Donors

In 2004, Steve and Susan Greer established the Greer Education Scholarship Endowment at Tennessee Technological University. The establishment of this endowment fulfilled a dream and goal of the Greers to give back to Tennessee Tech a portion of the benefits their family has received from this great institution of higher learning. The Greers' involvement with Tennessee Tech began in 1966, when Steve enrolled as a freshman on a Golden Eagle football scholarship. Steve's time on the gridiron ended after two seasons when he suffered a career ending knee injury in the off-season. Susan and Steve were married the summer before his Senior year, and they resided his last year in Tech Village. Susan, a 1969 University of Tennessee education graduate, taught kindergarten in the Putnam County Schools during the 1969-70 school year, the first year that kindergarten became mandated statewide. After graduating with a political science degree in 1970, Steve attended law school at the University of Tennessee, where he graduated in March of 1973. During law school, Susan continued teaching kindergarten in the Knox County School System. The Greers have made their home in Dunlap, Tennessee since 1973. Steve and Susan were raised in families in the Sequatchie Valley that valued education and the opportunities that it provides. Not only was education a priority in their families, but public education was also recognized as the foundation of a free and democratic society. Steve and Susan were blessed with four children, Jessica, Elizabeth, Thomas and Rachel. Their children always knew that attending college was expected, and the children's only decision was where they would attend. Steve and Susan never attempted to direct their children to any particular state university and would have been proud of wherever they attended. In the fall of 1991, however, the oldest, Jessica, selected Tennessee Tech as her college of choice. Like her mother, she knew that she was destined to be a teacher. While enjoying college life and being active as a Tennessee Tech Golden Girl and in her sorority, Jessica obtained a bachelor's and master's degree in education. She taught kindergarten five years before becoming a full time Mom. Four years later Elizabeth enrolled as a freshman at Tennessee Tech to pursue a degree in political science in preparation for law school. Elizabeth was also active in her sorority and participated as a member of the mock trial team for Tennessee Tech. Upon graduation, Elizabeth attended the University of Memphis Law School where she graduated in May 2003. Elizabeth now practices law with her father and grandfather in Dunlap, Tennessee. In 1997 the third Greer child, Thomas, followed his older sisters and enrolled as a freshman at Tennessee Tech. Thomas pursued a degree in history, as he too planned to attend law school. Thomas was active in his fraternity, where he served as president. He graduated in 2002 after completing his last semester in England through an exchange program. He is now a student at the University of Memphis Law School where he will graduate in May 2005. After graduating from high school in 1999, Rachel, the last of the Greer children, joined the ranks of other freshman at Tennessee Tech. Like her mother and oldest sister, Rachel wanted to be a teacher. Rachel enjoyed her life as a Tech student and was active in her sorority, where she served in different officer positions. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in December 2003 and became employed in the Wilson County school system as a 4th grade teacher. Tennessee Tech has played a vital role in the life of the Greer family. As their fourth child walked across the Tennessee Tech stage at commencement ceremonies, Steve and Susan realized that it was time for them to make a contribution that would help future Tennessee Tech students. While being contributors for years, the Greers felt the time was right for them to move on to the next level of support for the university. Coming from parents who were college graduates and then being parents, as their own children became college age, the Greers knew that they and their children were very fortunate. They were fortunate because there was no reason for them not to gain a college degree. It was expected of them, and they had parents who understood not only the importance of a college education, but who also could provide the financial support necessary. Steve and Susan have seen many bright, young people never pursue or complete a college degree due to lack of financial support. Sometimes there is support, but just not quite enough. A common ingredient in many of these young people was the fact that they were first generation college students. The Greers strongly believe that colleges, universities and society must provide the encouragement, financial support and any resource necessary to assure that first generation college students have the same opportunities that other, more fortunate students have who come from families with college backgrounds. Steve and Susan hope that this endowment for first generation education students at Tennessee Tech will be a source of help and support for deserving students to overcome obstacles that lie before them. The Greers feel extremely blessed to be able to inaugurate this endowment and pledge their support to it in the years to come.