Mark Lee McCormack of Knoxville entered UT as a freshman in 1997 following graduation from Knoxville’s West High School. A computer whiz in grade school, he was considering a major in computer science or in a recently discovered passion for geology. Kind, well liked, and hardworking, he died by his own hand in 1998. A memorial tree was placed in his memory in Circle Park with the plaque: In memory of / Mark Lee McCormack / 1978–1998 / Presented by the First Year Studies / Program and many friends / December 8, 1998.