State Legislature Honors Coach Calipari and the 2008 Memphis Tigers - May 6, 2008

The Tennessee General Assembly presented resolutions to Coach Calipari for his distinguished Coach of the Year award and to the Memphis Tigers for their incredible season. Chris Douglas Roberts was also honored with a resolution for Player of the Year. Along with Calipari, Dr. Raines, Coach Robic, and players Pierre Niles and Jeff Robinson, all made the trip. It was quite a site to see legislators representing east, middle, and west Tennessee united on the House floor, all wearing blue NCAA Championship t-shirts. Interns even led cheers from the gallery above.

Naming of the Curtis Person Plaza - October 13, 2007

The Alumni Association and the Office of Government Relations hosted a special recognition ceremony to honor retired State Senator Curtis S. Person. President Shirley Raines spoke and officially named the plaza area in front of the new University Center after Senator Person. Elected officials from across the state attended the ceremony and then joined us in attending the UofM/MTSU football game that evening. Senators Ketron and Tracy from Murfreesboro attended both events, as well as Senators Norris, Kyle, and Tate from Memphis. Mayor AC Wharton also attended the naming ceremony.

Boots, Brims & BBQ Alumni Picnic - October 6, 2007

Partnering with the University of Memphis Alumni Association, the Office of Government Relations sponsored an alumni picnic in Jackson, Tennessee, at the farm of State Representative Jimmy Eldridge. Eldridge, alum of the U of M, was honored to host the event. Elected officials from every county west of the Tennessee River were invited. Senator John Wilder, Representative Ron Lollar, and Senator Mark Norris were just a few of over 100 friends and alumni who attended the picnic. Coach Robic was the honored guest. This event showcased the U of M connection to all of west Tennessee.