A Tennessee Tradition of Giving

The Phoenix Ball is one of Tennessee's premier charity galas, a black tie evening benefiting Cumberland University. Each year, hundreds of middle Tennesseans gather to celebrate and support the students who carry the university's legacy forward.

1842

the year Cumberland University was founded

1984

the year the Phoenix Ball began

$430,000+

raised for student scholarships in 2026

"An evening of dancing and entertainment, in service of something bigger."

Early Years

Funds raised by the Ball supported projects across campus, library books, carpeting for Memorial Hall, and other needs as they arose.

Today

The focus has shifted to scholarships. Proceeds help students bridge the gap left after Pell Grants, the Lottery scholarship, loans, and other aid, giving deserving students the extra support they need to stay enrolled.

Photos Through the Years