Eighteen outstanding alumni of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, gathered Friday, September 22, to be honored at the Alumni Awards Gala held in the Pilot Company Ballroom of the Student Union. The event, presented by the university’s Alumni Board of Directors, recognizes those alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in stepping forward to serve their alma mater and communities.
Achievements in diverse fields such as athletics, technology, government, law, architecture, cinema, business, engineering, broadcasting, and more, distinguish this group. The ceremony was initiated by Phil Jacobs (’77), who served as the 2020 president of the Alumni Board of Directors.
“ The alumni we are celebrating have an array of talents, experiences, and perspectives, but they share a love for their alma mater and a demonstrated commitment to service and leadership.
– Chancellor Plowman
“These graduates have gone on to light the way with their Volunteer spirit, shown strength and leadership in this extraordinary time, and stepped forward to serve their alma mater and their greater communities,” Jacobs said.
Chancellor Plowman said, “The alumni we are celebrating have an array of talents, experiences, and perspectives, but they share a love for their alma mater and a demonstrated commitment to service and leadership. We have so much to be proud of, and let me assure you, people around the state and the country are noticing our success.”
Bob Kesling, director of broadcasting with Tennessee Athletics and the ‘Voice of the Vols,’ was emcee for the event. Other speakers at the event included Duane Wiles, associate vice chancellor of alumni relations, and Summer Bryant, president of the Student Alumni Associates.
The honorees were recognized in four different award categories: Promise, Professional Achievement, Service, and Distinction.
The honorees were recognized in four different award categories: Promise, Professional Achievement, Service, and Distinction.
The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award is the single highest alumni award given and is reserved for alumni who have excelled at the national or international level. Award winners have attained extraordinary distinction and success, brought credit and acclaim to UT, and benefited society at large.
- Dwight Nathaniel Hutchins (’86)
- Robert B. Lewis III (’81)
- Hon. Heath Shuler (’01)
- Charles Wharton (’65)
The Alumni Professional Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have achieved a high level of success in their chosen field with notable career accomplishments and a history of outstanding contributions to their profession.
- Linda Averett (’70)
- Mona Blanton-Kitts (’85, ’91)
- Dr. Charlotte M. Farmer (’96)
- Jason Little (’97)
- Dr. Jon Kevin Loebbaka (’85)
- Lelan A. Statom (’86)
The Alumni Service Award recognizes exceptional service or long-term continuing service and leadership to UT, acknowledging significant amounts of time, talent, or resources given to the university over an extended period of time.
- Stacey Youree Becker (’98)
- Dr. Sherry Mee Bell (’79, ’84, ’90)
- Jeffrey D. Johnson (’76)
- Misty D. Mayes (’88)
The Alumni Promise Award recognizes alumni 40 years of age or younger who are making a mark early in their career and show great promise for the future.
