Hundreds of UTMB students gathered together for the annual Plazapalooza event held on Old Red Plaza. The social event, hosted by the Student Government Association, marks the beginning of a new school year for new and returning UTMB students and provides a fun get-to-know-you venue.

Activities included an inflatable jousting game, bungee run, and basketball shootout; a high striker game and several yard games including washers, ladder ball, and bocce ball. There were also several raffles with umbrellas, bags, mugs, chairs and blankets offered as prizes.

Welcome weekend

UTMB's Welcome Weekend was held at the Moody Gardens Convention Center to welcome 2011 students and their families to UTMB. The event, sponsored by UTMB's Office of Student Life, provided students and their families with opportunities to build peer networks, meet with UTMB leadership and get a taste of the UTMB culture.

Included in the day's activities were information sessions for students and parents; a community fair with exhibits hosted by UTMB student organizations and local businesses; lunch sessions featuring presentations by Student Life, the Student Government Association and the UTMB Honor Pledge Committee and peer roundtable discussions held by each school. 

The evening concluded with a reception and leadership panel discussion for parents and families, hosted by Dr. Garland Anderson, executive vice president, provost and dean, School of Medicine and a dinner and casino night for students hosted by Student Life.