Dear Friends,
“Where were you and what were you doing in 1969?” This is a question that I have posed to many of you this year, either in person or through email. As the UTIA Retirees Association celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, I thought this and answers to similar questions would be interesting information to collect. I share a few answers to one such question in this newsletter, and I will share more as the year goes on.
For myself, as a 1969 Loudon High School graduate, enrollment at UT Knoxville was right around the corner. Just recently, on a hot July Friday afternoon, I had reason to be on the Knoxville Campus at the Hodges Library. Upon arrival, I found myself in the midst of freshman orientation! How interesting it was to observe these students as they prepared to start that same journey at this land-grant institution.
The current young people looked somewhat different in both clothing choices and hairstyles. I did not see one dress and that was all that females were allowed to wear five decades ago. Still they had the same excitement and anticipation and exuberant spirit as they participated in orientation to prepare for this new chapter in their lives.
We, the members of this Association, are no longer young in years—that is a fact of life. Being a freshman in college is a chapter of “ancient” history for us. However, over time we gained skills and knowledge and our wisdom increased with our maturity. For years members taught and served and strove to help improve the lives of the people of Tennessee. There is still an opportunity that looms ahead to not only use what has been learned, but also to continue to pass it on. We can vicariously go back to school through the next generation.
There is a great need for people to serve as mentors, friends, role models, and teachers to young people—whether it is a relative, neighbor, student, or friend. You may want to consider volunteering to help fill this need in the community where you live. The rewards are large for everyone involved.
Life does not stand still and change is ongoing. Recently there has been a major change undertaken as the UT Board of Trustees voted on June 21 to approve the Interim UT President’s suggested reunification of UTIA and UT Knoxville. There are many questions about the process of this decision and how it is to be implemented. Information will continue to be shared with retirees as it becomes available. One way to celebrate every day and every year is to continue our involvement, remember the people who inspired us, and support the University System that has so enriched our lives. The very best way to celebrate is to make sure that opportunities continue to be available for those generations that are coming after us.
I hope to see many of you at AG Day on October 5. Blessings on you all.
Ruth
Ruth Henderson McQueen