The Graduate Hotels is a rapidly expanding brand featuring a collection of hotels in university-anchored towns across the United States. Each location boasts one of a kind décor that pays tribute to the home team—literally. Their newest hotel opened its doors this August, bringing this unique brand of school spirit to Knoxville. This will be the must-stay location for any true blue, or shall we say orange, Tennessee Volunteer. Ben Weprin, CEO & Founder of the Graduate Hotels, and a UT alum himself, spoke to Southern Living about bringing Graduate Knoxville back to his alma mater. "We take it as a real honor to celebrate each one of these markets and communities and when you get to do your own alma mater, it's like an elevated experience really." He further explained what this experience will mean for others who loved their college experience as he did and return to east Tennessee to revisit old memories. He also touched on elevated importance of nostalgia as we navigate through the coronavirus pandemic.
"At UT it's V.F.L., 'Vol for Life' and it is so true. Once you go there and you experience it, you're forever. So, the idea of coming back to college. Making a new memory in an old place, we call it 'newstalgia' and it is super valuable in these times."
