About

For more than 40 years, the Phoenix Ball has united the Middle Tennessee community and championed Cumberland’s mission to transform lives through the power of education with a night of celebration, entertainment, and the opportunity to give back. The impact of Phoenix Ball extends far beyond a single evening. Thanks to the generosity of Phoenix Ball patrons, Cumberland is able to provide critical financial assistance to students through unique endowed scholarships and programs like Phoenix Promise and Cumberland Promise. Each year, 100% of net proceeds goes directly to making an impact in the lives of our students. On average, more than $50,000 is raised annually through the compassion of others toward tuition discounts and scholarships.

To learn more about the transformative power of Cumberland's Phoenix Ball check out our 2025 Phoenix Ball Impact Report online.

Phoenix Ball Endowed Scholarship

The 40th annual Phoenix Ball, chaired by Heather and Greg Landers, saw the creation of the Phoenix Ball Endowed Scholarship. The generosity and tradition of philanthropy was continued by 2025 Phoenix Ball Chairs, Christine and Kevin New, as their efforts and another successful ball fully endowed this scholarship. The Phoenix Ball Endowed Scholarship will support a CU student specifically from Wilson County.

Al Ashworth & Dallus Whitfield Endowed Scholarship

Cumberland’s 39th annual Phoenix Ball, chaired by Brad and Tasha Irby, honored the memory of local legends, Al Ashworth and Dallus Whitfield, two local photographers who played a prominent role in many past Phoenix Balls, with the establishment of the Al Ashworth and Dallus Whitfield Endowed Scholarship, funded completely by patrons of the ball.

Class of 2026 graduate and Criminal Justice major, Lily McPeak, was the first ever recipient of the Al Ashworth & Dallus Whitfield Endowed Scholarship. After receiving the scholarship, Lily shared what the generosity of others meant for her and her future.

"Receiving the Al Ashworth and Dallus Whitfield Endowed Scholarship not only lessened the financial burden of paying for college but it truly propelled my plans for the future. With plans to attend law school after graduation, one chapter of my academic journey closed while the next was only just beginning. As I continue to pursue my dreams, and reflect on my own hard work and determination, I am reminded that so many others, even those I don’t know, have been a part of my success story and that because of the generosity of others, I can continue to rise above adversity."

Watch last year’s Scholarship Paddle Raise video used at Phoenix Ball, featuring Lily McPeak and President Stumb.

Phoenix Promise

At Cumberland we believe that every student deserves access to higher education, which is why we’re focused on removing barriers from earning a four-year degree. During the 2024-2025 academic year, 69 students received transformative support through Phoenix Promise. The Phoenix Promise is a last-dollar scholarship, which means that after considering all funding and grants a student is eligible for, the Phoenix Promise covers the remaining balance of tuition and access fees. This means that eligible students will pay little or no costs out-of-pocket for tuition and access fees because of the support of the Phoenix Ball.

Cumberland Promise

Cumberland Promise is a unique opportunity created internally at CU focused on supporting students who wish to continue their education after earning their associate degree. A variety of financial aid options are available to students who decide to continue their education in pursuit of their bachelor's degree. The goal of Cumberland Promise is to make the remaining years of a student's college career all the more affordable. Cumberland Promise allows students to earn up to $16,000 in scholarship dollars. Cumberland associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and transfers are eligible for a $6,000 grant, regardless of achievement level or chosen field of study. The scholarship is based upon major, college graduation GPA, and level of financial need. During the 2024-2025 academic year, 250 students received financial support through Cumberland Promise.