Fireworks illuminate the night sky over UTC, as viewed from the parking deck adjacent to West Campus housing. Photo by Angela Foster.
For the first time in University of Tennessee at Chattanooga history, fireworks lit the sky above campus on Thursday, Sept. 17.
As Katy Perry’s “Firework” played in the West Campus Housing Courtyard, the fireworks—launched from Lot 7 beside Maclellan Gym—capped an evening of Founder’s Week festivities that brought together students, alumni and University supporters.
More than 350 students watched from the parking deck adjacent to West Campus at a fireworks watch party hosted by the Student Government Association. The watch party featured music from DJ Chi and icy treats from Pelican’s SnoBalls. Students danced, visited with friends and, in at least a few cases, worked on homework as they waited for the fireworks to begin.
Student Government Association Vice President Jeremiah Chambers said the watch party gave students a place to enjoy the show together.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for students to come together and celebrate this momentous occasion of 140 years of UTC,” said Chambers, a senior from Chattanooga and a Tyner Academy graduate. “It also gives SGA a chance to connect with students who may not know who we are, answer their questions and have a fun event together.”
Esme Tjahjono, a second-year student from Nashville, said she had seen fireworks shows before, but this one was special.
“It was fun. I liked being able to do it with my friends,” Tjahjono said. “I think it’s cute. I think it’s sweet, especially since this doesn’t happen every day. You don’t see this on a lot of college campuses.”
The fireworks followed Light Upon a Hill, the Division of Advancement’s annual celebration of the generosity and commitment that create opportunities for UTC students.
During the dinner, UTC recognized its 2026 alumni award recipients: Gary Rollins ’67, Distinguished Alumni Award; Movita Steiner, Outstanding Service Award; and Dr. Alexis Bennett ’16, Graduate of the Last Decade Excellence Award.
SGA West Campus fireworks watch party photo gallery by Angela Foster and Dan Henry
