![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-0321 New UT President Dr. Joe DiPietro speaks at event Monday](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-0321-252x300.jpg)
New UT President Dr. Joe DiPietro speaks at event Monday
• “He said all the right things.”
• “He seems like a good guy. And he’s from UT!”
• “He doesn’t seem like a loose cannon!”
Those were some of the comments heard in the crowd of nearly 300 business people gathered at the Knoxville Convention Center Monday to welcome the new University of Tennessee president, Joe DiPietro.
The reception, sponsored by Pilot Flying J, First Tennessee, the News Sentinel and University of Tennessee Medical Center, was the first up-close-and-personal get-together for the combined “town” and “gown” crowds. It also was on DiPietro’s first working day as president.
“I’ll bring stability to this position,” DiPietro wisely pledged, to applause. He said his first priority is to get around to all the UT campuses across the state. He already has been to the Memphis campus four times, Martin twice and Chattanooga twice, he said.
The stability promise was a relief to local community leaders who have endured three tumultuous tenures of UT presidents over the past 10 years: J. Wade Gilley from 1999 to 2001; John Shumaker from 2002 to 2003; and John Petersen from 2004 to 2009. All came from outside the UT system. And all went down in flames.
DiPietro, who has been at UT since 2006, was chancellor of the UT Institute of Agriculture. He and his wife, Deborah, came here from the University of Florida where he was dean of veterinary medicine.
“I will be an advocate for all components of the University of Tennessee,” DiPietro said. “I intend to advance and help the university dream more, learn more, do more and be more.”
His concluding remark? “Go Vols!”
Alrighty then. So far, so good.
![p1030870 From left: sponsor Patrick Birmingham of the News Sentinel; sponsor Pam Fansler of First Tennessee; honorees Dr. Joe and Deb DiPietro; sponsor Joe Landsman of UT Medical Center; and Jim Haslam of Pilot Flying J](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/p1030870.jpg)
From left: sponsor Patrick Birmingham of the News Sentinel; sponsor Pam Fansler of First Tennessee; honorees Dr. Joe and Deb DiPietro; sponsor Joe Landsman of UT Medical Center; and Jim Haslam of Pilot Flying J
Moxley Carmichael was in charge of this event (thanks, sponsors!) and I always like to sneak in just before they start and see how the room looks. Here’s what I saw.
![room-setup room-setup](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/p1030848.jpg)
It always looks so peaceful and pretty before the event starts!
![p1030907 Receiving line was out the door](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/p1030907.jpg)
Receiving line was out the door.
![p1030921 The noise level was amazing!](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/p1030921.jpg)
The noise level was amazing!
![prez-and-alan There were a lot of orange ties, including those of Dr. DiPietro and Alan Carmichael.](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/prez-and-alan.jpg)
There were a lot of orange ties, including those of Dr. DiPietro and Alan Carmichael.
![cobble-in-line Donna Cobble greets Joe and Deb Pietro.](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/cobble-in-line-300x182.jpg)
Donna Cobble greets Joe and Deb DiPietro.
![creekmore-and-duncan Betsey Creekmore and U.S. Congressman John J. Duncan](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/creekmore-and-duncan-300x212.jpg)
Betsey Creekmore and U.S. Congressman John J. Duncan
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-014 John Craig, right, with Jon and Mintha Roach](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-014-300x205.jpg)
John Craig, right, with Jon and Mintha Roach
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-016 It also was the first day on the job for Kevin Carver, left, DiPietro's new assistant. He's with Linda and Mike Davidson here.](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-016-300x201.jpg)
It also was the first day on the job for Kevin Carver, left, DiPietro's new assistant. He's with Linda and Mike Davidson here.
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-003 Jim Haslam and Posey Congleton](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-003-300x270.jpg)
Jim Haslam and Posey Congleton
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-012 State Rep. Ryan Haynes, left, and John Cantrell](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-012-300x232.jpg)
State Rep. Ryan Haynes, left, and John Cantrell
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-017 Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen, left, and County Commissioner Richard Briggs](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-017-300x232.jpg)
Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen, left, and County Commissioner Richard Briggs
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-006 Denise Harvey, left, and her parents Robert and Edwina Harvey](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-006-300x197.jpg)
Denise Harvey, left, and her parents Robert and Edwina Harvey
![goodwin-danni-bruce From left, Keith Goodwin, Danni Varlan and Bruce Anderson](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/goodwin-danni-bruce-300x253.jpg)
From left, Keith Goodwin, Danni Varlan and Bruce Anderson
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-022 Charlie Brakebill, left, with Liz and Wes Stowers](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-022-300x214.jpg)
Charlie Brakebill, left, with Liz and Wes Stowers
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-027 City Councilman Dan Brown, left, and News Sentinel Editor Jack McElroy](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-027-300x215.jpg)
City Councilman Dan Brown, left, and News Sentinel Editor Jack McElroy
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-005 Foster and Dottie Arnett](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-005-300x222.jpg)
Foster and Dottie Arnett
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-036 Ely Fly, left, chats with Jack and Doris Sharp.](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-036-300x216.jpg)
Eli Fly, left, chats with Jack and Doris Sharp.
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-035 Dr. DiPietro greets Barbara and Bernie Bernstein](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-035-300x207.jpg)
Dr. DiPietro greets Barbara and Bernie Bernstein
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-025 From left, Theotis and Jonida Robinson, UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton, and Hank Dye](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-025-300x189.jpg)
From left, Theotis and Jonida Robinson, UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton, and Hank Dye
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-034 UT President Emeritus Ed Boling and Mark Boling](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-034-300x234.jpg)
UT President Emeritus Ed Boling and Mark Boling
![flowers-11 Our florist for this event, Samuel Franklin, created these very unique centerpieces for each table. The base lights up.](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/flowers-11-224x300.jpg)
Our florist for this event, Samuel Franklin, created these very unique centerpieces for each table. The base lights up.
![flowers-21 The centerpieces were of differing heights to add interest. I love the treatment of the stems in this one.](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/flowers-21-300x224.jpg)
The centerpieces were of differing heights to add interest. I love the treatment of the stems in this one.
![p1030856 The buffet tables were decorated with -- what else? -- oranges!](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/p1030856.jpg)
The buffet tables were decorated with -- what else? -- oranges!
![p1030928 One of the most popular food stations was the macaroni bar -- you pick the ingredients and the chef whips you up a plate!](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/p1030928.jpg)
One of the most popular food stations was the macaroni bar -- you pick the ingredients and the chef whips you up a plate!
![p1030861 These great Moxley Carmichael staffers handled the name tag table. From left, Tami Hartmann, Amy Foster, Amanda Shell, and Catherine Bodie](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/p1030861.jpg)
These great Moxley Carmichael staffers handled the name tag table. From left, Tami Hartmann, Amy Foster, Amanda Shell, and Catherine Bodie
OK. Back to photos of attendees!
![dunn-and-prez State Rep. Bill Dunn, left, and President DiPietro. They seem to be getting along.](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dunn-and-prez-300x231.jpg)
State Rep. Bill Dunn, left, and President DiPietro. They seem to be getting along.
![majors-seymour Norman Majors, left, and Arthur Seymour](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/majors-seymour-300x210.jpg)
Norman Majors, left, and Arthur Seymour
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-002 Barbara and Bud Sherrod](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-002-300x211.jpg)
Barbara and Bud Sherrod
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-004 Carolyn and Mike Moss](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-004-300x229.jpg)
Carolyn and Mike Moss
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-007 Sandra and Monroe Trout](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-007-300x248.jpg)
Sandra and Monroe Trout
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-008 Eleesa and Jerry Epps](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-008-300x268.jpg)
Eleesa and Jerry Epps
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-009 From left, Mary Jinks, Margaret Dye and Katie Reagan](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-009-300x199.jpg)
From left, Mary Jinks, Margaret Dye and Katie Reagan
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-010 Jerry and Ann Bodie](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-010-300x244.jpg)
Jerry and Ann Bodie
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-011 From left, Vince Unfara, Katie High and Jim Roberto](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-011-300x200.jpg)
From left, Vince Anfara, Katie High and Jim Roberto
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-013 Linden and Betty Gill](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-013-300x215.jpg)
Linden and Betty Gill
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-015 Joe and Sharon Pryse](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-015-300x231.jpg)
Joe and Sharon Pryse
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-018 Maestro Lucas Richman and Rachel Ford](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-018-300x215.jpg)
Maestro Lucas Richman and Rachel Ford
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-019 Pat and former UT President Joe Johnson](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-019-300x218.jpg)
Pat and former UT President Joe Johnson
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-029 Tom and Deanene Catani](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-029-300x218.jpg)
Tom and Deanene Catani
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-024 John Gill and Margie Nichols](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-024-282x300.jpg)
John Gill and Margie Nichols
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-028 Bill Lyons and City Councilman Joe Bailey](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-028-300x245.jpg)
Bill Lyons and City Councilman Joe Bailey
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-023 From left, Joan Creasia, Margaret Dye, Ann and Dean Skadberg](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-023-300x214.jpg)
From left, Joan Creasia, Margaret Dye, Ann and Dean Skadberg
![dipietro-recpetion-formatted-030 Nancy and Leonard Hines](https://bluestreakprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dipietro-recpetion-formatted-030-300x241.jpg)
Nancy and Leonard Hines
I think this is more photos than I’ve ever put on a blog post. But if you’d like to see still more, click here to go to the Moxley Carmichael Flickr page.
Photo credit: Gary Heatherly, shooting for Moxley Carmichael, took all these pictures except the two blurry ones (Roddys, Jensens and Martins; and Goodwin, Varlan and Anderson), which I took.
Orange ties are a great fashion statement, you know.