Blue and Gold Memorial honors Mocs lost in 2025

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga remembered 104 individuals whose lives impacted the University during the annual Blue and Gold Memorial on Monday, Feb. 23, at the Wolford Family Athletic Center.

The memorial service was streamed live here.

The Blue and Gold Memorial is a University tradition that brings the campus together to pause and remember alumni, faculty, staff, retirees and students whose lives were connected to UTC. As each name is read, the ceremony recognizes the lasting impact those individuals had through teaching, service, mentorship and care for others.

Established in 2012, the memorial reflects the people-focused mission of the University and acknowledges the shared sense of loss felt across the campus community. The evening also serves as a moment of gratitude for the ways those honored helped shape UTC.

The gathering also recognizes the responsibility members of the campus community carry for one another and for the future of the University.

Chancellor Lori Bruce and Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jerold Hale provided remarks during the ceremony. Jason Leonard of University Ministries of Chattanooga delivered the invocation, and music was performed by UTC Singing Mocs under the direction of Dr. Ali Allerton.

Other memorial service participants included:

Beeta Baghaevaji, president of the UTC Student Government Association, who recited the name of the student who passed away in 2025.
Faculty Senate President Beth Crawford, who recited the faculty names.
Staff Senate President Joel Wells, who read staff and retiree names.
UTC Alumni Board President Claire Smith, who recited the names of alumni.

Near the conclusion of the program, candles were lit as a symbol of remembrance and hope, with each light representing a life that helped guide the University and continues to be part of the Mocs family.

Members of the UTC family who will be honored at the memorial service include:

Alumni