Convocation 2025 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was filled with many “firsts.”
For students, it was their first time officially gathering as Mocs, where they received a high-energy welcome to campus.
For Chancellor Lori Bruce, it was her first time addressing new students at the annual event. Speaking to the McKenzie Arena crowd, she encouraged them to embrace curiosity, take risks and seek out connections during their time at UTC.
“At UTC, we believe every story matters. Your story matters,” Bruce said. “Write your story with courage and curiosity. Honor those who guide you along the way with gratitude and inspire others to take their own bold steps forward as part of our Moc family.”
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Click here to view the full Welcome Week photo gallery, including Convocation and “A Moc’s First Class”.
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Bruce also introduced a new tradition: the Chancellor’s Challenge Coins. Each student receives two during their time at UTC. One reads “Your Impact/My Gratitude” and is given to a faculty or staff member who made a significant difference in the student’s academic career. The second coin, engraved with “Your Story. Be Curious and Bold,” is given to someone the student hopes to inspire to attend UTC.
Challenge coins date back more than a century in the military, where they recognized service and camaraderie. Bruce said UTC has adapted the tradition to reflect the values of higher education, student success and personal impact.
“These coins are not just tokens,” Bruce said. “They are celebrations of your journey and reminders of the connections that make us stronger together.”
Convocation kept its usual energetic atmosphere, with performances by the Marching Mocs, Ladies of Gold and Spirit Squad.
After the festivities, students gathered on the arena floor in the “2029” formation—their anticipated graduation date. Bruce reflected on the Convocation experience as she looked down at her first incoming class from the nosebleeds.
“The house was rocking,” she said. “I was so proud of the students for just being all in, doing the fight song, taking part in everything. They were completely in and made it super fun for everyone. It was the highlight of my year thus far.”
Chancellor Lori Bruce poses with the Class of 2029.
Students then headed to “A Moc’s First Class,” a small-group session led by UTC faculty and staff. The program, held for the first time this year, was designed to help students feel ready for the first week of classes by answering questions and offering tips for navigating campus.
Dr. Marcus Mauldin, associate professor of political science and public policy, told his group that his advice came from both personal experience and years of teaching.
“I try to encourage students to read, to study, to take something away from everything they do,” Mauldin said. “That’s what makes the whole college experience worthwhile.”
For Meredith Moore, a political science major from Franklin, Tennessee, the biggest takeaway was simple but meaningful.
“I need to check my email more,” she said with a laugh. “In high school, we used GroupMe or Instagram. Now it’s like, ‘Check your email.’
“I really enjoyed Convocation—it reminded me of the pep rally vibe from high school football games. That was nice.”
Dr. Marcus Mauldin teaches “A Moc’s First Class.”
The day wrapped up with a barbecue lunch back at McKenzie Arena, giving students another opportunity to meet classmates and connect with faculty and staff before the semester begins on Monday.
Emily McClain, a criminal justice major from Nashville, said she was surprised by how quickly she found common ground with her classmates.
“I’ve made four different friends who are in the same class as me, which was really cool,” she said. “I loved how much the instructors emphasized mental health, sleep and just taking care of yourself.”
For Ty McFayden, “A Moc’s First Class” provided an opportunity to connect with his classmates right off the bat.
“I’ve gathered that I now have a family to rely on and have deeper conversations with,” said McFayden, an interior architecture and design major from Johnson City, Tennessee. “From Convocation, I got the vibe of what UTC is really about—it’s a sense of family.”
Trace Cofer, an undecided major from Chattanooga, said the day was a good introduction to the size and scope of the UTC community.
“I graduated from a smaller school, so I have a lot of people to meet,” Cofer said. “Everything feels so coordinated with the events, which is pretty awesome. It was a really good kickoff to the semester.”
Jolee Johnson (left) and Emily McClain at the barbecue after Convocation.
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Scenes from Convocation
