Carson-Newman students, staff and family members, led by president Charles A. Fowler and his wife, Sandra, participate in the annual prayerwalk on campus.
JEFFERSON CITY — It’s a Carson-Newman University tradition that can be measured in some 450 steps, less than a quarter of a mile. But what takes place within a six-minute walk, is remembered by families long after it’s over.
The morning of Saturday, Aug. 13, was no different, as new families experienced the event firsthand. At the start of each fall semester, the University holds a ceremony, welcoming new students and their families arriving to campus.
Held in the sanctuary of Jefferson City’s First Baptist Church, the gathering concludes with an annual event affectionately known as the “Prayer Walk.”
Led by C-N president Charles A. Fowler and his wife, Sandra, parents walk with their student from the sanctuary, exiting the front of the church to Russell Avenue where they process up the street, ultimately gathering on the grounds of Henderson Humanities Building.
Families often describe the event as “powerful” and “meaningful” — not because of the walk, but that along their way to the center of campus, faculty, staff and administrators, form lines on both sides of the walkway in silent prayer.
Members of Carson-Newman University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) pray over an incoming student, center, at the conclusion of the University’s prayerwalk.
Marking this new chapter of life in prayer may be one of the best examples of what “community” means at Carson-Newman.
“Going off to college can understandably be a difficult time of adjustment for students and families,” Fowler said.
“As a father of two daughters, I distinctly remember when each left home for college. It was a time of mixed emotions. Our faculty and staff understand this. That is why as a Christian university we see this as an opportunity to come alongside our new families and lift them up in prayer and support” he said.
“We love our students, and our annual Prayer Walk is but one way that we as a campus community have the opportunity to showcase our Christ-centered mission.”
Jonathan Akin, vice president for church relations and campus ministries, says the event reflects the heart of the university.
“We are a Christian university. Because of that, we want Christ to be at the center of everything we do,” Akin said.
Akin said his desire is that the tradition is one that is reflected on fondly for years to come. “We really want to make sure it is a meaningful experience that families will be able to look back on this together and say ‘that was really awesome.’ We hope it crystalizes the whole weekend experience for families.” B&R
