History and Tradition

Throughout his 34-year career at UT, the late Charlie Brakebill raised money to help make a difference on campus. Perhaps no gift he secured did more than one in 1967 from Hollywood director and UT alumnus Clarence Brown.

Celebrating 100 years of Ayres Hall, Morgan Hall, and Neyland Stadium

In the spring 2021 issue of the magazine, we asked how many of you remembered doing a dance called the U-T—and lots of you responded! Stroll down memory lane with alumni who recall that 1960s dance craze and the songs it inspired.

A look back on the team of four Vols who took the country by storm in 1962 with their near-championship run on the GE College Quiz Bowl in New York City.

In 1961, students on the dance floor in Knoxville were doing a dance called the U-T, and a wave of songs dedicated to good ol’ UT soon followed.

From the beginning, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s partnership with the University of Tennessee has fueled an era of American research innovation.

From the Civil War to World War II and its aftermath, UT has been a center of activity in times of unrest.

The career of sportscaster Lindsey Nelson (’41), one of the best-known voices in TV sports, began and ended at UT.

The spirit that University of Tennessee President Emeritus Joe Johnson (’60, ’68) found when he first walked into Ayres Hall on January 3, 1956, still pervades the Knoxville campus, and he hopes it will continue to guide the university into its future.

Curious about how and when our traditions began? We’ve got you covered with this extensive (but not exhaustive) timeline.