KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee community is remembering Natalie L. Haslam, a longtime philanthropist whose generosity helped transform music education on campus.
Haslam died Friday at the age of 94, according to the University.
Vigil at Sunsphere honors former Knoxville Mayor Randy Tyree; daughter reflects on legacy
A University of Tennessee alumna, Haslam played a pivotal role in elevating the school’s music program through decades of support for the arts and education. Her contributions helped shape what is now the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, a nationally recognized program serving hundreds of students each year.
“There’s two words that come to mind for me,” said Jeff Pappas, the founding dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. “The first is legacy with all of her philanthropic gestures, and the second is kindness. She was undoubtedly the most kind person I’ve ever met in my life, and I never ever thought she had a bad thought or a bad feeling about anyone.”…