Cliff Pettit

Knoxville, TN

Cliff Pettit was instrumental in founding Gamma Mu in the 1970s, an exclusive social fraternity created to provide a safe and supportive network for gay men during a time when living openly could bring serious personal and professional risks. Gamma Mu offered a private community where members could build friendships and find solidarity, providing a connection to community and strength when few such spaces existed.

Recognizing the opportunity to expand Gamma Mu’s values and spirit of service, Cliff helped lead the creation of the Gamma Mu Foundation. As the charitable arm of the fraternity, the Foundation was established to support community initiatives in rural areas and provide scholarships for gay men. Through Cliff’s leadership, what began as a private social network became a catalyst for philanthropy and leadership.

Today, Cliff's vision continues through the Cliff Pettit Fellows Program. This core community of donors provides vital leadership and consistent resources that sustain the Foundation’s grants and scholarships, empowering rural and underserved LGBTQ+ communities across the United States.