Mary-Katherine Hill, of Memphis; Chris Pierce, of Savannah; and Bill and Rosann Nunnelly, of Nashville, will be honored with alumni awards from the University of Tennessee at Martin during homecoming festivities Nov. 2.
The awards will be presented during the annual Chancellor’s Brunch and Alumni Awards Program prior to the opening of Quad City, and award-winners will later be recognized during halftime of the homecoming football game against Jacksonville State. The game begins at 2 p.m. in Hardy Graham Stadium, and tickets are available in advance through the Skyhawk Ticket Office and at the gate on gameday.
Hill will receive the 2019 Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which honors a university alum under 40 years of age for outstanding achievement in his or her chosen profession. Hill is a 2012 UT Martin graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She currently works to provide a safe haven for foster children and others in need in the Memphis Area through her non-profit, the Arrow’s Nest.
Pierce will receive the 2019 Outstanding Alumni Award, which honors a university alum over 40 years of age for outstanding achievement in his or her chosen profession. Pierce is the owner and president of Design Sign Team Company, LLC, in Savannah, Tennessee. He earned a UT Martin bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1990 and formed his current business with his brother in 1993.
Design Sign Team Company is a one-stop-shop for corporations looking for exterior signage, branding and interior products, and the company’s customer list includes Arby’s, Golden Corral, Dairy Queen, McAlister’s Deli, Shoe Department and Applebee’s, among others.
Bill and Rosann Nunnelly will receive the 2019 Chancellor’s Award for University Service, which honors an individual or individuals for exemplary service to the university. In summer 2019, the Nunnellys announced a $22 million bequest to the university to fund the education of rural Tennessee students for generations to come.
Bill Nunnelly earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from UT Martin in 1970 and later earned a Master of Education from Boston University. While enrolled at UT Martin, he participated in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the ROTC program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant following graduation. He completed his military service and pursued various business interests over the years, becoming a successful entrepreneur.
A complete schedule of homecoming events is available at utmforever.edu/homecoming. For more information on university homecoming awards, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 731-881-7610.
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