UTM, Discovery Park partnership celebrated with new endowment

The University of Ten-nessee at Martin recently received $300,000 from the Kathleen Elam Endowment that will be used to establish the Elam/Discovery Park Quasi-Endowment.
The Park Quasi-Endow-ment will be used to fund student internships and faculty stipends for UT Martin students and faculty working and conducting research at Discovery Park of America (DPA).

“This is a true partnership between UT Martin and DPA,” Elam trustee Betty Smith said. “It is appropriate for the Elam Endowment to be used for faculty and students. Education and life-long learning are missions of both UT Martin and Discovery Park.”
Al Creswell, also an Elam trustee, facilitated the gift and serves on the DPA board of directors.
Discovery Park of America, currently under construction in Union City, will focus on nature, science, technology, history and art. Discovery Park’s mission is to enhance the educational experiences of children and adults and to inspire them to see beyond their current level of knowledge.

The Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation is Discovery Park’s principal benefactor. The Kirklands are longtime supporters of educational pursuits in the area and they share in the vision and mission of Discovery Park.
“We anticipate this as just the beginning of a productive and long-term relationship between the university and Discovery Park,” Robert Kirkland said. Published in The Messenger 5.14.12