Ruth Graham speaks at WOV Annual Gathering

^{Carson-Newman hosted more than 100 guests for this year’s Women of Vision Annual Gathering. Those attending included (left to right), Donna Hooker of Knoxville, Mary Brandes and Polly Tibbetts both of Saint Petersburg, Fla, Ruth Graham, and Carson-Newman’s Kay O’Brien.}

(Feb. 24, 2014)– Carson-Newman University’s Women of Vision held their Annual Gathering Saturday, Feb. 22, at Stokely Memorial Cafeteria on campus. The event featured Ruth Graham as the event’s featured speaker.

A daughter of the famed Rev. Billy Graham, and a popular speaker and author in her own right, Graham is honorary chair for Women of Vision. Though not an alumna, she has devoted much time and energy to the University and the women’s organization.

“Our vision is to engage women in service to this wonderful institution,” Graham said.

She took a moment to mention the ailing health of her father and asked for prayers for comfort and peace.

Graham challenged the audience to live with intention, using the Biblical story of the woman at the well to illustrate.

“Are you living just somewhat?” she asked. “Would you like to live triumphantly? That is your calling.”

She closed with a challenge to the students of Carson-Newman. “We have an opportunity to impact the world from this place. I invite you to participate in something much larger.”

Kay O’Brien, Carson-Newman’s First Lady and WOV president, announced possible upcoming projects for 2014. From the University’s Appalachian Center to the Science Building and Tarr Music Center, the group continues to look at opportunities to enhance the beauty of Carson-Newman’s campus.

Projects discussed included installing a swing on Henderson Lawn, refurnish the third floor study room in Swann Residence Hall, install two stained glass windows, and provide monetary assistance toward the Warren Art Building’s window project.

“There are no limits to how God might use you and how God is using us through Women of Vision,” said O’Brien. “We will be faithful to offer whatever God has placed in our hands. Together we will produce so much more than we can on our own.”

During the gathering, Donna Harmon of White Pine, delivered the morning’s devotion, while Associate Professor of Music Dr. Angela Holder sang “You Raise Me Up.”

Alumna Mary Brandes provided an alumni reflection.

“As an educator I so believe in the power of Christian higher education,” said Brandes, class of 1971. “My husband and I are committed to Carson-Newman as a primary area of our giving.”

New officers for 2014-15 were voted on and include: Kay O’Brien, president; Anne Marie Potts, chair; Kathy May, vice-chair; Mira Craine, treasurer; Linda Sellars, communication chair; Pam Harmon, events chair; Jennifer Bates, fundraising chair; Sheila Wiggins, member at large chair; Amy Stover, membership chair.

The Women of Vision organization is a group of inspired women seeking to glorify God and further His kingdom by nurturing truth, enhancing beauty and enriching goodness through the Carson-Newman experience.

For more information about Carson-Newman’s Women of Vision, visit: cn.edu/wov