Published: November 09, 2016

Thomas Graham ’82 Scores with Gift for Soccer Program

Thomas Graham ’82, celebrating his 35th reunion this year, has matched all gifts from other alumni in support of the UT men’s soccer program, combining to raise $44,000 in a single day.

Graham remembers well his own glory days on the team. He was a three-year starter and a four-year letterman from 1978–1982. As a starting goalkeeper, the team went 46-5-3. In addition to receiving numerous honors and awards, Graham was inducted in 2014 into the UT Athletic Hall of Fame.

Graham has supported the ongoing effort to engage alumni and others in supporting the team toward the goal of a fourth national championship. This gift was intended to help spark giving for the soccer program and all are welcomed to help add to the totals. In addition, Graham hopes interested alumni, parents and friends will keep informed about the soccer team, which advanced to the Sunshine State Conference championship game losing in penalty kicks. Finishing 11-4-3, the team earned an NCAA bid representing one of four teams in the South Region.

“As a young man playing for UT, I remember how much it meant to see the community pulling for us, from the students, to the alumni to the trustees,” said Graham. “I hope to help foster that and build on UT’s culture of success.”

In addition to supporting the soccer team, Graham has given and raised more than $100,000 for the Olive C. Graham Memorial Scholarship in honor of his mother, who encouraged and enabled him to attend UT and to thrive in college and beyond.