When Chima (‘17) and Monica Onwuka (’16, ’21) graduated from the University of Tennessee, they knew it was just a matter of time until they were able to give back to their alma mater. Those dreams came true this fall with the initial deposit toward a fully-funded endowment, the Grind City Cares Onwuka Fund.

Together, the couple has committed to giving or raising $25,000 to support the programming and students involved in Multicultural Student Life. This office is responsible for advising several culturally-based and special interest student organizations, providing opportunities for engagement and dialogue through various programs and initiatives, and helping foster leadership and community among students.

As a student, Chima was highly involved, serving as the president of the Volunteer Residence Hall Council, a committee member for the Campus Entertainment Board and Volapalooza, and a member of both the Black Cultural Programming Committee and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Chima was also awarded a service medallion presented to students with 100 or more confirmed service hours.

After studying psychology, Chima co-founded Grind City Cares, a community nonprofit organization, and Grind City Kicks, an online shoe and apparel brand. He has also been honored as a Volunteer 40 Under 40 by the UT Knoxville Alumni Association.

Monica was also heavily involved as a student and greatly benefitted from the programming offered by Multicultural Student Life. She was a member of the minority mentoring program as a first-year student and dedicated time at UT to giving campus tours and working admissions events as a student ambassador.

Being a Volunteer was a transformational experience for the Onwukas. With their success, they wanted to provide financial opportunities for students who had a similar campus experience to their own, being actively involved on campus but also possessing a passion for service.

The Onwukas presented a check for the initial gift toward the endowment at 2023’s Stompfest during Homecoming, a signature event hosted by Multicultural Student Life that many alumni return to attend.

While Multicultural Student Life has been the recipient of other gift funds, Chima and Monica represent the youngest alumni to give back. They also hope that this gift will compel other young alumni to pour back into the university that invested so much in them.

The gift funds will support programming efforts through the office but will also be available as scholarships or financial assistance for students in need.