UT Martin Kicks off Homecoming with Virtual, In-Person Events

Pacer Pond served as the setting for a free, fireworks show hosted by the University of Tennessee at Martin Sunday, October 18. Cars filled the parking lots on campus, while visitors brought out chairs and gathered around their vehicles to watch the 30-minute display synced with music. Photo by Sabrina Bates/The Enterprise

MARTIN (October 18) – While the University of Tennessee at Martin annual homecoming festivities are hosted virtually this year, the Office of Alumni Relations is ensuring students, alumni and employees stay connected through social media events to celebrate UT Martin’s history by “Soaring Through the Decades” throughout this week.

To kick off this year's homecoming event, visitors lined the parking lots near Pacer Pond to catch a 3-minute fireworks display, illuminated to music and free to the public Sunday evening.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university will not host its normal events like rope pull, Quad City and the homecoming football game. Instead, the Office of Alumni Relations planned a week full of online and socially-distanced activities for students and alumni to participate in.

“UT Martin Homecoming 2020 will feature virtual events as we ‘Soar through the Decades,’” said Jackie Johnson, assistant vice chancellor of alumni relations and annual giving. “This year, we invite alumni to reminisce about their time at UTM by participating through their social media networks. While we are not able to celebrate in person, we hope to spread the Skyhawk spirit across our region as we flood social media with all things UTM on October 18–25.”

Virtual weeklong events include a spirit-decorating competition and virtual interviews with alumni, hosted by the Student Alumni Council. The Office of Alumni Relations is posting historical photos and feature alumni showing school spirit on its social media throughout the week.

All online events will be featured on the UT Martin Alumni Facebook page.

The events are as follows:

Friday, October 23: “Different World – Different Decade Day” presented by the Black Alumni Association, 5 p.m., UT Martin Black Alumni Association Facebook; Learn about the homecoming logo design with the League of Striving Artists, 5 p.m.;

Saturday, October 24: Skyhawk virtual 5K, all day; UT Martin Fight Song video, 9 a.m.; Tailgate tips with Chancellor Keith Carver, 11 a.m.; Dessert Evening with UT Martin choirs and small jazz group, 5 p.m.;

Sunday, October 25: Walk through the Quad with special guests.

Alumni relations has partnered with the Office of Student Life and Multicultural Affairs to host in-person activities for students on campus throughout homecoming week.

The schedule for student events is as follows:

Wednesday, October 21: SAC Drive Thru, 12–4 p.m., Dunagan Alumni Center;

Thursday, October 22: Petting Zoo in the Quad, 12–2 p.m.;

Friday, October 23: SAC Car City, 4:45 p.m., Pacer Pond parking lot.

For more information, visit alumni.utm.edu/homecoming.

University of Tennessee at Martin League of Striving Artists created this year's Homecoming logo, which is a throw-back through the decades.