1886 Challenge: One quarter down, thousands of hours of impact

Three UTC volunteers in blue “Water” vests stand behind a table stocked with cups and bottled water at a race aid station.

UTC students Abby Black, left, Monique Hernandez and Emma Black volunteered at a water table during IRONMAN Chattanooga on Sept. 27.

When the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga launched the 1886 Challenge in celebration of the University’s 140th anniversary, the idea was simple: honor UTC’s founding year by challenging the campus community to contribute 18,860 hours of volunteer service during the year.

One quarter into the Challenge, the Mocs are making those hours count.

UTC students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees have already reported 7,298.5 hours of service, putting the University at nearly 39% of its 18,860-hour goal. And those hours are adding up in some pretty impressive ways.

Two volunteers smile while standing among boxes and tables of donated food in a warehouse.

Deborah Barr and Dr. Ziwei Ma from the Department of Mathematics helped the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and the Nehemiah Project R3 for the annual Backpack Chattanooga initiative.

Where are Mocs making a difference?

The largest category of service so far is disability support and inclusive services, fueled in large part by UTC’s involvement with Camp Horizon. Education and youth development is another major area, with volunteers mentoring young people, supporting schools and teachers, working at summer camps and participating in programs throughout the region.

Food security and hunger relief is also emerging as a significant focus. UTC volunteers have served with food pantries, community kitchens and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. In fact, the Food Bank has attracted volunteers from several parts of campus, including Communications and Marketing, and Housing.

Community events and civic engagement round out the leading categories, showing just how broadly Mocs are putting their time and talents to work.

A group of UTC student volunteers wearing navy shirts poses on outdoor steps during a Camp Horizon session.

UTC Acclerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were among more than 80 students and faculty from UTC’s nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy programs who volunteered at Camp Horizon.

Some big Mocs moments

Camp Horizon has been the greatest effort of the Challenge to date. Approximately 80 UTC physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing students served as counselors for children with physical disabilities, working in interdisciplinary teams to help campers participate in the full summer camp experience.

UTC Criminal Justice students and faculty made another major impact through Camp HOPE America, an overnight trauma-informed summer camp serving young people connected with the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults HOPE Initiative. Six UTC volunteers participated in the intensive camp experience.

And Mocs were hard to miss at IRONMAN Chattanooga. A team of 54 UTC students and faculty staffed a run aid station during the September race, providing water, nutrition and plenty of encouragement to athletes throughout the day.

Those are just a few examples. Mocs have cleaned up Chattanooga with Green Steps Chattanooga, supported students and teachers through Hamilton County Schools, provided health screenings at the Chattanooga Wellness Expo, served meals, cared for animals, mentored young people, supported community organizations and much more.

The first quarter makes one thing clear: Mocs are showing up.

With nearly 39% of the goal already reached, the 1886 Challenge is off to a strong start.

The Challenge continues throughout the anniversary year, with more opportunities for the UTC community to serve Chattanooga and the region.

7,298.5 hours down. Onward to 18,860.