Among the many Homecoming traditions here at UT, a creative favorite is Chalk Ped Walk. Student clubs and organizations are assigned spaces on Pedestrian Walkway to create a chalk design to promote Homecoming week, UT spirit and this year’s Homecoming theme “There’s No Place Like Neyland.” After an hour of drawing time, a winner is awarded best design.
This tradition allows students to showcase their artistic talents and promote their organizations in the midst of a fun competition. This also serves as an engagement opportunity for students to come out and learn more about different organizations from their fellow peers.
Chalk Ped Walk, along with other Homecoming week activities, is hosted by All Campus Events, the oldest student-led organization on campus. ACE has been facilitating Homecoming week activities and competitions for UT for over 100 years. ACE aims to provide fun and inclusive events to foster competitive and fun-loving school spirit, as well as to amplify and enrich traditions established by fellow Volunteers.
This year’s Homecoming theme references a UT-personalized version of the famous line “there’s no place like home” from “The Wizard of Oz.” This theme invites students, faculty and alumni to reflect and reminisce about what UT means to them as their home.
For big organizations that serve to represent all students, this year’s theme represents a mission.
The Student Government Association created a design combining aspects of both “The Wizard of Oz” and UT together to depict Smokey and Dorothy in unison, symbolizing the unity that UT provides for all who call it home.
As one of the biggest student body organizations, SGA is responsible for equally representing and expressing the voices of all students on campus. With a representative role like this, it was important to the club that inclusivity was reflected in the design.
Josie Drumwright is a senior political science and public relations major in SGA.
“I think something that’s really important in SGA is that no matter who you are or what else you’re involved in, it always feels like home in SGA,” Drumwright said. “That’s something we wanted to show when it says ‘No Place Like Neyland.’ No matter where you’re from or who you are, there’s somewhere that you can find a place at Tennessee.”
For smaller organizations hoping to grow, this year’s theme can mean something much more personal.
4FirstGen created a design depicting Neyland Stadium in the middle of various organizations with a checkerboard as a staple to represent the multitude of organizations and opportunities available to students at UT.
4FirstGen is an organization that aims to provide opportunities and support for first generation college students taking the first step of success toward a higher standard of education and achievement. The club hopes to help make the transition less overwhelming by helping students get accustomed to college life and feel like they have a family and support by surrounding them with students who come from similar backgrounds. Additionally, the club offers help with balancing finances, building resumes and provides first generation role models and mentors.
Heidi Worley is a sophomore pre-med major involved with 4FirstGen.
“Here at Rocky Top there’s a family and environment like no other,” Worley said. “This is my second year at UTK, and I’ve made so many friends and relationships by being here that it’s like no other that I’ve ever experienced. There’s really no place like Neyland.”
Among this tradition and many others, Homecoming week is a time for current and former students to celebrate the traditions and authenticities that make UT unique. No matter what you make of your experience, there really is no place like Neyland.
