From an IRA to Nursing Scholarships

Polly Ann Martin Thompson (’67)

For Polly Ann Martin Thompson (’67), supporting the next generation of health care professionals is a way to give back to a field that has profoundly impacted her life. Inspired by the compassionate care her parents and loved ones received, she chose to leave a lasting legacy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga through a planned gift. After a successful career in marketing at Delta, Polly Ann decided to name UTC as the beneficiary of an individual retirement account (IRA), which will provide scholarship support for students pursuing careers in nursing.

“I just wanted to do something for students,” Polly Ann shared. “(Nurses) need help. They do such a good job, and they’re not recognized as well as they should be.”

Her decision to include UTC in her estate plan reflects a deep belief in the power of education and the importance of preparing skilled, dedicated health care workers. She understands that while not everyone can make a large gift today, planning allows someone to make an impact that extends far beyond their lifetime.

“You might not feel like you have the resources now, but you can go ahead and plan for it,” Polly Ann said. “And you would feel better about it.”

By securing scholarships for aspiring nurses, Polly Ann hopes to ease the financial burden on students while strengthening the future of health care. Through her generosity, she is making sure that the kindness and expertise she once witnessed firsthand continue to benefit countless others for years to come.