So many Carson-Newman students met their spouse right here on campus. And others found love after graduation with someone who just happened to be a fellow Eagle. No matter when the connection was made, Carson-Newman is a common bond that brought them together. Here is a special Carson-Newman alumni love story that reminds us how deep the Orange and Blue roots run.
Story shared by Sharon (Stoton) Thompson, ’65
Joe & I met at Carson-Newman in January 1964.I had already spent a year at the University of Maryland and quickly realized it wasn’t the place for me. I told my dad that I was going to quit college unless he let me transfer to Carson-Newman to finish my final three years. Thankfully, he agreed, and I made my way to Jefferson City. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t spend all four years at Carson-Newman.
During my time at C-N, I lived in Butler Hall for two years, and my senior year was spent in the President’s former home right next door (which is no longer standing). There were seven of us senior gals living on the second floor, with Dean of Women, Berniece Carter on the first.
Joe transferred to Carson-Newman in January 1964 from South Carolina after completing two years at North Greenville. His dad was a preacher, and money was tight, so Joe had paused college to work. Then Uncle Sam came calling, and Joe knew getting back into college would help him avoid being drafted, so that’s how he ended up at Carson-Newman.
I graduated on May 28, 1965, and the very next day, we were married at Mill Spring Baptist Church out by the lake. Friends helped carry the C-N graduation flowers over to the church for our ceremony, with permission, of course!
Our first year of marriage was spent in a tiny college apartment attached to the former city library, just behind the Home Economics Building (which also is no longer there). Joe officially graduated in August 1966.
Uncle Sam hadn’t forgotten about Joe, so he made the decision to voluntarily enlist, choosing the U.S. Air Force. That decision led us to an incredible 20-year military journey. Joe eventually retired as a Major, and we remain so thankful for those years of service. I always say I did 20 years right alongside him!
This month, we’re celebrating 60 years of marriage. Our story didn’t end with military retirement; there’s another whole chapter full of blessings and memories. It all started at Carson-Newman, and we’ll always be grateful for the way it brought us together.
Have a memory to share? Send it over to cnalum@cn.edu. We love hearing our Alums’ stories! You never know you may be featured in our next Alumni Letter!
Skip to content
