![\"Pep](\"http:\/\/www.utc.edu\/Administration\/UniversityRelations\/news\/images\/hc08\/7.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA campus pep rally and the dedication of Heritage Plaza kicked off Homecoming 2008 with music and performances by the UTC Cheerleaders and Sugar Mocs, the UTC Marching Band.\u00a0 This Founder\u2019s Day celebration also honored the date the University was established, September 15, 1886, exactly 122 years earlier.<\/p>\n
When Old Main opened its doors, one news reporter called it \u201ca light set upon a hill, in a literal as well as figurative sense.\u00a0 It is lighted throughout with gas, and when it is illuminated in the evening, it is truly a light upon a hill, a thing of real beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chancellor Roger Brown said through conflict, mergers and name changes, \u201cthe light of higher education continued to shine in Chattanooga.\u201d In 1969, the University of Chattanooga, Chattanooga City College, and the University of Tennessee, combined resources and commitments to bring affordable, accessible quality public higher education to our region.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, UTC celebrates record enrollment in bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s and doctoral degree programs.\u00a0 Our graduates are achieving career distinction around the world, and our faculty members are adding to the global body of knowledge through cutting-edge research,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
Brown thanked those who made Heritage Plaza possible through their generosity and vision. Brenda Lawson\u2019s support allowed the plaza and pedestrian mall to be built. Other significant support for Heritage Plaza came from the Lupton Renaissance Fund, the Student Facilities Fee, and UTC supporter Bryan Patten.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are gathered here today to celebrate our past, present and future with the dedication of Heritage Plaza.\u00a0 May this site stand as testimony to the power of higher education in the lives of individuals and a community for many, many years,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Pep](\"http:\/\/www.utc.edu\/Administration\/UniversityRelations\/news\/images\/hc08\/1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Pep](\"http:\/\/www.utc.edu\/Administration\/UniversityRelations\/news\/images\/hc08\/2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Pep](\"http:\/\/www.utc.edu\/Administration\/UniversityRelations\/news\/images\/hc08\/3.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Pep](\"http:\/\/www.utc.edu\/Administration\/UniversityRelations\/news\/images\/hc08\/4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Pep](\"http:\/\/www.utc.edu\/Administration\/UniversityRelations\/news\/images\/hc08\/5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Pep](\"http:\/\/www.utc.edu\/Administration\/UniversityRelations\/news\/images\/hc08\/6.jpg\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A campus pep rally and the dedication of Heritage Plaza kicked off Homecoming 2008 with music and performances by the UTC Cheerleaders and Sugar Mocs, the UTC Marching Band.\u00a0 This Founder\u2019s Day celebration also honored the date the University was established, September 15, 1886, exactly 122 years earlier. When Old Main opened its doors, one… <\/p>\n