KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Minority Engineering Program at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is celebrating its 25th anniversary during homecoming week.
Friday’s activities include the Fred Brown Memorial Reception, named for the program’s first director, 6:30 p.m., UT Black Cultural Center, and the 25th Anniversary Banquet, 8 p.m., University Center Ballroom.
Events Saturday include the Alex Haley Memorial Picnic, 1 p.m., at Grieve Hall Courtyard; the homecoming football game against Southern Mississippi, 4 p.m.; and the Black Alumni Associates Dance, 9 p.m., Knoxville Hyatt Regency.
James Pippin, minority engineering program director said black engineering student enrollment has risen from 26 students when the program began in 1972 to about 200 this fall.
More than 400 black students have received engineering degrees at UT-Knoxville, which Pippin said is a national leader in graduating black engineers.
“Affirmative action and African-American education are heavily debated issues, so it is important to recognize programs which offer minority students opportunities for success,” Pippin said. “This anniversary is a time for students, alumni, and companies in the program to reflect on their accomplishments, and plan for the future.”
For more information about anniversary activities or the program, call 974-4457 or visit the program’s website at http://www.engr.utk.edu:80/~mep.
— Contact: James Pippin (423-974-4457)