At Regal’s offices overlooking the Tennessee River and Neyland Stadium, leaders from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and representatives of Regal and the Regal Foundation joined together to celebrate UT’s 2024-25 Regal Scholars during an event held March 4. Regal, the Knoxville-native company that runs one of the largest theatre operations in the United States, has supported scholarships to 40 UT students from Knox County and surrounding East Tennessee communities for 15 years.
“Regal has been honored to assist many intelligent and driven Volunteers. All of you are headed for great success, and we hope these scholarships encourage you to pursue your incredible potential,” said John Curry, senior vice president of commercial at Regal, when congratulating the scholarship recipients. “Our company works to support the communities in which we live, work, and play. Given our theatre support office based across the river from campus in South Knoxville, we realize the importance of being good stewards and contributing to the social fabric of East Tennessee—that includes UT, one of our leading partners.”
Regal, a subsidiary of Cineworld Group, opened in Knoxville in 1989. Since 2010, it has provided more than $1 million to support Regal Scholars at UT, with 10 students represented each year from each class (first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior).
Regal’s support is more than just financial—it’s a vote of confidence in my education, my aspirations, and my potential.”
Chrystyn Sammy
Regal Scholar
At the event, Chrystyn Sammy, a senior studying sociology, shared her gratitude with Regal for the scholarship that has enriched her Volunteer experience.
“Regal’s support is more than just financial—it’s a vote of confidence in my education, my aspirations, and my potential,” said Sammy. “Without the stress of financial burden, I’ve had time and stability to build lasting connections, develop leadership skills, and gain invaluable experiences that will shape my future, like engaging in the National Society of Black Women in Medicine and preparing for the MCAT—an essential step toward my dream of a career in medicine.”
As well as supporting Vols like Sammy, Regal has also given to UT Haslam College of Business, establishing a professorship, and to UT Athletics, naming the Regal Soccer Stadium.
Brian Broyles, UT senior vice chancellor for advancement, added his gratitude to Regal for the student lives they have impacted. “There’s never been a better time to be a Volunteer. From the classroom to the athletic fields, we are winning. Thanks to private support from donors, the impact is felt across the entire campus. We are changing the lives of our students through programs like the Regal Scholars. Regal is a key, strategic partner in UT’s land-grant mission to make higher education possible for Tennesseans.”
The 2024–25 Regal Scholars are:
- Zainab Abuirqeba
- John Bonner
- Elizabeth Broyhill
- Austin Clark
- Laura Cooney
- Harley Dearing
- Zainulabdeen Fadhil
- Eli Fisk
- Mirel Flores Ramirez
- Arnashia Gray
- Jassmine Grimes
- Mckinley Harmon
- Reagan Honeycutt
- Avery Hopson
- Holly Jones
- Edward Kim
- Macy Krein
- Aidan Lankford
- Candace Le
- Shelby Maples
- James Markert
- Callie Nicley
- Khooshi Patel
- Abby-Noelle Potter
- Mackenzie Rickard
- Roni Ruiz Archundia
- Chrystyn Sammy
- Zachary Shula
- Ryan Sissum
- Hunter Smith
- Ava Smith
- Samuel Smith
- Elizabeth Solis Martinez
- Philip Soulier
- Alissa Sullinger
- Chante Thomas
- Aubrey Truan
- Eric Vasquez
- Maya Wilson
- Kevin Young
