February Has Already Been an Exciting Month at UTC
I want to thank all faculty, staff, students and supporters who participated in the series of diversity discussions led by Dr. Yolanda Moses, who visited from the University of California, Riverside. I was proud to see so many from our UTC family engaging in open conversations about the importance of creating a rich, vibrant and diverse campus. Dr. Moses was impressed with UTC’s commitment to diversity as a path to excellence. Now we’ve got to maintain that positive momentum.
Speaking of excellence, if you attended our men’s basketball game on February 19th you saw proof that our student athletes are more than just successful athletes; they are successful students too. I was thrilled to congratulate 157 UTC student athletes who made the honor roll as they were recognized on the court during halftime. It was wonderful to watch the crowd give them a standing ovation for their academic success.
Next month we’ll have a different kind of team performing on a national stage. UTC’s two mock trial teams will be heading to the national competition in Memphis. This is the second time a UTC team has made it to nationals, but it’s the first time we’ve had two teams make it. We also had three students win individual awards at the regional competition in late February: Zeke Starr (Political Science) and Ethan Greene (Political Science) received ‘best attorney’ prizes, while Alanna Rice (Marketing) was named ‘best witness.’ Good luck at nationals!
I am proud of what we have accomplished together at UTC, and we’re just getting started. This week has been I Love UTC Week, and we have seen great expressions of Moc Pride. One way we can show our Moc pride is ensuring that our logo – the Power C – gets lots of visibility. You’ve probably noticed the Blue and Gold Power C’s in the University Center, around campus, and in our community. Each day I wear a Power C pin. It’s my way of letting the world know that I’m part of something truly unique and special; that I am proud to be a Moc. I encourage you to find creative ways to show your UTC Moc pride. And if you need a Power C lapel pin, stop by my office in Founders Hall 101 and pick one up.