In 1998 the Volunteer Athletics Scholarship Fund (now Tennessee Fund) began its sponsorship of the official UT Pep Club, folding it into the Athletics Department framework by charging a membership fee and providing services and benefits—among them establishing points that counted toward season ticket priority following graduation. In 2004 the opportunities provided by membership were expanded, and the group was retitled Orange Nation. UT has had a pep club since the establishment of the Beaver Club in 1921.
Written by Betsey B. Creekmore [Allen Cain contributed.]