Southern Wesleyan University celebrates a new gathering place
Students roast marshmallows and enjoy gathering around the Dr. Todd Voss Fire Pit, dedicated Sept. 18 at Southern Wesleyan University in Central. The fire pit was a gift from J. Davis Construction Company, builders of Joiner-Hilson.
The Southern Wesleyan University community was joined by J. Davis Construction in a dedication of the Dr. Todd Voss Fire Pit Sept. 18 at Joiner-Hilson Complex.
The fire pit was a gift of J. Davis Construction, builders of Joiner-Hilson, and was named in honor of Southern Wesleyan’s president as a testament to his vision for building an innovative living and learning community on the Central campus. Situated in the courtyard of Joiner-Hilson, the university’s new living and learning community, the fire pit will offer a relaxing setting for outdoor gatherings throughout the year.
“To me this fire pit represents strong relationships that get built around conversation and around the unique sense of community development that occurs at SWU,” said Voss. “I love students and I love to see what happens in the lives of students as they develop through these kinds of intentional opportunities that are developed here.”
Joel Davis of J. Davis Construction expressed gratitude to Voss for his vision as he talked about his company’s decision to donate the fire pit.
“I think God gives each of us gifts. I like building buildings, but I also like building people. This vision (Joiner-Hilson) was to recruit students and to grow their relationship with Christ. I realized that in that moment, we were going to be on His team to fulfill a mission that’s the same as ours,” Davis said.
“Some of my most deep-seated memories of experiences with Christ were had around the fire,” said Dr. Chris Confer, vice president for student life at Southern Wesleyan. “I believe it’s biblical to tell stories around the fire of what God has done in our lives and I have no doubt this will be a place of relationship building on this campus.
“There are a few things in my generation and the next generation that just bring people together: food – specifically pizza – video games, sports and a fire pit. It just brings people together,” said Matt Thorpe, residence director at Joiner-Hilson. “I had one student tell me ‘it’s just no fun making s’mores in a microwave.’”
Rev. Ken Dill, associate vice president for spiritual life and university chaplain, led those who gathered in a litany of dedication. In addition to administration, faculty and staff, the university’s board of visitors and representatives of J. Davis Construction attended the dedication.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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