Journey is the institutional magazine of Carson-Newman University. Journey tells stories of Carson-Newman students, faculty and alumni of the University.
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/50035
When Vickie Butler '76 was named to lead the office in 1989 she says the relationship functioned on a familial plane as well as a professional level. "She was the perfect partner," extolled Butler, now a major giſts officer for the University. "We developed a 'mother /daughter' type relationship – I still call her 'mom' – and that created an added dimension to our work. We truly shared great respect and love for each other yet never lost our professional edge and individ- uality to voice our ideas and dreams for a stronger to- morrow. We kept our eye on the big picture and never wavered from our mission for C-N to be recognized as the best among our peers." While Howard taught math on one side of campus, JoAnn worked on the other to make connections im- portant for the University's future. Together, the pair served a combined 71 years on C-N's staff and faculty. Having established the Howard and JoAnn Chitwood Math Scholarship some time back, son Jeff and his wife Julie '78 liked the balance of flipping the order as a way to honor his mother's diligent service. The lovely brick rancher built for the Hale clan half a century ago has yielded its now antiquated 1960s mo- dernity for 21st century function. As the JoAnn and Howard Chitwood Alumni Center at Hale Place, it will serve alumni and the campus community. While the technology it features will be different, its purpose remains on a grand scale – to give a family a home. NEW ALUMNI FACILITY HONORS MANY Standing at the intersection of Russell Avenue and Mountcastle Street, the Chitwood Center at Hale Place is the optimal location, says David Buchanan '79, director of Alumni Relations. "This project has been encouraging on a num- ber of levels," said Buchanan. "From the vision of Angelia Morie Nystorm '89, it moved quickly from dream to concept and then reality, thanks to generous donors and broad alumni support. I am especially pleased that the Chitwood Center will be like a front porch for family when they come home." The original home was bequeathed to the Col- lege by Julius David Hale. Several possible uses he sanctioned included its development as a fa- cility to serve alumni, and, as Buchanan notes, "That's exactly what it will do." Guests will enter through a foyer between the John '41 and Mary Louise '44 Shults Gather- ing Room and the (Dr. Ross) Brummett/(Joe Bill) Sloan Conference Room. The Ottinger Family Kitchen, donated by Marie Ottinger-Tipps '58 to honor five generations of C-N alumni, is located between the conference area and near the Gary L. Morie Archives. What were three bedrooms have been trans- formed into workspace that includes offices named for Robert '72 and Karen Gay '72, the Saulsberry/Charton Family and the Cook Fam- ily, which was given by Marion '55 and Kathryn '56 to denote C-N family ties from 1923 until now. The W.E. and Bessie V. Gilliam Sunroom, named for Julie Chitwood's grandparents, leads to a patio that connects to the gathering area. The Jim '64 and Irene '66 Murphy Alumni Gar- den is located in what was the home's backyard. Future plans include a renovated landscape and barbeque. Howard and JoAnn are joined by son Jeff and his wife Julie at the October Homecoming celebration. JOURNEY fall 2011 11 Charles Key