Women of Vision Annual Gathering

Women of Vision Gathering

Carson-Newman's Women of Vision held their annual Gathering on Saturday, April 25.  About 100 women attended this wonderful event. Old friends were happy to see each other, and new friends were made.   

Joan Cronan, UT's athletic director for more than 30 years, was this year's speaker. Joan's husband was a Carson-Newman faculty member from 1983 to 2005, and even though Joan is very much a Vol fan, she says her blood secretly runs orange and blue!  Joan also serves on the CNU Board of Trustees, and believes in the servant leadership emphasis for students and staff at Carson-Newman. She shared this acronym which she tries to live by each day: 

BELLS

B - Read your Bible each day

E - Exercise everyday

L - Learn something new everyday.

L - Write a letter or note to someone (emails don't count!)

S - Do a Special Project each day (something you've been putting off, or don't like to do)

Joan said when she completes all the BELLS, she has a much better day. Joan has a new book coming out this fall, Sports is Life with the Volume Turned Up. It promises to be a great read.

Another highlight of Saturday's Gathering was a look at Women of Vision projects completed in 2014, and the projects selected for completion in 2015.  It promises to be a full and exciting year. Check the January newsletter blog post for a listing of projects, and consider donating to the project of your choice. 

Young Women of Promise, the student organization started by Women of Vision celebrated the completion of a three year project on Saturday with the dedication of a swing erected on Henderson Lawn.  The fledgling organization raised money, developed a project plan, met with architects and builders, and with the help of some special CN donors, were able to build their swing. It was inspiring to watch these students see this project through and learn many life lessons along the way. 

Kay O'Brien, President of Women of Vision sums up the mission of the organization in these words:

"I thank my God in every remembrance of Women of Vision as together we seek to glorify God and strengthen Kingdom work in this future-building place.  Blessings to you as we serve together."

Women of Vision Gathering - April 25

Don't miss the rescheduled Women of Vision Gathering, with special speaker, Joan Cronan.
Joan is the UT Women's Athletic Director, Emeritus.

The Gathering will take place in the
Carson-Newman cafeteria, starting at 11:00 on Saturday, April 25.

REGISTER HERE

Bluebirds Fly High at Swann

Stained Glass Sidelight Project at Swann

An exciting project is in the works at Carson-Newman's Swann dorm.  Funded by former residents of Swann, Women of Vision is busy having new stained glass sidelights designed by Knoxville glass artist Susan Watson.

The new windows will reflect the beauty and heritage of Swann found in the stained glass windows recently restored and installed in Swann's parlors. Alumni of The Bluebirds, a spoof organization present at Swann in the 1960's and 70's, are making sure that a bluebird figures prominently in the design.

Organized as a take off on Mortarboard, an honor society who tapped new members at night in the dorms, Bluebirds featured members dressed in blue sheets with wildly teased hair and face powder, walking through the dorm mysteriously late at night, tapping new members.  There was no formal criteria to join the Bluebirds, just a desire for crazy fun with fellow Swann dorm residents.

 Bluebirds tap new members in Swann Dorm - May, 1969

January 2015 Volume 1, issue 3

Leadership Retreat

Women of Vision held its annual Leadership Retreat on a November Saturday. Meeting at the Appalachian Center, a WOV showcase project for 2014, was a fitting way to start planning for 2015.  The year was reviewed and new projects were identified for the coming year.