What began as a small service project to honor the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., blossomed into a large group of nearly 90 happy, helpful students, faculty, and staff from UTC who populated the halls of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA). There, several improvements were made on January 20.
UTC, the City of Chattanooga, and the Urban League partnered for the United Way service project. The UTC group got to work at 9 a.m. Volunteers cleaned the Lecture Hall, which was recently renovated and required some attention before CGLA students could use the space.
Two office rooms were prepped and painted; windows were cleaned; books were moved; and stairs were cleaned. The “Muscle Team” moved heavy furniture up three flights of stairs.
Nicole Brown, UTC Coordinator for the Office of Equity and Diversity and Nancy Neal, UTC Bursar, coordinated the UTC volunteers. Brown explained the inspiration for the day of service.
“Last year, the University sponsored a trip for student leaders to attend the inauguration of President Obama on MLK Day. They heard about the impact of volunteerism and how it benefits our communities. This year, our students made it a ‘Day On’ by offering their time and energy to complete various projects around the CGLA facility.
“UTC students have always answered my call to serve Chattanooga. As a metropolitan university, we are passionate about this community and supporting the future generation. UTC students motivate me every day. In true MOCS tradition, ‘Together, We Shall Achieve!” she exclaimed.
Student organizations included NPHC, Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Delta plus students in the class of Elgin Andrews, a faculty member in the UTC Health and Human Performance Department.
