UT Alumni Events

The University of Tennessee Alumni Association hosts hundreds of events each year, creating countless opportunities for graduates to reconnect with classmates, build professional relationships, celebrate Vol traditions, and support the university. Whether you live in Knoxville or across the country, there's an event designed to bring you back into the UT family.

UT alumni tailgating before football game

Homecoming Weekend

Each fall, thousands of alumni return to Knoxville for the university's premier alumni celebration. Homecoming Weekend combines the excitement of a home football game with special programming designed exclusively for graduates:

Friday Night Lights Kickoff: The weekend begins with a festive gathering on campus featuring live music, food trucks, and opportunities to reconnect with old friends
Reunion Class Parties: Classes celebrating milestone reunions (10th, 25th, 50th anniversaries) enjoy dedicated events with classmates
Homecoming Parade: Watch colorful floats, marching bands, and student organizations wind through campus in this beloved tradition
Tailgating at The Hill: Join the official Alumni Association tailgate before the big game, with catered food and premium beverages
Post-Game Celebrations: Win or lose, Vol fans know how to celebrate, and our post-game gatherings keep the spirit alive
Sunday Brunch: Cap off the weekend with a relaxed brunch where you can reflect on memories and plan your next visit

Homecoming isn't just about football—it's about remembering why you fell in love with UT in the first place and reconnecting with the place that shaped who you've become.

Regional Chapter Events

You don't have to travel to Tennessee to experience UT community. Our regional chapters host events in major cities nationwide:

Nashville Chapter: Monthly networking happy hours, Titans watch parties, and professional development workshops
Memphis Chapter: Community service projects, family-friendly outings, and BBQ cookouts
Chattanooga Chapter: Hiking excursions, brewery tours, and quarterly social mixers
Atlanta Chapter: One of our largest chapters hosts frequent networking events and game watches
Charlotte Chapter: Professional luncheons, golf outings, and annual charity fundraisers
Washington DC Chapter: Policy discussions, museum visits, and rooftop receptions
Other Chapters: From New York to Los Angeles, Dallas to Chicago, find your local Vol community

These chapter events provide low-key opportunities to expand your professional network, make new friends, and stay connected to UT—all in your own backyard.

Professional Networking Events

The UT Alumni Association understands that networking is essential to career success. That's why we host industry-specific events throughout the year:

Business & Finance Summit: Annual gathering for alumni in corporate, banking, and investment sectors
Healthcare Professionals Mixer: Connecting physicians, nurses, researchers, and health administrators
Engineering & Technology Forum: Featuring speakers on innovation, job opportunities, and industry trends
Education Leadership Conference: For alumni working in K-12 and higher education administration
Legal Network Reception: Bringing together attorneys, judges, and legal professionals
Young Professionals Series: Targeted programming for recent graduates building early-career momentum

According to research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), professional networking remains one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities, with alumni connections particularly valuable.

Athletic Events and Game Watches

Vol fans are among the most passionate in college sports, and our alumni events embrace that spirit:

Football Watch Parties: Chapters across the country host game-day gatherings so you can cheer on the Vols with fellow fans
Basketball Tourneys: Join us for March Madness watch parties when the Vols make their run
Baseball Regionals: Celebrate UT's storied baseball program with alumni outings to regional and super-regional games
Away Game Travel: Join organized trips to watch the Vols play at SEC rivals and bowl games
Tailgate Packages: Purchase premium tailgating experiences for home games in Knoxville

Cultural and Educational Programs

For alumni who value intellectual engagement, we offer enriching educational experiences:

Distinguished Lecture Series: Hear from renowned faculty, visiting scholars, and accomplished alumni on topics ranging from science to the arts
Book Club Gatherings: Discuss literature with fellow alumni, often with author appearances
Art Gallery Openings: Exclusive receptions at university museums and galleries
Theater and Concert Performances: Attend UT productions with special alumni seating and backstage tours
Campus Tours: Rediscover campus on guided walking tours highlighting new facilities and historic landmarks

Service and Volunteering Opportunities

Many alumni want to give back, and our service events make it easy to make a difference:

Alumni Day of Service: Annual event mobilizing volunteers for community projects across Tennessee
Student Mentorship Programs: Volunteer as a career mentor to current UT students
Habitat for Humanity Builds: Work alongside fellow alumni to construct affordable housing
Food Bank Volunteering: Pack meals and sort donations for local food security organizations
Environmental Cleanups: Help maintain Tennessee's natural beauty through trail restoration and litter removal

Special Interest Events

We also host events for specific alumni groups and interests:

Women's Leadership Symposium: Empowering female graduates through speakers, panels, and networking
Veterans Network Gatherings: Honoring and supporting alumni who served in the military
International Alumni Receptions: Connecting Vols living abroad through regional meetups
Parents Weekend: Special programming for alumni parents with students currently enrolled
Student Sendoff Parties: Welcome incoming freshmen with local celebrations before they head to campus

Travel Programs

Explore the world with your UT family through curated alumni travel experiences:

Educational tours led by UT faculty to destinations with historical or cultural significance
Adventure trips to national parks, wildlife preserves, and natural wonders
International excursions visiting European capitals, Asian markets, and African safaris
River cruises featuring onboard lectures and entertainment
Sports travel to UT away games, SEC tournaments, and bowl championships

Virtual Events

For alumni who can't attend in person, we offer robust virtual programming:

Webinars on professional development topics
Online networking sessions organized by industry
Virtual campus tours and retrospectives
Live-streamed lectures and panel discussions
Digital game watch parties with interactive chat

Stay Connected

To receive invitations to events in your area, make sure your contact information is current in our alumni database. Sign up for our email newsletter, follow us on social media, and download our mobile app to get real-time updates on upcoming gatherings.

Every event is an opportunity to strengthen your connection to UT, expand your network, and create new memories with fellow Volunteers. We look forward to seeing you soon—whether at Neyland Stadium, a local chapter gathering, or anywhere Vols come together to celebrate the orange and white.