Back to the Creek

Back to the Creek participants

Saturday, July 9, was a busy day for Women of Vision. Thirty women spent the day cleaning, painting, stripping wallpaper, organizing supplies and cleaning out clutter at several locations on campus. Beverly Adams, Projects Coordinator, had the day well organized and lists prepared for each location so that volunteers knew what to do. Carol Strevel, Volunteer Coordinator, organized the work teams at each location.  Debbie Bean and Jennifer Bates arranged for a delicious breakfast and lunch and Susan Fendley had tee shirts available for everyone. Leah Smith, our campus WOV liaison did lots of behind-the-scenes prep work to make sure the day went smoothly.

                        Beverly Adams outlines the day                                   Debbie Bean kept everything flowing smoothly

 Dr. O'Brien came by to see the Back to the Creek participants and was immediately given a Women of Vision tee shirt! 

                                                                           "Is purple my color?"

Safety and Security Building: 

The campus security headquarters got a good cleaning throughout. A new bathroom is finished, and Women of Vision plans to add new curtains, shades, and other accessories to make the place look really spiffy.

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                                          Every student visits this building.                                                Kay O'Brien wields a mean vacuum! 

              Carol Strevel, Dot Gratz, and Vicki Butler clean the kitchen                     Robbie Pinkerton believes in bleach!

Campus Ministry House:

The Campus Ministry House is a work-in-progress for Women of Vision. On Back to the Creek day, wallpaper was removed from the kitchen, and supplies for the many BCM mission projects were organized and placed in a huge new closet. Furniture has already been recovered and placed in the main area and there is a list of needed items still to be provided.  (See the list in this blog post if you would like to donate an item)

Reception Area-Before

Reception Area-After

                                           Jennifer Bates, Kathy May, and  Carolyn Jensen work in CMH kitchen

Dr. Baumgardner's Office (Update)

Now that the 2nd floor of the Baker Building is looking wonderful following its renovation by Women of Vision, a small office formerly used by Dr. Baumgardner was in need of an update.  After a good cleaning, Beverly Adams built a table and added recovered furniture and lamps. What a difference! Here are some before and after pictures:

Terre Eldridge cleaned and decluttered

 

A Special Email:

Megan Wallace, a recent Carson-Newman graduate, wrote a heartfelt thank you to Kay O'Brien after working at Back to the Creek. Here is an excerpt from her email:

"Thank you so much for helping make events like the workday happen. Being young and still finding my way into the life long career it means so much for me to be able to give back to the place that gave so much to me. I'm not in a place where I can give money, but I can easily give of myself.

Yesterday was such a special day to me to be able to give back to campus ministries, which is a place that holds significant meaning to my time at CN. I served on the missions team of BCM during my four years there. The CMH was where I met some of my first friends at CN.  It was also the place where I could go and talk to Chad and Nenette as I went further in my spiritual walk during college. 

Then there are the wise words from Dr. Brummett, I can recall from my freshman orientation "Don't focus on God's will. Focus on God and you will know His will." Then his words from Systematic Theology my senior year "We pray with our understanding of God." Two simple phrases I live by today, and have helped me as I go about the journey of life. 

And finally there were the words from Dr. O'Brien from my first night on campus at the candlelight vespers: "Do we sing lies?" Yet another example of what CN has taught me as I have worked in Children's ministry, both on a church staff and as a volunteer. It is another phrase I think of as I am worshiping in church and reading each day. I question myself. Do I truly believe what God is telling me and the words I am singing, even when life hasn't gone as planned. I may not all the time but I should. 

And finally there was the time where my best friends were walking out of Swan in the pouring rain without umbrellas in our rain jackets walking to chapel and Dr. O'Brien was on the other side of the road and offered us his umbrella saying he could go back and get another.

Those are just a few of the things that have made CN such a special place to me and why it is so important for me to be able to give back to the place that has given me so much. 

I look forward to many more Women of Vision events in the future and I am trying to get my friends on board."

Megan Wallace

After "Back to the Creek" Wish List:

These featured projects were not the only ones tackled at Back to the Creek.  In addition to the projects listed above, painting began in the MSAC Exercise Science Study Room, the Yellow House, which Women of Vision uses for storage of donated furnishings, was cleaned out and reorganized. And the projects are not finished! This wish list contains items still needed for the various projects.

If you would like to donate something needed, please contact Leah Smith (lsmith@cn.edu) who serves as the Women of Vision campus liaison.  Leah will be glad to help you.  And Women of Vision thanks you in advance!

ADDITIONAL PROJECT NEEDS AND WISH LISTS

Campus Ministries House (Project Chair Sandy Presley)
1. Pots for cooking pasta and warming spaghetti sauce as well as 1 to 2 quart sauce pans
2. Donations towards blinds @ $50 each
3. Six photos enlarged (from mission trips) - $80 to $120 each
4. Donations towards new end tables and coffee table
5. Donations towards office quality shelving unit for Campus Ministries House Administrative Assistant

                                              Calling All Volunteers

Volunteers needed for upcoming events.  If you would like to help at one of these events, please contact Carol Strevel, WOV Volunteer Coordinator at carolstrevel @gmail.com. In addition to these events, volunteers are needed for the St. John Bible Gallery Reception, October 6. 

NEWS FLASH! STAY TUNED!

Ricky Skaggs Concert to Benefit WOV

  Date ~TBA

Ricky Skaggs is a fan of Carson-Newman and has agreed to perform a benefit concert for Women of Vision sometime in the near future. As soon as a date is selected, we will send out all the details!

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!

2016 Project Preview for Women of Vision

 Spring is just around the corner at Carson-Newman University. Just as flowers and trees will be budding out in the next few weeks, Women of Vision has been busy planting seeds of new projects all over campus. 

Did you know that Women of Vision received more than twenty project proposals for 2016? To fund all these projects, we would need more than $760,000.00!!!  The word is out: Women of Vision get things done! We've prayed, researched, and discussed all these projects. Here are the top priority projects for 2016.  There are many ways you can help make these projects a reality at Carson-Newman. Perhaps you'll see one that touches your heart.

1. Restrooms in Stokely Cafeteria:

Do you remember those bathrooms in the cafeteria foyer where you probably checked your hair and makeup before lining up for meals in the cafeteria? Yep, they're still the same! And while "retro" may be cool in some instances, it doesn't apply to these restrooms! Just think about it: EVERYONE who comes on campus probably uses these restrooms. They desperately need a total redo, and for anyone who has done bathroom renovation in their homes, you know this is pricey! Our estimate on this project is $20-30,000!

Restroom Stalls Need to be Reconfigured

 Retro Sinks Will be Replaced with Vanity Counter and Sinks

2. Education Department Classroom (Stokely Basement)

Did you know that the Education Department graduates more students than any other department at Carson-Newman?  With new Masters, Education Specialist, and Doctoral students added to the mix, the Education Department in the basement of Stokely is bursting at the seams. At least one of the classrooms is in desperate need of new carpet and magnetic white boards. Check out these pictures. I think you'll agree our future teachers need a better space in which to learn. Current estimate for this project is $7,000. If asbestos removal is necessary, the cost will be even higher.

Magnetic Whiteboards Need to be Installed in this Space

It's Definitely Time for New Carpet!

3.  Psychology Department Classroom in Chambliss

You may remember Chambliss as the old music building, but when the new Music Building was constructed, the Psychology Department inherited the Chambliss Building. This proposal asks for new furniture (tables and chairs) for this classroom. Since every student at CNU takes at least one psychology course, we think this is a much needed improvement. From the looks of these pictures, they might also benefit from a new whiteboard! Estimate for this project is $7,000.

Psychology Department Classroom

4. Warren Art Department Entrance and Foyer

Years ago, the Art Department took over the old Science Building. Although beautiful art is created inside that building, the outside entrance and foyer definitely need a makeover.  A donation has already started the process for some new landscaping, but I think you'll agree that a new entrance and updated foyer would be a much needed improvement. Estimate for this project is $10,000+.

Outside Entrance of Art Building

Exterior and Foyer of Art Building

Other 2016 Projects "In the Works"

• Completion of Fite Administration Building faculty and staff break room and outdoor eating area
• Bonner Center - assistance with purchase of updated IT: software, tablets, laptops and desktops
• Flooring for Student Affairs wing of MSAC
• Flooring for Recreational Services/Student Activities area
• Refurbish Campus Ministries house
• Renovate office space and bathroom in Safety and Security Building
• Donations to: Operation Inasmuch and Campus Ministries S.P.O.T.S. mission trips
• Assist with funding for Swann Balcony Porch renovation
• Assist with funding for complete renovation of Gentry Auditorium

These are just a preview of the many project proposals that Women of Vision has taken on for 2016. All are worthwhile, and all need donations to fund the work. Please consider a donation to Women of Vision for a specific project, or to be used wherever it is most needed.  To give online, please go to this link:

Give to Women of Vision

Carson Newman Continues to Excel

Check out these latest rankings and recognitions for Carson-Newman. We can all be proud of this strong Christian university that continues to engage students in excelling academically while becoming true citizens of the world through servant leadership and community service.

U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report: Carson-Newman teaching is No. 1 in the South

• Top 10 among "Best Value Schools"
• No. 12 in the South as a "Best College for Veterans"

Princeton Review

Carson-Newman named one of the "Best in the Southeast" for 2016 

U.S. Department of Education

Carson-Newman named to President's Honor Roll for Service 

Colleges of Distinction

Carson-Newman University named a "College of Distinction"

•   University also named a "Christian College of Distinction"

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Carson-Newman looks especially beautiful with a covering of snow!

Winter at Carson-Newman

Many of you will remember this year and the "Blizzard of 2016."  While your local area may or may not have been affected by the January snowfall, Carson-Newman was closed for several days because of slick roads and lots of snow. The Eagle Alumni Facebook page asked for alumni memories of snow during their college days and received over 40 comments recalling the fun on campus during winter snows. Of course, those of you who are graduates from many years ago, made it very clear that you NEVER got out of class "back in the day" for snow. 

This picture from the 1971 CN Yearbook highlights the dubious campus organization know as the Bluebirds. Check out the short skirts in the snow. It was all about fashion back in the day! The yearbook lists the purpose of the Bluebirds as "absolutely nothing."

Young Women of Promise Mentors Needed

Want a special relationship with a precious young lady?

Have you ever thought about having a more personal relationship with one of  Carson-Newman's 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"--someone to lend a listening ear and perhaps provide some guidance from time to time.   

What would a mentor do?

Basically, you would be establishing a relationship with a student.  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 listening 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, and your friendship could possibly continue after the student graduates. It's really up to you and the student to decide what kind of relationship 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 expressed an interest in having a mentor:

  *   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. It is not necessary to have experience in the career fields listed above-- all you need is a willingness to participate in the life of a student. 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

Women of Vision Gathering ~  Saturday, April 9         Featuring Rachel Lovingood 

Our 2016 Gathering of Friends promises to be a fun and inspiring event! This year’s annual event will feature Rachel Lovingood as our keynote speaker.  

An author and compelling speaker, Rachel Lovingood feels that God has blessed her beyond measure through her family and friends. She and her husband Jeff (a C-N grad and current Trustee) have been involved in student ministry for the past 27 years, presently serving First Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN.  . 

Rachel enjoys every opportunity to share with women across the country how the Word of God applies to their everyday lives. She uses her sense of humor and practical wisdom to connect daily situations with truths from Scripture. Rachel’s relevant teaching and real faith as well as her fun personality make her a favorite for woman of all ages and stages. 

Be sure to mark your calendars for April 9.  Rachel is challenging and great fun ~ you must not miss this special time to celebrate Women of Vision @ Carson-Newman! 

Don't miss this year's Gathering on Saturday, April 9. More information coming soon to you!

 Read more about Rachel at:

http://rachellovingood.com

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!