UTFCU Invests in UTM Welcome Weekend, Bringing Financial Education to Incoming Students
MARTIN, TENN. – August 28, 2026 – The University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) is welcoming more than 1,000 first-year students to campus this fall, with Welcome Weekend serving as their first opportunity to connect with classmates, faculty, and staff and begin building their campus community. Held Aug. 20-23, Welcome Weekend included participation from UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU), the event’s sole external sponsor, which supported activities designed to help students begin their college experience and take important first steps toward financial independence.
Through its partnership with UT Martin, UTFCU supported activities to help new Skyhawks connect with their campus community, including the Welcome Home Picnic, First Flight Frenzy, Glow Night, the Saturday-night Welcome Weekend Concert, and Free Play educational activities.
UTFCU employees from its Martin branch and corporate office engaged directly with students, providing water, fans, snow cones, giveaways, and financial education games throughout the activity-packed weekend.
"We believe in improving lives, financially and beyond, and that starts with being there for our community," said Kenyon Warren, CEO of UTFCU. "For many students, college is their first opportunity to make important financial decisions on their own."
UTFCU staff, in partnership with UT Martin's Center for Student Success and Career Development (CPAD), led two interactive financial education activities. Ninety students participated in a Plinko-based budgeting activity, while 54 participated in a Guess the Amount activity. The activities emphasized skills students can use throughout their first year of college life, including planning for expenses, adapting to unexpected costs, and making thoughtful spending decisions.
Warren also participated in First Flight Frenzy alongside UT Martin faculty members and students, giving an ESPN-style interview about making the most of the first-year experience.
The Welcome Weekend partnership reflects UTFCU's longstanding commitment to investing in UT Martin, its students, and the Martin community, where it has operated a branch since 1989.
"We're proud to have been part of such an important weekend for these students," Warren continued. "We want UTFCU to be a resource they can lean on — not just during Welcome Weekend, but throughout their college experience and beyond."
Learn more on the UTFCU blog.
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Chartered in 1969, UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving individuals, families, and businesses across Tennessee. Committed to member-focused service and community impact, UTFCU offers a full range of financial solutions that support local growth and empower members to reach their goals. With assets surpassing $550 million in 2026, UTFCU proudly serves its growing membership with the promise: “For All Who Love Tennessee.”
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