Chattanooga Celebrates UTC’s 264th Commencement with Festivities and Inspirational Speakers

Chattanooga Gears Up for a Heartwarming Celebration: UTC’s 264th Commencement!

Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) prepares to roll out the red carpet for its 264th commencement ceremonies this week! It’s that special time of year when families and friends gather to cheer on their graduates, bringing joy and pride to the heart of the Scenic City.

When and Where to Celebrate

Mark your calendars for two significant events taking place at the well-known McKenzie Arena. On Friday, December 13, the Graduate School holds its festivities starting at 2:30 p.m.. You won’t want to miss the inspiring words from Suzanne Forlidas, a proud UTC alumna, who’ll deliver the graduation charge for the graduate students. And if you’re eager for more, the undergraduate commencement is set for 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, featuring the illustrious Dr. Ken Grubbs as the keynote speaker. That’s right—double the festivities means double the fun!

Who Will Be Honored?

This year’s ceremonies will honor the remarkable achievements of approximately 730 undergraduates and 130 graduate students who are officially joining the ranks of UTC alumni this fall. Adding to the festivities, many graduates who finished their degrees in August—namely 237 undergraduate and 85 graduate students—are also expected to return for the celebration, making it a larger gathering of proud faces and celebratory vibes!

All Are Welcome!

Good news for everyone! The commencement ceremonies are open to the public, with no tickets needed. Whether you’re a proud family member, a curious community member, or simply a supporter of education, come join in this memorable celebration. For those looking for details on family and guest information, including parking and travel tips, a helpful FAQ and info list is available. And worry not—closed captioning will be provided for all ceremonies to ensure that everyone can enjoy the experience.

A Bit of History

Did you know that this is the 264th commencement for UTC? The university has a rich history, founded way back in 1886 as Chattanooga University. The first graduation ceremony occurred on August 23, 1969, and took place at the Tivoli Theatre in downtown Chattanooga. Fast forward to today, and the legacy of honoring education continues to thrive in this vibrant community.

Spotlight on Suzanne Forlidas

Looking forward to hearing from the Graduate School’s featured speaker, Suzanne Noblit Forlidas? This Chattanooga native and accomplished lawyer has an inspiring journey from classroom educator to vice president and deputy general counsel at Coca-Cola Enterprises. With a strong belief in the importance of investing in public universities, Suzanne and her husband have established scholarship endowments for UTC’s Honors College and the College of Arts and Sciences. Now that’s a story worth celebrating!

Introducing Dr. Ken Grubbs

And let’s not forget about Dr. Ken Grubbs, the man behind the scenes of many successes in health care accreditation! His impressive career includes leading accreditation processes for thousands of healthcare organizations. As a UTC alum with a Doctor of Nursing Practice and an MBA, Dr. Grubbs is a shining example of what UTC graduates can achieve. He’s also received the distinguished 2024 Alumni Award, proving there’s no limit to success!

Join the Celebration!

So, whether you’re a graduate, a family member, or just someone who loves to support educational achievements, make sure you’re part of this heartwarming celebration at UTC’s commencement. It promises to be a day filled with stories, inspiration, and a sense of community spirit that makes Chattanooga so special!

Here’s to new beginnings and remarkable accomplishments at UTC—celebrating past, present, and future!