Hiwassee College Alumni Honor Mom

This past Saturday (Nov 8), Dad, Ashley, Alex & I had the honor of attending the Alumni Association luncheon during Homecoming weekend at Hiwassee College. We were honored to be asked to accept an award in Special Recognition in honor of all Mom's work and support of the College and the Alumni Association. Ray & Tammy Johnson are both graduates of Hiwassee as well as Ray's mother, Dude. They joined us for the luncheon and, thanks to Ray, we will soon have pictures of the event to add to this post. It was such a special day to be among those former professors, classmates and fellow alums that Mom had shared such a special connection. We could not possibly name everyone who played a part in this recognition ceremony, nor could we name all those in attendance both physically and in spirit who were there on Saturday in support of Mom, but we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Ted Witt provided us with the script from Saturday that was presented by himself and Carolynn Greenwood. We would like to share it with you...

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD - 2008
GLENDA McCARTER JOHNSON

Introduction of Award - Ted Witt
When the Alumni Board of Governors revised the by-laws of the Association a few years ago, a provision was added to the guidelines for the Awards and Honors Committee that simply states "Upon recommendation of the Awards and Honors Committee and approval of both the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors, an award of Special Recognition may be given." At that time, the Board of Governors had no specific person in mind to receive the award, but merely wanted to make provision for such a special recognition in the event that there might be a deserving person at a later time. Little did we know that such an occasion would come so soon!

Presenting the first ever Hiwassee College Alumni Association Award of Special Recognition is Carolynn Greenwood, a member of the Awards and Honors Committee.

Presentation - Carolynn Greenwood
There is not a more fitting person for whom this inaugural Award of Special Recognition could be given. The honoree's life embodied the "Hiwassee Spirit." Those privileged to serve with Glenda Johnson on the Board of Governors were constantly amazed by her countenance, her creativity and multi-tasking energy. Even when battling for her life during the last two years, she always had a smile and positive word to say and was looking for more ways to spread the good word about Hiwassee. Glenda was a person who "brought the party with her"... when she walked in the room, the atmosphere changed.

When Glenda presided at the meetings of the Board of Governors during her years as President, she always seemed to have a "surprise" to make the experience more memorable. Many of us have t-shirts, name tags, Christmas ornaments or unique awards that she gave to us. Her fervor and attention left us with the impression that Hiwassee College was the only "extra-curricular" thing in her life. But those who knew Glenda best know that the same energy she brought to Hiwassee was also given to many other organizations close to her heart. These included her church, various community groups, Girl Scouts, 4-H, PTO, many school activities, the Tennessee and National Auctioneers Association Auxiliary, the local Election Commission and her political party. All of this was in addition to keeping up with husband Charlie and raising an outstanding family.

Watching Glenda spread her contagious spirit around a room caused many of us to scratch our heads and ask, "Where in the world does she get all of that energy, creativity and motivation." On further reflection we agree that she must have been infected by it between the Fall of 1964 and Summer of 1966 while a student at Hiwassee! While Monroe County red clay was getting between her toes and Hiwassee spring water was being absorbed into her body, she busied herself with campus activities such as her studies, freshman class secretary responsibilities and Civenettes. Glenda's Hiwassee experiences played a major role in molding the direction of her life and her commitment to making the world a better place. She certainly did that and in so doing set a very high standard for all of us.

At this time, I invite Glenda's husband, Charlie Johnson and Glenda's family to join me here.

The contributions Glenda made to her church, her community and to Hiwassee College are immeasurable. There is no award, plaque or monument that adequately represents their enormity; however, to leave them unrecognized would be a serious oversight. It is with pride that we present this token of our appreciation to you and the family. The inscription is ...

In grateful appreciation for unselfish service,
tireless dedication,
and unwavering loyalty to Hiwassee College and its ministry.

Glenda set an example for all alumni as
an excellent student,
a generous donor,
a faithful member and
admirable President of the Alumni Association.

Granted, with deep appreciation, by the Hiwassee College Alumni Association -
November 8, 2008

In addition, this [separate] plaque will be placed in the Laycock Alumni Center. Its inscription reads...

Glenda's two student years at Hiwassee were filled with a variety of activities that established her as a popular leader and a faithful believer in the value of a Hiwassee education.

Upon graduation in 1966, Glenda became an enthusiastic advocate of the college. Her initiative in promoting the college was soon rewarded by her selection as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Governors. Her creative and eager leadership was further affirmed when she was elected to serve as the Association's President during 2005 and 2006.

Glenda's presidential years were characterized by her boundless energy, contagious smile, enthusiastic attitude, steady leadership, unique foresight, cooperative spirit and deep appreciation for the value of her "Hiwassee Experience." She was determined to help make it possible for other students to have the opportunity to be blessed by their own "Hiwassee Experience."

As Glenda willingly and passionately told her "Hiwassee Story," it made a significant impact on all to whom it was told - other alumni, Board Governors, students, faculty, staff, friends, prospective students and sometimes even strangers. She set a challenging and lasting example for all proud Hiwassee College graduates.

"Thank you," Glenda, from all who are blessed by your spirit!