Monday, November 23, 2015

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!


Carson-Newman's campus is buzzing with Christmas spirit as trees are decorated and preparations are made for a festive atmosphere before the students go home for Christmas holidays. 

A "Christmas Tree Decorating Celebration"  was held November 18. Carson-Newman Retirees, Women of Vision and Young Women of Promise members decorated several trees including the huge one pictured below in the MSAC. Carols were sung, and delicious Christmas goodies were shared during this fun event.
 


Women of Vision Christmas Open House

Women of Vision will hold their annual Open House On Sunday, December 6, in Knoxville.  All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Women of Vision campus projects.  For tickets, please contact Leah Smith at lsmith@cn.edu. or call (865) 471-4164.

Susan Fendley Presented with Women of Vision Service Award

Dr. and Mrs. Randall O'Brien Present Susan with Women of Vision Service Award
Susan Fendley was recently presented with Carson-Newman's Women of Vision Service Award for her dedication and commitment to the Women of Vision and her involvement in its campus enhancement projects.  Anyone who knows Susan knows what a dynamo she is for getting things done! As Projects Coordinator for Women of Vision, she has been instrumental in the many campus projects that are evident all over campus.  Her duties include reviewing project proposals by CN faculty and staff, making recommendations to the WOV Council, securing project chairs, seeking funding sources, and monitoring the project progress.  

Susan is a 1968 Carson-Newman graduate, and a University of Tennessee Law School graduate. She is a retired attorney, having worked for TVA for most of her career.  Today, she stays busy caring for her 101 year old mother, and having fun with her five grandchildren. Susan lives in Knoxville with her husband, Archie, and is active at her church as a Sunday School teacher and deacon.  She even headed up the Love Clowns ministry at her church for twenty years, where she had an alter ego named "Rosie" with pink hair and a red nose!

Ruth Graham Visits Young Women of Promise Meeting

Ruth Graham attended a recent meeting of Young Women of Promise.  Ruth, the daughter of Billy Graham, shared her testimony and gave the YWOP members a chance for casual conversations with her.  The YWOP members thoroughly enjoyed her visit, and were blessed by her honest discussion of how God has led her through life's challenges.

Women of Vision wishes all our members a very Merry Christmas and blessings for the New Year!




Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Homecoming 2015 ~ It's a Wrap!


Saturday, October 18, was a crisp and sunny fall day--a perfect day for Homecoming! The campus has never looked better. The day started with the traditional pancake breakfast, followed by open houses and reunion meetings, and culminating with an exciting football game, where the Eagles prevailed over Newberry College with a score of 27-20.

Welcome home!

The newly carved Eagle in front of the Chitwood Alumni House welcomed everyone back to campus.

Carved eagle at Chitwood Alumni House

Women of Vision's work was evidenced all over campus with several projects showcased. Here's a peep into the finished projects:

Manley Wellness Center
For those of you who remember the old college infirmary, where many of you spent time during your college years when you were sick, you wouldn't recognize the place now! Women of Vision funding paid for new carpet and paint throughout, and reupholstered furniture. Other funding even created a "Relaxation Room" with massage chairs, stress balls, and soothing music. Kathleen Manley wouldn't believe it, and the infirmary is a new place of wellness for students. Pictured are campus nurse and counselors who are available to students.
Pictured: Kim Sexton, Jennifer Catlett, Shannon Tuell
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Baker Building
The Baker Building is used by the ROTC downstairs, and the History and Political Science Department upstairs. The History Department space was in need of some major TLC.  Women of Vision took on this project and created a comfortable faculty lounge (called the Map Room because of the beautiful vintage maps in the room), and a new student lounge. Just look at the difference! Other projects completed in this building are detailed in the list below.

Baker Building (Before)

Baker Building Student Lounge
Map Room (Faculty Lounge)
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Other spaces that received  updates were student lounges in both the Pederson Nursing Building and the Dougherty Science Building, and updated spaces in the Tarr Music Building.  Now nursing, science and music students and faculty have wonderful new places to study and relax. And check out other "before" pics of these spaces in the July blog post. The results are absolutely amazing!

Pederson Nursing Building
Pederson Nursing Building Student Lounge (Before)

Pederson Nursing Building Student Lounge (After)
The Pederson Nursing Building also received a renovated classroom through the efforts of Women of Vision. Because the nursing program has grown at such a fast rate, a larger classroom was needed for nursing classes.
Pederson Nursing Building Classroom
                       

Dougherty Science Building
Science Building Lounge (Before)

Science Building Student Lounge (After)


Tarr Music Building
Both the Green Room, used by students prior to performances and recitals,  and the Seminar Room, a faculty lounge in the music building received needed updates. 


Green Room

Seminar Room

Seminar Room

Updated Restroom in Music Building



Other Women of Vision projects completed during the past year include:
  • Bonner Center Service Learning Seminar
  • Funding for S.P.O.T.S mission trips
  • Funding for 10th anniversary Operation Inasmuch
  • Assistance with window coverings for Chitwood Alumni Center
  • Butler Courtyard Garden
  • Completion of outside sculpture for Dougherty Science Building
  • Alumni Hall - three student lounges
  • Heritage Hall - student lounge
  • Swann Hall - stained glass sidelights on front entrance
  • Baker Building - (in addition to spaces featured above) three large classroom renovations, Baumgardner Hallway, Graduate Studies in Counseling Reception Room, updated Graduate Counseling Studies offices
None of these projects could have been accomplished without YOUR support. Thank you to all who donated to make one or more of these projects a reality!

To see more homecoming pics:    https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153690020459467.1073741859.65629604466&type=3




Wanted: Mentors for Young Women of Promise



Want a special relationship with a precious young lady?

Have you ever thought about having a more personal relationship with one of the Young Women of Promise? If so, WOV may have an opportunity for you!

Several of the YWOPs have expressed an interest in having a "mentor" in their chosen field of study.  Since we have many accomplished women in Women of Vision, we thought this would be a great opportunity to offer the members of Women of Vision!

What would a mentor do?
Basically, you would be establishing a relationship with a student whose chosen field of study or career plans line up with your experience.  By sharing your life and career experiences, you may be able to provide guidance or answer burning questions in a student's life!  You might begin with a casual lunch or telephone call to get to know the student.  After that, your mentoring support could include such things as providing an "ear" to listen to concerns or providing encouragement or advice from "someone who's been there."  You might even provide advice as the student begins searching for a job in her senior year.  It's really up to you and the student to decide what kind of support would be most beneficial to the student!  Mentoring would not involve giving money directly to the student, although you might choose to support a special cause that the student is involved with, such as a mission trip, etc. This kind of support would be entirely optional and never solicited, only a result of your interest in knowing about your student's activities.

This semester, Young Women of Promise with the following career goals have asked for a mentor,so we are looking for women with experience or interest in these areas:
 *   Christian Counselor 
 *   Graphic Designer
 *   Media Psychologist or Social Psychologist 
 *   PK-3 Teacher 
 *   Working with Animals (Biology/Environmental Studies Major) 
 *   Attorney (Political Science Major) 
 *   Pediatrician (Biology/Pre-Med Major)

If you are thinking "What do I have to offer?" - the answer is plenty!  The girls are eager to connect with someone who has "been there" or who simply cares about investing in their college experience. If you would like to volunteer for one of these positions, or would like to learn more about the opportunity, please contact Kathy May, WOV Liaison to Young Women of Promise, at kathykmay@comcast.net



Young Women of Promise at Swing Dedication

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Women of Vision October News




A New Eagle Has Landed at Carson-Newman!

This  chainsaw sculpture is taking shape atop a tree trunk in front of the Chitwood Alumni House.  The beautiful old tree had to be taken down because it was dying, but the tree lives on with this amazing eagle sculpture. Be sure to stop by at Homecoming to see the finished eagle.

KaTom Holiday Fundraising Event a Huge Success
Kay O'Brien Welcomes Guests


Chef Kenny Burlew at Work
Delicious Bruschetta

KaTom Restaurant Supply was a perfect venue for the Women of Vision first annual  "Holiday Season" event. Chef Kenny Burlew demonstrated how to make easy and delicious holiday appetizers including bruschetta, crabcakes, smoked salmon and cucumber slices, and pastry wrapped brie with raspberry preserves. Even better, everyone got to taste each one! 

Next, Designer Andy Winstead showed everyone how to make stunning Christmas table decorations and beautiful lighted wreaths.  There was even a lesson on bow making (use LOTS of ribbon!)  and strategic use of a glue gun (don't forget to clean up the "glue strings!")


KaTom owner and CEO, Patricia Bible, who serves on the Carson-Newman Board of Trustees, generously allowed Women of Vision to use her beautiful facility for a fun time of food, fellowship, and holiday cheer.  A silent auction was also held with many quality items including a Robert Tino painting, a queen set of Restonic bedding, and a four day get-away at a mountain cabin. Everyone who attended had a fabulous time, and plans are already being made to hold this successful event again next year. 

KaTom Restaurant Supply ~ Kodak, TN
Fifty Shades of........Mixers!


Homecoming Preview

It's not too early to begin making plans for Carson-Newman Homecoming. It's Saturday, October 17, and this year's theme is "Celebration of Nations." Be sure to stop by the Women of Vision Showcases listed below:

WOMEN OF VISION SHOWCASE TOUR
Baker Building Classrooms and Faculty Lounge
9 - 10:30 a.m. (Program begins at 9:30 a.m.)
Baker Building, Second Floor
Kathleen Manley Wellness Center
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Kathleen Manley Wellness Center
Pedersen Nursing Classroom
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Program begins at 11:15 a.m.)
Hannah Hylton Pedersen Nursing Building

Look for the amazing before and after pictures at these sites.  Your donations to Women of Vision help make these dreams a reality! And stop by the Women of Vision tent on Henderson Lawn to see us!



Hope to see you at Homecoming!








Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Are You Ready for the Holidays?

Why are these Woman of Vision Council Members so excited?


They don't want to miss this upcoming event:  

Holiday Party WOV Fundraiser


Your $50 donation will help fund the many Women of Vision projects at Carson-Newman. We hope to see you there! To make reservations and purchase tickets, go to this link:


Meet Women of Vision Council Members
Diana Nixon, Secretary
Diana, a 1980 CN grad, serves as the secretary on the Women of Vision Council.  She takes the minutes at the meetings and helps with any other communication needs. She and her husband Ken have a blended family of four children and ten grandchildren. She works part-time at Central Baptist Church of Fountain City, and loves spending any free time hiking in the mountains. She also does "sing-alongs" at nursing homes, mentors at Lonsdale Elementary School, and teaches ladies Bible study classes.  She is one busy lady! 

Diana has great memories of serving as a dorm parent along with her first husband, Mark Sargent (now deceased), in Alumni Dorm when it was still a men's dorm.  Her two young sons often awoke to find that a comic book or a candy bar had been pushed under their bedroom during the night They adored the boys in the dorm! 

Diana would love to see more women get involved with Women of Vision. She says it has helped her "reclaim" Carson-Newman as a part of her life once again.  

Diana Hiking in the Smokies

               Mira Craine, Treasurer                                Mira, Mother of the Groom!

As the WOV Council Treasurer, Mira is responsible for keeping the rest of the Council straight on the status of donations and project balances for all the Women of Vision campus projects. She and her husband were high school sweethearts and are both CPA's. They even practice together in the same firm with 13 others. Two of Mira's children are Carson-Newman grads--Matt is furthering his education at UVA Law School and Bowe is at UT Pharmacy School.  Daughter Abbe is a senior at Morristown West.  Mira enjoys boating on the lake, snow skiing, and following her kids in sports. Mira loves getting to know other Women of Vision members and sharing their vision for potential projects as well as enlisting their time and talents for current projects.  

Upcoming Events

Homecoming - Saturday, October 17.  Don't miss the Women of Vision Showcases at the Manley Wellness Center, the Pederson Nursing Building and the Baker Building.

Check out all the information you need at this link:


Sunday, July 19, 2015

Another Successful Back to the Creek


Back to the Creek for Women of Vision


Look at all these happy faces after several hours of hard work at Back to the Creek!

About thirty women spent a recent Saturday working on Carson-Newman's campus at the Women of Vision annual Back to the Creek event. Tasks included cleaning and "spiffing up" three different sites on campus. Here's a look at these sites:


Student Lounge at Pederson Nursing Building
 
For those of you who remember "New Mens' Dorm," you won't believe the changes! Carson-Newman's nursing program has outgrown their building, and so now also use one section of the old dorm for offices, classes, and a student lounge.  Old furniture has been reupholstered and the lounge is taking shape.  Wonderful vintage pictures of nurses have been framed and hung. This site just needed a little cleaning for the next steps of hanging new window treatments and final decorating touches. Nursing students will have a convenient place to study and hang out between classes. 


Baker  Building Lounge 
 Every student at Carson-Newman takes required History classes in the Baker Building.  Sadly, this space has seen better days and needs some major updates.  Women of Vision has started the process of raising funds for this project. In the meantime, work has started on a space for students in an old storage area that contains teaching materials including some great old wall maps from the sixties. Some of these will be framed and hung on the walls.  Work will continue to furnish this area and make it student friendly.  


Science Building Student Lounge



An old workroom in the science building is being converted to a student lounge. Back to the Creek volunteers packed up boxes of old science teaching materials, moved out shelving and cleaned much of the room to ready it for painting and the addition of new furnishings for students. 


We're pretty sure some of the unidentifiable things we found and discarded in the refrigerator were science projects from the seventies! YIKES! 


Butler Courtyard

Bari Wilson, a Women of Vision member, graciously volunteered to landscape the courtyard at Butler where she works. Now both employees and students have a beautiful place to go for lunch or a few quiet moments.  Thank you, Bari, for a beautiful space!

Other Women of Vision Projects in the works include updates in the Music Building, the purchase of a much needed van for the Center for Global Education, and funding for several ongoing campus programs including Bonner Service Center Service Learning Seminar, SPOTS mission trips, and Operation Inasmuch. 

If you would like to contribute to any of these Women of Vision projects, send your contribution to: 

Carson-Newman University
Women of Vision
1646 Russell Ave.
Box 71990
Jefferson City, TN 37760

You may also contribute online by going to the Carson-Newman website Women of Vision link.

Upcoming Women of Vision Events