Accomplished Alumni Program Kicks Off
The UT Knoxville Office of Alumni Affairs has started a new initiative called the Accomplished Alumni program.
“Through this program, we aim to engage some of our alumni who have achieved great things in their professions and communities,” says Patrick Wade, UT alumnus and director of the program. “We plan to share their stories with other UT alumni, students, and the university community as a way of celebrating their contributions and inspiring others to follow in their example.”
Tonya Hinch is the first to be honored through this program. Tonya graduated in 1985 with a B.S. in business administration. She is a life coach and former Fortune 500 executive who has worked for such organizations as Edison Schools, Ultrafem Inc., Neutrogena, Clairol, and Procter and Gamble. She now shares her success and wisdom with others through seminars, events, and personal coaching (see her website for more info: http://www.retiringbackwards.com/).
Tonya will be on campus in Knoxville September 12 at the invitation of the UTK Young Alumni program; she will be the featured speaker for a professional development reception. Tonya is passionate about helping others, whether it is young alumni, aspiring professionals, or current college students. “I want to do what is most helpful for students. I was fortunate to have many terrific mentors during my stay at the College of Business.”
Tonya teaches, among other things, the relationship between finances and achieving goals. “I focus on helping young people understand how their finances play an incredibly important role in their future. If I can help keep them focused on using money as a way to achieve their long term goals, not just satisfy short term wants that lead to crippling debt, I am achieving my personal goals.” Tonya will also speak to students in the College of Business during her visit that week as part of the Executives in Residence program.
More information will follow in later issues of the eTorch regarding the Accomplished Alumni program.
