Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Sophia Phillips)
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, SPECTRUM and the Women’s Student Alliance (WSA) hosted a community campfire for students at Pacer Pond on the campus of UT Martin. The event took place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and hosted around 60 students throughout the night.
SPECTRUM is a student organization at UT Martin that works to create a safe and welcoming environments for all members of the campus community. The organization encourages participation from students and faculty of all sexual orientations and identities while promoting understanding and acceptance across campus. The Women’s Student Alliance focuses on empowering students through education and social initiatives. The organization works alongside the UTM Women’s Center to provide programs and services that address issues affecting women while exploring topics such as gender, culture and identity.
The event was designed to give students a place to relax and spend time with others outside of the classroom. Two small fires were set up near the pond with chairs placed around them, giving students a place to sit and talk. As the night went on, additional chairs were brought out so everyone could gather around the fires together. Although the wind picked up at times, the flames stayed lit throughout the event. Snacks and drinks were also available for those who attended, including water and supplies for making s’mores. Many students gathered near the fires to roast marshmallows while talking with friends. Music also played nearby, adding to the relaxed atmosphere as people enjoying hanging out with their friends.
SPECTRUM first had the idea to host a community campfire during the last school year, but it was ultimately canceled due to inclement weather. They decided to try again this year and were excited with the turnout.
“I think that we’ll try to make this a regular thing every semester, as long as everybody still wants to do it and the weather cooperates,” said Tammy Stanford, Assistant Director of Student Success Counseling and Director of the CommUnity Center.
Along with Stanford, some of the people responsible for making the event come to life include Dorian Reasons, who serves as the president of SPECTRUM, and Heather White, the Vice President of the Women’s Student Alliance.
Any students who missed the gathering can look forward to when SPECTRUM and the Women’s Student Alliance will host their next event on March 19 at the CommUnity Center, giving students another chance to get involved and connect with others on campus.
