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On Friday, Sept. 25, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will celebrate one of Tennessee\u2019s most recognizable icons with \u201cDolly Day,\u201d a collection of activities highlighting Parton\u2019s influence on literacy, service, entertainment, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.<\/p>\n
And, appropriately enough, her famous \u201c9 to 5\u201d will be part of the celebration.<\/p>\n
\u201cDolly Parton\u2019s impact reaches across generations, and Dolly Day gives our UTC community a fun and meaningful way to celebrate that legacy,\u201d said UTC Chancellor Lori Bruce. \u201cWhether we are reading with elementary school students, learning from Dolly\u2019s remarkable success as a businesswoman or stepping in front of a green screen to imagine our own future 9-to-5, this day brings together our students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees around literacy, service, creativity and community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The College of Health, Education and Professional Studies and the College of Nursing are partnering with Tommie F. Brown Academy for a special Dolly Day focused on literacy, service and intergenerational engagement. Approximately 250 Tommie F. Brown students will have opportunities to interact with UTC retirees, students, alumni, faculty and staff throughout the day.<\/p>\n
Organizers are intentionally bringing together multiple generations of the UTC community. The goal is not only to support literacy and service but also to strengthen UTC\u2019s relationship with Tommie F. Brown Academy through the kind of community engagement Parton championed throughout her career.<\/p>\n
Back on campus, Dolly\u2019s \u201c9 to 5\u201d will take center stage.<\/p>\n
The Arts-Based Collaborative at UTC will celebrate Parton\u2019s life through music and theatre with an interactive \u201c9, 2, 5 \u2026 Action!\u201d event from 10 a.m.-noon on the third floor of the UTC Library outside the Studio and in the Video Suite.<\/p>\n
Attendees can step in front of a green screen to act out their future 9-to-5, put on their dancing shoes and sing along to Parton\u2019s music. Those who want to take the experience a step further can have their session recorded as part of a \u201c9 to 5\u201d music video.<\/p>\n
The UTC Library will host a screening of \u201cThe Library That Dolly Built,\u201d a feature-length documentary exploring the history, impact and future of Dolly Parton\u2019s Imagination Library, the global book-gifting program she founded. Featuring guest narrator, actress and author Danica McKellar, along with the music of Dolly Parton, the film will be shown from 2-4 p.m. in UTC Library Room 131, the library\u2019s theater. Popcorn will be available for attendees.<\/p>\n
The Department of Political Science and Public Service will host a screening of the 1980 film \u201c9 to 5\u201d at\u2014you guessed it\u20145 p.m. in Derthick Hall Room 201.<\/p>\n
The screening will be followed by a brief discussion of Parton\u2019s impact today, along with trivia, music and a costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new children\u2019s book or canned food item to donate.<\/p>\n
The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will also use \u201c9 to 5\u201d to put a business-school spin on the celebration.<\/p>\n
In the morning in Fletcher Hall, students, faculty and staff can participate in a \u201cWhat Can Business Students Learn From Dolly?\u201d activity, sharing lessons from Parton\u2019s career in areas such as branding, entrepreneurship, leadership, authenticity and philanthropy.<\/p>\n
While \u201c9 to 5\u201d plays nearby, students can take part in an \u201cHR Violation Challenge,\u201d identifying questionable workplace and human resources practices depicted in the movie. Participants can enter to win a Rollins College of Business\/Dolly-inspired gift basket, with Dolly-themed treats and giveaways also available.<\/p>\n
For UTC, the 9\/25 connection provides a fun reason to celebrate Parton and \u201c9 to 5,\u201d while also highlighting the broader impact of a Tennessee icon whose influence reaches far beyond entertainment. Through books and business, movies and music, service and philanthropy, Dolly Day will give the UTC community a chance to celebrate the many ways Parton has used her career to make a difference.<\/p>\n
And what better day to do it than 9\/25?<\/p>\n