarship
College of Communication and Fine Arts
- Tammy Hedges and Bishop & Sloan Hedges-Green Scholarship
- Rebecca Meriwether Cooper Klyce Scholarship
- Bobick Family Art Education Scholarship
College of Education
- Barker Family Education Scholarship
- Kappa Beta Alumni Association Scholarship
- Michael & Suzanne Spiceland Michelson Scholarship
Dean of Students
- Exceeding Excellence Endowed Scholarship
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Scholarship
Fogelman College of Business and Economics
- Dr. John Cicala Endowed Scholarship for Marketing & Supply Chain Management
- Melanie and Mark Compton Endowed Scholarship
- Duncan-Williams, Inc. Scholarship
- Kappa Beta Alumni Association Scholarship
- LaHaie Family Scholarship
- Pallme Family Scholarship
- Peyton Martin Weddle Scholarship
- Janice and Kent Ritchey Scholarship
- J Charles Cameron V Scholarship
- Kim and Fred Hiatt Scholarship
- Lackie Family Endowed Scholarship
- Wedaman Family Scholarship
- Tim Skinner Endowed Business Scholarship
- Angela & Steve Good Endowed Business Scholarship
General Scholarship
- Rita and Lloyd Stovall Scholarship
- Tanya and Mark Hart Scholarship for Underserved Students
- Miller Protective Services
Health Systems Management
- Dr. Roger and Mary E. LaBronte Scholarship
Herff College of Engineering
- Robert Allen Curtis Engineering Scholarship
- Mike and Marta Foster Engineering Scholarship
- Flintco Foundation Scholarship
- Johney and Emma Green Memorial Scholarship
Loewenberg College of Nursing
- Rashida and Abdul Sattar Memorial Scholarship
School of Health Systems Management
- Dr. Roger S. and Mary E. LaBonte Scholarship
Student Academic Success
- Springfield First Generation Scholarship
- Towler, Cheng, Searcy Family Completion Scholarship
- Dr. Karen Weddle-West Completion Scholarship
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