On Friday, Aug. 21, hundreds of first-time University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students were loudly welcomed and celebrated at McKenzie Arena.
The annual Convocation brought together new freshmen, transfer students and graduate students for an energetic introduction to UTC featuring performances by the Marching Mocs, Ladies of Gold and Spirit Squad.
Convocation emcee Terrence Banks, the associate director of recruitment in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and a two-time UTC graduate, helped keep the crowd on its feet throughout the morning. Zachary Lewis, UTC’s Student Government Association president, led students through the UTC fight song as they began learning some of the traditions that come with being a Moc.
Chancellor Lori Bruce welcomed the new students and encouraged them to reflect on the experiences that brought them to UTC and those still ahead.
“Each of you carries a unique story, a story shaped by your dreams, your challenges, your triumphs,” Bruce said. “At UTC, we believe that every story matters. Your story matters. And it’s our hope that during your time here, you’ll not only write new chapters for yourself, but you’ll inspire others to do the same.”
Bruce also spoke about the Chancellor’s Challenge Coins, a tradition she introduced in 2025. Each student received two coins to give away during their time at UTC.
One reads “Your Impact, My Gratitude” and is meant for someone who makes a difference in the student’s life. The other, “Your Story. Be Curious and Bold,” is given to someone the student hopes to inspire to attend UTC.
“These are my two challenges to you,” Bruce said. “Present one coin to someone because you want to thank them for the impact they had for you and the other coin to someone you want to inspire to dream big and follow in your footsteps.”
Chancellor Lori Bruce speaks to the crowd during Convocation. Photo by Angela Foster.
After Convocation, students left McKenzie Arena for “A Moc’s First Class,” a small-group session led by UTC faculty and staff to help prepare them for their first semester.
Among those welcoming students was UTC Deputy Chief of Police Matt Holzmacher, who introduced his “Finding and Developing Your Superpowers” class, which he will teach this semester.
Holzmacher said the course will focus on skills students can use throughout college, including time management, study habits, communication and building a support system.
“We will focus on a wide variety of developing certain skills that are going to really set them up for success,” Holzmacher said. “Whether it be study skills, some of it’s putting together your team, your support and the folks that you’re going to be in your classes with looking out for each other.”
As a member of UTC Police, he said he plans to give students a look behind the scenes of public safety and to incorporate lessons on situational awareness and staying safe on campus.
Another focus, Holzmacher said, will be something he struggled with during his own time in college.
“I was very much introverted,” he said. “We’re going to talk about advocating for yourself and being able to approach a professor with clear communication about, ‘Hey, here’s what I’m struggling with.’”
Bruce reminded students that much of the responsibility for what comes next belongs to them.
“Really lean in and fully participate in all the things that are offered to you while you’re a student here,” she said.
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Convocation 2026 photo gallery by Angela Foster
