On February 24, 2005, the Hamilton County Chapter of the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association hosted its second annual Hamilton County High School Honors Dinner. The Honors Dinner recognizes top High School Juniors at public and private High Schools in Hamilton County. The purpose of the Honors Dinner is to encourage the best and brightest students in Hamilton County to attend colleges within Tennessee with the additional hope that Tennessee's best and brightest students will return to work in Tennessee.

The 2005 Honors Dinner featured appearances by Dr. John Petersen, President of the University of Tennessee, Dr. Fred Obear, Interim Chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and student performers from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The 2005 Honors Dinner was held at the Chattanoogan Hotel. Annually, the Hamilton County Chapter of the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association solicits sponsorships from UTNAA Alumni and friends to cover the cost for the students attending the honors dinner. This year, around 450 people (including Students, Principles, Counselors, Sponsors and Board Members) attended the High School honors dinner.

University of Tennessee Lady Vols v. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Lady Mocs Basketball Game and Reception

Local basketball fans for both UT Lady Vols and UTC Lady Mocs attended the season opener for both teams at McKenzie arena on November 19, 2004. Both teams entered their respective seasons ranked nationally. Prior to the basketball game the Hamilton County Chapter of the University of Tennessee Alumni Association coordinated and sponsored a reception, along with the UTC Alumni Counsel, adjacent to McKenzie arena. Over 450 fans joined head coaches Wes Moore and Pat Summit, University of Tennessee President John Petersen, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Interim Chancellor Fred Obear, and University of Tennessee National Alumni Association President-Elect Dean Scadburg in "tipping off" the women's basketball season. Coaches Moore and Summit addressed fans from both schools and offered an outlook on their respective players and opponents for the coming season. Fans enjoyed a buffet reception, and then enjoyed an exciting basketball game between two top ranked teams. The Lady Vols ultimately won the game, but the University of Tennessee system should be proud to have two top basketball teams performing at such a high national level.

General B.B. Bell

The Hamilton County chapter of the UTNAA co-sponsored a reception along with the UTC Alumni Counsel featuring current United States Army four-star General and University of Tennessee of Chattanooga alumnus General B.B. Bell. WRCB-TV anchorwoman, Cindy Sexton emceed the event. The event was held on September 17, 2004, in the auditorium of the University of Tennessee of Chattanooga Student Center. General Bell delivered a spirited message to around 150 people in attendance. General Bell highlighted the United States Military's recent successful military operations, as well as the worldwide challenges facing the United States in the future.

Prior to General Bell's address, participants enjoyed food and refreshments. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Marching Band played traditional military music. Cindy Sexton, involved in the Veteran's History Project locally, encouraged veterans in attendance to record for future generations memories of their service to their country. Ward Petty from the U.T.C. Alumni Counsel delivered the invocation, and Jonathan Guthrie from the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association Hamilton County Chapter lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Vipgifts.com assisted in sponsoring this event. Terry Dennison was also instrumental in planning and organizing General B.B. Bell's appearance.

Reception for President John Petersen

In July 2004, Dr. John Petersen officially assumed his new role as President of the University of Tennessee system. The University at Tennessee National Alumni Association, Hamilton County Chapter was honored to host a reception for local alumni and friends featuring Dr. Petersen on October 26, 2004. The event was held on the terrace at Loveman's on Market and provided a unique and scenic venue for the event. The Cupboard catered the event, the food was wonderful, and those in attendance enjoyed a beautiful fall evening overlooking downtown Chattanooga's city lights.

Joining Dr. Petersen were Spurrel Driver, President of the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association and Dean Scadburg, President-Elect of the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association. Dr. Petersen discussed his vision for the University of Tennessee system for the coming years. Special thanks to Buck Schimpf for coordinating the use of the Loveman's terrace for this event.

Pride of the Southland Band at Miller Plaza

On October 8, 2004, the University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Marching Band made its annual appearance at Miller Plaza in downtown Chattanooga. Pride of the Southland was traveling through Chattanooga for the Volunteers' football game the following afternoon against the University of Georgia. A spirited crowd, several hundred strong, gathered at Miller Plaza and enjoyed the Pride's fine performance. The Hamilton County Chapter of the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association assists with sponsoring the Pride of the Southland's appearance at Miller Plaza every fall when the Vols travel to the University of Alabama or the University of Georgia.