Though generations apart, Mackenzie (Kenzie) Greene (Class of 2025) and her grandfather, Bill Webb (‘67, ’74), treasure their time at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The pair shared about their time on Rocky Top as well as their recent experience on The Kelly Clarkson Show (shown here), which transpired due to Greene’s expansive social media presence.
Greene uses her platforms, with her 290K followers, to create curated personal content and for running her own clothing rental brand. As a journalism and media student, Greene learned about the power of storytelling and audience engagement through her classes, which also gave her opportunities to work on real-world projects in content creation. What Greene thought was just another fun clip for her platforms turned viral, capturing the unique family tribute to her grandfather for his 80th birthday, and it led to an invitation from Kelly Clarkson last February.
Q: What was it like to see that video of you and your family go viral?
Greene: It was surreal! I made that video just as a fun way to capture how we honored [my grandfather], and we had no idea it would resonate with so many people. Seeing how much love and appreciation it got was really touching, and I know he was so happy to see how much love it has been getting. It was such a special way to celebrate his life!
Being on The Kelly Clarkson Show was a little nerve-racking but also so much fun. Kelly was so kind, and the entire experience just felt surreal. I never expected something I created would lead to that opportunity, but I’m so grateful it did—and also that I got to share that moment with my family!
Webb: Nostalgic doesn’t even begin to cover it. What a creative way to capture 80 years of memories! They really took the time to highlight moments that meant the most to me. It was one of the most special things I’ve ever seen. Andy Warhol once said, “In the future, we’ll all be world-famous for 15 minutes.” I may not be world-famous, but this sure felt like my 15 minutes! Honestly, I wasn’t quite sure how to respond when friends started mentioning it. It was completely unexpected, but I’ll admit—it’s been pretty fun seeing people enjoy the story.
Q: What’s it like to have another generation in the family carry on the Volunteer legacy?
Greene: It’s an incredible honor to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps at UT. He was so proud to be a Volunteer, and being here makes me feel connected to him in a really special way. My grandmother also attended UT so they took me on my first campus tour when I was in high school when the Student Union was built. The campus has grown so much since their time here, and technology has completely changed the student experience—they obviously didn’t have social media, online classes, or even email to communicate with professors. But at the same time, a lot of the traditions and school spirit remain the same. Knowing that I’m walking some of the same paths they did and experiencing the same traditions is really meaningful, especially after seeing how much they love this university!
Webb: I wanted an engineering degree, and UT had an excellent program. But I’d be lying if I said my sister didn’t have a hand in it—she was a year ahead of me and quite the recruiter. She had already made herself at home on Rocky Top, and before I knew it, I was right there with her. Now Kenzie, my only granddaughter, will graduate from UT in May. That gives us a common bond and makes for great conversation about our shared experiences. My wife and I have other grandchildren that have graduated or are attending other universities, and I am also equally proud of their academic accomplishments.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time at UT?
Greene: There are so many, but my favorite memories have to be game days in Neyland Stadium. My freshman year was when Tennessee beat Alabama with the game-winning field goal, and that was definitely a top moment as I was in the student section. Overall, the energy, the traditions, and just being surrounded by thousands of fellow Vols cheering together is something I’ll never forget. It’s such a unique and special experience.
Webb: Meeting Andy Holt, the president of UT at the time. I was at a packed basketball game when he sat down right next to me. Just a couple of weeks later, I ran into him on campus, and he remembered my name like we were old friends. That kind of memory he had, it stuck with me.
Q: What do you miss (or will you miss) most about UT?
Greene: Definitely the people! The friendships I’ve made here and the sense of community at UT are so special. There’s just something about being a student here that feels like home, and I know I’m going to miss that feeling the most. I will absolutely be returning for game days on Rocky Top, though!
Webb: Many things! The professors who challenged me, the dorm life, the camaraderie of the fraternity house, and the freedom of sharing an apartment my senior year. And of course, the sports! I am a huge sports fan and attending football and basketball games was great fun.
Being a Volunteer is about being part of something bigger than yourself. I’m proud to be a UT graduate and to know I’ve played a small role in the legacy of academic and research achievements that come out of that university. Once a Vol, always a Vol.
