Gary W. Rollins College of Business Legacy Gala
An annual celebration
The Legacy Gala
Recognizing outstanding contributors to the business-world and the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
Gary W. Rollins College of Business Impact Award
- Joseph F. Decosimo
Decosimo's career began in 1971 with the opening of the Decosimo Company, which became one of the most recognized firms in the nation. He has served on the boards of many Fortune 500 companies and has been a trusted mentor and advisor to rising professionals. Decosimo has long supported higher education, from his time as a professor to his establishment of multiple scholarships. The Joseph F. Decosimo Student Success Center at the Rollins College of Business is named in his honor.
Young Alumni Achievement Award
- Benjamin Cheatham
Cheatham is a Vice President of Energy Tax Equity Investments Originations at J.P. Morgan. He executes transactions with sponsors, deploying bank and coinvestor capital through tax equity partnerships and tax credit transfers. Cheatham leads teams that invest billions annually towards the buildout of wind, solar, carbon, and geothermal projects across the United States. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Cheatham was a tax consultant at Deloitte, where he advised a diverse set of clients on compliance, bankruptcy matters, audit controversy, and mergers and acquisitions. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, cooking, and listening to audiobooks.
Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
- Cam Doody
Doody is co-founder and general partner at Brickyard, an early-stage venture capital firm that relocates portfolio companies to its private facility in Chattanooga until they reach $1 million in revenue. Before turning to investing, Doody spent a decade as an operator, raising more than $100 million to co-found and build one of the largest moving companies in the U.S. He is a committed advocate and donor for Bitcoin, a private aviator and an outdoorsman. Most importantly, he is a husband and father.
Business Outstanding Corporate Partner Award
- Unum
Unum is a global leader in the benefits industry. Headquartered in the Scenic City, the Fortune 500 company has grown to include offices in eight locations, with 11,000 employees serving 45 million customers across the country and in Europe. Unum has been a long-time partner with the Rollins College of Business through the Unum Scholars program for current students, and many of our graduates have held successful careers at the Unum Group.
Gary W. Rollins College of Business Impact Award
The RCOB Impact Award honors individuals whose leadership, vision, or philanthropic commitment has significantly advanced the mission and success of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. Recipients of this award demonstrate a direct and measurable influence on the College—whether through strategic leadership, mentorship, program development, or transformative giving. Their contributions have created lasting value for students, faculty, and the broader UTC business community.
Young Alumni Achievement Award
The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes outstanding graduates of the Rollins College of Business who are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated exceptional professional success, innovation, and leadership in their field. This award celebrates rising stars who exemplify the College’s values and serve as inspiring role models for current and future students.
Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
The Entrepreneurial Excellence Award celebrates visionary entrepreneurs who are alumni, faculty, or close affiliates of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. Honorees have built or led successful ventures, demonstrated bold thinking, and made significant contributions to their industry and community. This award honors the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the entrepreneurial journey.
Outstanding Corporate Partner Award
The Outstanding Corporate Partner Award honors a company that demonstrates exceptional commitment to the Gary W. Rollins College of Business through impactful collaboration and sustained engagement. Recipients exemplify leadership and civic responsibility by investing in experiential learning, research, mentorship, and other initiatives that advance educational excellence and regional impact.
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