This past week has been an exciting one here at UT Martin celebrating I Heart UTM Week, a week-long event that celebrates Skyhawk pride and community support.
Monday kicked off the week with Student Alumni Council's Donuts for Donors, the SGA Student vs. Faculty Game, and a Movie Night at the Ciné. Donuts for Donors celebrated those who support UTM by having students write letters and receive donuts and swag. The Student vs. Faculty Game was changed from softball to wiffleball due to weather for the second year in a row. WUTM covered the game as students took home a win against the staff with a score of 11 to 8. The Ciné hosted Flight Crew's Movie Night where students had free popcorn, soda and a showing of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
On Tuesday, students were invited to write letters to professors that were delivered with a cookie. The University Center Patio was also home to Dog Days, an event that encouraged students to bring out their furry friends for socialization and hot dogs. The university also hosted UTM Remembers, a candlelight vigil in honor of all those we've lost this year.
Wednesday was filled with fun from the Petting Zoo and t-shirt giveaway in the Quad, as well as Skyhawk Field Day and Freshman Council's Glow Casino. SAC helped welcome camels, piglets, kangaroos, goats, and more friendly animals on campus while they gave away I Heart UTM Week shirts and swag. Skyhawk Field Day happened that evening with potato sack races, egg tosses, tie-dye, and tug-of-war. The day wrapped up with the Glow Casino hosted by SGA Freshman Council. The entry fee of can goods were donated to Captain's Pantry, a campus food bank for students. Attendees could play bingo, poker, blackjack, and other casino games for a chance to win gift baskets, individual prizes, or a Nintendo Switch Lite.
Thursday morning class of 2022 graduates were invited to stop by the Alumni Center to get cords, cookies and tickets for the Grand Finale. Residence Life hosted a crawfish boil that night for all students to come out and play volleyball, cornhole or ride the waterslide while they enjoyed a free dinner. Rob Ward was Flight Crew's comedy headliner in Watkin's Auditorium. Students enjoyed a Meet and Greet after the show.
The final, and possibly most anticipated, day of I Heart UTM Week was on Friday. SAC had a Crumbl Cookie giveaway at the UC while Care Team gave away free plants for Earth Day. The night ended with Flight Crew's free-to-students concert featuring rapper Yung Gravy. Gravy will be featured on Behind the Mic on Monday, April 25th.
Thank you to Student Alumni Council, Student Government Association, Flight Crew, Care Team, Residence Life and anyone else who contributed to I Heart UTM Week.