JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 20, 2022 — During Union’s bicentennial kick-off celebration, Union University’s Office of Institutional Advancement will host a bake-off competition featuring 10 local bakers. Buster’s Bicentennial Bake-Off will be hosted on the Great Lawn Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.
Jason Vaughan, director of development at Union, said this fun event is a special way to invite the local community to partner with Union University while it kicks off its bicentennial anniversary celebration.
“We have a mix of local bakers, alumni bakers and current Union family bakers all helping us celebrate with our campus community,” Vaughan said. “We hope community members will find a favorite baker and enjoy this special way to celebrate Union’s bicentennial.”
Callie Bearden, owner of Callie Clara’s Confections and daughter of Union president Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, said it is an honor for her to participate in Union’s bicentennial event as her UU family celebrates God’s faithfulness together. Union is such a big part of who she is, Bearden said, so when she heard about the bake-off, she knew it was a great opportunity to show her support.
“Ultimately, God is going to get to glory for Union’s past 200 years and its 200 years to come,” Bearden said. “It’s special to see how those who hold on to biblical truth last because God is the one who provides and cares and makes it stronger over time.”
Bearden started baking by watching others on social media, and it has become a way for her to channel her artistic creativity through food.
“I think food, in general, is a great way for people to connect, and I love seeing how decorated cookies allow for great conversation starters,” Bearden said.
Chelsea Jones, a 2005 Union graduate and owner of Iced By Chelsea, was planning to attend Union’s bicentennial celebration with her husband, a member of Union’s Proclamation alumni group. When she heard about Union’s bake-off competition, she knew it was a great way to participate in the celebration as well.
“[My husband and I] grew so much as Union students, and Union shaped me to who I am today,” Jones said. “We have mourned with Union when tragedy struck, and we have rejoiced with Union as the campus has flourished.”
Jones started baking for her community in 2019 as a way to spend more time with her family, and she said the universal support she has received from the community of bakers has been a special gift for her.
The winner of Buster’s Bicentennial Bake-Off will be determined by Union’s bicentennial committee and will receive a decorative cake stand. To learn more about Union’s bake-off competition and other bicentennial events, visit uu.edu/200/present/.