Cupcakes, champagne, and good cheer were in abundance on September 15 as the University celebrated 125 years of achievement with birthday parties, a formal gala, and convocation.
“125 years ago today, our University was founded and began the evolution and institutional marriages that led to our becoming The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As old as our grounds and heritage may be, with the arrival each fall of yet another class of fresh new scholars, the vitality of Chattanooga’s University is renewed and the flame of intellectual inquiry is rekindled,” UTC Chancellor Roger Brown said during the 125th anniversary gala.
Dr. Horace Traylor was the keynote speaker at convocation. He was the first African American to graduate from the University, and he played a pivotal role in the merger of University of Chattanooga, University of Tennessee, and Chattanooga City College.
“Think about what it looked like in 1960 and what it looks like now in the administration and the student body. We are not there yet, but we are on our way; this university is on its way,” Traylor said.
At the gala, the chancellor announced the two-auditorium facility adjoining the new library will be dedicated and named to honor Lawrence G. Derthick, Sr, pending approval from the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees.
“Mr. Derthick was the quintessential educator – teacher, principal, superintendent, college professor, textbook author, and eventually the U.S. Commissioner of Education. He led Chattanooga’s schools as Superintendent at a time when the rights of every child to an excellent education were a challenge to be upheld. Mr. Derthick led educational change in our nation for decades, and we are proud to honor him through this significant naming,” Brown said.
Brown also announced a donation by the Guerry family and their foundation, Hamico to provide start-up and implementation funding for a proposed Honors College at UTC.
“The Honors College, upon approval by University leadership and the Board of Trustees, will build on the excellence of the Brock Scholars program and offer an expanded honors level curriculum. This gift will help enable us to further our founders’ vision of the university’s being an intellectual center for the finest students,” he said.
Finally, UTC extended the celebration to the community, particularly the newest members of our community, newborn babies in Erlanger and Parkridge health systems. Each baby born on September 15, 2011, received a onesie and commemorative certificate indicating they share a birthday with UTC.
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