The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will celebrate its 140th anniversary during Founder’s Week, Sept. 14-20, with events honoring the people, traditions and service that have shaped the University since its founding in 1886.

The week will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and community partners for celebrations, recognition events, service opportunities and campus traditions.

The centerpiece will be Founder’s Day on Tuesday, Sept. 15, marking 140 years since the University’s founding.

Founder’s Day will be highlighted by Chancellor Lori Bruce’s State of the University Address at 2 p.m.

in the University Center Auditorium. During the address, Bruce will reflect on UTC’s accomplishments, celebrate recent successes and outline the University’s vision and strategic priorities for the future.

Immediately following the address, the UTC community is invited to celebrate the University’s 140th birthday from 3–5 p.m. on Terrell Owens Way and Vine Street. The outdoor celebration will feature free food truck vouchers, birthday cake, popcorn, cotton candy, music from a DJ, yard games, giveaways and more. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are encouraged to join their fellow Mocs in commemorating 140 years of UTC history and looking ahead to its future.

Additional highlights of Founder’s Week include the annual Service Awards Luncheon, a Library Open House, Rollins Day, Mocs Marketplace, the Day of Caring with United Way and Fall Family Weekend activities. The week concludes with the Mocs football game against Wofford at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Finley Stadium.

Founder’s Week will launch a yearlong celebration of UTC’s 140th anniversary. Throughout 2026-27, the University will highlight its Chattanooga roots and continued public impact through the 1886 Challenge, 140 Community Events for 140 Years and Gold Fridays.

Through the 1886 Challenge, UTC faculty, staff and students are working toward a collective total of 18,860 hours of community service during the anniversary year. The 140 Community Events for 140 Years initiative recognizes campus and community programs that connect UTC with the people and organizations it serves. Gold Fridays encourage the UTC community to wear gold each Friday throughout the academic year and to show their Mocs pride across campus and in Chattanooga.