On Tuesday evening, Oct. 1, faculty in residence Jason Crawford and Frank Anderson hosted the first of a series of fireside forums in the Bowld fireplace room, featuring guest Samuel W. Oliver, President of Union University.
Students began to fill the room and help themselves to the coffee and pastries that had been set out for them. Oliver, Crawford and Anderson mingled throughout the room, catching up with students they already knew and meeting a few new faces. As voices filled the room, many students expressed excitement about hearing the conversation that was about to take place.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to see faculty and professors outside of their normal context,” said Bekah Lisle, junior history and philosophy double major. “It’s especially good to get to know the faculty in residence.”
The group of about 15-20 students gathered around the fireplace as Oliver, Crawford and Anderson took their seats at the front of the room.
Crawford welcomed the group and shared his vision for the night and for this series of forums.
“We want to have lively and thoughtful and forcefully intelligent conversations,” said Crawford.
As the conversation got started, Oliver began telling stories about his life, naturally creating a homey environment for the students around him.
Oliver told students about how it came about that he served in the Air Force for two years after graduating college. As he talked about winning the airman of the month award and becoming the “base trophy,” he turned to his left and to his right to fist bump Crawford and Anderson.
He shared the story of how he met his wife Susie, telling students that “love at first sight” may be legitimate after all. He spoke of what it was like growing up Catholic and how he got to where he is now. He even shared a few memory tricks of how he remembers the names of students on campus.
Students were engaged in the conversation as Oliver spoke. Laughter occasionally filled the room as Oliver’s stories unfolded.
Throughout this conversation, Oliver connected with students as he talked about how his experiences shaped and formed him. Sympathizing with students, Oliver reminded them that it often takes courage to obey the Lord.
“In order to make a decision to do what God has called you to do, you have to say no to some things,” said Oliver.
He encouraged students to remain faithful to the Lord even in seasons of uncertainty or change.
“Your presence on this campus is extraordinary,” said Crawford as he thanked Oliver for being the first guest at fireside forum.
The next fireside forum will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, featuring guest Cindy Boyles, a faculty member at the University of Tennessee at Martin and project director of the Jackson-Madison county community remembrance project.
Photo courtesy of Neil Cole
