Alumni "mug" Shot of the Month   Photo sent by Jennifer Vincent from their family vacation in Florida.  This sand creation was made by two of the Vincent boys (Jack and Russ) and several of their sons. Jennifer will receive an alumni coffee mug. Submit your alumni photos by email to alumni@utm.edu.   News_______________________________   USDA Rural Development State Director Ruth Tackett and Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens joined University of Tennessee at Martin Chancellor Tom Rakes and other state and local officials to announce the expansion of the Ray and Wilma Smith Livestock Merchandising Facility on the UT Martin campus. Read more on line... University of Tennessee at Martin ROTC Cadet Richard G. Casada has been awarded the Legion of Valor Cross for Achievement. Read more about Casada here. An online master of science in family and consumer sciences has been added to the list of courses offered by the University of Tennessee at Martin via UT Online. Discover more about the program. The WestStar Leadership Program's 2008 class has published the West Tennessee Festival & Event Guide, an informational resource for major festivals and events. Compiling and producing the guide served as the group's class project. For more information or to obtain your copy, visit http://www.utm.edu/departments/weststar/. A new feature located at the top of this page allows alumni to forward the current issue of the UT Martin "View from the Quad" e-newsletter to friends and alumni. It is easy to do and is a great way to keep others informed about the events and news at your alma mater. The University of Tennessee at Martin has again earned the designation as one of the best colleges and universities in the Southeast, according to The Princeton Review for 2009. The New York City-based education services company selected the school as one of 139 institutions it recommends in its "Best in the Southeast" section on its Web site feature 2009 Best Colleges: Region by Region. UT Martin has earned the designation annually since the recognitions were first released in 2003. Dr. Tom Rakes, UT Martin chancellor, said the designation is further evidence that the university provides a high-quality educational experience for students. “We're pleased with this designation and to be recognized among the best in this region,” Rakes said. “Our students are our best ambassadors, and we appreciate the opportunity to serve them as they prepare for careers in the global economy.” Events______________________________  The sixth annual "UT Martin Golden Grad" reunion will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 8 and 9, in Martin. Alumni from the class of 1958 will be inducted into the Golden Grad Society during a special ceremony on Friday. Please call 731-881-7610 for information. If you have a son or daughter beginning school this fall semester at UT Martin and you are an alumnus, please mark your calendar to attend the Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, August 20, at the Paul Meek Library. An invitation has been mailed to individuals. To register on line, click here. UT Martin vs. Auburn - Your Skyhawks will travel to Auburn University on Saturday, November 8, to play football and you are invited! The Office of Alumni Relations and UT Martin Athletics will host alumni and friends at a tailgate party three hours prior to kickoff. More information will be mailed closer to the event. UT Martin vs. UT Knoxville Men's Basketball - A pregame reception is being planned at the UT president's residence in Knoxville beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Time with game time set for 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 18. Please contact the alumni office for more information.