Despite his busy travel schedule, including an upcoming five-month cruise around Africa, Robert McNeely is still finding time in his retirement to come back to campus.
The former dean of UTC’s College of Arts and Sciences, the chairman and professor of chemistry joined with more than 95 attendees in the University Center on Monday, Oct. 15, for the second annual UTC Retirees Association Banquet.
“I have lots of friends on this campus, particularly in the chemistry department, so I always enjoy coming back, meeting old friends and using the library,” McNeely said.
Created in 2014, the Retirees Association meets regularly throughout the year, providing opportunities for retired faculty and staff to mingle with long-time friends and stay connected with the university.
Tommie Brown, who taught social work at UTC for more than 30 years, said “UTC is like a second home.”
“The [campus] expansion is beyond anything I could have imagined.. It is beautiful … to see the beauty of all of the students and all of the new resources, the technology. That’s why I enjoy staying connected,” said Brown, the first African-American woman to represent Chattanooga’s 28th Legislative District, a title she held for 20 years.
Even in retirement, this group of faculty and staff is still impacting students. Starting next fall, their association will sponsor an annual scholarship.
Learn more about the association by visiting their website. All retirees, faculty and staff, are welcome to join. Contact Meghan Phillips for more information.
