* GRACE *

New campus!

My husband and I went to the George Wythe College Gala last night and had a wonderful time. I didn’t know many people personally, but we were introduced to several people whom I’d wanted to meet and had at least seen before. It was a black-tie event, so I had to find a formal floor-length dress. That was no easy feat! It took me several days of shopping to find something. I wore a lovely black skirt with a top layer organza (1/2 price) with a simple, but pretty pinkish/purple top (1/2 price as well). My neighbor helped me curl and pull up my hair. I must have had 20 bobby-pins in my hair. I even wore high heels for ease in dancing (which we didn’t do a lot of). David looked smashing in his rented black tux. We haven’t dressed up formally since our wedding in 1997. It’s been almost 10 years!

The Gala was a fund-raising event for the college. Tickets are not inexpensive. I wish I could say we donated to attend, but due to a friend, we were able to go. We arrived to complimentary valet parking under the Sky Walk at the Wells Fargo Building in downtown Salt Lake City. We were greeted by several young men in suits who guided us to the elevators. We rode it up to the 24th floor and from there we walked down the staircase to the 23rd floor. We were greeted by several student ambassadors who were very cordial and friendly. Servers went around giving appetizers and drinks of pineapple juice.

Once they were ready to begin, we stood and listened to the architect who unveiled the model and drawings of the planned GWU campus (we happened to be standing in front of it as they took the cover off of it). When he was done speaking and after a brief time of socializing we were shown to our table. I didn’t know anyone at our table, but we all introduced ourselves. Our student ambassador let us know that the centerpiece was for sale as well. (We bought one since we felt we could and should donate to the college in some way.) The program began with a prayer from a Spiritual Leader of the Northern Ute/Paiute. Dr. Shanon Brooks introduced us to the plans for GWU. The plans are for GWC to be accredited by the Fall of 2008 (if I remember correctly). Plans were unveiled for a classical college campus (no need for cars!) and a new location as well in Monticello, UT. Over 50 acres (someone else said 300+) of land have been purchased or donated. If I remember correctly, it was said that they expect the campus in Monticello to be open by 2013. My oldest will be 14 then. So when she attends GWU around her 18th year, it’ll be in Monticello! (If you don’t know where Monticello, UT is, it’s in southeast Utah north of the four corners area and southeast of Canyonlands National Park.) I’m absolutely amazed at the vision of GWU, idealistic-yes, but completely possible!

Dr. Andrew Groft spoke of the Renaissance of Kings, and he showed this very touching video (I was crying before it got very far in, as I’d seen it before).

It really made me think more about what I do for my children and others. Mr. James Farrell, author of The Peacegiver and mentor from The Arbinger Institute, spoke of relationships and of thinking about people as people and not objects. For example, when we’re not happy about something we usually blame others and instead of them being people to us they become the objects of our anger or frustration. (Another wonderful book to read: Bonds that Make Us Free).

We ate delicious food during the program as well. Our menu:
Artisan Rolls and Herbed Butter
Cucumber ribbon Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Tenderloin of Beef and Seasoned Prawns
Sauteed Spinach, Potato Mash, Light Garlic Sauce
Macerated Fresh Berries and Chantilly Cream

We had dancing after the program concluded. David and I didn’t get to dance much (so much for the high heels), but instead we talked with others. Our friend and neighbor, Diann Jeppson, introduced us to several of her friends and colleagues of the Liber League. We finally left just before 11 pm. I was very tired, but I had a wonderful time. Events like this are out of my comfort zone most of the time, but I’m slowly getting over it.

I encourage you to consider donating to George Wythe College in some way or other, big or small. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. Anyway you can help will be greatly appreciated. A small and simple thing I’ve been doing is using GoodSearch.com. When you first go to the link, you’ll see two text boxes. In the bottom one, type in George Wythe College and click on the “verify” button. At that point you can do a search and for each search (with some exceptions) GoodSearch will donate money to GWC (their name needs to be in the bottom text box or your search will go to a random charity). If you have questions about it, click here. Last year, they raised about $65 for the whole year, but this year, they’ve raised over $200 already. The more the word is spread and the more it’s used, the more GWC gets. And it’s free to you! I’ve been perfectly happy with their search engine and haven’t had a problem yet. Try it!