The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Nursing has announced a $1 million gift from the Boyd Foundation. The gift includes a $500,000 addition to the Susan L. Moeller Memorial Scholarship Endowment and a $500,000 commitment to the College of Nursing Building Fund. The Lecture Theatre will be named in memory of Susan, pending UT Board of Trustees approval.
“We are so thankful to the Boyd Foundation for this special gift honoring Susan’s life,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “These scholarships will honor Susan’s legacy and ease the financial burden facing many nursing students in perpetuity.”
Susan L. Moeller was a student enrolled in the College of Nursing when she was tragically killed in an automobile accident on April 16, 1978. She was the daughter of Mrs. Betty L. Moeller and the late Lt. Col. Gene L. Moeller, a member of the 1951 UT Championship football team and former administrator in the UT athletic department.
“Susan was my once in a lifetime best friend who had a love for life and always had a sparkle in her eye,” said Jenny Boyd. “The gift made in her memory is to honor her, so she is not forgotten to those who love her. It is also an opportunity for others to have an education in the healing arts and to accomplish what Susan only dreamed of accomplishing before her life was so abruptly taken away. I want to thank my husband, Randy, for this wonderful gift to the college in remembrance of my friend.”
Moeller was a Little Sister of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. At the time of her untimely death, the family and friends of Moeller established a scholarship to honor her memory. This year will mark the 45th future Vol nurse to receive financial support through this legacy gift.
“My family is so appreciative,” said Betty Moeller, Susan’s mother. “It is such a perfect gift. To think that the Boyd Family made this gift on behalf of Jenny’s best friend is overwhelming. I am delighted to know that this will help students who feel called to join the nursing profession.”
Randy Boyd is president of the UT System and founder and executive chair of Radio Systems Corporation, known for its PetSafe, Invisible Fence, and other pet product brands. He also serves as president of the Boyd Foundation.
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CONTACT: Kara Clark Cardwell (kmclark2@utk.edu, 865-974-9498)