Pictured, left to right, are Nathan Goza, Katie Maxwell, Bailey Coppedge, Dean Robert Dooley, Caroline Waldron, Andrew Cox and Luke Hutchins
Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. honored the 2018-2019 John C. Stophel Distinguished Students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga during the firm’s annual Stophel Scholars community reception Thursday evening. The reception at the Chambliss Conference Center in Liberty Tower offered the six award recipients the opportunity to meet and engage with members of Chattanooga’s business community.
This year’s recipients include:
• Bailey Coppedge, Entrepreneurship (Chattanooga)
• Andrew Cox, Economics and Entrepreneurship (Nashville)
• Nathan Goza, Human Resources Management (Chattanooga)
• Luke Hutchins, Finance (Chattanooga)
• Katie Maxwell, Accounting and Finance (Chattanooga)
• Caroline Waldron, Marketing (Maryville)
Sharing what the Stophel Scholars mentor program means to him, one of last year’s scholars, Colter Parker, said, “The Stophel Scholars program offers a unique opportunity to connect with influential members of the Chattanooga community and gain insight into the city's thriving business and legal culture.
Meeting the attorneys at Chambliss and being paired with a fantastic mentor changed the course of my future career.”
“We are proud to recognize these students for their dedication to academia as well as their remarkable accomplishments beyond the classroom,” said Mike St. Charles, managing shareholder at Chambliss. “We're glad to connect these young leaders with the many community and business leaders who are eager to offer their own personal stories of perseverance, motivation, and success."
The Stophel Scholars program, which is in its 12th year, aims to "foster local talent and encourage promising students to build long-lasting mentor relationships with Chattanooga professionals." The John C. Stophel Distinguished Student Award is presented annually to recognize high performing business students who have "made significant and meaningful civic contributions to UTC and the Gary W. Rollins College of Business while maintaining a strong academic record." Award recipients are chosen based on their strong leadership, decision-making and communication skills, as well as the presence of a high degree of self-motivation.
“The Gary W. Rollins College of Business is proud to celebrate this outstanding group of John C. Stophel Distinguished Students,” said Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of UTC’s Gary W. College of Business. “These students are exceptional leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. We certainly appreciate the commitment Chambliss has made through the John C. Stophel Award to recognize their accomplishments. Not only is this event an opportunity to introduce them to the Chattanooga community, but it gives the students a chance to connect with potential mentors and future employers.”
Chambliss law firm established an endowment at UTC in 2008 to honor the legacy of Mr. John C. Stophel, a founding member of the firm. Mr. Stophel practiced law for more than 50 years, during which he led numerous civic, charitable and religious efforts to benefit the Chattanooga community. He additionally served as chairman of the University of Chattanooga Foundation board of trustees from 2001 to 2004.