By Aimee C. McMillin
For many of the 78 alumni from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Classes of 1970 and 1975, Golden Graduate Homecoming was the first time they had been back on campus in decades, if not since graduation. Hosted by the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, Golden Graduate Homecoming celebrates the 50-year reunions across all UT Health Science Center colleges. This year’s event–held October 22 – 24 in Memphis–brought together representatives from the Colleges of Dentistry, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Because the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the Golden Graduate Homecoming in 2020, this year’s celebration also honored the Class of 1970.
“Our alumni are the foundation of our legacy and an inspiration to future health care professionals,” said Brigitte Grant, vice chancellor for Advancement. “Their many professional and personal accomplishments and connection to UT Health Science Center are an essential part of our story.”
Golden Graduate Homecoming began in 2013 with the class of 1963 and initially welcomed alumni from all class years, with special recognition for those marking their 50th reunion. Today, the event focuses exclusively on this group, according to Blair Haecker, assistant director for Alumni and Constituent Engagement.
“It is always so moving and memorable to host our Golden Graduates,” she said. “Many of this year’s attendees hadn’t been back to the campus in a long time, so it was fun to hear how some things were the same and how much had changed.”
This year’s attendees represented 12 states, traveling from as far as California and as close as Downtown Memphis. The celebration kicked off Wednesday evening at The Peabody Hotel with a special recognition ceremony and reception. In keeping with tradition, Golden Graduates received special medallions and lapel pins to commemorate this milestone. On Thursday, the Golden Graduates returned to campus for guided college tours, a visit to the Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation (CHIPS), a lunch at the Student-Alumni Center (SAC), before heading back to The Peabody for a rooftop reception and dinner.
“Our alumni are always so excited to see each other, many reconnecting with classmates since their graduation 50 years ago,” said Haecker. “Hearing their stories, watching them interact on campus with current students and faculty, and seeing them back on campus is a wonderful experience.”