Cultivation of relationships with our international alumni and key stakeholders of the university.

CGE connects with partners and stakeholders around the globe in order to extend the impact of our work with international and national partnerships that reflect our university vision and global values and increase the visibility and reputation of the university.

Empowering Vols All Over the World

CGE is dedicated to empowering our international alumni, creating meaningful connections that span continents. Japan is a key focus in this mission, serving as a steadfast link between Alumni Affairs and UT alumni abroad. In 2019, alumnus Yoshi Momoki attended the international alumni reunion and shared with the CGE team his vision of opening a Tennessee-themed bar in Tokyo. Since then, CGE and Alumni Affairs have actively supported Yoshi, connecting him with essential contacts at UT and across Tennessee to make his dream a reality. In February 2024, the Good Ole Tennessee Bar opened its doors, welcoming thousands of visitors from Tennessee and beyond.

Creation of Student Organization of Abroad Returnees (SOAR)

This student organization was started in AY 23-24 as a place for returnees from programs abroad to remain connected to one another and to demonstrate their global volunteer spirit they by helping the Programs Abroad Office with programming, classroom presentations, and sharing their abroad experiences with interested students.

Global Engagement Summit

CGE held its first Global Engagement Summit in spring 2024, drawing roughly 200 guests from around the UT campus for what is set to become an annual event.

The Summit provided an inspiring and interactive day dedicated to promoting international education and research by connecting university employees, students and the wider community through a series of engaging workshops, keynote speeches and networking opportunities.

Alumni & Stakeholder Network

Since International House was established in 1969, it has been a touchstone for thousands of international alumni as well as their families and friends. As a hub for social and community activities, it has provided a physical space to gather, resources to equip, and programming to support sociocultural adjustment and community connections. When alumni visit International House, they share stories that emphasize the traditions that inspired them, the community that nurtured them, and the relationships they developed as part of its global community. Their experiences with International House broaden their identification as Volunteers and Torchbearers.