Friends and colleagues came to the Mountain City Club on Friday for a celebration of the Doctor of Laws honorary degree presented to Joe Decosimo at Southern's spring Commencement service.
Joe Decosimo was honored by Southern Adventist University during a luncheon at the Mountain City Club on Friday. Friends and colleagues were on hand to celebrate the Doctor of Laws honorary degree presented to Dr. Decosimo at Southern's spring Commencement service.
The event was hosted by Chris McKee, executive vice president for McKee Foods and board trustee for Southern. David Smith, Southern's new president, gave Dr. Decosimo a commemorative photo and spoke about the value and impact of his community leadership.
Dr. Decosimo, a World War II Navy veteran, completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in business administration at Northwestern University. He is senior partner emeritus for Elliott Davis Decosimo, one of the top 30 accounting, tax, and consulting services firms in the U.S.
Dr. Decosimo has long been dedicated to civic involvement. His chairmanship roles and participation with numerous charitable and nonprofit organizations include the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, Alexian Brothers of the Southeast Foundation, and the Tennessee Board for Economic Growth. He also has a history of supporting education, both at UT Chattanooga and Southern.
Most recently Dr. Decosimo has been active in guiding Southern’s Advancement team to gather Chattanooga community leaders for presentations about the university’s Campaign for Excellence in Faith and Learning, a $50 million endeavor.
Dr. Decosimo and his wife, Rachel, have been married for 66 years. They have nine children, 26 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.