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�������� officially launched the new academic year with its annual Opening Engage event, welcoming students, faculty, and staff into a semester centered on service, leadership, and personal growth. The event took place Tuesday, September 9, at 7 p.m. in the Rollins Center. This year’s speaker was Traymone “Tray” Deadwyler, a nationally recognized changemaker and founder of , a nonprofit supporting individuals and organizations through systematic problem-solving and foundational solutions.

Opening Engage is a signature event designed to reinforce ��������’ mission of servant leadership while inviting students to align their academic and personal goals with lives of purpose. This year, Deadwyler emphasized the importance of intentionality in servant leadership. He shared how everyday interactions leave “signatures” that ultimately shape homes, schools, and entire communities.

During the event, Deadwyler encouraged students to reflect on their personal mission statements, consider how small moments make lasting impressions, and embrace deeper levels of engagement through the “Second Ask”—the act of building meaningful relationships beyond surface-level interactions.

Jackson Reece, a freshman from London, Kentucky, immediately resonated with Deadwyler’s concept of the Second Ask.

“When someone says, ‘I’m fine,’ they don’t always mean it. I’ve given that answer when I wasn’t okay before,” he admitted. “I know how much it would’ve helped if someone had asked again. Tray reminded me how important it is to pay attention and be the person who cares enough to notice when something is off.”

Another major theme of the evening was crafting personal legacies. Deadwyler helped students consider their own by reflecting on four key questions: Who am I? What do I want to become? What do I want to do? How am I going to do it?

For Reece, the answers start with being intentional with his words, actions, and relationships throughout the next four years of college.

“Tray’s message gave me a push to carry myself in a way that makes a difference for others while I’m figuring out my own path in college,” he explained.

Dr. Jamirae Holbrook, vice president for student affairs, believes Reece isn’t the only student who gained important insight from the Opening Engage event.

“Tray’s message about legacy and connection aligned perfectly with ��������’ mission of servant leadership,” said Dr. Holbrook. “I truly believe our campus community has walked away this evening feeling inspired to live out our mission in meaningful, everyday ways.”  

Opening Engage is part of ��������’ broader initiative, UC Engage. As a graduation requirement, all full-time undergraduate students with less than senior standing must enroll in UC Engage each semester. Attendance at Opening Engage fulfills the lecture component of the fall UC Engage course. 

For questions regarding UC Engage, please stop by the Office of Student Affairs, call 606.539.4120, or email studentaffairs [at] ucumberlands.edu (studentaffairs[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu).����