Crystal Hayslett, of Atlanta; Wayne McCreight, of Martin; Crawford Gallimore, of Murfreesboro; and Melanie Smith Taylor, of Germantown, will be honored with alumni awards from the University of Tennessee at Martin during homecoming festivities Oct. 9.
The awards will be presented during the annual Chancellor’s Brunch and Alumni Awards Program prior to the opening of Quad City, and award-winners will later be recognized during halftime of the homecoming football game against Murray State. The game begins at 2 p.m. in Hardy Graham Stadium, and tickets are available in advance through the Skyhawk Ticket Office and at the gate on gameday.
Hayslett is the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which honors a university alum under 40 years of age for outstanding achievement in his or her chosen profession. Hayslett is a 2006 UT Martin graduate with a bachelor’s degree in university studies. She currently plays paralegal Fatima on Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” BET series. Martin resident Jerry Hayslett, Crystal’s father, will accept the award on her behalf.
McCreight and Gallimore will receive the 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award, which honors a university alum over 40 years of age for outstanding achievement in his or her chosen profession. This year’s award is being presented to both McCreight and Gallimore as they celebrate their 50-year business, Hamilton-Ryker Group, Inc.
McCreight is the chairman of Hamilton-Ryker Group, Inc. He earned a UT Martin bachelor’s degree in health and physical education in 1967 and formed West Tennessee Personnel Agency in 1971.
Gallimore is a senior advisor of finance and risk management at Hamilton-Ryker Group. He earned a UT Martin bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1971 and joined McCreight at West Tennessee Personnel Agency in 1972.
Taylor, a 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist in equestrian, will receive the 2021 Chancellor’s Award for University Service, which honors an individual or individuals for exemplary service to the university. In summer 2021, Taylor and her family announced that Wildwood Farm will be transferred to the university upon her death. The commitment will allow UT Martin to increase educational program offerings in veterinary health technology, and the farm will continue to serve as a hub for horsemanship and equestrian purposes.
A complete schedule of homecoming events is available at alumni.utm.edu/homecoming. For more information on university homecoming awards, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 731-881-7610.
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