The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, honored 23 extraordinary alumni at the 2025 Alumni Awards Gala on Friday, Sept. 19 at The Mill & Mine. Their achievements span fields as wide-reaching as business, health care, education, technology, athletics and even outer space—a testament to the Volunteer spirit and its impact across the globe.
Presented by the university’s Alumni Board of Directors, the Alumni Awards Gala honored award winners in four categories: Distinguished, Professional Achievement, Service and Promise. Recipients represent some of UT’s most accomplished professionals and servant leaders, excelling in their fields while using their success to light the way for others.
John Wilkerson (’88), the “Voice of Tennessee Baseball,” emceed for the evening and welcomed each winner to the stage—including Bob Kesling (’77), his longtime friend, colleague and former “Voice of the Vols.”
“This year’s honorees reflect some of the best UT has to offer—leaders who have achieved not just excellence, but impact. They have made a difference in their fields, their communities, and the world,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “We are all grateful for all the ways they give back to UT and we are proud to call them Volunteers.”
Other event speakers included Duane Wiles, chief alumni officer; Caitlin Carroll, president of UT Student Alumni Associates; and Clay Hart (’00), president of the UT Alumni Board of Directors.
“Our award winners exhibit exceptional boldness and leadership,” said Hart. “It’s truly a great time to be a Volunteer, and I’m energized by the talent and service-minded vision of this year’s class of award winners.”
The Distinguished Alumni 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.
- Joe (’01) and Jessi (’03) Baker
- Darrel H. Hackett (’95)
- Bob Kesling (’77)
- Lynn E. Parker (’88)
- Barry E. “Butch” Wilmore (’94)
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.
- G. Rumay Alexander (’75)
- James H. Atchley (’86, ’88)
- Thomas Black (’21)
- Mike Dodd (’95)
- Angela Hardin Yochem (’98)
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.
- Daniel H. Dougherty (’00)
- Christopher A. Hall (’79) and Watty Brooks Hall (’79)
- Rita Freeman Silen (’74)
- Brent Trentham (’90)
- Antoinette D. Williams (’02)
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.
- Michael Gomez (’21)
- Jasmine Manning (’17)
- Brooks Morelock (’11)
- Maria Natale (’12)
- Dena vonWerssowetz (’07, ’09)
- Jayme Walters (’20)
