Charitable Bequests Ensure Legacy of Cowgirl ‘Culture’
What others did for bread, wine, and beer they did for cheese.
The popularization of the farm-to-table food movement is owed in part to Sue Conley ('75) and Peggy Smith of Cowgirl Creamery. Their award-winning products ignited an artisan cheese-making movement centered on clean products straight from local farms.
Since retiring in early 2021, the Cowgirls have sought to ensure this legacy for the people and places they love, including the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Their first step? The UT Creamery, born of their culinary principles and collaborative spirit, restored after more than 30 years, and safeguarded through gifts in their wills to benefit the university.
The creation of their generous legacy gifts will allow the Creamery to operate far into the future, connecting students across multiple academic departments in a shared quest to produce delicious treats for all to enjoy.
“In the American cheese community, there’s a spirit of collaboration that hasn’t wavered. UT and this area have that going for it, too,” said Conley. “It’s an important project. This kind of business helps everybody—the community, farmers, and consumers who want healthy food.”
At a recent taste test, they brought their expertise to bear on UT ice cream, which will be featured at the new storefront at the former Visitors Center on Neyland Drive.
“There are great people running things,” said Smith. “It’s wonderful to see the excitement and the collaboration between colleges and their students that make the creamery possible.”
When asked what it was about UT that motivated them to include the university in their estate plans, Conley simply said, “What don’t we love about UT? I’m glad for the opportunity to give back to my alma mater, where it all started for me and Peggy.”
“We always go to ball games when the Lady Vols play out West,” she added. “Our dormmates [at UT] were on the team when Pat Summitt had just started, so we have an emotional connection.”
Smith was a Lady Vol herself, competing in the butterfly on a very young varsity swim team. Sports helped them stay in touch with UT, and support for female student–athletes also features into their charitable bequests, with contributions to the Joan Cronan Lady Vol Graduate Fellowship Endowment.
The Cowgirls can ride easy knowing the burgeoning culinary culture at UT—along with their beloved Lady Vols—will be provided for. Thanks to their current and future support, the torch they have passed will keep burning for years to come.
Create Something Sweet
Use your will to make sure what you love lives on. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 865-974-3388 or giftplanning@utk.edu to discover your giving options.