An award-winning actor, an expert in supply chain engineering, and a reserve military judge were among the 23 Tennessee Volunteers honored at this year’s University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Alumni Awards Gala, held September 10 in the Pilot Company Ballroom of the Student Union.
The UT graduates honored that night demonstrate the Volunteer spirit with their leadership, courage, and commitment to strengthening their communities. They have made their mark in diverse fields including health care, business, environmental conservation, entertainment, higher education, journalism, and the military. They were all selected for their achievements as strong leaders and for stepping forward to serve their alma mater and pave the way for future Vols.
Families, friends, and guests were present as the honorees received their awards in a ceremony presided over by J. Phenise Poole (’95), president of the UT Knoxville Alumni Board of Directors as well as senior vice president and deputy general counsel at Fifth Third Bank.
Chancellor Donde Plowman praised the awardees for their commitments to leading the way as Volunteers.
“I am thrilled to honor this special and inspiring group of Volunteers,” Plowman said. “These 23 alumni, with a diverse array of talents, experiences, and perspectives, have demonstrated time and again their commitment to service and leadership. They are carrying the torch and lighting the way for others and represent the best of who we are as Volunteers.”
The alumni awards were presented in four categories:
Alumni Promise Award
- Alé Dalton (’16)
- Caroline Darlington (’16)
- Courtney Lyle (’12)
- Will Perry (’11)
- John Rader (’08, ’10)
- Bart Slabbekorn (’01)
- Rachel Smith (’07, ’09)
Alumni Service Award
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
- Molly Pitts Adams (’84)
- Ashley Capps (’79)
- James Denton (’86)
- Vernon (Tom) Gilbert (’50, ’54)
- Jerry L. Johnson (’94)
- Marie Williams (’93)
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Leslie Benmark (’67, ’70)
- Charles Davis (’86, ’89)
- Wayne Davis (’73, ’75)
- Dane (’97) and Meg (’92) Scism
- Michael Strickland (’77)
—
CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)
Mallorie Mendence (865-974-5801, mmendenc@utk.edu)