Tennessee Technological University student who raised money for Ukrainian relief recognized by trustees

A Tennessee Technological University student who organized a small campus fundraiser for Ukrainian relief described her experience to the university Board of Trustees on Tuesday.

Isabella Tachuk, joining the meeting by video from Athens, Greece, told trustees she is a junior double-majoring in business management and operations, logistics and supply‑chain management and that, after fleeing Ukraine with her family in 2022, she chose Tennessee Tech in part because her mother is an alumna. "My class required teams to select a charitable cause, plan and execute a fundraising event," Tachuk said. "Together we hosted a pickleball and cornhole fundraiser and raised $275 for Raising Hope Ukraine."

The trustees' recognition described Tachuk's family nonprofit, Raising Hope Ukraine, as providing food, clothing, medicine and shelter to Ukrainians in need and noted it also supports soldiers and refugee families. Tachuk said her parents remain in Ukraine in an area she characterized as "fairly safe," near the border with Moldova. "I grew up in a European setting, so studying in Athens has felt familiar," she said, adding that she misses Tennessee Tech and hopes to continue fundraising when she returns.

Trustees asked about her coursework and plans: Tachuk said she is taking business and Greek-culture courses while abroad and hopes to pursue an MBA at Tennessee Tech and a career with an international company; she also said she might return to Ukraine someday to help rebuild through business efforts. Student trustee Braxton Westbrook told her trustees and students on campus would be interested in supporting similar fundraisers in the future.

The board welcomed Tachuk's remarks and encouraged her to visit a meeting in person when she returns to campus.