The UT Dallas campus donned the patriotic colors of red, white and blue on Saturday, September 27 as it celebrated the 13th annual Sounds of Class festival. The event, co-hosted by the City of Richardson, was free to UT Dallas students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.

The night kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with a children’s carnival organized by the UT Dallas Student Ambassadors and put on by student organizations. Kids enjoyed activities such as three-legged races, arts and crafts, and bouncy houses. At 6 p.m., Eddie Coker entertained families and friends with original and educational songs. The Richardson Symphony Orchestra took center stage at 7 p.m. featuring well-known patriotic musical scores. The night ended with a bang—literally. A fireworks finale lit up the UT Dallas sky as friends and families cozied up in their picnic chairs and blankets.

Alumni Relations was there for the night’s festivities! At the Alumni Relations booth, we got a chance to meet with alums and talk to them about their experience at UT Dallas. Here’s what they had to say:

"My experience at UT Dallas was enriching and engaging. I made great friends in classes and through organizations on campus. I wouldn't trade my time at UT Dallas for anything." -Amanda Roese, '08

"UT Dallas is unique—wonderfully unique. It calls to those who strive to take risks, to take chances to improve their school while improving their own life and experiences. Rather than complaining about a lack of tradition, I got the chance to create those traditions. I am proud to have given so much to a school that shaped who I am, my life, and my beliefs. I'm proud to be a life-long Comet. UT Dallas Whoosh!" -Benedict Voit, '08

"My instructors were all so passionate about their work. It was a pleasure to be in class. The more I learned, the more I realized how much more there is to learn. I try to share that with all the students I come in contact with in my work at UT Dallas." -Sarah Dorsey, '06

"I enjoy working at UT Dallas.Working with students and helping them achieve their goals is very rewarding." -Cathy Coursey, '06

"My best memories of UT Dallas are attending Sounds of Class with my nieces. This is our 5th year in a row!" -Leah Nall, '95

What's your favorite UT Dallas memory?