Maryville College alumni return to their alma mater to give back during KT Days 2026
May 19, 2026
While summer brings a quieter pace to many college campuses, June at Maryville College signals the return of a beloved tradition — one marked not by rest, but by reunion, hard work and a shared commitment to giving back.
From June 9-11, alumni volunteers from across the country will return to College Hill for KT Days 2026, an annual summer service tradition that invites former Scots to improve and beautify campus through hands-on projects ranging from landscaping and painting to carpentry, archival work and stewardship in the Maryville College Woods.
Alumni and supporters interested in participating in KT Days 2026 can register through Friday, May 22, on the Maryville College website. Additional information about other KT Days-related events can be found online as well.
Now entering its 28th year, KT Days traces its roots to 1997, when members of the Class of 1960 launched the program in honor of legendary alumnus Kin Takahashi 1895, whose student-led campus improvement efforts more than a century ago helped shape the College’s physical landscape and enduring culture of service.
“KT Days has become so much more than a volunteer work week — it’s a homecoming built around purpose,” said Jennifer Phillips Triplett ’07, director of Alumni Affairs at Maryville College. “Alumni come back ready to reconnect with one another, but also to leave a tangible mark on a place that helped shape their lives. There’s something really special about watching people express their love for Maryville College with their time, energy and talents.”
Throughout the week, volunteers will tackle a variety of projects designed to improve campus appearance and functionality for current students, employees, alumni and visitors. Among this year’s featured efforts is continued work on the materials pad fence, which enhances safety and the scenic view overlooking the tennis courts and the Maryville College Woods — a project KT volunteers helped bring to life during last year’s event and will complete this year.
Former Maryville College Physical Plant director Reggie Dailey, whose longtime devotion to the program has earned him the affectionate title of “Volunteer in Chief,” said projects like the materials pad fence demonstrate the lasting impact of alumni service.
“One of the things I appreciate most about KT Days is that the work truly matters,” Dailey said. “Projects like the fence enhance spaces that students and visitors use every day, while also helping Facilities better care for these areas long term. When alumni can see the direct result of their efforts, it makes the experience even more meaningful.”
In recent years, KT Days has expanded to include additional opportunities for alumni to get involved.
On Saturday, June 6, alumni are invited to participate in KT 101, a one-day service opportunity designed for returning KT veterans, newcomers and those unable to attend during the full work week. Participants will help prepare materials and project sites ahead of the main event while learning new skills and becoming part of the KT legacy.
Also returning for a second year is Alumni Brew Day, held June 6 at the Fermentation Science Lab in the Maryville College Downtown Center. During the event, alumni affectionately known as the “KT Keggers” will create a new series of KT-themed beers to be sampled later this summer and served during Homecoming festivities in October.
“The growth of KT programming has been exciting because it creates more ways for alumni to plug in,” Triplett said. “Whether someone wants to spend three full days painting and landscaping, help with prep work through KT 101, or join fellow Scots for Alumni Brew Day, there’s truly a place for everyone within this tradition.”
Volunteers staying overnight may check in Monday, June 8, followed by dinner on campus and an evening ice cream social open to local alumni and members of the campus community.
Projects begin the morning of June 9, followed by a welcome lunch with Maryville College President Dr. Bryan Coker and members of the campus community.
The week concludes June 11 with a wrap-up dinner at the Downtown Center, where volunteers will celebrate completed projects, hear team updates and view before-and-after photos documenting the week’s accomplishments.