Trees offering slightly cooler shade gave some respite from the sun as local politicians, school officials, state legislators, and even Captain Skyhawk arrived to witness and take part in the ribbon cutting of the new Skyhawk Parkway, formally Hwy. 43.

A commonly used highway that extends to such frequented places as South Fulton, this renaming is just one of the projects that the City/University Relations Committee of Martin is intent on completing.

Formed by Mayor Brundige, this committee is an interesting blend of UT students, administrators, and alderman who all are working towards making the bond between the city of Martin and UT stronger and more productive, with just the smallest bit of humor thrown into the mix. At the ribbon cutting of this new addition to the city, Senator Roy Herron (D – Dresden) and Representative Mark Maddox (D – Dresden) were both in attendance, expressing their good wishes and congratulations on completion of such a project. After some initial confusion, the sign was finally unfurled, with the assistance of Lily Blanco, Joey Pierce (two UT students), and Senator Roy Herron, to the applause of the crowd.

Mayor Randy Brundige and Chancellor Nick Dunnagan both stepped up for the ceremonious cutting of the ribbon, once again symbolizing the blending of campus and city.

Liliana Blanco, a junior Psychology major from Hendersonville, stated that she was excited about Skyhawk Parkway because it is another chance to show off school spirit and pride in UT Martin.

So even though it appears to be a seemingly small event, this occasion marks just the beginning of new things for the UT campus and the city of Martin. After all, it is not everyday we get our own parkway.