Whether it is the love we have for our partners, friends, siblings or even pets, all kinds of love is in the air this Valentine’s Day at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
What was once seen as a holiday for romance has recently expanded to expressing affection for all of those we love.
Love comes in all different forms and on campus, it is abundant. Here are a few of the UTC stories.
UTC seniors Caroline Dale and her roommate, Anneliese Thorne, are among a “best friends” group celebrating Galentine’s Day on Feb. 14. Photo courtesy of Caroline Dale.
A Galentine’s tradition
One twist on the traditional holiday is Galentine’s Day, which has increased in popularity as a time to celebrate the strength and joy that come from meaningful friendships among women.
UTC senior Caroline Dale is celebrating her close-knit group of women she met as a first-year student this Galentine’s Day.
“I was lucky enough to make a group of friends freshman year who put the same amount of effort into me as I did into them,” said Dale, a communication major from Ooltewah, Tennessee. “I would not have met them without coming to school here and sorority recruitment. I love to sit and be with my friends no matter what we are doing and I can’t imagine things without them.”
According to Dale, this group of friends has grown together through their four years here at UTC and will only continue to grow after graduation.
Although she now lives with two of the women, the group continues to participate in unique traditions to nurture their friendships.
“I usually take my friends over and my mom cooks,” Dale said. “We hang out and play games and have a nice home-cooked meal. I look forward to Galentine’s every year and can’t wait to celebrate this year.”
Freshman Rett Davis joined his sister, Charlee, at UTC for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Davis siblings are natives of Shelbyville, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Charlee Davis.
Dynamic duo: The Davis siblings
The transition to college is a monumental milestone in any student’s life, but for siblings Charlee and Rett Davis, the journey is not just an individual adventure—it’s a shared experience that adds a unique twist to their college careers.
Hailing from Shelbyville, Tennessee, Charlee, a senior exercise science major, was excited to have her brother join her as a UTC student this year.
“In high school we were very separated, but now we have found ourselves in Greek life and in the same friend group,” she said. “We have developed more into a friendship than siblings. I have liked seeing him in such a different setting than back home.”
Rett, a freshman finance major who lives in a residence hall, often finds himself going to his big sister’s off-campus house for guidance or a home-cooked meal. The two are active members of Greek life and Cru, among other student organizations.
Both said they feel the support of having one another to lean on during good times and bad.
“Family is the one thing you can always count on,” Rett said.
Whether it be for help in school, social life, or spiritual life, the two have one another to lean on.
“I always say freshman year is the hardest to get used to,” Charlee said. “Sophomore year you feel a little more confident and then junior year you really get the hang of it.
“I think it’s really cool that for his freshman year … if he needs his sister, I’m never far away.”
Furry friends on campus
In the scheme of love, it is imperative to remember our furry friends at home.
Senior Chase Frank, a construction management major from White House, Tennessee, and his dog, Daisy May, share a bond representative of “man’s best friend.”
Senior Chase Frank and Daisy May
Their story unfolds in the Sigma Chi fraternity house, where friendship is shared not just among humans, but with Daisy May—his four-legged companion.
“Daisy May has lived in the fraternity house with me during my junior and senior years of college , so I like to think we are navigating the college experience together,” Frank said. “During my time living here, lots of people have gotten to meet Daisy May and spend time with her.”
Their connection began the summer of his junior year. The commitment to having an animal is a job Frank takes very seriously, as raising a puppy has helped teach him responsibility.
Frank sees Valentine’s Day as a time to celebrate his furry friend and the ray of sunshine she is to everyone she meets.
“Daisy May is special to those around me and myself because she is always happy and wants to make others happy. I see lots of people taking pictures with her at events and just smiling as big as she does by getting to see lots of friends,” Frank said.
The two can often be seen playing fetch on Chamberlain Field.
“I show Daisy May I care for her by getting her toys, playing fetch and just giving her lots of love and care,” he said. “On Valentine’s Day, I will get Daisy May some toys as well as some of her favorite treats.”
Seniors Jake Vowell and Leila Smith met as UTC sophomores in February 2022. Photo courtesy of Leila Smith.
Campus couples
Seniors Leila Smith and Jake Vowell have found more than just an education at UTC.
Together since February 2022, Smith, a marketing major from Bristol, Tennessee, found a connection with Vowell, an exercise science major from Jackson, Tennessee.
“We met through Greek life fall semester our sophomore year,” Smith recalled. “I thought he was very cute and we got along so well from the start.”
Those who know Smith and Vowell have said the two truly reflect a healthy love for one another while balancing tremendous responsibility.
While navigating college life can be difficult for anyone, the two said they found the support they needed in one another.
“Being in college with your significant other can sometimes feel strenuous because you both have a lot on your plate,” Smith said, “but it also helps to know that someone is cheering you on through every assignment, exam or whatever else you might have going on. I think the connection has improved by being able to be each other’s support system.”
Like many couples, the two will participate in Valentine’s Day festivities.
“I love her so much and I don’t know what I would do without her,” Vowell said. “She makes my bad days better and my good days great. She is always there to support me and cheer me up. I would not trade that for anything.
“I have to work on Valentine’s, so we don’t have any extravagant plans, but I still plan to make it special. We are going to make pizzas together and have a little gift exchange.”
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