Plans for Homecoming 2009 are being developed, and you will not want to miss Martin's biggest Luau! October 9-11 Visit the UTM Homecoming site for more information. If you would like to organize a reunion for your group, contact us before May 30th.   Alumni "mug" Shot of the Month     2009 Golden Grad Reunion       News_______________________________   The University of Tennessee at Martin's role in the regional economic development of the region and a passion to see the university thrive led Bill and Roberta Blankenship to make a series of gifts in support of the institution and its mission. The Blankenships attended the University of Tennessee Martin Branch, where they met. Bill earned his bachelor's degree. in agriculture in 1955, and Roberta graduated with a home economics degree that same year. They returned to UT Martin for the first time in 50 years to attend their Golden Grad Reunion in August 2005. Read more... An Army ROTC cadet from the UT Martin joined senior U.S. military leaders at a National Security Seminar conducted April 15-17. Cadet Richard G. Casada, College Grove, traveled to historic Lexington, Va., along with key military officials such as Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey and Secretary of the Army Pete Geren. Read more... Four UT Martin faculty members were honored with awards for outstanding achievements in scholarship, citizenship, teaching and advising during the recent Honors Day program. Dr. Michelle Merwin, Dr. Becky Cox, Mr. Stan Sieber and Dr. Desiree McCullough all were recipients of awards. Read more about their awards. Community residents and elected officials joined University of Tennessee leadership and others to officially celebrate the new UT Martin Parsons Center. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house drew a large crowd to the 19,000 sq. ft. technologically advanced facility that culminated after several years of work. “It is a locally-based initiative through which UT Martin partners with area businesses and community leaders, but it's all part of a much greater university picture,” said UT Martin Chancellor Dr. Tom Rakes. “Your children, neighbors, friends and maybe even some of you may want to take part in the collegiate experience through UT Martin. You're joining a top-tier master's southern institution, one of the best in the Southeast, right here at home." Read more about the UT Martin's newest center. For 25 years, Kid College at the University of Tennessee at Martin has “inspired the desire to inquire” by providing children with an opportunity to have a fun, learning experience each summer. This year, several new classes have been added to perennial favorites – Space Camp, How to Be a Pet Pro, Grossology!, Creepy Crawlies, Painting on Glass and Beginning Guitar. At the June 18 open house a time capsule will be buried, and all past Kid College children, teachers, volunteers, and others are invited to attend. Also, previous participants have been asked to submit their favorite Kid College story or special experience. Advance registration is required and space is limited. To register, call ECCE at 731-881-7082 or 731-881-7081 or register online at http://www.utm.edu/departments/ecce/kidcollege.php. You may also view or download a Kid College brochure at http://www.utm.edu/departments/ecce/kidcollege.php. Events______________________________  Saturday, May 9 - Commencement Friday and Saturday, May 15-16 - UTAA Board of Governors Executive Committee on the UT Martin campus Saturday, August 15 - UT Martin Alumni Council Meeting Thursday, August 27 - Legacy Luncheon Saturday, September 19 - UTM Tailgate party prior to UTM/Memphis game October 9-11 - Homecoming 2009...A Luau in Martin