Grandparents and Union

My mom went to Chattanooga last weekend and brought back 3 Union Yearbooks and a XO newsletter. I have had fun looking through them and thought I would share a few pictures of my Grandparents that are in the yearbooks.

Sophomore year

These two were from the XO pages in 1946.

She was mentioned in the above picture (Janie Murphey)

My grandmother marked all of her pictures with an "x" which makes it easy to find her in the pages of these books!

1947, Junior Year

"Murphey counts the cash" We were both G.N.V. at Upsilon!

"X and a horseshoe"

Senior Year

Pictured here on the XO page as G.H.

Again with the "X"

Union University Graduate!

Granddaddy (James Oakes) on the yearbook staff.

Granddaddy with the "X"

This was the cover of the Upsilon Newsletter. The next few pictures are from this newsletter.

Most Valuable Member

Jessica's Graduation

I am still trying to catch up on blogging since I had so many Disney memories to share!

The day after we got back from Disney, Jessica graduated with her Masters in Nursing from Union! She had graduation activities throughout the day and then we joined her and her family for dinner, graduation, and celebrated a little more back at the house. Congrats Jessica! We are so proud of you and know you are so glad to be finished with school!!

Family Tradition and Sweet Memories

This weekend my mom found some of my grandmother's things from her days at UU and following her graduation. I thought it was pretty appropriate to find this the weekend of UU's homecoming. I unfortunately was unable to attend because of work, but it all brought back sweet memories of my grandmother and my time at UU. My grandparents met at Union and had a part in helping me decide to go to school there. How sweet to think that my grandparents went to school there before me and while the school had moved since they attended, it always made me think about them as I walked the halls and through the campus. I am grateful they were both able to attend my graduation making it even more special to me. Attending Union has become somewhat of a family tradition with my mom going back to school to get her Masters there and now my sister-in-law is in grad school there, too. Who knows what the future brings with future generations from our family possibly attending good ole UU!


Another family tradition of joining Chi Omega started with my grandmother. What a special bond to share! She and my mom were both able to attend my initiation.

The Unionite looks a little different, doesn't it!?!

A Beautiful Spring Wedding

This past Saturday was one of the sweetest weddings I have ever been to. A friend from Union wanted to get married in a field and found a perfect location for her wedding. It was so beautiful! While it did threaten to rain and sprinkled some, the rain clouds moved away as the bride walked down the isle. Her reception was in the barn by the field. Cookies and fresh milk were served as the groom's cake and there was even a photo booth for guests to get pictures and leave one for the bride and groom in their scrapbook...such a cute idea! Other than my allergies going crazy, it was so fun! I enjoyed visiting with friends I had not seen in a few years, too!

Friends from Union!

The beautiful bride visiting with guests.

Stacie and Landon

The photo booth! So fun!!





A picture perfect wedding!

Corker Praises Union for Inspiring the Nation

Great article from http://www.uu.edu/news/newsreleases/release.cfm?ID=1286

Corker praises Union for inspiring the nation

JACKSON, Tenn. – February 9, 2008 – Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker praised Union University’s leadership, students and community Feb. 8 for the inspiring way they responded to the devastating tornado that struck the campus Feb. 5.

“The devastation here is hard to visualize, even on TV,” said Corker, R-Tenn., in remarks during a press conference. “To see (the destruction) in person really makes such a lasting impression. To see the people in this area, the way they’ve responded, it’s incredibly heart-warming.

“The nation focused on this outstanding university and I have to tell you the way the students handled themselves here has inspired a nation. I know that Union’s leaders can be awfully proud of these students.”

As Corker toured the campus with David S. Dockery, Union president, he stopped to tell groups of students how proud he was of them.

“There was no loss of life. I think that was an absolute miracle,” Corker said. “I’m glad to be in the presence of the wonderful people who make up this university and certainly to be around so many people in this community who are pitching in to help each other.”

Before Corker’s Friday afternoon visit to Union, he had spent the day with President George Bush in Macon County surveying damage from the tornado in that area. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who was also with Bush and Corker in Macon, plans to visit the Union campus Monday.

Bush signed the paperwork Thursday night naming Madison County a disaster area, meaning people in that county are eligible to apply for federal aid.

In his remarks during the press conference, Dockery thanked Corker for coming to campus and giving support to the university community.

“It is inspiring and encouraging for all of us at Union University to receive a visit from (Sen. Corker), to receive his affirmation, to know of his care and concern for our students, as well as our faculty and staff, at this particular time,” Dockery said.

“We have moved over the last 48 hours from an emergency crisis mode to a time of recovery today with volunteers on campus to help,” he continued. “We’re focused on the future and moving forward. That could not have happened without all the people who have come out to support us including the (Jackson and Madison County) mayors, Jackson police and fire departments, emergency and health care personnel, and of course, our great students here at this university.”

Corker also commended the workers and volunteers for their efforts.

“My hat’s off to the city mayor, the county mayor, the EMS workers – all the people who pitched in,” he said. “And, certainly to your great university leader who has had a vision here over the last 13 years, and I know is now having to focus on things he wasn’t planning to focus on.”

Corker encouraged students and people in the community displaced by the tornado to call (800)621-FEMA to receive assistance in finding a place to live.

By Andrea Turner ('08)

Union University Tribute

"Praise You in This Storm"

Jelks and Jones

Wingo on the left and Jelks on the right. Lived in Wingo 7 Fall 2001 and Jelks 6 Fall 2002.


I lived in Jones 1 Fall of 2003 and Spring of 2004.

After seeing these pictures, I am so thankful everyone at Union survived. God protected the students on Union University's Campus last night and the Union community praised Him in this storm. Remember and pray for the Union and Jackson community over the next few days and weeks to come as the clean up and rebuilding process takes place.

(Thanks to Claire for sharing her pics with me.)

Union Update

All students who were trapped have been rescued and are being treated for injuries!!

Pray for Union and Jackson Community

Union University was damaged in the tornado tonight. Some students may still be trapped in the dorms. Please pray for the students tonight and in the coming weeks.
http://www.uu.edu/