Torchbearers

Torchbearer is the highest honor the university gives to its students. Recognition as a Torchbearer reminds all students that those who bear the Torch of Enlightenment shadow themselves to give light to others.

BLAKE ADAM BROWN, is a journalism and electronic media major from Athens, Tenn. He has served in a variety of leadership roles, including chairman of the Senior Gift Challenge, UT Ambassador, orientation leader, president of the Mortar Board Honor Society, secretary and 2007 Member of the Year for the Student Alumni Associates, trip leader for alternative fall break, and member of the Mayor’s Advisory Board, All Campus Events and the Provost’s Student Retention Panel. His leadership and academic excellence have earned him numerous awards, including the African American Achiever Scholar, the Claude Tomlinson Scholarship, the Johnson Control Foundation Scholarship and the Vic Davis/Earl Zwingle Scholarship.

Catherine Elizabeth Cocke is an exercise science major from Somerville, Tenn. She currently serves as president of Chi Omega and is a member of the Chi Omega National College Advisory Board, the Panhellenic Council President’s Roundtable, the Mayor’s Advisory Board and the Senior Gift Committee. She has been involved in several charitable organizations, including serving as facilities chair, president and entertainment director for Children’s Hospital Dance Marathon. Cocke also volunteers for the Read-Aloud program, the Dream Connections program and the Children’s Hospital Telethon. She will continue her philanthropic pursuits as she moves to New York City next year to teach inner-city children through Teach for America.

JOHN NOEL RADER, is a College Scholars student from Cookeville, Tenn. A 4.0 student, Rader serves as president of the Student Government Association and executive secretary and treasurer of the Intrafraternity Council. He is a member of the Chancellor’s Selection Committee, the UT Strategic Planning Committee, the Alumni Association Board of Governors and the Baker Scholars Program, along with 14 other committees and boards. He has studied abroad on two occasions and has served as an intern for the federal government twice. During his freshman year, Rader founded the Dippin’ for Dollars organization, which has since raised more than $10,000 for charity. His leadership and accomplishments are exemplified by his selection as one of only 12 Rhodes Scholar finalists throughout three states.

ANNA RACHEL YORK is a global studies and political science major from Crossville, Tenn. York’s leadership has led to several positive changes for UT students. As vice president of the Student Government Association, she worked to institute a study-abroad fee for all students, resulting in an additional $270,000 in scholarships. As an SGA senator, she passed a bill requesting the reinstatement of the lost tradition of Aloha Oe for graduating seniors. Close to 1,000 students and family members attended the event that she helped plan and promote. York also created the Global Studies Society to strengthen the global studies major. As a reflection of these accomplishments and her dedication to the university, she was elected by the student body to serve as a student representative on the Board of Trustees. She also has been an active member of Mortar Board and Delta Delta Delta sorority.