The sun shone brightly and deceivingly on the masses as they hurried through the cold to the warmth and building excitement of the first annual Essence Awards that were held Saturday, Jan. 12.

Over 250 people packed into Watkins Auditorium. Some were there to watch and others were there to receive this honor that distinguishes those diverse students, faculty and staff that push themselves to be the best that they can imagine. Guest speakers, including Chancellor Nick Dunagan, Dr. Katie High and Mr. David Belote lined up on stage to offer words of encouragement and praise for those in the audience who received this honor. A huge variety of recipients crossed the stage that day, among them faculty, staff, cheerleaders, members of SAC, SGA, BSA, basketball players, members of sororities, RAs and more. Amongst a group such as this, it appeared as if leadership, ability and diversity were contagious, affecting everyone in the auditorium.

As stated, this was the first time anything like this has been presented on this campus. This ceremony celebrated those that strive everyday to make a difference. More than 188 awards were given out, ranging from honoring emerging minority leaders to those deserving of the Diversity Award. Ms. Vehertia Heury (Ms. V), Ms. Dawn Wittaker and Mr. Willie Campbell were the driving forces behind this event, and despite all the hard work that was needed, were very grateful for a chance to show these students and faculty how much they are appreciated and valued.

One of the sponsoring organizations of this event was TIP, Tennessee Institute for Pre-Professionals. This is a program here on campus geared to the African-American student who is veering towards a career in medicine or law. Also, even though this program is mainly for these two majors, additional help or assistance can be obtained for a number of pre-professional career choices such as journalism.

Ms.V said that being so actively involved in TIP has given her a chance to bear witness to the triumphs and tribulations of those students who are willing to give their all in trying to achieve their dreams. She said it gives her a chance to see the positives of life here on campus.

After the Awards ceremony, a luncheon was held in honor of the recipients and of Harold Conner, a very prominent civil rights activist. With his life spanning almost 90 years, he is a source of inspiration to students and anyone else who would take the time to listen to his story. A scholarship program was established in his name here at UTM, and is open to African-American students who meet the requirements and who have dreams of a successful future. A noteworthy and helpful scholarship program such as this is sometimes all that is needed to give one that extra boost to help them land among the stars.

Overall, the Essence Awards was a huge success filled with smiles and dreams of something far greater than what is now.

The professors and faculty who spoke tried to convey to everyone how they felt to be a part of the lives of these wonderful individuals.

They spoke of hope and of the strength that is needed when the road gets a little bumpy along the way.

The recurring theme of the morning is put best by an excerpt from the African-American National Anthem, which was sung at the opening of the ceremony.

“Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us; Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.”