In honor of Gus Manning and Carmen Tegano, Peyton Manning and his wife Ashley announced they will make a $3 million leadership contribution to the University of Tennessee, which will benefit Tennessee's football program and the Peyton Manning Scholarship Endowment.
The scholarship, which was awarded annually beginning in 1998, is a four-year scholarship for first-year students participating in Tennessee's honors program, granted for those who show exemplary academic achievement, leadership and community service.
"We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to give the gift of an education to deserving UT students every year through the scholarship program," Manning told UTsports.com. "It means a great deal to us to give young people an edge in maximizing their potential."
In addition to the scholarship, Manning's donation will help the football program and add a couple landmarks to Tennessee's campus in honor of a few of the people who made an impact on him when he was a Volunteer.
Gus Manning has dedicated much of his life to Tennessee, working for the university and its athletic program for the past 64 years. In his honor, UT will name Gate 16 at Neyland Stadium the Gus Manning Gate.
Carmen Tegano is also a lifelong devotee to the university, now in his 31st year at the university. In honor of him, and his wife, who was one of Peyton Manning's professors, a new dining hall in a residence hall under construction will be named the Carmen and Deborah Tegano Student-Athlete Dining Hall.
"Gus and Carmen both personify what it means to be a Vol for Life, and both have made the University of Tennessee a better place," said Peyton Manning. "No one has served Tennessee and its athletics program better than Gus, and Carmen has also served this University with tremendous distinction.
"We have been fortunate to maintain a close friendship with Gus, Carmen, and Debbie Tegano since I left UT, and our sincere hope is that the decision to honor them in this way is reflective of the positive impact they continue to have on this great University."
