By Caleb Jarreau (’25)
Johannah Gilman Paiva (’04) had a familiar feeling as she stood outside the Student Union: She was home.
The Pride of the Southland Band echoed across campus as Paiva gathered with six of her siblings at a University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Alumni tailgate before the Vols took on UAB in Neyland Stadium. It had been several years since all of the Gilman siblings were able to come together, and the September 20, 2025, reunion occurred at a place that holds special meaning for the family.
UT has always been more than a college for the Gilmans. The eight biological siblings attended and graduated from the university, with at least one Gilman on campus every year from 2000 through 2020. The UT Alumni Tailgate reunited the siblings on campus, at the same time, for the first time—offering the chance for the family to experience their alma mater together.
UT Alumni Tailgates offer the opportunity to reconnect with campus and cheer on the Vols.
“It provided us with just warm feelings of the fact that we were all home together,” Paiva says. “It’s a higher level of hospitality and community—it just felt like going to grandma’s house, but we were on campus. It felt warm and welcoming to be at that alumni tailgate and felt like a place we all wanted to be.”
The Gilman family’s story is intertwined with the university. They grew up hearing stories of their dad and grandfather, both of whom took part in the Vol Navy. Paiva set a trend her younger siblings would follow.
Cassie Gilman (’07), James Gilman (’09), Philip Gilman (’11), Julianna Gilman Hendrick (’13), Savannah Gilman (’15), Will Gilman (’17), and Rosemary Gilman Rowlands (’19, ’20) round out the Gilman siblings who attended UT.
“It was a family passing of torch that someone was always there and nearby, being able to shepherd anyone through, ‘Here’s a good spot to get lunch, and here’s where you can actually study,’” Savannah Gilman says. “Letting each other know little secrets and shortcuts.”
Now spread from Charlotte to Nashville and as far as Cambridge, England, the siblings have built careers in education, government, communications, and law. Half of the eight siblings met their spouses while at UT, adding four more alumni to the family.
“I’m grateful for and enjoy any time I get back on Rocky Top, especially for a game or just a reconnect with family,” says James Gilman.
“It’s fun to have something that binds us all together. And knowing that we can take advantage of tailgates and other alumni events in Knoxville or wherever else to stay connected and stay in touch, it’s really nice.”
Will Gilman (’17)
The Gilman family took advantage of scholarships and programs. Among the eight, there is a Tennessee Scholar, Oldham Scholar, Haslam Leadership Scholar, and several University Honors Scholars. Four were able to study abroad during their time at UT as well.
The opportunities to utilize Tennessee’s flagship, land-grant university helped create a family tradition that stretches beyond the classroom.
“We all made lifelong friends through UT as well,” says Will Gilman, who joined the family weekend via Zoom from Cambridge. “It’s fun to connect with family and then also have the friend connections that have lasted. It’s fun to have something that binds us all together. And knowing that we can take advantage of tailgates and other alumni events in Knoxville or wherever else to stay connected and stay in touch, it’s really nice.”
Sibling weekends have become the way the Gilmans stay connected amidst their busy lives. The process starts with a poll to see what weekends everyone can be available. Paiva and Philip Gilman—the “logistics people” of the family—handle the weekend planning.
After decades of shared memories at UT, the Gilmans have added a new tradition, and a new reason to come home together.
“It feels like a homing beacon,” Paiva says. “It’s become a really special place and a way to get us all together.”
Tailgate with the Vols
Reconnect with campus and cheer on the Vols at one of the UT Alumni Tailgates this fall.
