Students visit organization tables during the Winter Organization Fair on Thursday, Jan. 15, in the University Center Tennessee Room as part of UTC’s Winter Welcome Week. Photo by Angela Foster.
As part of Winter Welcome Week, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga hosted the Winter Organization Fair on Thursday, Jan. 15, to connect students to both new and existing organizations that could align with their interests.
Sponsored by the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community, the event allowed students to browse dozens of tables in the University Center and gain information on how to join the organizations. Representatives from each organization spoke with attendees about what they have to offer and ways they can get involved.
The following are some of the groups that attended the organization fair:
Best Buddies
Best Buddies is an organization that promotes friendship and inclusion by connecting students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lindsey Wisniowski, a junior from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and social media lead for Best Buddies, said the organization is open to any student who “has an open heart and wants friendships.”
Best Buddies often hosts game nights and other activities to help form lasting connections.
“The most rewarding part is when you see your buddy so happy and really forming a connection that lasts beyond the academic year,” Wisnowski said.
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Click here to view the full list of UTC’s registered student organizations.
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The MOMentum Network
The MOMentum Network is an organization that provides resources and assists student parents, helping them find a balance between home life and college.
Mary Armstrong, a senior marketing major from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and engagement intern for the Momentum Network, said the group works to make college more manageable for student parents.
“We have supportive housing, a childcare center and a community that helps students balance school while raising a child,” Armstrong said.
She encouraged students to get involved, whether as a parent or volunteer.
“When I joined as a volunteer, I made strong connections with the student parents and staff,” she said. “You’re able to give back to the community and campus while helping change the lives of the moms and kids.”
Valeria Carmona
Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Association (HOLA)
The Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Association (HOLA) works to build community and leadership opportunities for students on campus, and to unite those who are interested in Latin American and Hispanic culture.
Valeria Carmona, a biochemistry major from Mexico who now lives in Chattanooga, said she got involved with HOLA during her first semester at UTC.
“I became really good friends with the executive team and grew from there,” Carmona said. “Now I’m part of the exec team and most of my close friends are through HOLA.”
Carmona highlighted the organization’s signature events, including a night of dance and “12 Corazones,” a fun “speed dating” style event designed to help members get to know one another.
“We also meet biweekly and do activities or workshops related to Hispanic culture,” she said.
The Art Collective
The Art Collective hosts workshops and open studio sessions where students can draw freely or learn new skills outside of their regular classes.
Nik Hudson, a junior from the Knoxville, Tennessee, area and president of The Art Collective, said he founded the group to provide a creative and welcoming space for students on campus.
He emphasized that the organization aims to foster creativity for all students, regardless of experience level.
“Being able to create an open and welcoming space for students to explore art and meet new people has been really rewarding for me and my team,” Hudson said.
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Photo gallery by Angela Foster
