Homecoming week at UTC — Oct. 25 – Nov. 1 — arrives with drumlines, reunions and a distinct visual identity on posters, stickers, T-shirts and social feeds. For the fourth year running, that look is guided by illustrator and recent alum Jacob Cate ’25, whose playful, story-driven designs have helped define Homecoming for today’s Mocs. Cate, who grew up in East Brainerd and graduated in May with a B.A. in Studio Art and a minor in Rhetoric and Professional Writing, returns to campus this fall to begin a master’s in creative writing.
Cate’s process starts with the student-selected theme—then two anchors: the event name and Scrappy’s costume. For 2025’s Calling All the Mocsters theme, he researched vintage horror posters and even studied Frankenstein’s wardrobe to capture the right vibe. When the logo proved tricky, he “stepped out… sat on a bench by Chamberlain and drew ideas” until the direction clicked.
Because event details lock in late, the poster is one of the last pieces he builds, a layout puzzle he enjoys. A favorite from past years is Scrappy Ever After, inspired by classic storybook title pages, where the words feel embedded in a real scene rather than “floating” on the page. That attention to feel matters even to someone who isn’t a “big-event” person.
Cate jokes that he’s not a big-event person. “It’s a little weird to me because I’ve never attended a homecoming or prom before,” he said. Still, he feels the week’s campus buzz — bouncy houses on Chamberlain, banners, posters everywhere — and designs with that spirit in mind. “I’m always looking to one-up myself,” he said. “Asking myself: how can I make this look and feel even cooler than last year?” One answer was giving Scrappy a version that’s instantly approachable.
Cate joined UTC’s Communications and Marketing team before his first semester, interning in summer 2022, experience he says accelerated his growth. “You apply what you learn immediately in a real work environment,” he said. Mentors shaped the journey, too. “Everyone in the Communications and Marketing Department was so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable,” he said. “Meghan Phillips was my manager and Amy Barker was my coworker… I wouldn’t be the same graphic designer without them.”
Cate continues to freelance for UTC. “As a freelancer, I’m still doing commissions for UTC,” he said. “Whenever they need something for Scrappy, they always call on me. I’m honored to be trusted with such a recognizable Chattanooga character.”
Outside UTC, he and his brother are building an indie detective game, “The Great Coffee Caper,” where you can add to your wishlist on Steam. “It’s such a fun, collaborative process,” he said. “It’s weird to think that somewhere along the way, we became small business owners.” As for the dream job: “A dream project for me would be to work on an animated show or movie for a big studio,” he said. “I feel like I would fit the role of a storyboard artist since that looks a lot like making comic panels.”
In the meantime, his Homecoming art will be the first hello Mocs see this fall.
Homecoming
Celebrate the spirit, pride, and traditions that bring Mocs together.
Homecoming Week at UTC is Oct. 27 – Nov. 1, a time when alumni, students, and the Chattanooga community unite for pep rallies, reunions and tailgates. From honoring our legacy to creating new memories, Homecoming is where Blue and Gold pride shines brightest.
Join the Celebration