Spirit Day and Kickstart Tailgate: TMCC Pride Shines

There’s a transcendent sensation of belonging at TMCC, where personal interest in your success motivates every decision our community makes. Brainstorming the boldest ideas for a fulfilling and engaging college experience that evolves with new semesters is a goal our instructors and staff set out to achieve. When the christening of Spirit Day and the second annual Kickstart Tailgate talks began, we knew it would be a game-changer for students’ fellowship.

“Our purpose at TMCC is for students to succeed. More than anyone, they need to feel they belong to this wonderful campus. We’re here to serve and ensure they succeed. Spirit enhances the college experience for all,” said Estella Gutierrez, Vice President of Student Services and Diversity.

And so, TMCC set about organizing events that not only thrilled but elevated your purpose. You made the courageous choice to enroll and pursue the career you deserve. It’s our job to ensure you feel safe and included. So when animated conversations and laughter echoed in the V. James Eardley Student Center on Sept. 17, and then the Soccer Field erupted with cheering for our Mighty Lizards Men’s and Women’s teams on Sept. 21, you know our campus was donning their freshest TMCC apparel, ready to bleed green. That’s the magic of higher education, and it was only beginning.

Celebrate the Present, Look to the Future

Even as slate-gray clouds overcast the marching path expecting students, Mighty the Lizard, leadership, faculty, and staff the morning of Spirit Day, they couldn’t dare damper the crowd’s energy. They posed for a photograph, capturing the mood with sparkling smiles, two thumbs-ups, and peace signs. Led by Parade Marshals President Karin Hilgersom and City of Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson, a sea of Lizard supporters stepped off from the Dandini Boulevard sign to the rumbling cadence of the drums from eNVision Performing Arts. The group trailed south and around the Sierra Building, rallying, invigorating those they passed, and encouraging them to join their ranks before ending their journey at the Plaza for opening ceremonies.

With rainfall threatening, the event’s relocation indoors was already complete. Thankfully, the enormous Student Center space and the bustling corridor above sheltered the Student Government Association (SGA) Club Fair, with a cultural showcase, games, arts and crafts, and voter registration for passersby to participate.

“You had a great view of how many were here. Since it’s inside, it incentivizes to go to events, upstairs or downstairs. This way, you get a clear picture in a condensed space. They come, experience it, and leave when it’s in the Plaza. I mean, from the sound alone! Loud and chaotic, but fun. I’ve spoken with those overjoyed to be at TMCC. I believe the environment and culture connect us closely,” said Taylor Easley, SGA Senator and sophomore majoring in Social Work.

What are some of the best parts of Spirit Day? “All the animated music and games. Walk around carefree and smiling. Nobody stressed over having to attend their next class. It brought the spirit and vibes up. We were giving away shirts, too. Everyone was enjoying an incredible time. The Club Fair and Spirit Day simultaneously was a fantastic idea. It gave the clubs light and opportunities to come and interact,” continued Easley.

Excitement infused the building as Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) invited curious individuals to explore memberships in the Business and Entrepreneurship Club (BE-Club), Dungeons and Dragons Adventure Club (DDA), or the Truckee Meadows Chess Club, to name a few. Succulent boba teas with their chewy tapioca pearls sat temptingly in icy condensation, available for whoever nabbed five stamps on their liaison cards, identifying they’d visited and chatted among clubs.

“Even those who drop in for school and leave stick around before class for a few minutes to see what’s up. They still want to interact because it’s for them,” said Ayden Rodriguez, a second-year Geology undergraduate.

Spanning multiple departments, employees proudly decorated their offices with a kaleidoscope of trinkets, ribbons, majestic lighting, and handcrafted artwork to represent a single word as their catalyst. “Inclusivity,” “Unity,” “Collaboration,” and “Legacy” were prompts to get departments dreaming up a valuable characteristic of TMCC. While many beautiful visuals emerged from our four locations, it would be Adult Basic Education (ABE), Educational Programs Inspiring the Community (EPIC), and the SGA triumphant for first, second, and third place.

Christopher Westin watches his colleague Alexander Day, both Counseling staff, try pulling a log from the Jenga tower on Spirit Day.

Below the enlightening venue upstairs, recreational entertainment abounded wherever you turned. Students hoisted two ruby red balls tied by a string, catapulting them onto a bar to score points for ladder golf. Others dabbled in a friendly match of bucket ball. Massive tangerine barrels with dark stripes racing across waited for someone to throw an equally large rubber sphere into their open cask. Pellet-filled bean bags pitched underhand glided from one cornhole board to its twin, hoping to land delicately and drift into the hole for a tally of three. Players delicately extracted smooth wooden Jenga pieces from a teetering tower, onlookers holding their breath out of sheer anticipation it could fall over any moment. A dual-shot basketball arcade machine had an audience, as each arc free of opponents’ palms soared an orange orb off the backboard or in with a sweet swish.

Carlton Antisdel stands for a photo underneath the balloon gate inside the Student Center.

“I finished my first two classes but didn’t expect a crowd. I met friends who told me I could get free boba and lunch. We got our stickers. I signed up for chess earlier and played, then went to the VEX Robotics table. I participated in a competition at the ACE High School last year and want to apply to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I also registered for the Robotics and Chess clubs. It would be less enjoyable if the programs shown were for college students only. It’s connected, social, and community-driven here,” said Carlton Antisdel, a fifteen-year-old TMCC High School student planning on studying Business for two years before transferring to a university for Engineering.

Students of Latinx and Hispanic descent voiced their character through song and dance. Young women gowned in “huipils,” ancestral dresses embroidered with a rich tapestry of colors, twirled gracefully, crying out “gritos,” cathartic emotional expressions through shouting. India’s passion for Bollywood-style grooving also livened the floor while sharing dancing lessons with students and employees. The instructor sported a jade “kurta,” a loose, long shirt originating from the nomadic tunic of Central Asia. Globally inspired, locally shared.

Three-on-three basketball and the Volleyball Club vs. Leadership clashes were the penultimate activities at the Fitness Center. While students and campus leaders traded good-natured high-fives, the sounds of a large audience filled Joe’s Gym with excitement. The hardwood squeaked as competitors’ sneakers dashed up and down the court, dribbling, passing, setting, and matching. The bleachers’ wave made its way down and back up the room. The Volleyball Club was ultimately victorious, but the leadership of coaches Kylie Rowe, Executive Director, and Professor Jencie Davies gave them two fun-filled matches.

Capping off Spirit Day with a frosty soft-served treat, TMCC students and staff waited patiently in a line stretched from the Sierra Building entrance to the steel double doors of the Student Center. Their reward? A vanilla ice cream spiraled with chocolate, caramel, or strawberry swirls bundled softly in golden sugar cones. For the daring, a blue raspberry, cherry, or lime slushie glazing a cup’s base with the milky-white batter dolloped on top. It was worth the wait.

Closing ceremonies generated booming praise and applause as the epic inaugural celebration kindled a profound blaze in souls around the College. What once was an idea is now a tradition.

“Personally, the most exciting part was envisioning this inaugural event where everyone across campus came together to contribute to its creation and success. Ultimately, for me, showcasing how many people love TMCC!” said Gutierrez.

View the Spirit Day video headlining the festivities!