It is a Pacer tradition that all graduating seniors on staff write an opinion article for thier last edition of the Pacer. As I sit down to write, all that comes to mind is: December 15, 2002...graduation...how sweet it is! As a native of Union City, I always thought that the University of Tennessee of Martin would be the last place I would attend college. Obviously, I was wrong.
I started my UTM experience in the fall of 1997, thinking that I would stay for a year and then transfer to a “bigger” school. Much to my surprise, I liked UT Martin so much I decided to stay for four more years. Sure, we all have our “Martin bashing” moments. You know, “Martin in an over-sized version of high school.” Or, “There is NOTHING to do here.” However, there is something about good ole’ UTM that keeps people like me coming back for more. In my five (or so) years at the University, I have come to realize that UTM really is “the University that cares.”
I have made some of my closest friendships at this University, and I truly believe that I have received a “top knotch” education with great thanks due to the professors in the Communications department. In fact, I feel my feelings can be best expressed through a series of “shout outs” to my friends that are still enrolled at UTM and some of my professors.
HEATHER N.- Four words: Tow Truck, Tow Truck! (I can’t thank you enough-love ya!) GREG S.- I just love you! MATT C.- Claim to fame: Willie Nelson. KRISTI S.- “Did I offend you?” TAN-TRA’ T.- I know what those giggles really mean.
KEVIN T.- Good playoff, yeah right! TOMI PARRISH- You amaze me!!! WHITNEY H.- Just to let you know, I still have that towel! LANEY C.- Passion Parties! ALLISON R.- Best wishes! It’s almost here! JUDITH H.- Strait through the I-T. CATHERINE T.- Code Red! MISTI M.- “You’re not Cortney...she’s already here.” DAVE M. -How many chairs have you taken from my parents Christmas parties? KYLE BOB H.- Thanks for bailing me out when I ran out of gas that one time. JOHN M.- You, too. STEPHANIE G.- Tube socks. (Love you) MELISSA B.- I’ll never forget our first SigEp party. JENNY H.- Viva Nashvegas! CASEY B.- “Burn the village.” CHRIS W.- Here’s to a new friendship! THE SISTERS OF AOPI- Much Alpha love!!! THE BROTHERS OF ATO- I’ve got love for ya. DR. HOYER- I really appreciate all of your kindness and your quirky stories from “back in your day.” DR. NANNEY- Thank you for all of your guidance. MS. NORTON- “It is usually rather easy to reach the Virginia Theater.” I’ll never forget it. MS. COLLARD- Bless you. MR. ROBINSON- Good luck with your Ph. D. MR. FREED- “It’s log...it’s log!” (Intro to Broadcasting commercial, remember?) DR. BUCHANAN- Well, your class rules. MS. SHAW- Thank you for everything. To everyone else, thanks for the memories! With all shout-outs aside, I leave UTM with only a few questions that may forever remain unanswered...

1. Why must girls insist on wearing strapless, backless tops in the dead of winter?
2. Did I furnish the new campus police cars when I paid off all of my parking tickets?
3. Will the men of UTM ever realize that meeting at DOTS is NOT a date?