The Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will host an inspiring evening at its 2026 Legacy Gala, honoring accomplished business leaders, visionary alumni and strategic corporate partners who are shaping the future of business and community impact. This annual event brings together Chattanooga’s most influential professionals and UTC’s next generation of leaders for a night of recognition, connection and celebration.
The Legacy Gala will unfold on March 26, 2026, at The Chattanoogan Hotel in downtown Chattanooga—a fitting backdrop for an event that celebrates excellence and leadership. Attendees will enjoy an elegant evening filled with networking, heartfelt stories and well-deserved recognition of remarkable contributors to the business world and the Rollins College of Business community.
This year’s honorees will include:
Joseph F. Decosimo – Gary W. Rollins College of Business Impact Award
Joseph Decosimo will receive the Gary W. Rollins College of Business Impact Award for his lifelong contributions to business and education. Decosimo’s leadership in founding and growing the Decosimo Company, combined with decades of mentorship and educational support, has left a lasting legacy for students and professionals alike.
Benjamin Cheatham – Young Alumni Achievement Award
Rising leader Benjamin Cheatham, Vice President of Energy Tax Equity Investments at J.P. Morgan, will be recognized as the Young Alumni Achievement Award for his innovative work in energy finance and commitment to driving sustainable infrastructure development nationwide.
Cam Doody – Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Cam Doody is recognized as the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. His work co-founding and leading Brickyard underscores his dedication to supporting early-stage companies and fostering entrepreneurial growth in Chattanooga and beyond.
Unum – Outstanding Corporate Partner
The Outstanding Corporate Partner Award will go to Unum, a global benefits leader headquartered in Chattanooga. Unum has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Rollins College of Business through the Unum Scholars program and has helped launch the careers of numerous UTC graduates.
The Legacy Gala not only recognizes achievement but also reinforces the vibrant ties between UTC, its alumni network and the broader business community. By spotlighting leaders who model excellence and mentorship, the event strengthens UTC’s mission to prepare students for meaningful careers and impactful leadership roles.
Whether celebrating alumni success or fostering new partnerships, the Legacy Gala continues to elevate the Gary W. Rollins College of Business as a hub of innovation, leadership and community engagement in Southeast Tennessee.
Reserve your seat by March 10, 2026.
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