Some 90 alumni veterans returned to UT over the weekend for a reunion.
On Friday, November 17, the reunion group attended the dedication and tour of the new Veterans Resource Center on the ground floor of Hodges Library. They then had lunch in Hoskins Library with current Air Force and Army ROTC cadets.
That evening, the veterans were honored at a dinner where Major General Stephen A. Clark, director of programs in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements in the Pentagon, was the keynote speaker.
Chancellor Beverly Davenport welcomed the veterans, noting that UT is ranked 31st among veteran-friendly public universities and that about 975 veterans, military spouses, and dependents are attending UT this fall using Veterans Administration benefits.
“These men and women have rendered distinguished service to our country and embody the true Volunteer spirit,” said Lee Patouillet, associate vice chancellor of Alumni Affairs. “It was inspiring to meet so many of our Tennessee veterans and to hear their stories.”
At 94, Kenneth Caughron (’49), who traveled from his home in Houston, Texas, was the oldest veteran in attendance.
On Saturday, the alumni veterans enjoyed football game day activities, capped by the Vols’ clash against LSU.
“It was an honor to be a part of a weekend-long veteran-centered event,” said Jayetta Rogers, UT’s veteran student services coordinator. “I think this reunion shows veteran students, both past and present, how important it is for them to have a place on campus to feel welcome, and to remember the camaraderie they will forever share with each other.”
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CONTACT:
Brooks Clark (865-974-5471, nclark5@utk.edu)