Happy 138th Anniversary UTC!  Every September, we celebrate Founder’s Week to commemorate the University’s establishment.  On September 15, 1886, Chattanooga University opened its doors to its initial cohort of 118 students.  There will be a number of events during the week, including the annual State of the University address and grand opening of the Wolford Family Athletic Center at 4 p.m. on Monday, September 16.  The entire campus is welcome to attend.  Please click here to RSVP for the event.

In celebration of Bucky Wolford:  The Wolford Family Athletic Center is a $36-million project that includes a 37,500-square-foot addition to McKenzie Arena and 23,000 square feet of renovated space.  The center is named in honor and memory of UTC alumnus James “Bucky” Wolford, who died in September 2017.  Wolford, a businessman involved in the development of many retail properties throughout the country, including Hamilton Place here in Chattanooga, was a Mocs All-American defensive back from 1966-1969 and a 1989 UTC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee.

Honoring dedication:  Another signature event of Founder’s Week is the UTC Service Awards Luncheon, which recognizes faculty and staff who have dedicated themselves to this University for anywhere from five to 40 years.  At the September 17 luncheon, 242 faculty and staff will be honored for reaching significant service milestones.  UTC has great facilities, but at our core we are people.  The hard work, dedication, and passion to make a difference of our faculty and staff are what defines UTC.  Thank you to all our staff and faculty for all you do.

Mocs helping Mocs:  During Founder’s Week, donation bins can be found on the third floor of the University Center and in Founders Hall for the Scrappy’s Cupboard Founder’s Week food drive.  For those of you new to UTC, Scrappy’s Cupboard was created to address food, clothing, personal care, and household item insecurities and is available to all members of the UTC community.

Mocs Flock Finley:  Our Mocs football has its first home game on Saturday, September 14, with a 6 p.m. kickoff against Southern Conference-rival Mercer at Finley Stadium.  One of UTC’s great campus traditions is Mocs Flock Finley, an event welcoming new students to UTC football—with first-year students leading the team onto the field through the tunnel.  The students are the guests of honor for food, fun, freebies and pre-game tailgating outside the First Horizon Pavilion before they get to run across the football field.  What a fun event!  Go Mocs!

Olympic gold:  Kudos to everyone involved in Tuesday’s celebration of Olympic Gold Medalist Olivia Reeves—from Olivia and her family to all of you who attended the parade and the Chamberlain Field festivities to our friends with the city of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Notre Dame High School and St. Jude School.  A special shout out to our band and spirit squad for outstanding performances on a very hot and sunny afternoon – Great Job!!

Blue Ribbon staff:  On August 27, we recognized the Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award recipients from January through July—Michael Jackson (Arena Ticket Operations), Ginger Yates (UTC Police Department), Joel Wands (Fire Safety Specialist), Lauren Ouwerkerk (Center for Women and Gender Equity), Jack Pitkin (Clarence T. Jones Observatory Operations Manager), Francine King (Facilities, Planning and Management) and Chris Turner (Facilities, Planning and Management)—with a luncheon in the University Center.  These individuals have excelled in fostering a positive work environment and serve as exemplary models for the campus by consistently going the extra mile.  Congratulations to our Blue Ribbon Award recipients!

UTC CARES:  September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to encourage our campus community to engage in events or trainings to learn how to support and refer those in distress.  UTC CARES offers 24/7 crisis support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or struggling with suicidal thoughts.  By calling 423-425-CARE (2273), campus members can connect with a licensed professional for emotional support.  Employees seeking assistance can also reach out to 855 HERE4TN (855-437-3486).  Remember, it is OK to ask for help.

Viva Heritage:  Each year, from September 15 to October 15, UTC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, heritage, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens with roots in Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America.  The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in partnership with campus and community organizations, has organized events to celebrate Latin American heritage.  For more details and a full schedule, please visit the MCC’s Hispanic Heritage Month webpage.