Cornisha McDonald sat front and center on the lawn of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Historic Quadrangle Saturday afternoon, as members of the campus community came together for the first-ever Vols Football Game Watch Party.
The aquatics coordinator for Campus Recreation, McDonald brought her niece, who played with several other children on the lawn in front of the huge LED video wall set up to show the Tennessee Volunteers take on the Oklahoma Sooners.
McDonald was one of roughly more than 220 faculty, staff, students, and friends who came out to cheer on the Vols during the tailgate and party that started at 3 p.m. and lasted until 10 p.m., when the Vols walked away with the win.
“Oh, I am excited,” said Elaine Robinson, senior administrative assistant III in the Department of Occupational Therapy, as a deejay played music before the game. “It’s amazing. The kids are enjoying it. I’m enjoying it.”
The tailgating took place in the parking lot in front of courtyard. Those not tailgating had their choice of hamburgers, hot dogs, or veggie burgers. There was plenty of orange attire on display, along with music, dancing, games, and a drawing for gift cards.
Ishita Kathuria, a PhD student in pharmaceutical sciences in the College of Graduate Health Sciences, stood with two friends in front of the big screen before the game. “We came to watch some football, be with my friends, enjoy the food, enjoy the weather, everything,” she said. “We’re so glad that the university is doing something like this, and we really appreciate the fact that we can all be here and enjoy this.”
Lohitha Basa, also a student in the College of Graduate Health Sciences, echoed her friend’s comments. “It’s a fun way to spend time with your friends, get out of the house, and show your Vols spirit.”
“I have to say, this wouldn’t have been what it is today if it wasn’t for the good work of many of my colleagues,” Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Raaj Kurapati said during his welcome remarks at the event. He thanked the staff involved in coordinating the party, including those from Information Technology Services, Space Planning and Utilization, Facilities, and Campus Police.
“This was the first time we have used our beautifully restored courtyard to bring together our campus community to show our support as part of the UT System for one of our sister institutions,” said UT Health Science Center Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD. “We are all One UT. Saturday was an amazing time to be together, have fun, and cheer on the Vols.”