Saturday, April 8, was a beautiful spring day at Carson-Newman. About 100 women gathered for the annual meeting of Women of Vision. As WOV founder and President Kay O'Brien says, "The Gathering of Friends is a yearly celebration of accomplishments, marking transitions, visioning for the future, and most of all, simply enjoying the company of creative, remarkable women."
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| Delicious lunch prepared by C-N's Food Services |
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| Speaker Jenny Bushkell |
The women enjoyed a delicious lunch, and were inspired by Jenny Bushkell, Christian talk radio host from Knoxville, who challenged us to not stop in life's journey at "Mediocre Inn" but to press forward asking God what He wants us to do to make a difference in our world. Jenny quoted Ephesians 2:10: "
For we are God’s handiwork,
created
in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do." This is a perfect verse for all Women of Vision!
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| Jeana and Krista Partin |
Special entertainment was provided by Jeana and Krista Partin, mother and daughter, who sang a medley of beautiful songs.
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| Susan Fendley |
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| Kathy May |
Susan Fendley, incoming Council Chair, and Kathy May, outgoing Council Chair, conducted the business portion of the meeting including nominations for the 2017-18 Leadership Council and information about WOV's Financial Position. Outgoing members of the Leadership Council were recognized as well as Young Women of Promise graduating seniors.
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| Leah Smith, Rachel McCausland, Becky Ford |
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| Sponsors Leah Smith and Becky Ford with Young Women of Promise |
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| Projects Chair Beverly Adams |
Beverly Adams, Projects Coordinator, gave the audience a review of 2016 projects, and a preview of 2017 projects. With 13 new approved projects for 2017, and a few projects to finish up started in 2016, Women of Vision has their work cut out for them!
Beverly also shared her personal story of becoming a widow with three young sons. She decided to move from Florida to Knoxville because she needed a fresh start and remembered that some of her happiest times had been her years as a student at Carson-Newman. She said God led her to become involved with Women of Vision as a volunteer and that working on the campus with staff had given her new purpose in her life. It truly is amazing when we "let go and let God" manage our lives!
There were several surprises during this year's Gathering. One surprise was Kay O'Brien's announcement that Kathy May had been chosen for the Women of Vision's Distinguished Service Award for this year. A beautiful pottery pitcher, signifying the pouring out of service for God's Kingdom, was given to Kathy. The pitcher is a handcrafted Robert Alewine pitcher. Robert, owner of the renowned Alewine Pottery on Gatlinburg's Craftsmen Trail, is a C-N graduate.
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| Kay O'Brien presents award to Kathy May |
Robert Key, Chair of Carson-Newman's Staff Council, had a special surprise for the Women of Vision. In gratitude for the work done to update and renovate student and staff areas in Fite Administrative Building as well as many other areas on campus, Robert presented a beautiful sign to Women of Vision. The Women of Vision logo, backlighted with the signature purple color, will make a fitting way to identify the WOV headquarters on campus.
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| Robert Key presents logo sign to Women of Vision |
The next surprise was a five minute video highlighting many of the completed projects by Women of Vision. Dr. Ross Brummett, Vice-President of Student Affairs, introduced the video, and on behalf of Student Affairs and Faculty, thanked WOV for their involvement in many areas, including MSAC, Campus Ministries, and Safety and Security.
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| Dr. Ross Brummett |
Attendees were asked to bring gently used or new kitchen items to be used in several student and staff area kitchens that are being renovated by Women of Vision. As you can see by the picture below, the kitchens will be well stocked, thanks to the generosity of all.
As evidenced by these pictures, everyone had a good time visiting and reconnecting with Carson-Newman friends at the Gathering of Friends.
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| Kay O'Brien, Elise Tilson, and Vickie Butler |
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| Volunteer Chair Carol Strevel talks with attendees |
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| Beverly Adams and Glenda Bales, Maintenance Administrative Secretary Extraordinaire! |
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| Phyllis Morgan enjoys the Gathering |
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Donna Hooker
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Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events. And watch for project updates in the next blog post!
