By Rena Lidstone

Setting a new record, more than 725 parents and family members attended the sixth annual UTMB Proud Parents Luncheon.

The luncheon took place at the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resorted and was hosted by the Office of the Provost and the UTMB Parents Council. Held in conjunction with Welcome Weekend, the luncheon showcases the student experience for parents whose child will be attending UTMB as a first-time student.

Student leaders from all four schools donned their respective school garb and walked the runway in a special fashion show. Lab gowns, gloves, masks, goggles, white coats and burnt orange scrubs were the featured ready-to-wear styles.
 
A student-led panel discussion outlined resources available for students, safety issues on campus, tutoring opportunities and information on student organizations. Audience members were able to interact with the panel and ask detailed questions relating to the UTMB experience.
 
Presentations by UTMB faculty, staff and members of the Proud Parent Council provided valuable information to parents about programs for student support, hurricane preparedness, extracurricular activities, and much more.
 
Deans and administrators from the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the School of Health Professions and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences were also on-hand to welcome parents and answer questions.
 
The Parents Council, established in 2008, enhances communication between parents and the university and provides a support network to enhance the educational experience for all students. 
 
For more information on the Proud Parents Reception or the Parents Council, please contact Kim Barfield, UTMB Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, at 409-772-5147 or kim.barfield@utmb.edu.