Still Bearing that Torch
September 8-9, there will be a reunion of Torchbearers—those who have received the university’s highest student honor. The former scholar/leaders will have a panel discussion with students, a campus tour, and social events.
We asked some of the Torchbearers to tell us their UT memories, what it was like to be a Torchbearer, and what they’re doing today.
Elizabeth McKenzie ’90, ’92
I am an educational manager in higher education with the College Board. I work with admissions and financial aid professionals in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Kentucky. In my younger days at UT, I was in awe of the folks who would be named Torchbearers each year. So to be included in that group my senior year was humbling. The two individuals who guided me during my time as a student were Chancellor Jack Reese and current Vice Chancellor Tim Rogers. Dr. Reese was a professor my junior year for an honors class. I learned a lot about how to treat students and that good leaders need to have a personal approach. Tim Rogers was my adviser for the Undergraduate Academic Council. I used what I learned from Tim and Dr. Reese during my 13 years in college admissions—always take time for students and never forget what kind of influence you may make on them.
Michael Evans ’85
I’m an account executive at a software company in Dallas. Last year for the Cotton Bowl game against Texas A&M, I painted my front yard orange and white checkerboard. My best memory of UT would probably be the friends I made. Second would be the memories of being involved in so many things—SOA, RA, campus politics, dorm life, the soup special at the Torch, walking up the steps at the Hill, and sledding down 17th Street. Third, being in Neyland when we beat Alabama in 1982 for the first time in 11 years.
Will Carver ’00, ’03
I’m practicing law in Knoxville with the firm of Kramer Rayson LLP. My practice involves civil litigation, and I also serve as the town attorney for Townsend, Tennessee. I was humbled to hear my name announced as a Torchbearer. My uncle, Meeks Vaughan, and aunt, Mary Ann Vaughan Stephens, received the Torchbearer in the 1940s, so I grew up with a great deal of reverence toward this honor.
Bart Haynes ’69
I am a scientist and director of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute and lead an international consortium, the NIH-funded Center for HIV AIDS Vaccine Immunology, to develop a preventive vaccine for AIDS. Tennessee played a major part in my career, teaching me the enjoyment of working to strive for excellence in science through my association with Sam Tipton in the biology department. It was a joy to know Dr. Andy Holt, and I remember him writing me while I was in Poland the summer after my sophomore year on a summer abroad scholarship from UT.
Sarah Surak ’03
I’m still at UT. I work for the Facilities Services Department and coordinate the UT recycling program. I love my job. I’m able to give back to UT every day while reducing campus environmental impact. It’s very gratifying to work for an institution that is taking proactive steps to improve the environment. Working at UT has given me the opportunity to continue my education. I will be graduating with a master’s in public administration this spring. On a personal note, I’m getting married November 4, 2006, to Eric D. Smith, a soon-to-be-graduate with a Ph.D. in political science. I’m very proud to be a Torchbearer. I may not have my undergrad degree framed, but the Torchbearer award is on my office wall!
Bill Haltom ’74
I am happily married to Claudia Swafford (’77) and have three great kids who have the brains and looks of Claudia. I am practicing law and writing humor columns for a handful of newspapers and magazines with very low editorial standards. I wish I were back writing for the Beacon. My selection as a Torchbearer in 1974 was a shock to me, the faculty, the administration, and the entire student body. I still believe it was a practical joke concocted by Jack Reese. I deserved the Torchbearer Award about as much as Charles Woodson deserved the Heisman over Peyton. But I ain’t giving it back. My favorite UT memory involves riding a laundry cart with Pam Reeves down Cumberland Avenue at one o’clock in the morning and being pulled over by Safety and Security for “speeding.”
Pamela Reeves ’76
My favorite memories of UT (other than the laundry cart incident, which is unfortunately true) are of all the wonderful friends I made there—many of whom have stayed in touch (probably just because they need a place to hang out when they come back to Knoxville to visit). I practice law in Knoxville and am happily married to Charles Swanson, a 1979 UT law school alumnus. We have two wonderful kids. All I ever wrote for the Beacon was headlines, but I do write a column once a month for the News Sentinel.
Lee Martin ’78
Just sent a book to CRC Press—Techonomics: Theory of Industrial Evolution. And I am running for the Knox County School Board. My favorite UT memory: Dr. J. Julian and the Pride of the Southland Band—“Don’t be satisfied with mediocrity.” I still have a few dreams (nightmares) of being late to band practice.