Summer to the stereotypical student means a break from the rigors of study, but for the alumni and friends who attended the University of Tennessee’s Alumni Summer College in June and July, it meant a chance to learn about Mars and meteors, invasive species, infectious diseases, extreme weather, and the politics of access to health care.
These were just a few of the topics taught by notable UT professors and faculty emeriti for those interested in lifelong learning and making new friends, and unlike the typical academic course, it came without exams.
“After spending years specializing in a career, I was seeking an opportunity for lateral learning,” said participant Sue Ford Harris (’77, ’78). “Participating once again in an academic atmosphere, which encourages the exchange of ideas in a nonthreatening environment, was so stimulating. As expected, all of the topics were interesting and informative, and the educators clearly had a passion for their subjects.”
The surfeit of new knowledge also came with the chance to meet and reconnect with fellow alumni and friends at a welcome event. This connection, especially after a challenging year and a half of pandemic life, was something the participants relished.
“Participating once again in an academic atmosphere, which encourages the exchange of ideas in a nonthreatening environment, was so stimulating. As expected, all of the topics were interesting and informative, and the educators clearly had a passion for their subjects.” – Sue Ford Harris (’77, ’78)
“I wanted to reconnect to old friends and make new ones,” said Floyd White (’63). “And I enjoyed the sessions very much.”
Harris agreed with the sentiment. “We were fortunate to have a wonderful mix of class participants with a variety of majors, as well as a five-decade range in our graduation years. It brought together a wealth of talent and experience that added depth and perspective to the classes and made for some lively discussions.”
Alumni Summer College was relaunched in an online format for 2021 after a seven-year hiatus, drawing people who had previously been unable to attend the typically in-person event. The university looks forward to welcoming many more to UT’s pedagogical font for the event’s 30th anniversary in 2022.
