Friday, September 13 was a lucky day for 20 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, alumni who were honored that evening at the Alumni Awards Gala, presented by the university’s Alumni Board of Directors. The award winners are accomplished professionals and servant leaders who are transforming their communities and fields of expertise, which include music, law, professional sports, accounting, food, fashion, health care, and more.
John Wilkerson (’88), the Voice of Tennessee baseball, led the awards presentation, which honored alumni in four respective categories: Distinguished, Professional Achievement, Service, and Promise.
This year’s recipients are “an exceptional group of alumni,” said presiding Board of Directors president Lisa Edwards Reed (’86). “It’s a great time to be a Tennessee Vol and to witness the Volunteer spirit displayed in every achievement and in every life impacted by our award winners.” Other event speakers included Duane Wiles, associate vice chancellor of alumni relations, and Tim Held, president of the Student Alumni Associates.
Chancellor Donde Plowman said the award winners make the entire Volunteer family proud. “The alumni honored today represent the best of what UT has to offer—leaders in their fields and their communities who represent their alma mater in a way that makes us all proud,” said Plowman. “I am grateful to each of the winners for their service to our university and congratulate them on their achievements and leadership.”
The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award is the single highest alumni award, dedicated to alumni who succeed on the biggest stages, nationally or internationally. Award winners have achieved outstanding distinction, bringing acclaim to UT and benefiting our world.
- Shelly Sun Berkowitz (’92)
- Paige Braddock (’85)
- Chris Schellman (’96, ’98)
- Donnie Smith (’80)
- Dr. Michele Wise Wright, PhD (’92)
The Alumni Professional Achievement Award recognizes alumni who accomplish significant success in their field with laudable career achievements and a track record of impressive contributions to their profession.
- Bryan F. Coker, PhD (’10)
- Philip M. Garner (’73)
- Michael Han (’03)
- James “Sparky” Rucker (’71)
- Paul A. Young (’02)
The Alumni Service Award honors exceptional service or long-term continuing service to UT, acknowledging a history of significant leadership and resources given to the university.
- Stephanie Boomhower (’97, ’99)
- Brian Lee (’92)
- Linda S. Lee, PhD (’72)
- Barrett V. Simonis (’01)
The Alumni Promise Award highlights alumni 40 years of age or younger who are excelling early in their career and demonstrate a momentum for success in their respective fields that will last well into their futures.
- Taylor Bauldwin (’17)
- Mary Cayten Brakefield (’20)
- Dr. Clayton Culp (’10, ’13, ’18)
- Nathan Irwin, MHA (’14)
- Monica (’16, ’21) & Chima (’ 17) Onwuka
