Homecoming returns to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Nov. 9-15, inviting current students, alumni and fans to celebrate the history and traditions that make Rocky Top home sweet home.
This year’s theme, Torchbearers and Trailblazers, honors the icons and people who have been ingrained into the fabric of the UT community.
VFL (Vol - Volunteer - for Life) Butch Wilmore (’94) will serve as this year’s parade grand marshal. After earning his master’s degree from the UT Space Institute, Wilmore served as a United States Navy test pilot before being selected by NASA to become an astronaut in 2000. He went on to fly aboard four different spacecraft and accumulate 464 days in space. Most recently, Wilmore traveled to space on the Boeing Starliner’s first crewed flight in 2024. After a spacecraft malfunction extended the mission, he spent more than nine months in orbit before returning to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 in March. He retired in August after 25 years of service. His honors include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, multiple combat medals and commendations, the NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award, UT’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and membership in the university’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Hall of Fame. - University of Tennessee, Knoxville
About Wilmore's walk with Jesus:
Butch Wilmore's faith is central to his life, deeply rooted in his Christian belief in Jesus Christ. He sees his faith as "vital to his existence," providing him with strength and contentment, especially during his extended mission on the International Space Station. Wilmore has spoken extensively about how his faith guided him through challenges and how he actively practiced his faith by watching church services, leading devotionals, and singing hymns from space. He believes that God's sovereignty is at work in all circumstances and is eager to share the gospel and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
Wilmore's faith is centered on Jesus Christ, who he believes paid the price for his sins and offers forgiveness. He holds that a sovereign God is in control of all things, which provides him with a sense of contentment and peace, even in difficult circumstances. He believes God's plans are always good, and that he is called to share his faith with others.
During his 286-day mission on the ISS, which was longer than expected, Wilmore relied heavily on his faith. He watched church services every week and described the "Word of God" as essential for his spiritual well-being. He also led devotionals from space and, along with fellow astronauts, sang hymns with his church back on Earth.
Wilmore considers sharing the gospel and proclaiming Christ Jesus as Lord to be his driving force. He actively seeks opportunities to share his faith, including leading devotionals and calling church members while in orbit to check on them.
Wilmore has been a long-time member of Providence Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas, and has been an active elder there for many years. He maintains his connection to the church community and is eager to share stories of God's work in his life, reports Christianity Today. (Google AI)