UT alumni construct, create, and perform works that command attention and reap respect.
Chris Grabenstein (’77)
New York Times bestselling author Chris Grabenstein’s work includes Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics, The Island of Dr. Libris, and 10 books coauthored for young readers with James Patterson.
Dee Bagwell Haslam (’86)
As executive producer of RIVR Media, Dee Bagwell Haslam has helped create such well-known series as Whale Wars, Trading Spaces, World Series of Poker, and Renovation Realities.
Fred Dixon Jr. (’91)
With more than 28 years of experience in the tourism and marketing industry, Fred Dixon serves as president and CEO of NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for the City of New York.
Wade C. Guyton (’95)
Wade Guyton, whose work has been exhibited around the world, is an abstract artist who uses computers, scanners, and printers to make paintings. His works are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and many more museums.
Carol Aebersold (’70)
When Carol Aebersold’s children were grown, her daughter suggested writing a book about her family’s Christmas tradition. Together, they began The Elf on the Shelf.
C. Keith Boswell (’80)
In a career spanning 39 years, Keith Boswell has established himself as a leader in the architectural profession and one of the most influential architects, worldwide, in high-performance building facade systems.
Douglas McCarty, AIA (’72)
Under Douglas McCarty’s leadership as president and CEO, the firm McCarty, Holsaple, McCarty has designed and contributed to numerous campus projects including the Baker Center, Hodges Library, Neyland Stadium improvements, and the new Student Union.
Rachel Cruze (’10)
Personal finance guru Rachel Cruze has launched her own show and authored best-selling books including Love Your Life, Not Theirs and Smart Money Smart Kids, which she co-wrote with her father, Dave Ramsey.
Johnny Dantonio (’07)
As creative director at Anomaly, Johnny Dantonio’s Budweiser Super Bowl ad “Puppy Love” earned one of the most coveted advertising honors, the top spot in USA Today’s consumer judged ad meter.
Tim Love (’94)
Chef Tim Love, owner of award-winning Tennessee and Texas restaurants including Lonesome Dove in Knoxville, has appeared on many national TV shows including Top Chef: The Cruise, Iron Chef America, and Good Morning America.
Kevin Daniel Burdette (’97)
Kevin Burdette has won international praise for the vocal splendor and comic timing of his performances in operas including “Don Giovanni” and “La Périchole.”
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