Monday, May 23, 2016

A Busy Summer for Women of Vision


A Blast from the Past!
Who remembers what event might be depicted in this photo from the 1971 Carson-Newman Yearbook? That's right! It was a "panty raid" that was the bane of college officials during the 1960's. But if you ever lived in Swann, you remember how important that balcony was to everyone. It was a great place to study, read, or just watch who was coming and going at the dorm.

Sarah Swann Home for Ladies was built in 1904 and is now the oldest building on campus. It has served continually as a dorm for female students for 112 years! Col. A. R. Swann funded the building of the dorm, naming it in honor of his mother.  Initially, the young women participated in "the club plan of boarding with the young ladies assisting in the work and paying only the actual expenses of provisions," ranging from $6.00 - $6.50 per month for board, fuel, and lighting. It initially contained a kitchen and dining hall that were later converted into rooms. At one time, the Hypatian and Calliopean Literary Societies maintained their elegant halls there. 
Beautiful columns grace the balcony at Sarah Swann
Sarah Swann, while still a grand old building, is showing her age. The balcony has become unsafe to use, and students are not allowed on it.  To maintain the integrity of the building, a very expensive repair must occur. The Carson-Newman Class of 1971 is holding their 45th reunion at this year's Homecoming, and has decided along with Women of Vision,  to take leadership in raising funds for this important project. 
Temporary Balcony Supports in Place for Safety 

How can you help?  Attend the "Swann Experience!"

 A Swann Porch Party and Swann Slumber Party will be held July 8 The Swann Porch Party will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m.  There will be delicious refreshments, games on the lawn, music, and plenty of rockers available to “sit a spell.”  Tickets are $50 and proceeds will go toward our goal to renovate Swann’s balcony.  The balcony is unsafe to use, and must be repaired at an estimated cost of $150,000.   Buy several tickets and bring your spouse or your friends. This will be a fun afternoon of remembering your days in the dorms, catching up with Carson Newman friends, and supporting a very worthy cause.  

Would you like the total "Swann Experience?" For $150, you will receive a ticket for the Swann Porch Party AND be invited to attend the Swann Slumber Party which begins at 6:30 p.m. that evening.  Just think of reliving those days when you called Swann home.  There will be evening activities including a Summer Salad Supper, a Movie Party, a Bountiful Breakfast served the next morning and each guest will receive a commemorative gift.  So contact your roommate, or a friend, and make reservations for our Swann Slumber Party.  Perhaps your daughter or granddaughter also has memories of Swann.  You can make it an intergenerational family event! Your spouse can even stay on a special “man on the hall” area in Swann. Click here to register for this event. Swann Experience
Remember those hall bathrooms in Swann?

All Swann residents used the same hall telephone back in the day!

Back to the Creek Annual Event 

 Saturday, July 9


On Saturday, July 9, Women of Vision will be hosting their annual Back to the Creek event. This is a day of service, working on Women of Vision projects all over campus.  You are invited to be a part of this wonderful event.  The day will begin at 9:00 with a continental breakfast.  You will be assigned to a work group somewhere on campus.  Lunch will be at 12:00, and the day will conclude at 4:00. Register for this event at the link above or by clicking here:Back to the Creek



Women of Vision is Making a Difference!





If there was any doubt that Women of Vision is making a significant impact on campus, this map proves otherwise. To date, Women of Vision has completed projects in 15 campus buildings, renovating 58 rooms and spaces. Be a part of the vision. Get involved today!