The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Office of Alumni Affairs proudly hosted the Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 and their guests at an event held February 23 in the Pilot Company Ballroom of the Student Union. These inspiring young alumni leaders took center stage in an afternoon filled with dining, speeches, and celebration.
The impact delivered by this group is truly impressive, and they join the 120 other highly accomplished alumni honored through Volunteer 40 Under 40 since its inception in 2021. From educators and policy makers to innovative business and health-care professionals, the honorees have demonstrated the excellence of the Volunteer spirit.
“Today marks the celebration of our fourth 40 Under 40 class, whose members are lighting the way for future classes to follow,” said Duane Wiles, associate vice chancellor of alumni relations. “Each award winner has made significant contributions toward their fields, communities, and society. Their work and commitment embody what it means to be a Volunteer.
“This year’s class includes educators, lawyers, media personalities, service members, health-care providers, engineers, and professional athletes, to name a few,” Wiles said. “These outstanding alumni come from a range of organizations including Amazon, The Boeing Company, ESPN, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and our very own University of Tennessee. While they have accomplished so much in a short amount of time, this year’s award winners are also giving back to the university. In fact, just yesterday more than half of our award winners volunteered their time on campus at Smokey’s Closet, which provides gently used clothing to students in need, or the Big Orange Pantry, which provides provisions to students with food insecurity. This is just another example of how Vols help Vols!”
