August 17, 2022
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Alumni Summer College returned fully in person in July, reaching the 40th anniversary since its founding in 1982—the same year Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair. As in years past, the program offered a host of course offerings and campus updates. Participants learned about topics such as the marketing implications of the name, image, and likeness movement sweeping the athletics landscape—taught by Lynn Youngs, a senior lecturer in UT’s Haslam College of Business and executive director of its Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation—and the convergence of health issues being addressed cohesively by UT’s One Health Initiative—taught by Deb Miller, professor of forestry, wildlife, and fisheries who also serves on the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine. They also toured new buildings and facilities across campus received updates from administrators.
Rachel Ramsey, who graduated with a nursing degree in 2005, participated in Summer Alumni College to gain some additional education and revisit campus.
“I love learning, and haven’t been on campus much since I graduated,” Ramsey said. “I was excited to learn and attend lectures, and also tour the new buildings and see all the new growth that has occurred. Touring the new buildings was my favorite part, followed by having lunch at Neyland Stadium. Dinner the last night, held at the Square Room, was so lovely and delicious.”
“ My freshman year was 50 years ago this fall. I thought this experience might be a good stroll down memory lane and reflect on how much has changed and how much remains the same. – Marguerite Simmons (’76)
Marguerite Simmons, a 1976 College of Communications and Information graduate, participated because of the fond memories she has from her time as an undergraduate student in the early 1970s.
“My freshman year was 50 years ago this fall,” Simmons said. “I thought this experience might be a good stroll down memory lane and reflect on how much has changed and how much remains the same. The Friday lectures were the best by far, with so much information by so many competent, credible speakers! I was entertained and enlightened at the same time and am very impressed with what I saw and heard.”
Alumni Summer College relaunched online in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus. This year the event was held in person July 21–23 in Knoxville.
