Carson-Newman Serve Day impacts East Tennessee region

Carson-Newman University held its annual Serve Day on Sept. 23, drawing more than 700 students, faculty and staff together to positively impact the surrounding region. The event banded groups together to take part in service projects across a record six counties.

Courtenay Folk, who serves as director of C-N’s Center for Community Engagement, which oversees the event, says the day is one that is especially meaningful for all involved.

“There is something incredibly special about seeing some 700 members of the Carson-Newman family leave campus and spread throughout East Tennessee with one shared purpose – to serve. On Serve Day, our mission becomes something you can actually see happening throughout our surrounding communities.”

More than 40 project sites covered the counties of Jefferson, Hamblen, Grainger, Cocke, Knox and Sevier. From Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies and Emerald Academy to Isaiah 117 House and TN Food on Foot, Carson-Newman teams worked to help others and show the love of Christ in the process.

“We want our students to recognize that God has given each of them unique gifts, abilities, and opportunities that can be used to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Folk. “Serve Day gives them an opportunity to put that calling into action.”

Folk noted that the day featured a new component aimed at growing additionalinvolvement.

“One of the things I was especially excited about this year was welcoming Carson-Newman alumni to participate alongside students, faculty and staff. It seemed especially meaningful to invite them back to take part in an event that reflects so much of who we are as a university.”

Folk also noted that for the first time, graduate students were involved in the day’s projects.

The day’s overarching message coinciding with a meaningful time in the life of the University was not lost on Folk.

“During the University’s 175th anniversary year, I think it carries even greater significance,” Folk reflected. “We get to celebrate Carson-Newman’s legacy not only by looking back at where we have been, but by continuing to live out that legacy through the way we love and serve our neighbors today.”