CLass of 2026

GOLD10 Award Recipients

GOLD10 is a brand-new annual recognition to spotlight ten exceptional GOLD alumni (Graduates Of the Last Decade) who have graduated within the past 10 years and are already making meaningful strides in their careers, communities and beyond.

The future of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is being built right now—and it’s being led by our young alumni! See the inaugural GOLD10 Award Recipients below.

We will celebrate our next class of winners in 2027. Applications will open in the spring of 2027.

Meet the Class of 2026

Sarah Burdick

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management (’24)

Gary W. Rollins College of Business

McClendon Curtis

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management (’21); Master of Education (’23)

College of Health, Education and Professional Studies

Heather Giddens

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance (’16)

College of Health, Education and Professional Studies

Shelby Glover

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (’18); Master of Public Administration (’24)

College of Arts and Sciences

Lane Gutridge

Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing (’22)

Gary W. Rollins College of Business

Annaka Hall

Bachelor of Arts in Sports, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management (’23)

College of Health, Education and Professional Studies

Garrett Henson-Hinck

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre; Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (’17)

College of Arts and Sciences; College of Health, Education and Professional Studies

Ashley McKnight

Bachelor of Arts in English: Professional Writing (’20)

College of Arts and Sciences

Sara Neumann

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies: Biology (’15)

College of Arts and Sciences

Chantz Yanagida

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (’19)

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Sarah Burdick

Senior ADA Specialist / Unum

Sarah Burdick, ’24, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As a student, she served as Director of Communications for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter, helping connect students with professional development and networking opportunities.

Today, Burdick is a Senior ADA Specialist at Unum, where she invests in the next generation of professionals through mentorship, career coaching and intern development programs. A proud and active alumna, she is a member of the Mocs Club, a football and basketball season ticket holder and a champion for alumni engagement. Through her professional and volunteer efforts, Burdick embodies the Moc spirit by giving back, building connections and supporting students and fellow alumni.

McClendon Curtis

Football player / Founder – Las Vegas Raiders / Big Curt Charitable Foundation

McClendon Curtis, ’21, ’23, earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management in 2021 and a Master of Education in 2023 from UTC. A standout student-athlete, he served on the NCAA Football Oversight Committee and worked as a tutor in the Mocs Student-Athlete Enhancement Center. Since graduation, Curtis has pursued a professional football career while using his platform to invest in young people through mentorship, school visits, reading initiatives and youth outreach.

He is the founder of the BigCurt Charitable Foundation, which hosts a free annual youth football camp in Chattanooga and provides opportunities for local students to learn from professional athletes and community leaders. Through his foundation, church involvement and community service, Curtis exemplifies the Moc spirit by creating opportunities for others and helping the next generation grow as leaders on and off the field.

Heather Giddens

Director of Marketing & Client Services / Noise New Media

Heather Giddens, ’16, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance from UTC. Since graduating, she has built a successful career in the live entertainment and event industry, working with organizations including the Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena, Live Nation Entertainment and now serving as Director of Marketing & Client Services at Noise New Media. In her current role, she leads marketing strategy and a cross-functional team supporting major live events and entertainment brands.

At UTC, Giddens was active in Alpha Delta Pi, serving as Step Show Chair and participating in Homecoming, intramural sports, Greek Week and community service initiatives. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she gives back through mentorship with tnAchieves and volunteer work supporting students and young professionals. She continues to embody the Moc spirit through leadership, community engagement and a passion for creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.

Shelby Glover

Grants Coordinator / City of Chattanooga

Shelby Glover, ’18, ’24, earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from UTC. She has spent her career serving the citizens of Chattanooga, pioneering new roles within city government, including Housing Navigator and Grants Coordinator. In her current position, she oversees major grant initiatives and helped lead the implementation of Chattanooga’s first centralized grant management system, work that earned national recognition and professional speaking opportunities.

Beyond her professional achievements, Glover has made a lasting impact through youth mentorship and civic engagement, leading the Mayor’s Youth Council for seven years and mentoring more than 200 local students. At UTC, she revived the student chapter of the International City/County Management Association, served as chapter president and earned the Tennessee City Management Association Graduate Scholarship. She exemplifies the Moc spirit through public service, leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening the Chattanooga community.

Lane Gutridge

Field Representative / United States Senate

Lane Gutridge, ’22, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from UTC. A highly engaged student leader, he served as Student Body President, Student Trustee on the UT System Board of Trustees, Chancellor’s Ambassador, orientation leader and president of Beta Upsilon Chi. His leadership earned recognition including the Chancellor’s Blue & Gold Award of Excellence and the UTC Alumni Public Service Award. Professionally, Gutridge has built a career centered on relationship-building and service, helping revitalize UTC’s GOLD alumni program before transitioning to his current role as a field representative serving constituents across Southeast Tennessee.

Beyond his career, he remains active in mentorship and community service through Rotaract, fraternity advising, conservation projects and educational initiatives. He continues to embody the Moc spirit by investing in others, creating opportunities for future leaders and strengthening communities through service and civic engagement.

Annaka Hall

Promotions Manager / Chattanooga Lookouts

Annaka Hall, ’23, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management from UTC. Since graduating, she has built a career with the Chattanooga Lookouts, advancing from intern to Promotions Manager and on-field host at Erlanger Park, where she helps create memorable experiences for fans throughout the Chattanooga community.

A passionate community leader, Hall serves as Sponsorship Chair for the Hixson Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers through Citizens of Heaven Church, supporting outreach efforts for individuals experiencing homelessness. As a student, she was involved in Chi Omega, UTC Athletics, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) and research initiatives, while earning both the Outstanding Rising Senior and Outstanding Senior awards from the Department of Sports, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management. Hall continues to embody the Moc spirit through community service, leadership and a deep commitment to Chattanooga, the city she now proudly calls home.

Garrett Henson-Hinck

Owner/Designer / Henson-Hinck Designs

Garrett Henson-Hinck, ’17, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from UTC. He is the founder and principal designer of Henson-Hinck Designs, an award-winning interior design firm that has completed more than 100 residential and commercial projects across the Southeast. Through his work, he creates thoughtful, personalized spaces while mentoring emerging professionals and supporting local artisans and businesses.

A dedicated advocate for the arts and education, Henson-Hinck serves on the boards of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and The Passage, sponsors local arts organizations and serves on UTC’s Interior Architecture and Design Advisory Board. As a student, he held numerous leadership roles in Student Government Association, the Interior Design Student Association and the UTC Theatre Company, where he helped establish UTC’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society. He continues to exemplify the Moc spirit through leadership, service and community engagement.

Ashley McKnight

Team Lead – Workforce Development and Corporate Training / EPB

Ashley McKnight, ’20, earned a Bachelor of Arts in English: Professional Writing from UTC with a minor in Child and Family Studies. Following graduation, she began her career in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, where she recruited students, supported first-generation initiatives and developed programs that fostered belonging and student success. She later joined EPB, where she now serves as Team Lead of Workforce Development and Corporate Training, creating opportunities for employees and community members through workforce development, mentorship and educational partnerships.

A dedicated community leader, McKnight has served as head coach of UTC’s Ladies of GOLD dance team since 2019 and holds leadership roles with the American Association of Blacks in Energy, Tyner Academy’s Future Ready Institute, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. She continues to embody the Moc spirit through service, advocacy and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.

Sara Neumann

Organizational Consultant / Independent Consulting

Sara Neumann, ’15, earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies: Biology from UTC. Since graduating, she has built a career helping mission-driven organizations increase their impact through strategy, operations and community engagement. Her work has included roles with WaterWays, the Tennessee Aquarium and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, where she supported environmental initiatives, nonprofit programs and community partnerships.

Today, she works with nonprofits, small businesses and other organizations to strengthen systems, improve effectiveness and advance their missions. As a student, Neumann served as president of EDGE (Ecological Decisions for a Global Environment) and was actively involved in several campus organizations focused on service, advocacy and community building. She continues to support the communities and causes that shaped her UTC experience.

Chantz Yanagida

Co-Founder and CEO / Protoproof

Chantz Yanagida, ’19, earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UTC. An entrepreneur and engineer, he is the founder of Protoproof, where he develops advanced manufacturing, automation and product development solutions for clients across multiple industries. Since graduation, his work has led to significant innovations in manufacturing processes, production efficiency and industrial automation, including projects that have generated millions in cost savings and supported companies throughout the region and beyond.

Deeply committed to Chattanooga, Yanagida has contributed thousands of volunteer hours supporting Hamilton County Schools, helped establish makerspaces at UTC, served as a judge for entrepreneurial competitions and mentored emerging innovators through CO.LAB. As a student, he served as president of the 3D/Additive Manufacturing Club and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society chapter, graduating magna cum laude with honors. He continues to embody the Moc spirit by advancing innovation, creating opportunities for UTC graduates and investing in the future of Chattanooga’s manufacturing ecosystem.

We will celebrate our next class of winners in 2027. Applications will open in the spring of 2027.

Learn More