Wednesday, May 4, 2022 - Alumni/Graduation

Volume 141, Issue 14 Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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Like a Beacon shining bright rise glorious to the sight.

So here’s to you old Tennessee, our Alma Mater true.

Photo by Alexandra Ashmore

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DAILY BEACON STAFF AND POLICY INFORMATION

Letter from the Editor: Forever grateful

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Sarah Rainey MANAGING EDITOR: Caleigh Rozmenoski COPY CHIEF: Kyra Bogdan CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR: Daniel Dassow CITY NEWS EDITOR: Madelyn Muschek SPORTS EDITOR: Josh Lane ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR: Ethan Stone DIGITAL PRODUCER: Kailee Harris PHOTO EDITOR: Alexandra Ashmore DESIGN EDITOR: Bella Hughes SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Kimberly Lalas

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It’s hard to believe that my time as Editor-inChief — and my time as a college student — is finally coming to a close.

This past year has flown by so quickly, and it is crazy to think that my college days are behind me. However, I feel that my time at the University of Tennessee, and at The Daily Beacon, has been well spent. I feel fulfilled and content, and I am so looking forward to the future.

You cannot look toward the future, though, without reflecting on the past. My four years here have been so life-changing, and I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had.

I went from being a timid, shy college freshman to being a confident and ambitious soon-to-be graduate.

My time in college has been all over the place.

I have experienced personal growth, hard times, a global pandemic and more. The one constant, though, has been my time with The Daily Beacon.

I started at the Beacon when I was that nervous college freshman in Aug. 2018. I was so intimidated by the Beacon when I first began my time here, and I thought that there would never come a day that I was in leadership. However, that changed when I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to apply for Campus News Editor in April 2020, and then again when I applied for Editor-in-Chief a year ago in March 2021.

I am so thankful for the time I have spent at the Beacon. I have learned so many valuable skills — life skills, communication skills, problemsolving skills, leadership skills and more — but I believe that what is most truly valuable from my experience at the Beacon is the people I have met along the way.

Although my time as Campus News Editor was fully online, my time as Editor-in-Chief has

been entirely in-person. I have had the privilege of being in the office nearly every day of the week for an entire academic year working with an incredible editorial team and staff. Each and every member of the Beacon has shaped me in some way, whether that be by teaching me how to listen better, how to handle conflict, how to set boundaries or even how to have more fun.

I wish I could thank each and every person I have ever spoken to in my time at the Beacon.

Although I cannot thank everyone here, I would like to personally thank the following people for being so exceptional this past year. If I were to thank every single person who has affected me in my time at the Beacon, this letter could go on forever. But even if you are not mentioned here, I know that all of you are going to do such amazing things, whether that’s at the Beacon or just in life.

Caleigh Rozmenoski, thank you for teaching me how to enjoy the small moments and to find joy and optimism in life — and for being the most excellent Managing Editor a girl could ask for. Daniel Dassow, thank you for showing me how to put extensive care and thought into all that I do, and for leading by such an outstanding example for those around you. Maddy Muschek, thank you for showing me how to find humor in the mundane and for teaching me how to prioritize my needs.

Alexandra Ashmore, thank you for showing me how to be resilient and strong. Kyra Bogdan, thank you for showing me how to lead with kindness. Josh Lane, thank you for showing me how to listen with intention. Ethan Stone, thank you for showing me how to be honest and open with those around me.

I believe that what is most truly valuable from my experience at the Beacon is the people I have met along the way.

SARAH RAINEY Editor-in-Chief

Bella Hughes, thank you for showing me how to be brave and how to voice my concerns. Kailee Harris, thank you for showing me how to take initiative and get the job done no matter what obstacles I may face. Kim Lalas, thank you for showing me how to be a better leader and communicator. Abby Ann Ramsey, thank you for teaching me how to see the best in people, believe in myself and to not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone.

Kylie Irvine (Hubbard), thank you for pouring your time, effort and care into me and this organization. Alexandra DeMarco, thank you for believing in me and teaching me how to be a great leader. Jerry Bush and John Kennedy, thank you both for all of your advice and mentorship. Paige Greene, thank you for seeing something in me and hiring me to work at this wonderful organization four years ago.

Also, thank you to Keenan Thomas, Calista Boyd, Emma Hudson, Chloe Weaver, Sadie Kimbrough, Emma Coffey, Austin Orr, Olivia Hayes, Nahan Abubucker, Macy Roberts, Megan Engle, Rachel Parkison, Ben Goldberger and so many others.

The Beacon lies in the best hands following mine and Caleigh’s departure. Daniel Dassow, the next Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Ann Ramsey, the next Managing Editor, are going to lead with compassion and heart. They are going to pour their best efforts into this organization and leave it better than they found it. I could not think of anyone better to fill our shoes.

Lastly, thank you to The Daily Beacon. I will never forget my time here. Here’s to the future.

Always, Sarah Rainey Editor-in-Chief

Sarah Rainey (left) and Managing Editor Caleigh Rozmenoski outside The Daily Beacon o�ce Courtesy of Sarah Rainey

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Letter from the Managing Editor: Bittersweet goodbye

Graduation is in 17 days, and I am not sure how I feel, but it definitely includes a mix of excitement, anticipation, fear and sadness.

I can’t wait to celebrate my accomplishments and the accomplishments of the Class of 2022. The energy and effort put into these last four years — in school and at work — have been so fulfilling. I have learned so much as a

student, as a person and as a leader. The relationships and connections I made will stay with me for a lifetime, and I think that’s why leaving feels so bittersweet.

I came into college with a solid life plan and no doubts, but I am leaving with only a vague idea of what direction I want to go in life and I couldn’t be happier. I have made peace with the notion that there is no right way or path to go down. I would like to extend my most sincerest thanks to the global studies department and the Chinese department. I don’t think there has ever been a class I enjoyed more than any of the Chinese courses I have taken at UT. Through you all, I have developed a new love and passion for the Chinese language, and I am absolutely certain that whatever I choose to do I want to be using my knowledge of the Chinese language.

Thinking about graduating and going straight back to school lacks appeal for me, but who knows what might happen? All I know is that I am content with my own choices and encourage everyone to — as cheesy as it is — follow their heart. Not everyone has a dream job; just make sure that whatever decision you make is your own.

When looking back at all I’ve done in college, I will say the biggest, most impactful constant has been The Daily Beacon. The growth I have seen in myself and my friends in our basement

office has been so rewarding. From my role as a copy editor, to the Copy Chief, to the Managing Editor, I have met such a diverse group of hardworking, determined and kind people.

The memories of the time I spent in the office are so fond. Nahan Abubucker and Keenan Thomas, our dramatic and lively readings are something I already miss.

To Emma Coffey, you were the very first person I ever interviewed. Your encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to trust in my own abilities. I am so proud to see you doing so well and can’t wait to watch you grow into your new role of Arts and Culture Editor.

To my editors Kyra Bogdan, Maddy Muschek, Daniel Dassow, Josh Lane, Ethan Stone, Alexandra Ashmore, Kailee Harris, Bella Hughes and Kim Lalas, I have learned so much from you. There is never a dull moment in the office, and you guys are a part of that. Thank you for answering all my silly questions. As a group, you all have made me so proud and taught me so many things about working in an office setting and as a leader. For those of you staying at the Beacon, I wish you the best of luck. I know you will do great things.

To the upcoming Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Dassow, and Managing Editor, Abby Ann Ramsey, I can’t express how excited I am to see you two take over. You are both so bright and capable, and I can’t imagine anyone is better

suited to do this job. I have no doubt that you will lead the Beacon in a new, exciting direction.

Finally, to our lovely Editor-in-Chief Sarah Rainey: Words can not express how much I admire and appreciate you. You have put so much faith into me, and I will always be grateful for the confidence you have instilled in me.

Through your actions, I have been able to experience great leadership first-hand. As a coworker, but more importantly as a friend, you have shown me kindness, given me patience and shared in my joy. I can’t wait to see where you go in life and the amazing things you will accomplish.

I’ve always thought I was better suited to write research papers than articles, so I’m not entirely certain how to wrap this up. All I know is that I wish we could be together for a little longer, but I am truly grateful for the time and fun we’ve had.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022, thank you and Go Vols!

Caleigh Rozmenoski

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Commencement preparation: Where to park, how to decorate your grad cap MACKENZI DAVIS Staff Writer It’s graduation season at the university as many students gear up to move on to the next chapter of their lives. The exciting transition for these students does come with some stressors. Commencement itself is a huge event that can leave many students and attendees feeling overwhelmed.

Though commencement is a non-mandatory ceremony, graduation and commencement are often used interchangeably, since most graduating students choose to participate in the ceremony. Commencement is open to the public with no ticket requirement and is scheduled to last for around two hours. Students are required to be seated after their name is called so that they can participate in singing the alma mater at the end of the ceremony.

In order to make graduation day as relaxed as possible, there are many things to be prepared for. It is important to know the many graduation times, parking information, locations and more as the date approaches. This should be a day of celebration and excitement for students, so here are five tips to make the day special without being overwhelmed.

Commencement times The first and most important part of graduation day is knowing the time of the ceremony.

the arena without having to navigate the large campus.

Post-graduation pictures After the ceremony, guests are not allowed onto the arena floor and are to proceed out of the arena. There are many great spots around Thompson-Boling Arena to capture the moment.

Right next to the arena are Neyland Stadium and Circle Park. These are great places to take pictures with friends and family, whether it be in front of the large stadium or in front of the Torch Bearer.

Graduation caps

Graduation caps on the lawn in Circle Park on May 2, 2022.

Kailee Harris / The Daily Beacon Graduating students and attendees should be aware of the ceremony times to prepare for traffic, parking and other inconveniences that may occur and take up time.

Graduation at UT will take place from Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22 for all the colleges at the university. Times for each ceremony can be found on UT’s commencement website.

Location All graduations at the university take place indoors at Thompson-Boling Arena. It is located right next to Neyland Stadium off of Neyland Drive.

The arena is easily accessible for attendees with many entry points placed around the arena. Once inside, attendees may sit wherever they please within the arena as they wait for the ceremony to begin.

Parking Parking at the university can always be difficult to navigate, especially if unprepared.

For graduation, graduates and guests will have access to parking in the G-10 and G-5 lots on campus. These lots are very close to Thompson-Boling Arena and should allow attendees applicable time to park and walk to

While all the technical aspects of graduation are important, it is also important for graduates to have fun on their special day. One widespread trend throughout the years has been to decorate graduation caps.

Decorating a graduation cap allows graduates to express themselves and their success in whatever unique way they want. Many graduates like to do this by referencing their favorite TV series, film or anything else that may be special to them.

Ideas and tips for decorating a graduation cap can be found all over the internet. Pinterest is a great resource for this DIY project.

Class of 2021 reflects on time at UT, new possibilities of post-grad life AUTUMN HALL Staff Writer

Graduation can be an uncertain, frightening time for many college students. This fact holds especially true when your graduation is in the middle of a global pandemic such as COVID-19.

UT’s class of 2021 did not let the pandemic ruin its chances to succeed, however. Lailah Blackwell, a former supply chain management and finance student, is one of many examples of the success stories that have come out of UT. During her time at UT, Blackwell served in a variety of roles such as photographer at The Daily Beacon, volunteer at UT’s FISH Pantry and a member of the Diverse Organization of Business Students, National Association of Black Accountants, Alpha Kappa Alpha and UT LEAD. Her exceeding level of commitment shown at UT did not falter post-graduation. Now, she is working at Geodis Logistics as a member of the company’s Leadership Development Program on an engineering track, and she is a supervisor over a warehouse account, Black Rifle Coffee Company.

This role consists of four rotations between

Contract Logistics departmental duties over a six month period. After six months, Blackwell will hold a singular, permanent position at Geodis Logistics.

Aside from her basic duties as an employee, she is currently assisting in chartering an employee resource group for the company, pursuing a license in nutrition and being certified in project management. Also, she plans to return to school for her Master of Business Administration after completing her current program.

Blackwell accredited many of her opportunities and skills to her time spent at UT. “My time at UT helped me prepare by giving me the drive to become a leader through my various classes and involvement in organizations. The UT business program has really helped me excel within my current role due to various supply chain related classes being some of the best in the nation. With my education through UT I don’t see excelling professionally or achieving any goals impossible, especially with the network UT has,” Blackwell said.

However, Blackwell feels that UT did not properly prepare her for the downsides of working in a corporate environment, such as how to deal with being unhappy in a given role or how to work well with leaders that she

doesn’t agree with.

Similarly to many college students, Blackwell did not learn her true passion in nutrition and physical therapy until later in her college career. Although she has already graduated, she is hopeful that her business degree will aid her in pursuing her dreams.

Blackwell explained that although college is a great opportunity, it is not the endpoint of passion and exploration of self.

“Post-grad life is exciting, and in a sense, can feel like college with you finding yourself and your interest … I am thankful for my business education which I know will help me become a nutritionist and (physical therapist).

Overall, life after college has been great and it is all about what you make of it, so make it the best,” Blackwell said.

Zachary Duncan, former classics student, achieved success in a very different way. During his time at UT, he was not involved in extracurriculars, but he was heavily motivated within the classics major, which studies the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.

Duncan explained his experiences at UT and how they have shaped his current path.

“I didn’t want my time at Tennessee to be stressful by joining a bunch of extracurriculars that I didn’t need. I already had enough on my

plate with my classes, and I wanted to focus on that … I really wanted to be a professor, and I didn’t really feel like I needed to join anything to learn that about myself,” Duncan said.

Duncan appreciates the time that he spent in college and he feels as though it allowed for his personal growth before entering a career. He is inspired by the professors that taught him at UT, and he hopes to return to UT to teach after receiving his doctorate.

Duncan described his motivation to become a classics professor.

“There are so many individuals who have inspired me because of just how great the work they have done is. I really want to be a contributor to this field and I want to spread this passion that I have to others,” Duncan said.

Instead of becoming involved in campus, he pursued his passion for writing, and he is currently taking a gap year to work on getting his essays published. He plans to return to graduate school in spring 2022 to continue his study of classics with a concentration in Greek literature.

No matter how they are working to reach their goals, or what their individual dreams may be, the class of 2021 believes themselves to be well-equipped to achieve anything thanks to their college experiences at UT.

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6 Knoxville restaurants, food trucks founded by UT alumni MADELYN MUSCHEK City News Editor

Captain Muchacho’s

From Mexican food to BBQ to waffles, UT’s graduates are keeping Knoxville fed with these six food concepts. Of course, Knoxville’s food scene wouldn’t be complete without successful food trucks, beloved by Knoxvillians and UT students alike.

Tugo Taco Founded by Ryan Hudson and Sam Melton, Tugo Taco is a small taco business, both a taco cart and a catering service.

Their menu is simple yet thoughtful, and features chicken tacos in the form of street tacos or their signature Tugo Tacos, as well as quesadillas and veggie tacos. Currently, Tugo Taco can be found at Cool Beans Bar and Grill every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

NeverFull Waffles NeverFull Waffles, started by UT students, specializes in late-night waffles, with six original flavors, so good they “don’t even need no syrup,” as said on their website. Their waffles are made from scratch with original recipes

Case of doughnuts in the downtown location of Status Dough on South Gay Street.

Courtesy of Status Dough Instagram to make flavors such as Cashmere Drip and Cookies and Creed.

They’re open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., and are often found at LiterBoard for those craving something sweet late at night. You can also order from NeverFull on DoorDash and Uber Eats or call them at (615) 521-2077

Dead End BBQ Located at 3621 Sutherland Avenue, Dead End BBQ is a favorite BBQ spot amongst Knoxville natives and UT students alike. According to their website, “Dead End Barbecue was born at the end of a dead-end street where neighbors gathered to barbecue. For more than a decade the Dead End Society honed their barbe-

cuing skills in the dead end, and in professional barbecue competitions where they achieved national recognition.”

Their menu is extensive, with unique sides and appetizers, as well as classic BBQ fare like sandwiches and plates. They also have nachos, burgers, quesadillas, burritos and sliders, all infused with BBQ flavor and flair.

Status Dough With two locations in Knoxville and one newly opened location in Nashville, Status Dough strives to bring artisanal doughnuts and coffee to its customers, as stated on their website. Status Dough focuses on specialty doughnuts as well as traditional old-fashioned doughnuts, as well as specialty coffee drinks.

Captain Muchacho’s is a Mexican food truck, Knoxville owned and operated. With a slogan like “we dream in tacos,” it’s no surprise that Captain Muchacho’s prioritizes innovation and unique tacos. Their menu changes seasonally, and some of the highlights of this spring’s menu include seared ahi tuna, Sriracha chicken, roasted sweet potato and confit pork carnitas.

Stay updated on their whereabouts on Instagram, @captainmuchachos, where they announce their weekly schedule. They also have appearances on UT’s campus as part of this year’s food truck initiative, where they usually frequent twice a week.

B’s Bites Started by Boris Rogers, B’s Bites is a Knoxville food truck focused on “homemade eats with a twist,” according to their Facebook page. Some menu highlights include a wide variety of wings, as well as additional items like tacos and philly cheesesteak egg rolls.

They frequent food truck parks and public gatherings, and are also available for catering.

The next place you can find B’s Bites is at UT’s Party in the Park this Friday.

‘Richard Eager’: Air Force colonel, UT alumnus’ life memorialized in book written with daughter LEXIE MARTIN Staff Writer

A book titled “Richard Eager: A Pilot’s Story from Tennessee Eagle Scouts to General Montgomery’s ‘Flying Fortress’” looks at the life of UT alumnus Colonel Richard Ernest Evans, known as “Richard Eager,” and was co-written with his daughter Barbara Evans Kinnear. Proceeds from the book, published in July 2021, are donated to the non-profit Air Force Aid Society. Evans was born and raised in Knoxville and grew up participating in the Boy Scots of America as well as Knoxville High School’s ROTC. He learned how to fly with the Tennessee Air National Guard and while in his third year here at UT, he was accepted into the Flying Cadet School and enlisted in the army in Dec. of 1939. During his training he earned the nickname “Richard Eager.”

In Jan. 1943 he entered combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations and over the course of the next two years, he flew 54 missions in North Africa, Italy, Japan and some German territories.

Most of these were done in the Theresa Leta, his B-17E “Flying Fortress.”

After the war, Evans got married and joined the National Guard in California. He also had a long

career selling life insurance.

When the Korean War broke out, he recalled into active duty as a Deputy Director of Operations for the USAF Strategic Air Command. During the Cold War, he was promoted to colonel and was the commander of the B-58 test squadron. Afterwards, in 1958, he worked with the North American Aircraft Company.

He was known for his literary works and his personality. The book was even largely written by him after his two children, Barbara and her brother Donald, convinced him to write about his memories. Evans wrote the preface of the book himself.

“Conceived as the 20th Century is coming to an end, this book is written for interested and concerned young people, anxious to understand and reflect upon the kind of world they are inheriting.

It is also for older folks: those who, though they may be fading, find joy and pride in recalling the young people they once were,” Evans said.

Evans passed away in June of 2006.

Evans wrote this work from 1990 until 1993. He worked hard to find a publisher but was unable to, and self-publishing had not yet become popular.

His daughter Barbara Evans Kinnear promised to get the book published after his death.

In 2008, a wildfire destroyed Kinnear’s home as well as her father’s work. It took her 10 years to find historical sources and documents as well as to

restore the material.

Kinnear is proud of her father’s accomplishments and wants to get his story out so that people can read his words and get to know him the way many of his loved ones knew him.

“My father was a wonderful storyteller. He wrote with humor, humility and understood the value of history. His stories will remind others of the importance of family, long-honored values and facing one’s fears,” Kinnear said.

People that have picked up the book love it. In a review provided by Kinnear’s publicist, reader Gilbert Lentz said he found the book’s existence miraculous and drew inspiration from Evans and his life.

“That this book is available is a miracle in itself. A near-final draft written by Evans was in the possession of his daughter after he died. This was destroyed when her house burned in a California wildfire. Afraid all was lost, Ms. Kinnear happily discovered earlier drafts in a storage locker. She was determined to complete the manuscript so her father’s amazing story could be told,” Lentz said.

“The book is a handsome volume. The pictures of the war in the air are striking. The family album gives you an idea of the middle America that his generation came from. There are full appendices, chronologies and notes to supplement your understanding of Evans and his time. I enjoyed read-

ing about this accomplished and inspiring man.”

The book is now available for purchase on Amazon for those who wish to read more on the life of Richard Evans. Additionally, the book has its own website where readers can learn more.

Colonel Richard Evans (center) after being promoted to colonel during the Cold War to command the B-58 test squadron. The squadron is pictured in front of the Convair B-58 Hustler, the first operational bomber capable of Mach 2 flight. Courtesy of the o�cial Facebook of the Richard Eager book, @RichardEagerBook

IN FRAME

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FRAME IN FRAME

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SPRING SEMESTER

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IN FRAME: SP

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About the photos

1. Rebeka Mertena and Esther Adeshina celebrate after scoring in the tennis match against U The Daily Beacon 2. Kennedy Chandler No. 1 recovers from fall during the game against Auburn on February Ashmore / The Daily Beacon 3. Tennessee’s Tamari Key (20) attempts a shot in the Lady Vols’ game against Arkansas in Th Ashmore / The Daily Beacon 4. Third baseman no. 21 Trey Lipscomb and outfielder no. 27 Jordan Beck prepare to receive Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Tuesday, Mar. 8, 2022. Edward Cruz / The Daily Beacon 5. Tennessee’s Uchech Nwogwugwu takes off during the women’s 4x400 meter relay 6. No. 21 Trey Lipscomb celebrates with teammates after hitting a homer against US 2022. Ericksen Villeda-Gomez / The Daily Beacon 7.UT Lady Vols softball cheer no.11 Zaida Puni after her walk-off homerun against Texas A& 2022. Edward Cruz / The Daily Beacon 8. Track star competes in race on April 9, 2022 at Tom Black Track.

9. Tennessee’s Jared Dickey throws the ball back to the pitcher during the Vols’ game against Sydney Goodsell / The Daily Beacon 10. After winning the 2022 SEC Championship, the Lady Vols Swim team jump into the Alla Saturday Feb. 19, 2022. Alexandra Ashmore / The Daily Beacon

PRING SPORTS

Universiy of Kentucky on April 10, 2022. Edward Cruz /

y 26, 2022 at Thompson Bowling Arena. Alexandra

Thompson-Boling Arena on Jan. 31, 2022. Alexandra

e a potential hit from James Madison University at

y at Tom Black Track. Saturday Apr. 9, 2022.

SC at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Sunday Mar. 20,

&M at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Saturday, Apr. 16,

t Iona in Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Feb. 27, 2022.

an Jones Aquatic Center diving pool in celebration.

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IN FRAME: STUDENT LIFE

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About the photos:

1. Officers of the Veganteers (left to right): Lynn Chau, Thomas Witcher, Brice Florey, Blacke Wells, Madison Hoskins snack on cereal on Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2022.

Edward Cruz / The Daily Beacon 2. A local artsist uses her talent to face paint a student at the URHC carnival on April 12, 2022. Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon 3. Students eneter raffles at the Fresh Check Day: Wellness Fair on March 9, 2022.

Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon 4. Luke Connor and Kayvan Arab jousting at the URHC carnival April 12, 2022.

Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon 5. Scarlett Terwege shows off her face paint with her friend Eliana Della Rossa.

Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / the Daily Beacon 6. Students playing catch outside by the amphitheater next to the Health and Social Sciences Building. Thursday, March 3, 2022.

Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon

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UT alum Damichael Cole’s journey from barber shop to Grizzlies beat JOSH LANE Sports Editor

Three years ago in 2019, Damichael Cole, alum of UT and The Daily Beacon, was helping his grandmother move when his phone rang.

Cole was back home in Memphis when an editor from The Philadelphia Inquirer called him about their first ever sports cultural writer position. He put down his grandmother’s couch and answered the phone.

“I was telling her, ‘Grandma, they might call me at some point,’” Cole said. “‘I’ve got to be on the lookout.’”

The Inquirer flew Cole to Philadelphia for the two-day interview process. Cole was evaluated by no fewer than 10 people, from executive editors to his soon-to-be fellow sports writers, and after a thorough, yet successful exchange, The Inquirer did not want Cole to leave without taking the job.

“I didn’t even talk to my mom,” Cole said.

“When they said that, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’

I signed on the dotted line and came back to Memphis with the job.”

Cole’s journey took him from a student reporter in the bottom floor of UT’s communication building to the lead beat writer for an NBA playoff team through hard work and a

vast network of connections.

Barber’s chair to press row Cole was no ordinary child. From a young age, sports were his biggest passion. When he, his brother and younger cousin came home from school every day to their shared bedroom in Memphis, Cole was the odd man out.

While his roommates watched the usual children’s shows on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, Cole was forced to watch SportsCenter alone on his mother’s television.

“I’d be pouting,” Cole said, “and she’d have to give me the TV in her room.”

Cole found other avenues to express his passion for sports. An 8-year-old, Cole often made his way to a local barber shop where he was known by an appropriate nickname — “ESPN.” “ESPN’s in here, ESPN’s in here,” Cole said, recounting the greeting he frequently received.

“ESPN” would answer the other patrons’ queries about the most efficient way to guard a player. He would give his thoughts on how one quarterback was playing against a particular defense. Cole looks back and laughs at the fact that grown men were asking a third-grader complex sports questions, but the answers came naturally to him — a prelude to his career in journalism.

“It’s always been a core value,” Cole said.

“Journalism was always something I was passionate about and something I could see myself doing.”

Journalism has brought Cole full circle — back to his hometown — as the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. He traded his barber shop audience for company alongside sports talking heads Adrian Wojnarowski, Chris Haynes and Marcus Spears on the sidelines of Grizzlies’ games.

“Meeting all these guys,” Cole said, “and them knowing who you are. It’s different.”

Learning from Tennessee’s titans Cole made the near 6-hour drive east to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee with the goal of becoming a fully-fledged journalist. Unlike many of his peers at Tennessee, Cole was open to any and every opportunity he could get in sports media.

“A lot of people say, ‘Oh I want to do TV, oh, I want to do radio, oh, I want to print.’ For me, I didn’t really care,” Cole said. “I loved them all. I was going to seek opportunities in all of them, whether it’s radio, TV or print. Whatever gives me the best opportunity to succeed in college, I’m going to flow with that route.”

Cole took that optimistic attitude with him

to an interview at The Volunteer Channel, but he did not land the position. Cole turned from television to print and walked into The Daily Beacon’s office, where he quickly climbed its ranks.

As a freshman, Cole shadowed other Beacon reporters at soccer games before getting his first assignment in the spring — a women’s tennis match. In his sophomore year, Cole was elevated to the soccer beat in the fall and the baseball beat in the spring, and he was forced to put his abilities to the test. At many of those games, he was the only reporter there.

“The Beacon puts you into a position where you’re treated like a professional,” Cole said.

Learning those skills paid off in great dividends for Cole because by his junior year, he was the Beacon’s Sports Editor, and he covered Tennessee’s two largest beats — football and men’s basketball.

On two of the most notable beats in the SEC, Cole got to see experts at work. He read about the titans in Tennessee media — Wes Rucker, Grant Ramey, Patrick Brown and Mike Wilson — and soaked in their knowledge. He learned to hone his skills by paying attention to their ledes and nut grafs, focusing on what plays they featured and what quotes they used.

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STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 “That’s one of the best advantages of the Beacon as opposed to the other student media outlets offered at the University of Tennessee,” Cole said. “The Beacon puts you in rooms with professionals, and that’s the best way to learn how to be a professional.”

It paid off. The November of his first football season, Cole went through one of the most strenuous situations in sports reporting: a coaching change. Butch Jones was fired, and Cole — still a student — had to break the news.

Cole’s fellow sports editor Tyler Wombles had the story pre-written, and the pair published the story while attending class. They had been refreshing Twitter in the background the whole time, waiting for the news to be confirmed.

Cole and Wombles won an APSE award for Best Online Coverage of Jones’ firing, a memory Cole calls his most satisfying in his time at Tennessee.

“The other journalists are professionals,” Cole said. “We’re students first, so we had to stay on top of that while trying to cover (the firing). So that was a satisfying moment.”

Your network is your net worth Cole was eating lunch with his personal development coach, Michael Dorsey, at the Mel-

UT and Daily Beacon alum Damichael Cole stands outside of the Communications Building sign upon his graduation from the University of Tennessee. Courtesy of Damichael Cole low Mushroom on the Strip when he heard the best piece of advice he would ever receive.

“Just remember,” Dorsey said, “your network is your net worth.”

Cole took that message to heart.

In a field as competitive as sports journalism, networking makes a substantial difference. Being a talented reporter can get someone in the door, but having connections makes it infinitely easier to land the job.

“You can have the fanciest, flashiest, stylish, coolest resume there is,” Cole said. “But if no one in that room has ever heard of you, they’re

probably going to go with someone else.”

Cole is living proof of the success of networking. He interned with Sports Journalism Institute (SJI) — the top journalism program for minorities — after college. Cole was one of 12 students across the United States selected to learn from some of the top journalism professionals — Malika Andrews, Cameron Wolfe and Stephen A. Smith.

After a week of writing boot camp, Cole parlayed that internship into a position with Sports Illustrated in New York City. Eventually, another one of Cole’s SJI connections led him

to The Inquirer, where he spent two and a half years covering the intersection between Philadelphia sports and culture.

When the Memphis job opened up, many of Cole’s Inquirer co-workers recommended him, and though it was the hardest decision he had ever had to make, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

“The opportunity to come back to Memphis to be The Guy, be the beat writer covering an up-and-coming, rising team,” Cole said. “It couldn’t have worked out better for me.”

Cole is content in Memphis for the time being, but that is not his final goal. He previously thought he would be in Philadelphia for the long haul as a part of a promising, young sports writing team, but he now realizes opportunities come and go. Sports journalism is a career almost as volatile as coaching.

So instead of focusing on one sport or team in particular, Cole will keep meeting people, making connections and see where life takes him.

“I don’t want to put a cap on myself just being a beat writer with one team,” Cole said.

“That’s ultimately my goal, be on a more national level — even if it’s in basketball — where I can talk about the sport more.”

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2022 Torchbearers imagine a better future for UT DANIEL DASSOW Campus News Editor

Since 1931, UT has awarded a select number of graduating seniors with the Torchbearer Award, the highest honor for undergraduates. The award goes to seniors who embody the Torchbearer Creed.

With 10 Torchbearers, the class of 2022 received more awards than any class since 2014.

Before they graduate, The Daily Beacon asked each Torchbearer the same question: When you visit UT in 10 years, what changes would you like to see? Below are their responses, which together map a vision for UT’s future and serve as a farewell from students who have dedicated their college careers to making change happen.

Basic needs support Ashlyn Anderson, a Haslam Scholar in the College Scholars Program, spent much of her time at UT advocating for students who did not have access to basic needs like food and housing. Through her scholarship on food security and her leadership of the Student Basic Needs Coalition, Anderson, who will head to Mexico as a Fulbright Scholar in the fall, fought for a UT that takes the basic needs of its most vulnerable students seriously.

“I would like to see there be a proliferation of food and basic needs insecurity support systems on campus,” Anderson said. “The reality is, we have had a huge positive change in our food environment on campus … but our campus is only continuing to grow and there’s going to be more and more students so I think it really is going to come down to, how do we support the students who are most vulnerable?”

Making space for marginalized students Taylor Dempsey, a migration studies scholar through the College Scholars Program with an emphasis on Latin America, decided they wanted to be an immigration lawyer after a VolBreaks trip to Austin, Texas, where they saw a need for advocacy. After years of working with refugees and immigrants in her hometown of Memphis and at UT, Dempsey, who uses she/they pronouns, will begin law school at Duke University in the fall.

“When I visit UT in 10 years, I would like to see the university be a safer, more welcoming place for all students. UT consistently allows racism, anti-semitism, homophobia and ableism to run rampant on campus,” Dempsey said. “I would like to see UT take stronger, more definitive steps to combat this and protect students with marginalized identities.”

(Top row from left) Deanna Riley, Taylor Dempsey, Aruha Khan, Varun Rangnekar and Simon Jolly Courtesy of 2022 Torchbearers (Bottom row from left) Ashlyn Anderson, Savannah Hall, Tasimba Jonga, Catelyn Williams and Claire Donelan Courtesy of UT Food Sci on Twitter, Savannah Hall, Todd Reeves on Twitter, UT Video on YouTube and Jamar Coach / The Daily Beacon

Accessibility Claire Donelan is most visible as the 20212022 SGA student body president, but her advocacy on behalf of UT extends to every part of her life on campus. As a Global Leadership Scholar, a student ambassador and an active leader in Greek life, she guided years of change at the university. Donelan will move to Atlanta to work with FritoLay this year.

“I want to see a campus that truly goes above and beyond when it comes to accessibility. As our buildings grow older and have the normal wear and tear there should always be plans to revamp and look at how accessible the building is,” Donelan said. “As far as the student body goes I would love to be able to see a campus that is deeply rooted in the Volunteer Spirit. The Volunteer Spirit is what keeps the campus alive, keeps us so close knit and is what makes UTK so special.”

Change through student leadership Savannah Hall co-founded and served as president of UT’s chapter of Leading Women of Tomorrow because of her passion for opening male-dominated spaces to more women in leadership. A Baker Scholar, past SGA Senate chair and former Capitol Hill intern, Hall will start at UT College of Law in the fall as a Tennessee Law Scholar.

“In my junior year, I enjoyed serving as SGA Senate Chair and seeing senators’ bright ideas turn into bills,” Hall said. “My experience in SGA enabled me to realize the importance of community at UT and appreciate all that UT has to offer. In 10 years, I am confident that this campus will look starkly different than the UT I attended.”

Sustainable infrastructure Simon Jolly dedicated much of his time at UT to ensuring campus was environmentally friendly and sustainable through his leadership in Fossil Free Tennessee and the Sustainable Energy Working Group. A resident assistant, VOLbreaks leader and the 2021-2022 SGA student body executive treasurer, Jolly will go on to work for Esri, an international GIS company, where he will help solve environmental problems at the corporate and governmental level.

“When I visit UT in 10 years, I want to see sustainability embedded into the infrastructure and culture of our university. Solar panels on HSS? A green roof over the proposed TRECS expansion? These are some of the changes that I want to have me saying ‘UT didn’t look like this when I was here!’” Jolly said.

Inter-college collaboration Aruha Khan, founder of Student Advocates for Medicine in Politics and president of UT’s premedical chapter of the American Medical Student Association, has been an active voice for medical equality through her leadership on campus and in Knoxville.

As a biological sciences and finance major who will become the lead medical assistant and clinical researcher at Genesis Neuroscience Clinic as she works towards an MD and MBA, Khan hopes for greater access to medical resources for underserved students and greater collaboration across campus units.

“I would be interested to see greater collaboration across colleges. For example, the collaboration may include an expansion of multidisciplinary programs, similar to the Heath Integrated Business & Engineering Program,” Khan said. “I would also be interested to see an expansion of the Public Health program for undergraduates.”

Integrating the Knoxville community Varun Rangnekar, a Haslam Scholar and Melton Scholar, served as a volunteer with the East Knox Free Medical Clinic, as editor-inchief of Pursuit, UT’s undergraduate research journal and as co-director of TEDxUTK. As he heads to dental school at Columbia University in New York, Rangnekar is excited to invest in the Washington Heights community and hopes to see more community engagement at UT. “I would like to see more of an integration between the University of Tennessee and the local Knoxville community, not just through sports, but through bettering the community, specifically the historically disadvantaged areas,” Rangnekar said.

Diversity in growth Deanna Riley, a Haslam Scholar and vice chair of the Black Cultural Programming Committee, has been a prolific researcher and volunteer as she studies neuroscience, Hispanic studies and philosophy on the pre-medical track. A volunteer at Central High School and Pond Gap Elementary who was selected as an undergraduate research assistant at Johns Hopkins University, Riley is working to become a pediatrician and clinicalresearcher.

“I hope that the university develops its efforts to make our campus more sustainable, improves the collaborations between student organizations and not only increases in diversity, but also introduces more initiatives for inclusivity and connectivity amongst our growing student body,” Riley said.

Torchbearers Tasimba Jonga and Catelyn Williams declined to comment.

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