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2010 Torchbearer Recipients

John Dichiara
John Dichiara is a political science major from Pinson, Tenn. He has served as a role model and mentor for thousands of students during his time at UT. Currently in his fourth year as a resident assistant, DiChiara is consistently in the spotlight as a leader, counselor, friend, and resource for his fellow students. He served as an orientation leader and, according to his nominator, his tremendous work ethic and inner drive made him the “backbone for the entire orientation leader team.” Last summer, DiChiara served as a counselor for the Center for Courageous Kids Medical Camp in Kentucky, where he facilitated programming for 50 campers with varying medical needs. He has continued to attend weekend camps throughout the year. As a result of his experience, he has applied for and been accepted into the Teach for America program and will be working in Chicago for two years after graduation.

Amanda Fortner
Amanda Fortner is a speech pathology student from Lobelville, Tenn. Her community service activities include working with families at the Ronald McDonald House and assisting the elderly in her hometown. On campus, Fortner constantly works to improve the university community and help other students through her service in Student Government Association, Mortar Board, her sorority, and as an orientation leader. Serving as vice president for Student Alumni Associates, Fortner was responsible for designing an Alliance of Women Philanthropists symposium breakout session for alumni to show donors the impact their gifts have on the lives of students. The Alliance Executive Board has requested the Student Alumni Associates for this year’s event and, once again, Fortner is leading the charge.

Ashley Hughes
Ashley Hughes is described by one of her nominators as "having a way of leading through a perfect balance of diligence, humor, and positive reinforcement, which naturally draws students to her and leaves them with lasting, impactful connections." Since arriving on campus, Hughes has been involved in the United Residence Halls Council, beginning as a residence hall floor representative and now serving as president. She also serves her fellow students as the housing liaison for SGA. In addition to her roles within student housing, Hughes has served as an orientation leader, a member of the Dance Marathon Morale Committee, and was chosen as an Emerging Leader, a selective interdisciplinary leadership program offered to only 25 students each year.

Samuel Mortimer
Samuel Mortimer, a fifth-year architecture student from Chattanooga, Tenn., is a thoughtful advocate for issues of environmental and social concern. As an SGA senator for the College of Architecture and Design, Mortimer led a drive to change the HOPE Scholarship. Working closely with the college, university administration, and his fellow students, he successfully lobbied the state legislature to see that HOPE Scholarships were extended to cover the final year of studies for undergraduates in five-year programs. Recently, Mortimer served as lead designer on a UT team participating in the Environmental Protection Agency’s P3 Competition, earning a top honor nationally for the sustainable design project. One faculty member calls his accomplishments and involvement "a result of his heartfelt work on issues that motivate him. He truly believes that, aided by a little hard work, a meritorious idea will carry the day."

Jamil Price
Jamil Price is a journalism and electronic media major from Lebanon, Tenn. His energy and leadership is evident in his service as press secretary for SGA, student representative on the Student Affairs Council, chair of the Student Alumni Associates, an Ambassador Scholar and Orientation Leader. In his role on the Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council for the College of Communication and Information, the dean called him the best student representative he’s ever had on the committee. Price is described by another nominator as a "charismatic leader, because when he works to complete a task, others naturally want to help him, listen to him, and follow his direction. His energy is infectious."

Todd Skelton
Todd Skelton is a College Scholars student from Surgoinsville, Tenn. He led the university’s 1,000 honor students through two years of service as president of the Honors Council. Skelton founded and chairs the Honors Ambassador Program and Host-a-Student Program, and he currently serves as the founding editor-in-chief of Pursuit, the university’s new undergraduate research journal. Skelton has worked closely with students, faculty, and administration through his participation on the search committees that brought the university its current chancellor, provost, and director of the Chancellor’s Honor Program.

Jeff Wilcox
Jeff Wilcox, from Fayetteville, Tenn., graduated from the university’s enterprise management program in the fall. During his time at the university, Wilcox was elected president of the Student Government Association, was heavily involved in Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, and served on nearly 20 university committees. Some of his most notable accomplishments include finding a new home for the Rock, assisting with plans for new student recreation fields, developing a system for online ticketing, and working with administrators to extend library hours.