Wednesday, February 3, 2010

President of FMA Travels to Egypt


The Financial Management Association President Jessica Curtis and eleven other students recently returned from a trip to Egypt. The trip date was from January 3rd to 15th. The trip offered by The Center for International Education and led by Finance professor Dr. Mahmoud Haddad and Lorrie Jackson, Administrative Specialist for the Center. Along the journey, these students discovered the Egyptian beauty, viewed the legendary Great Pyramid and the Sphinx; studied the Alexandria and Cairo Stock Market; visited the Alexandria Library, and admired the beautiful water of the Red Sea. Students also earned course credits while on this trip. The estimated cost of the trip was about $3400.00 per person, which includes round trip flights, hotel accommodations, and spending twelve days in two of the most beautiful cities, Cairo and Sharm. Jessica had this to say about the trip, “Everything we saw and did was great! I learned so much from every aspect of the trip. From learning about the Arabic culture and Economics and how religion is tied into every aspect of their lives.” Dr. Haddad and Ms. Jackson also commented on how everyone had enjoyed Egypt.

Saudi and Korean Clubs visiting Jackson

UT Martin has a vibrant international program, which offers a wide variety of services for international students. Along with an excellent intensive English program, The Office of International Programs also organizes trips for our international student. Most students at UT Martin have a vehicle, but this is not usually the case for international students. This weekend intensive English program staff member John Mathenia is taking a group of Saudi and Korean students to Jackson, Tennessee. The trip is this Saturday, February 6, 2010 and the cost is only $15.00. Students will leave from the University Center at 10:00 A.M. and will return to Martin at about 7:00 P.M. Students can sign up for the trip at the Office of International Programs, which locates in Gooch Hall room 144. Mr. Mathenia will take the students to Old Hickory Mall, The Columns shopping area (Books-a-Million, Best Buy, Old Navy, etc.) and to other areas of Jackson if requested.

Eager Volunteer takes the Glory from Habitat for Humanity


Weakley County Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit organization that builds and renovates houses. What you may not know is that Habit for Humanity does not simply build homes for people and give them away. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses. However, the houses are then sold to those in need at cost for no profit or interest being charged. The weakly County chapter is currently working on a building project in Sharon, Tennessee. This past Saturday, a crew of eager volunteers led by John Schommer, headed to the site for a long day of demolition on a previously existing floor. Upon arrival, Schommer noticed tall piles of debris stacked around an already gutted living room floor, and that all the work that had been planned for the day had already been completed! The elder woman who is planning to receive the home then explained that she had been so excited about getting the floor renovations started; she had started the project the day before and had worked throughout the night to finish by morning. The crew was given the day off, but is scheduled to start a new project next week. For more information about getting involved with Habitat for Humanity, visit the UTM Student Organizations Office or contact 731-881-1864.