Feature Article and Eastern Meeting Highlights
By: Ken Goddard
Two years ago, Linda and I were driving around campus. We were amazed over the many changes, improvements, and construction projects throughout UT Knoxville. How different it is compared to the mid-sixties.
Remembering my time as a student, I was such a naive country boy back then. Cornelius Dixon, retired Ames Plantation researcher, and I moved into newly built Reese Hall (1966). We enrolled for classes inside Memorial Gym, bought books, paid our fees, and discovered from a mimeographed map where Ag Econ 110 would be held on Tuesday morning.
To make it to class in plenty of time, we decided to cross Third Creek by balancing on an exposed drainage pipe rather than walk to Highway 129 then back to McCord Hall. We made it, then introduced ourselves to a few of our new classmates. Little did I know sitting with Cornelius and me were freshmen I would know throughout the rest of my life: Julius Johnson, Hale Moss, John Hodges III, Phil Baggett, and many others who (also) became leaders in their communities and in Tennessee agriculture.
We asked our classmates, “Is there a better location to cross Third Creek? That drainage pipe we found would be pretty slick on a rainy day.”
Laughter broke out. “You can catch the campus bus off Cumberland Avenue,” explained the group. I found out later most of them actually knew where that pipe crossed over Third Creek.
Comparatively, as Linda and I continued our campus tour John Jared called. John had completed two, one-year terms with the UTIA Retirees Association as Eastern Area vice president. He was chair of the Eastern Area nominating committee. I must say John was prepared. He promoted the organization and explained how keeping in touch with coworkers following retirement was most rewarding and asked if I would consider serving the Eastern Area as its next VP.
I want to publicly say thank you to John. My decision to serve on the UTIA Retirees Association Board gave me the second opportunity to work with a group who not only became coworkers, decades ago, but became lifelong friends as well. A talented and personable group who have served this state well as community leaders, educators, researchers, and practicing veterinarians. How ironic!
The UTIA Retirees Association provides each of us with the opportunity to reflect on the past, to assist with present programs, and to actively engage in an even brighter future for this great university. This year’s annual meeting was specifically memorable for me. We had a large group in attendance and a unique program. Mike Buschermohle, professor in Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, prepared a walk-through-time presentation comparing his grandfather’s method of farming with modern farming of today. His talk advanced from horse-drawn equipment to GPS hands-free technology to drone spectrometer research.
At the meeting, the membership also was treated with a special greeting from UTIA Chancellor Tim Cross. We were also pleased to have Dean Thompson, Dean Beyl, and Interim Dean Gerloff attend and visit with atendees throughout the morning. Justin Crowe, 4-H specialist, followed with a summary of statewide 4-H activities, and for added interest, Betsey Creekmore with the UT Retirees Council explained UT Retiree Benefits Programs. Aaron Lay, Junior 4-H Council representative, provided the thought for the day. A moment of silence and a program in memory of those coworkers we have lost this past year was prepared by Buddy Sanders. Buddy reflected on their supportive family members, their dedication to UT, and their tireless efforts toward the mission of UTIA.
I encourage each and every member of the UTIA Retirees Association to attend future meetings. It is an absolute thrill to visit with coworkers and such a pleasure to remember past programs and experiences. It’s also enjoyable and fascinating to learn how present staff members utilize new technology (we struggled with) to maintain the land-grant mission of providing useful, practical, science-based information to all Tennesseans.
Another thing that’s really nice is having the opportunity to drive across Third Creek on the Joe Johnson Bridge instead of trying to balance on that drainage pipe Cornelius and I crossed years ago. You know what? That old pipe is still there.