As we near the completion of a second week of online coursework, we are all adapting to this “new normal.” Students, faculty and staff continue to adapt and adjust and find different ways to accomplish tasks every day. We continue to focus on social distancing and meet virtually. I personally miss the face-to-face interaction but know we need to continue to protect each other while we get our work done. Keep up the great “virtual” work! We will get through this together.
I would like to thank and commend the UTC campus community for taking the necessary steps to help us through this trying period. Everyone has risen to the challenge, and a couple of groups deserve a special shout out.
- Our custodial members have done yeoman’s work in aggressively taking steps to ensure the UTC campus is clean and disinfected. They have been on the front line since Day 1, and they are unsung heroes. Thank you so much for all that you do!
- The student affairs and housing staff did a terrific job of assisting more than 3,000 students who had to move out of on-campus residential housing. They were on the front line, helping our students. Great job! You made us all very proud.
A reminder to the campus community: The Office of Student Outreach and Support is continually seeking donations for Scrappy’s Cupboard and the Denise and Tim Downey Student Emergency Fund (SEF). Scrappy’s Cupboard food pantry is available for students experiencing food insecurity. Students may access Scrappy’s Cupboard by visiting their website, calling (423) 425-2299 or by emailing sos@utc.edu. Although available SEF funds are limited right now, students in need of emergency assistance should fill out the SEF application. Additional funding may become available in the coming weeks.
We have exciting news to share. Senior Hannah Horton, a political science major and a member of the Innovation in Honors Program, has been selected as a J. William Fulbright U.S. Student Scholar to South Korea! Hannah will pursue a master’s in Korean Studies in Seoul. Three others with UTC ties are semifinalists for a Fulbright Scholarship and will learn their status later this spring—senior secondary education major Sara Baluch, graduate student Tiffany Herron and biology alumna Hannah Hightower. Moving forward through the National Screening Committee is a challenging and significant accomplishment. UTC students interested in learning about the next Fulbright cohort should email national-scholarships@utc.edu.
Juniors Tiffany Harvey and Ximena Leon, both biology majors and members of the Innovation in Honors Program, were offered admission to the highly competitive Amgen Scholars Program. Amgen Scholars are funded by the Amgen Foundation, an affiliate of an international biotechnology company that seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators. Congratulations, Tiffany and Ximena!
Congratulations to Dr. Cathie Smith, who was named a recipient of the 2020 American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Humanitarian Award. What a tremendous honor! This award recognizes individuals who exemplify the compassionate nature of the physical therapy profession by actively expressing a commitment to humanity and exhibiting admirable degrees of selflessness in addressing key health concerns. Cathie, an associate professor and recognized expert in pediatric physical therapy—particularly for her work in the neonatal intensive care unit—has volunteered and served in multiple countries and our local community.
Social distancing makes it hard to maintain a sense of community, especially for band students. The Department of Performing Arts Music Division is inviting student musicians from the Chattanooga community and around the world to participate in a virtual band ensemble. Please visit their web page to learn more. Submissions will be accepted through Wednesday, April 15.
For the most current information regarding COVID-19 and our campus, please check the UTC coronavirus website. To those with UTC ties fighting COVID-19 in the community and around the world, we are grateful for what you do. Thank you! Stay safe!