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News Release

For Immediate Release — June 25, 2012

UT Dairy Workers Hold Reunion

UT Dairy Workers Reunion June 2012On June 14 more than 30 retirees of the former University of Tennessee Dairy in Knoxville, their family members and retirees of the Department of Animal Science enjoyed good fellowship and food, and shared stories and fond memories of their experiences while working at UT. The reunion was held at the new dairy facilities at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center's new Little River Animal and Environmentl Unit in Walland, Tenn.

The workers’ years of service spanned 1957 to the present. Clyde Holmes, long-time farm manager of former UT Dairy in Knoxville, and wife Connie (center of 2nd row) were guests of honor. Connie served as unofficial first lady and hostess of the UT Dairy during the Holmeses’ tenure. Together, the couple was second parents to three decades of students and earned the everlasting respect of dairy farmworkers.

The event took place in conjuction with the UT Beef and Dairy Field Day. Julie Walker of AgriVoice organized the reunion.

Many of the reunion attendees are shown in the photo. Front row from left: Neal Schrick, professor and head, UT Department of  Animal Science; Mark Campbell, former worker and assistant director, East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center; Molly Wilson (friend of a retiree); Jack Wilson (friend of a retiree); Charlie Young; Ken Sheffer; Tim Martinek; and Julie Walker. Second row:Cecil Carmen; Rex ‘Doc’ Trentham; Lemmy Wilson; Clyde and Connie Holmes; Guy Walker; and Monty Montgomery. Third row: Phil Blevins; Mark Pettit; Mike Estes; Ken Jordan; Ray Jordan; Mike Blevins; Pat Holmes; Whitey Dougherty; Donnie Vest; Gayle Carson; and Mark Lewis. Download the photo.

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