This year, UT Knoxville celebrates the 50th anniversary of the admission of its first African American undergraduate students, beginning with a kickoff celebration February 1.

The Silent Heroes Foundation, established by UT alumna Dr. Hayley Adams (’01), aims to help conservation efforts for African gorillas and other endangered wildlife species.

In the spirit of this weekend’s Homecoming celebration, alumni Nancy-Ann DeParle, director of the White House Office of Health Reform, two-time Tony Award winner John Cullum, and McCormick & Company CEO Alan D. Wilson share memories of their time at UT Knoxville.

Since 1987, Ray Mowery has operated Ray’s Place in South College, UT Knoxville’s oldest building, serving up great food and friendly service. Like the shop’s previous owners, Mowery is visually impaired, but he manages the business expertly while caring for each of the students that dines at his establishment.

He overcame a missing ligament in his throwing arm, and now Robert Alan Dickey (’97) has developed a winning knuckleball as the starting pitcher for the New York Mets.

The iconic building holds a storied history, starting with the dream of the university’s 12th president for a large, stately hall on the Hill to serve as the center of the campus.

Every little bit helps to support the university’s mission—just ask Cindi Blair.

Haywood Harris, who for nearly 50 years was a steadying voice in the UT Athletics Department, died on June 2 at his Knoxville home. He was 80.

The days of The Graduate and its restless ennui are history—the newest crop of UT Knoxville alums must immediately set to work helping America address its “unfinished matters,” including global warming and a financial crisis.

We hope you’re enjoying your spring issue of Torchbearer magazine. Explore the great stories of Volunteers in action, and share with us about your own community involvement.