More than 500 parents and family members attended the seventh annual University of Texas Medical Branch Proud Parents Welcome Weekend Event on Saturday, August 23.
This luncheon, hosted by the Office of the Provost and the UTMB Parents Council and held in conjunction with the Student Welcome Weekend, showcases the student experience for parents whose child will be attending UTMB as a first-time student.
Dr. Pamela Watson, dean and professor of the School of Nursing and vice-president for Interprofessional Education and Institutional Effectiveness, opened the event and was followed by a panel discussion which included experts from student financial services, student health, the UTMB Police Department and the student ombudsman.
Afterwards, parents and family members attended breakout sessions, hosted by the associate dean of each school, to learn more about the individual programs. 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.
During a buffet lunch, Dr. Danny Jacobs, executive vice president, provost and dean of the School of Medicine welcomed the guests and was followed by Roxanne Tiner, a member of the Proud Parent Council, who spoke about council memberships, committees, events and student support.
Student leaders from all four schools then 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, 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.
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 about the Proud Parents Welcome Weekend or the Parents Council, please contact the UTMB Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, at 1-888-862-7111 or email alumni@utmb.edu