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Vibrant new sign welcomes visitors to campus


A new 16.1 million-color message center was installed recently at the intersection of University Street and Skyhawk Parkway.

“The sign operates using the latest technology, and provides the university and surrounding areas with a reliable, effective way to promote events, activities and other information,” said Bud Grimes, director of University Relations.

The old message board installed in 1991 was in desperate need of repair, and estimated costs were unreasonable.

Charley Deal, director of Alumni Relations, began securing funds for a new sign when he worked with the Athletics Department. The Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Union City and Reelfoot Bank were primary contributors. The new center is more applealing to the eye and the pocketbook, Deal said. “It cut electrical expenses by $300 per month.”

“I think this is one of the best things for UTM in a long, long time; it looks ‘Big Time’,’’ said Richard Robinson, instructor for the Department of Communications.

University Relations is currently working on a way for people to submit messages through the Web, but until then message center forms will continue to be submitted by faxing them to 587-7618 or, to obtain a form, call 587-7615.

Date-sensitive messages cannot be run yet, however, because soggy ground around the sign have prevented completion of technical work on it.

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Victoria Hughes