In 2017, the University of California at Berkeley commandeered a Guinness World Record from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Now, UT has taken one back, and it’s all thanks to the late chemistry professor George K. Schweitzer.
The story begins with a giant Power T formed by 4,223 students, faculty, staff and alumni in Neyland Stadium that resulted in a hard − and expensive − record for the largest human letter. But after less than five months of UT’s reign, Berkeley claimed the title by creating its own oversized “C.”
Knox News reported in 2024 that there might be a way for UT to get some payback by taking another world record from Berkley: Schweitzer had spent 76 years teaching at UT, which put him ahead of recordholder Joel Hildebrand, who taught at Cal for 68.
Now, it’s official: Schweitzer’s tenure has been recognized as the lengthiest career as a professor, with a new Guinness World Record marking not just a win for Rocky Top, but recognition of Schweitzer’s lifelong dedication to learning.
Who was University of Tennessee chemistry professor George Schweitzer?
Schweitzer was born Dec. 5, 1924, and began his career as a professor at UT in 1948. He never fully retired and was teaching a course in fall 2024 until he became ill. Schweitzer died in September of that year.
Schweitzer researched and taught inorganic chemistry and radiochemistry, publishing two chemistry textbooks, numerous articles on chemistry and about 20 genealogy guidebooks. In 2016, eight years before his death, he estimated he had taught more than 45,000 students during his time at UT.
He was deeply curious and, in addition to the field of science, was fascinated by genealogy. In addition to a doctorate in chemistry, Schweitzer received two doctoral degrees in history.
Some of his research was related to the Manhattan Project, and Schweitzer’s scholarship was conducted at times in partnership with the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex.
The world record isn’t Schweitzer’s first honor. He received multiple awards from the university, including the Joe Johnson Lifetime Service Award for 65 years of service.
His family applied for his world record status following Knox News’ previous reporting about Schweitzer, and the distinction was made official in June.
Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee professor George Schweitzer earns world record