Jack Pitkin was one of seven who received the Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award. Photo by Angela Foster.
Jack Pitkin retired from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in May after 24 years with the institution.
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the former senior teaching laboratory specialist and Clarence T. Jones Observatory operations manager returned to campus to be honored at the Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award luncheon.
Among those who nominated Pitkin for the award was Dr. Keenan Dungey, head of the Department of Chemistry and Physics.
“We knew right away we could work together because we both enjoyed Star Trek,” Dungey said, garnering laughs from the audience. “As you know, he has a photo of himself with William Shatner signed by Captain Kirk himself.”
That wasn’t the reason for Pitkin’s award, though.
“He was a vital member of our department as the physics senior lab teaching specialist,” Dungey added. “Jack was an effective communicator, teacher and teammate … he was always a calming presence in astronomy and physics labs with students enduring the math panic.
“In addition to those roles, he is the director of the Clarence T. Jones Observatory. He prepared a semester schedule for events at the observatory and coordinated student and community volunteers.”
For Pitkin, who is also a UTC alum, being honored after all his years at the University meant the world.
“I loved working out there,” he said. “I worked with some fantastic students. It was literally the privilege of a lifetime.”
Pitkin was one of seven staff members recognized at the luncheon.
Another honoree was Lauren Ouwerkerk, the associate director of the Center for Women and Gender Equity and Prism Center.
“She taught me that if we care for each other, we can do even better work for the students we serve,” said Emily Rosenquist, assistant director of advocacy and education in the Center for Women and Gender Equity. “She taught me that Chattanooga could be my home and UTC was where I could create a culture of change.”
Ouwerkerk shared her thoughts on receiving the Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon after eight years of dedication to UTC.
“It’s been really nice because I’ve often been the one to nominate other folks for the award, so I’ve been here before,” she said. “It’s nice to then see that other people see that you’re doing that work, too.”
Chancellor Steven Angle congratulated each award recipient, expressing gratitude for their hard work and dedication to UTC.
“This is an opportunity for us to really acknowledge people who go above and beyond and define what UTC is,” Angle said. “We’re a great place and a beautiful campus, but it’s the people that make a difference.”
Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Luncheon, Tuesday, Aug. 27. From left: Lauren Ouwerkerk, Francine King, Chancellor Angle, Jack Pitkin, Chris Turner and Joel Wands
January 2024: Michael Jackson, director of Arena Ticket Operations
University Registrar Joel Wells recognized Jackson for his role in managing ticketing and RSVPs for various arena events, including commencement ceremonies since 2020. His professionalism and respect in handling all scenarios, Wells said, allowed the campus and Chattanooga communities to celebrate events smoothly.
February 2024: Ginger Yates, police officer, UTC Police Department
Nominated by Sgt. John West, Yates was acknowledged for her dedication to assisting unhoused individuals in downtown Chattanooga. She utilized her community contacts to provide direct assistance to families in need, embodying the spirit of generosity and service.
March 2024: Joel Wands, fire safety specialist, Environmental Health and Safety
Colleague Bob Jackson nominated Wands for his efforts during the January freeze, where he installed equipment that protected campus housing from damage. His help saved the University from significant financial losses and demonstrated his consistent commitment to UTC since 2015.
April 2024: Lauren Ouwerkerk, associate director, Center for Women and Gender Equity and Prism Center
Nominated by Emily Rosenquist, Ouwerkerk was recognized for her instrumental role in fostering a culture of data-driven advocacy and life-long learning since joining UTC in 2016. Ouwerkerk’s efforts have significantly shaped programming, assessment and community building within her department—and she has been vital in managing valuable partnerships with leaders across the Chattanooga community.
May 2024: Jack Pitkin, senior teaching lab specialist and Clarence T. Jones Observatory operations manager, Chemistry and Physics Department
Pitkin was nominated by numerous colleagues and peers for his enthusiastic spirit and dedication to sharing his knowledge across campus. He was described as a “shining light” to both campus colleagues and students, as well as in the greater Chattanooga and Hamilton County communities.
June 2024: Francine King, senior custodian, Facilities, Planning and Management
King’s colleagues nominated her for her exceptional custodial support on the fourth floor of the Engineering and Computer Science building. Her colleagues praised her for going above and beyond her duties and befriending students, faculty and staff, saying, “She ensures that every space is clean, inviting and ready for special events.”
July 2024: Chris Turner, assistant maintenance and operations specialist, Facilities, Planning and Management
Dr. Gretchen Potts, the Biology, Geology and Environmental Science department head, nominated Turner for the award for the critical role he played during the May 9 power outage. Potts wrote that he monitored “the -80 C freezers into early morning hours” and assisted in relocating samples when one freezer was compromised. “His dedication prevented significant losses, and the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science is especially grateful for his service.”
Learn more
Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award
Photo gallery by Angela Foster
