Convocation is a signature UTC welcoming event introducing new students and their families to campus traditions. Photo by Angela Foster.
Event planning, Tonya Love said, is in her heart.
“It goes deep,” said Love, the director of university events for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. “I love brainstorming, problem solving and creating priceless memories showcased in events. It’s not only a passion, but I do believe that it’s a special gift that’s been given to me.
“My goal in every aspect of my life is to serve and to exceed your expectations by giving over 100% of myself. Honestly, that’s how I feel about events.”
Love will get the opportunity to introduce herself in her new role when Convocation takes place this Friday at McKenzie Arena.
Convocation is a signature UTC welcoming event introducing new students and their families to campus traditions.
Officially, the event is for all students, parents, faculty and staff, but Convocation and its festive pep rally atmosphere is geared to introduce first-year, first-time college students, transfer students and new graduate students to Scrappy, the Marching Mocs, the cheerleaders, campus leaders—including Chancellor Steven R. Angle—and campus life.
“We’re expecting between 3,000 to 4,000 students,” Love said, “and for many of them, this will be their first experience here at UTC. It’s a way for us to welcome them and get them excited about the University and their new journey for the next four years.
“And it’s a great time for students to meet a new friend. For some of our students, this is going to be their first time away from their parents, so they’ll have an opportunity to really connect with someone. These are relationships that can last forever.”
Convocation coordinator Tonya Love is the director of university events for UTC.
While this is Love’s first time coordinating Convocation—she moved into her current position in March—she is no stranger to UTC or event planning.
Born and raised in Chattanooga, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in interior design from UTC in 1998 and an MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2015. She also received a hospitality and tourism management certificate from Florida Atlantic University.
Love has an extensive background in managing and planning events, including stints with the Chattanooga Convention Center and the Bluff View Art District. She began working at UTC in 2019 as the University Center coordinator of departmental events and conferences.
“Driving in today, I was thinking about what’s different in what I’m doing now versus what I’ve done in the past,” she said. “I’ve worked with individual groups, organizations, brides, parents and created these special moments.
“My role here at UTC is that I work for the University and I’m the voice for the people, the students, the faculty and staff toward producing amazing events. It’s a group effort with my various campus partners. That’s the difference.”
Love said Terrence Banks, associate director of recruitment, will serve as Convocation’s emcee and a couple of new twists have been added for the 2022 event.
“We’ll have a DJ who will start us out as the students arrive, getting everyone excited as they come into the building,” she said. “Although the program itself is pretty structured, we will have a moment where we’re going to have them do a selfie with whoever they’re sitting with in the stands and have them post it on social media. So that’s going to be something fun that we’re adding.
“The last thing we’ll do is have the students line up on the numbers 2026—the graduating year for the first-year students. We’re bringing that back this year, and it’s a great picture.”
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What you need to know about Convocation
Date/Time/Location: Friday, August 19, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at McKenzie Arena.
Who attends Convocation?: This event is for ALL students: first-year students, transfer students, new graduate students and currently enrolled students. Parents, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.
Entering McKenzie Arena: Students who live on campus will be led to the arena by their resident assistants beginning at 9:30 a.m. and will use the walkway in front of the tennis courts, entering through the Parking Lot 35 and Houston Street doors across from West Campus housing. Commuter students should arrive around 9:30 a.m. and enter via the same walkway. Faculty, staff and parents should enter through Gates 2 and 3.
Seating: All new Mocs will be seated in the lower-level blue seats in McKenzie Arena. Faculty, staff, returning students and parents will be seated in the arena’s upper-section yellow seats.
Parking: Available in Parking Lots 20 or 32 or the Mocs Alumni Drive (formerly 5th Street) parking garage next to the ARC. [Note: handicap parking and entrance are available in Parking Lot 20].
Post-Convocation: Immediately following Convocation, first-year students will participate in First Class, an opportunity for new students to participate in discussions and learn about college life from faculty, staff and other campus employees. During First Class, students will participate in critical thinking exercises that revolve around a recommended common reading selection. They will also have an opportunity to ask questions about UTC and college life.
Please note: Masks are welcomed in all indoor locations. Masks that fit, worn properly and consistently, will be most effective. All University events are subject to change in date, location, protocols and/or format, based on prevailing public health conditions.
Convocation is for all students: first-year students, transfer students, new graduate students and currently enrolled students. Parents, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.
