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nable young people to
draw upon the resources of religious wisdom as they think through
their vocational choices and to consider the ministry as a profession
they might pursue.
Maryville received $1,999,906 for its implementation grant proposal
written by Dr. Bill Meyer, Maryville College associate professor
of religion and philosophy, entitled "The Maryville College
Initiative on Vocation." The grant will support the College's
Initiative on Vocation from January 2002 through August 2006.
"Since Sept. 11, young Americans have begun to look to their
faith and to their futures with a greater seriousness and sense
of purpose," Meyer said. "The Maryville College Initiative
on Vocation will give students an integrated four-year opportunity
to explore and consider their future lives and work in relation
to a sense of calling and wider purpose - and how that purpose
relates to their religious faith or existential convictions.
"The Initiative will help students discern whether their
calling is into areas such as business, education, medicine, law
or ministry by enabling them to examine their own interests and
talents, as well as to listen and talk to people experienced in
and dedicated to various callings and professions," he added.
The Initiative includes the establishment of a Center for Calling
and Career and integrates into the Maryville experience and curriculum
the concept of "calling" or vocation through advisor/mentor
retreats, vocation dinners, summer internships, expanded service
and diagnostic inventories.
Encouragement for students to consider ordained ministry and/or
serious lay-leadership in the church is outlined in the Initiative.
Fu
Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state‘s third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2012 semester was 1,093.
