Having a deadline looming over your head will often ruin a weekend. However, I wanted to wait to the very last second to write this article so I could describe some of the feelings on our campus. Being the alumni director, I have the opportunity to speak to student groups, alumni groups and community groups about what is taking place on campus. You have read articles on Nick and Cathy Dunagan’s impact on our university. You can read in this Campus Scene about the vision new UT Martin chancellor, Dr. Tom Rakes, has for the campus. But what does all this mean to you, our alumni?
Anytime a campus has a change in leadership, people begin to worry about the future. Folks, I am here to tell you the future for the University of Tennessee at Martin has never been brighter! With unprecedented growth, scholarly activities, conference championships, renovations to current facilities and a new apartment-style residence, no wonder these are exciting times for UT Martin.
Office of Alumni Relations is proud of what we have been able to do to foster the relationships among student, faculty, staff and administrators. In May, during the Grand Finale Celebration, we started a tradition of lighting a “Candle of Service” for our graduates. One of the comments after the ceremony was, “It is really happening, I am going to graduate.” The ceremony was short, but the words from the event hold true for all of us:
“Our university is deeply enriched by campus traditions. They unite the university community as we share both our heritage and our hopes for the future. One such tradition is the acknowledgment of seniors as they conclude their studies. Today, the candle of service will be passed to the members of the graduating class. The candle of service is symbolic of the experience one has gained while at UT Martin, and also serves as a symbol of the spirit of this university.
“It encourages graduates to continue to display the Skyhawk Spirit after they have received their degrees and to contribute to their university and their community. Beginning fall 2007, first-year students at UT Martin will symbolically receive the candle of preparation at a special ceremony.”
As we continue to build new traditions on our campus, we reflect on the past with great passion and embrace the future with open minds. Alumni of UT Martin, let people know you are proud of UT Martin. Order a shirt, buy a license plate, recruit a student, host a reception, donate to your university, speak to legislators about the value of higher education and be a catalyst for change in your community.
I hope to see you back on campus in October for Homecoming 2007. We welcome back several special groups this year and will be honoring three outstanding individuals at our awards dinner. Come back home!
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