Belmont Magazine Spring 2022 by Belmont University

F I R ST LOO K As the semester wound down, students enjoyed a game of Spike Ball in the shadow of the new Jack C. Massey Center, currently under construction with an anticipated opening in Fall 2023.

A Word from the President YEAR ONE IS IN THE BOOKS!

BELMONT MAGAZINE

As Susan and I reflect on our first year at Belmont, we find ourselves returning again and again to themes of wonder and gratitude. First, wonder at all that was achieved during the academic year through the dedication of our faculty, staff and students, even in the midst of the ongoing challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brought to bear. We stand amazed at the creativity and entrepreneurial mindset this campus demonstrates, qualities vital to both supporting our institutional priorities and allowing us to tackle new and exciting opportunities.

Belmont Magazine is published semiannually by University Marketing and Communications for nearly 50,000 alumni and friends of Belmont University.

Secondly, we are grateful. We are exceedingly thankful for the work we get to do together with the Belmont community, and it’s been a wonderful delight to get to know so many exceptional individuals who make Belmont such a special place. People like “Belmont Betty”… the women’s basketball matriarch who lit up ESPN through her vibrant and effusive support of the Bruins during March Madness. And faculty member Jose Gonzalez, who on top of educating thousands of Belmont students throughout his career, is also committed to making a difference in his community, as demonstrated when he was recently honored with a statewide resolution for his work as co-founder of Conexion Americas. And the incoming Fall 2022 Presidential Scholars who, at 18, possess such strong vision for how their majors and ensuing careers will make the world a better place. The names and stories are endless. You’ll see more examples in the pages of this publication, and I hope you’ll be following Belmont on your social media channels of choice in the months to come as we share even more inspirational stories of how the people of Belmont are spreading truth, beauty and goodness through their lives and deeds.

Cheers,

MANAGING EDITOR

April Hefner (M.A. ’07) DESIGNERS

Erica Belletete Gina Cutarelli (B.F.A. ’15), Mary Puls (B.F.A. ’20) UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Sam Simpkins CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Luke Bolanos (M.S.A. ’14) Hope Buckner (B.S. ’12, M.Ed. ‘17) Haley Charlton (B.A. ’16) Julia Couch (B.S. ’16) Jennifer Justus Charlotte Maracina (B.A. ’22) Greg Sage CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Nicole Minyard ADDRESS UPDATES

For address updates, email AdvancementServices@belmont.edu. CONTACT BELMONT MAGAZINE STAFF

Email: communication@belmont.edu Mail: Belmont Magazine Belmont University Freeman Hall Third Floor 1900 Belmont Blvd. Nashville, TN 37212

Greg Jones

Greg and Susan Jones with “Belmont Betty” Wiseman

Nondiscrimination statement: Belmont University is a Christian community. The University faculty, administration, and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics, and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or sexual orientation in its administration of education policies programs or activities; its admissions policies; or employment. Consistent with applicable civil rights law, the University seeks employees of Christian faith who are committed to the mission of the University. The University has appointed the director of the Office of Human Resources to serve as coordinator of compliance with Title VII and IX issues and questions for staff and faculty. The Director of Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs serves as coordinator of compliance for Title IX issues and questions for students. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to: Lauri Chaudoin, Director, Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs, Freeman Hall, 3rd Floor, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615.460.5661. Email: lauri. chaudoin@belmont.edu. Leslie Lenser, Chief Human Resources Officer/Sr. Director & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Office of Human Resources, Fidelity Hall, Room 426, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615.460.6456. Email: leslie.lenser@ belmont.edu. For more information on Belmont’s nondiscrimination policy, visit www.belmont.edu/nondiscrimination.

A WO R D F R O M T H E P RE S ID ENT

Campus News WELCO ME TO BE L MO N T !

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES New leaders were appointed this spring to guide and direct several new initiatives Belmont is launching.

CHA Z CO R Z I N E Executive Director, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

D R . CARS H O N DA MAR TI N Assistant Provost of Student Success & Flourishing

Longtime music industry executive Chaz Corzine was named in January as the founding executive director for the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. A 35-plus-year music industry veteran, Corzine will lead the Fisher Center’s artistic vision, help shape the strategic program direction and assist in building a brand that communicates the center as a place of hopeinspiring community engagement through art and storytelling. Formerly at East Tennessee State University, Dr. Carshonda Martin joined Belmont this spring as the assistant provost of Student Success and Flourishing, a new division that will provide academic and co-curricular support to guide students’ transition into and throughout their college careers. The new initiative will also centralize efforts for onboarding and supporting students transferring to Belmont from community colleges or other four-year institutions. To support its vision of being a University that helps solve the world’s most complex problems, Belmont also announced the appointment of Dr. Josh Yates, a leading cultural and community sociologist, nonprofit executive and social innovator. Yates will serve as the Founding Executive Director of the Belmont University Transformational Innovation Hub, a new initiative focused on developing a generation of Christ-animated innovators who collaboratively design and implement creative solutions to complex societal problems. 

D R . J OS H YATE S Executive Director, Transformational Innovation Hub

MOTION PICTURES PROGRAM NAMED

TOP 30 IN THE NATION BY VARIETY

$15 MILLION GIFT LEADS TO NEW JACK C. MASSEY CENTER Barbara Massey Rogers and the Jack C. Massey Foundation jointly announced a new $15 million gift to Belmont, matching the largest single gift in history. The donation— which secures the naming rights to an underconstruction building—continues a longstanding tradition of generous support of Belmont by the Massey family while honoring the legacy of one of the greatest entrepreneurs and businessmen in American history. The new facility, to be named the Jack C. Massey Center, will be located on 15th Avenue and will be home to the University’s Admissions Welcome Center, the recently launched Belmont Data Collaborative and the Cone Center for Entrepreneurship, among other entities. Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones added, “Jack Massey’s leadership and support was pivotal to Belmont’s growth, transformation and impact. With this new gift we will be able to extend that impact even further, inspiring every student, employee and visitor to our campus with the entrepreneurial spirit, moral character and innovative leadership Jack demonstrated with exceptional effectiveness throughout his career.” In light of the new facility being built and named in Jack Massey’s honor, the previously named Jack C. Massey Business Center, facing Wedgewood Avenue, will be renamed the Barbara Massey Rogers Center. The Massey College of Business celebrates its 50th anniversary this fall. 

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Campus News

FRIST COLLEGE OF MEDICINE ANNOUNCES RECEIPT OF ‘CANDIDATE STATUS’

Cornwall (left) with Gortmaker

ENTREPRENEUR SCHOLARSHIPS: BELMONT ANNOUNCES JEFFREY R. CORNWALL LEGACY LAUNCH FUND

The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University learned in April it had earned “Candidate Status” from its accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The next step in the accreditation process will involve a site visit from the LCME to tour the College’s facilities, review submitted materials, receive updates on the progress of the new building and meet with various participants regarding planning, curriculum and the readiness of the admissions process and all student support services.

Since first coming to Belmont nearly 20 years ago, award recipients for the Cornwall Launch Professor of Entrepreneurship Dr. Jeff Cornwall Fund will be considered through an annual has built a legacy based on helping students start, self-nomination process and reviewed by an grow and make their entrepreneurial ventures award committee with representatives from the “Establishing the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of stand out. Before his May retirement, and in entrepreneurship faculty, the Cone Center for Medicine is another tangible way for Belmont honor of his longstanding commitment to Entrepreneurship, prior award recipients and to embrace and serve our neighbors throughout students, the Cone Center for Entrepreneurship successful entrepreneurial alumni. Middle Tennessee and beyond,” said Belmont surprised him with the establishment of the President Dr. Greg Jones. “Our curriculum “Enduring legacies are built on strong will lead the way for a more integrative and Jeffrey R. Cornwall Legacy Launch Fund. foundations, and as Jeff transitions to his next holistic approach to delivering healthcare, and The fund—established by alumni and phase, his legacy will be built on the many great will infuse health equity, advocacy and wholecommunity partners—will support a student or students and student ventures he has helped person care as we strive to achieve better health students whose entrepreneurial vision and spirit through his teaching and mentoring,” said and well-being for all.”  holds the potential to leave a legacy through Elizabeth Gortmaker, director of the Thomas F. the launch and growth of a venture. Potential Cone Center for Entrepreneurship. 

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HOMECOMING 2022

RUSSELL DICKERSON PRESENTED WITH 2022 CURTAIN CALL AWARD The School of Music honored multi-platinum the top songwriters in the industry, but his singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson (’11) with Belmont friends—and co-writers on his four the Curtain Call Award in February. Established No. 1 songs—are the ones who know him most. in 1995, the annual award honors commercial “It really is just writing with your people and music alumni who are using the foundation telling your story with people who can help you laid at Belmont to impact the world through tell it best.” music. Dickerson’s career since graduating from Belmont has been impressive. With four Many Belmont alumni have been honored with consecutive No. 1 hits – “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” the Curtain Call Award including songwriters, “Every Little Thing” and “Love You Like I Used instrumentalists, vocalists and industry leaders. To” — he toured this spring with Tim McGraw Previous winners include Josh Turner, Melinda before headlining an international run in the fall. Doolittle, Ginny Owens, Alvin Love III, Dwan Hill, Tammy Rogers King and others.  Ten years after graduating from Belmont, Dickerson’s college buddies are still his closest friends. He’s had the opportunity to write with

Hundreds of alumni, friends and family returned home to Belmont in February for a festival of university life, honoring more than 125 years of students, faith, education, community and excellence. Each day of the week-long event featured a unique, purposefilled opportunity for service and fun, including an alumni nonprofit fair, special guest lectures, a donor thank you luncheon, an impact investing summit, the annual Homecoming in the Round alumni concert, reunions, tailgating and numerous sporting and performing arts events. A highlight of the week was the inaugural Homecoming Spirit Parade, featuring studentbuilt floats and a caravan around The Lawn. 

FRESHMAN DESIGNS OFFICIAL TIN PAN SOUTH POSTER

WINNING WAYS

Watkins College of Art freshman Charlie Hartrich served as the mastermind behind the official Tin Pan South poster for the popular annual songwriter’s festival held in Nashville. Originally a class project, Hartrich’s design caught the eye of festival organizers.

Big achievements in Athletics this spring as baseball head coach Dave Jarvis joined an elite club of only 16 active Division 1 coaches with 700+ wins at the same school, while men’s tennis and baseball both won their regular season conference titles. 

“I was inspired by the idea that songwriters across America are all part of this festival and I think that is what music is mostly about: bringing people together and encouraging empathy,” said Hartrich.  ACHIEVES 100% ULTIMATE BAR PASSAGE RATE FOR 2018 AND 2019

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Campus News

SCHOOL OF NURSING CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY Belmont’s School of Nursing commemorated its 50th anniversary with a dinner and awards program honoring 50 outstanding alumni on May 14. “Legacy is said to be a gift from the past that helps create a better future,” said Dr. Cathy Taylor, dean of the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences & Nursing. “For 50 years, Belmont nurses have been recognized for excellence, service and care marked by genuine compassion. This tradition of excellence, grounded in science and shaped by humility and faith, is at the very heart and soul of a Belmont nurse— this strong foundation promises a future where anything is possible.” The School of Nursing’s inaugural class began in 1972 with 60 students pursuing associate nursing degrees. Today, the program has grown to more

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than 800 students on bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral tracks, and is the University’s secondlargest undergraduate major. Since its inception, the School has produced nearly 4,000 alumni who continue to champion better health and wellbeing for the many communities in which they serve. Program graduates have gone on to work in countless health care settings—from hospitals to community-based clinics, nonprofit organizations to long-term care facilities. Today, the School of Nursing boasts a 97 percent first destination rate with new graduates working or continuing their education within six months of graduating, and more than a decade of 100 percent first-time national FNP certification exam pass rate. 

1,328 GRADUATES AT MAY 2022 COMMENCEMENT 1,011 BACHELORS 117 M ASTER’S 247 DOCTOR AL

FIRST BDC DATA WAREHOUSE PROJECT FOCUSES ON HYPERTENSION The Belmont Data Collaborative (BDC) launched its first Data Warehouse project this spring, focused on gathering and analyzing publicly available data to develop creative solutions to Nashville’s hypertension challenges. The warehouse will be leveraged for many projects moving forward, all aimed at solving the world’s most complex problems. Given the incredible threat of hypertension in Nashville, particularly as the illness disproportionately impacts minority communities, the Data Warehouse working group, “Healthy Community Insights,” is seeking to find creative interventions to address high blood pressure throughout the Nashville area. Moving forward, the team will analyze aggregated data for insight into other challenges, health or otherwise, that keep people and communities throughout the mid-state region from flourishing.

Nearly one-third of adults in Nashville have been diagnosed as hypertensive, and that number increases for those without a high school diploma. Moreover, nearly half of African American adults in the city have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, compared to 27 percent of white, nonHispanic Nashvillians. Former Senator Bill Frist said, “To drive the change needed for a healthier, more equitable Nashville, we must understand the disparities and inequities that exist and work to remove the obstacles to health that many in our community face. I am excited to see how the solutions developed from the Data Warehouse projects— and collaborative efforts of the many organizations involved—ensure that every Nashvillian has a fair and just opportunity to a long, healthy life.” Upon analysis of the data, the project team expects to complete Phase 2 with a report that will provide actionable insights into the determinants for hypertension, guiding solutions and interventions for better health outcomes within communities in Nashville. 

ALUM NAMED NBA PRESIDENT, ADMINISTRATION The National Basketball Association (NBA) recently named Kyle J. Cavanaugh, a 1994 MBA graduate of the Massey College of Business, as NBA President, Administration. Cavanaugh has more than 30 years of experience in human resources and administration, most recently serving as Vice President of Administration at Duke University. In his new role, Cavanaugh will oversee global facilities, information technology, security, risk management, people and inclusion, and administrative affairs of the league and its related entities. 

EDUCATING TENNESSEE’S NEXT MATH TEACHERS In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education and local public school districts, Belmont announced a new initiative to recruit, train and support the next generation of mathematics teachers in the Midstate region. The program will place each teacher candidate in an in-school “residency”—a paid educational position in a classroom where they will learn from and receive support from an experienced mentor teacher—while completing high-quality, intensive online coursework at Belmont. The Belmont University Math Teacher Residency will recruit, train and support two cohorts of 25 candidates over the next two years, meeting a need in local public schools, including in several rural communities. Candidates, who will have tuition for the graduate degree program discounted by 86 percent, will complete the program in one year, graduating with a Master of Arts in Teaching and with eligibility for initial licensure as a math teacher in Tennessee.  B ELMON T MAGAZ IN E

Women’s basketball put the madness into March and delighted the nation with back-to-back remarkable performances during the NCAA Tournament.

Demonstrating trademark fearlessness, talent, teamwork and resiliency, Belmont women’s basketball delivered a performance for the ages, knocking off No. 5 seed Oregon in the NCAA Tournament and nearly upending No. 4 seed and perennial favorite Tennessee on their legendary home court.

Women’s basketball head coach Bart Brooks noted after the victory, “We get to represent what I think is the absolute best university in the world. When we put that uniform on, we understand we’re doing a lot more than just playing a basketball game. We’re showcasing what I think is one of the most unique educational experiences that you can get… We will have the three smallest players on the court. There’s nothing small about how Within an eyelash of the program’s first Sweet 16 appearance, the 12th- they play. And there’s nothing small about how we operate our program. seeded Bruins rallied from a 14-point third-quarter deficit behind the There’s nothing small about running a program that has an emphasis on heroic play of sophomore trio Destinee Wells, Tuti Jones and Madison basketball at a high level, on academics at a high level, on community Bartley in their Second Round match up against Tennessee. Leading by engagement at a high level and spiritual growth at a high level. We can two, Belmont fans watched helplessly when the Volunteers’ Sara Puckett offer all four of those things at a really high level. There’s nothing small made a dagger baseline three-pointer with just 18 seconds left. about that. There’s nothing small about Belmont.” The Bruins may not have been able to overcome that last lead change, but they left Knoxville with their heads held high following phenomenal regular season and post-season performances.

Beyond the victories, records and championships, Brooks, and Belmont, define success differently than most.

From the fierce competitiveness and loving support of program matriarch The heartbreaking Tennessee loss came on the heels of one of the most “Belmont Betty” Wiseman to the outstanding leadership and gentle exciting victories in Belmont history as the Bruins took the nation by humility of Brooks himself, you’ll be hard pressed to find people who are storm with its thrilling 73-70 double-overtime First Round upset of more committed, and called, to shaping the lives of student-athletes. That Oregon. Led by Tuti Jones, who secured 22 points, six rebounds and dedication to the holistic formation of these young women can be seen four steals, the Bruins became only the second program to win NCAA throughout the program, as modeled by senior Conley Chinn, selected Tournament games in consecutive seasons as a No. 12 seed or lower. two consecutive seasons as a Division I-AAA Scholar Athlete of the Year and whose future plans include medical school. Of course, the Bruins aren’t really impressed by numbers or seeds. “Every challenge that I’ve faced that I thought was going to be the one to take me down, it hasn’t yet, and I credit a lot of that mindset to Belmont,” Chinn told NCAA.com. “Belmont and basketball have provided me with a home, and it has just been such an incredible experience here. I’ve grown into a young woman I never imagined I would become. I’ve been surrounded by the best of the best people who have challenged me and Show it they did. The Bruins’ electrifying win over Oregon marked the loved me through my greatest moments and my worst moments. It has first double overtime game in the NCAA Women’s Basketball been an absolute blast, and I am heartbroken that five years has gone by Tournament since 2013. It also ended Oregon’s streak of four consecutive so fast.”  Sweet 16 appearances.

“Rankings don’t really matter to us,” said Wells, who was selected as the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Player of the Year. “We come out there and play our game, and we know we can compete with anybody in the country. We just have to show it, and I feel like our fight against Oregon really showed it.”

S PL ASH V IL L E

TA K E 5 :

FIVE MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYERS PURSUE GRADUATE DEGREES Luke Smith, a Belmont MBA student this spring and starting guard on the men’s basketball team, possessed a schedule that looked like full-court press. His graduate-level classes wrapped each day at 9 p.m., so he did his homework in the mornings. By 1 p.m., he was due at the gym for practice, weight-training and game film review, which didn’t finish until 5 p.m. He would then grab a quick dinner before class at 6 p.m., and the next day, do it all again—well, unless the team had a game, which put a bump in the schedule about 33 times a season. Similar to his work on the court, though, he didn’t have to go it alone. Smith was one of five men’s basketball players who previously completed undergraduate degrees and pursued graduate programs this spring, including Grayson Murphy (B.S. in Business, May 2021), Nick Muszynski (B.S. in Corporate Communications, May 2021), Caleb Hollander (B.S. in Business, May 2021) and Tate Pierson (double major in Finance & Entrepreneurship, May 2021). “Thankfully we’re all going through it together,” says Muszynski, who notes he has pretty much the exact schedule of his graduate-scholar teammates. “We kind of support each other and lift each other up,” Pierson added. It’s a rare occurrence to have five athletes on a team pursuing post-graduate degrees at once. Greg Sage, assistant athletic director for broadcasting and media relations, noted, “The way they love each other and chose to do this at Belmont speaks to the overall atmosphere here.” Despite the different paths they plan to pursue—and whether on the court or in the classroom—it all comes back to the notion of team and the community they have created for themselves. “Doing it together,” Pierson said, “is the best part.”  B ELMON T MAGAZ IN E

Senior musical theatre major Caroline Eiseman shares her journey of landing the lead in her dream show.

“What’s better than doing a show you love with the people you love?”

Since Caroline Eiseman was 12 years old, she fall, I was a mess of emotions. I thought, ‘I’m dreamed of starring in “42nd Street.” Having going to get to do this dream show of mine with fallen in love with the show’s songs and dances my favorite people in the world?’ What a gift.” when her hometown performance troupe took on one of the musical numbers when she was As familiar as Eiseman was with the character a child, it was when she saw the show live a of Peggy, she never thought she’d get the chance couple years later that solidified her dream of to play her, or rather to fully be her. When she landing the role of young, tap-dancing, actress- landed the role, she was able to discover new dimensions of Peggy—her stubbornness, her wannabe Peggy. excitement and all the ways she relates to her. The story of Peggy and her journey through the City to find her big break, “42nd Street” “I played this woman who is doing exactly parallels the dreams of many Belmont students, what I want to do when I graduate,” Eiseman leaving audiences with the hopeful message that explained. “So how do I feel that; how do I with hard work, perseverance and maybe a little believe in myself that way? It’s been a lot of welltimed self-discovery in my last year of college.” bit of luck, these big dreams are within reach. Eiseman, a senior musical theater major, What made the show even more surreal came to Belmont with dreams just like to Eiseman was getting to perform in the Peggy’s. Throughout her time as a student, she Fisher Center. The cast and crew learned a lot by adjusting every song and dance, every line performed in “Little Women,” “Urinetown” and emotion to be a little bigger and louder and “Bright Star.” to meet the demands of the space. The education With the opening of the new, state-of-the-art gleaned on how to adapt a show to a new Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Belmont stage will set them up for the shows they join will be able to pull off bigger shows moving post-graduation.

forward. Eiseman began to hear whispers and “To do a show that takes place in such a rumors of doing the show. Her dream show. gorgeous theater has been so special, and to know that when you look out at the audience, “Through the Fisher Center, we are going to be there will be people filling that beautiful, able to see the full picture of the talent of our huge space and smiling back at you is surreal,” students,” she said. “When they announced the said Eiseman. season at the beginning of my senior year last

D RE A M S R E A L IZ E D ON 42 N D STREET

Somehow, despite the grandiose size of the Fisher Center stage, the Belmont students managed to make it feel small because of the strong community present in the department. The jokes made backstage, the laughter between scenes and the support given by every cast and crew member all contributed to that surreal feeling Eiseman experienced during her last show of her college experience. “It’s not the feeling of being a lead; it’s being surrounded by people who believe in you,” she gushed. “I have been so blessed to be surrounded by a cast that believes in me as Peggy, and that has made my Peggy so much more exciting because what’s better than doing a show you love with the people you love? It’s something I hope to keep with me forever and to experience again.” Eiseman plans to continue following her dreams as an alumna and feels thankful she had the chance to lead a show—her dream show—as a capstone to her time at Belmont.  Hear more about Caroline’s story here:

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The 2022 Fashion Show connected an alumna’s nonprofit with a student’s creativity to produce an inspirational story of hope and self-worth.

An alum passionate to serve individuals experiencing homelessness. A fashion student intent on pairing her talents with her client’s wishes. This year’s Fashion Show from Belmont’s O’More College of Architecture & Design provided one more example of how a Belmont education can inspire something truly special. This spring each student designer was paired for inspiration with a visual artist from Daybreak Arts, a social enterprise nonprofit that creates artistic and economic opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. The designers looked to the Daybreak artwork as muse. But in addition to learning about the work, Daybreaks Arts founder and 2014 Belmont alumna Nicole Brandt Minyard said it was important that the artists also share their perspective on clothes and fashion as people experiencing homelessness. “It’s more about survival and not so much expression,” said Kateri Pomeroy, who lived homeless in Nashville for four years. Comfort or imagination and confidence in style are not readily available. “You don’t really have that choice.”

nonprofits. In 2017 and 2019, for example, the students worked with GiGi’s Down syndrome Achievement Center to design items accessible to Down syndrome youth and adults, who in turn modeled the pieces at the show. The partnerships help highlight the transformative possibilities of design and its ability to foster self-expression—to show a creative spirit as fundamentally human for all. It gives students real-world experience in learning how design can be crafted with purpose to nurture internal vision, cultivate external empathy and develop skills to dream of—and work toward—a better world. O’More student Kat Westmoreland noted that she and Pomeroy were “kindred spirits” who connected over color and process, she said. Their conversations were less about deficits and more about strengths and commonalities as creative people. “We’re both really driven by color, and one thing I feel like we had in common was our shared love of detail, which is kind of like a ‘duh” in design. But I felt like I saw a strong intentionality in her work.” Minyard says the concept for Daybreak Arts grew out of experiences in her hometown in rural Kentucky followed by a work-study program at Belmont. “I started playing with this idea that art could be that space in which we become equals, and not just engage with people outside of our socioeconomic backgrounds through service, but through creativity.”

The group from Daybreak spoke with students about ingenuity on the streets as well as challenges and what they missed—like pajamas. Pomeroy has been with the organization from “Because when you’re homeless and sleeping the start. Nowadays, her pieces have been in a tent, you have to get covered from head purchased for commercial display at places to toe in all kinds of stuff so you don’t freeze,” like local dentist offices. And yet, this fashion Minyard said. “A lot of times the way that experience was a new one for her. you look is how people end up treating you. As the students were thinking through and “I never realized that your art could be used designing these projects, we wanted them to in a fashion design,” she said. “It boosts your have this understanding.” confidence and inspiration that people are seeing your work wearing your design—a The collaboration with Daybreak Arts continues feeling of being recognized and valued.”  a tradition of O’More partnerships with local

FAS H IO N FO RWA R D

Kat (left) and Kateri

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TH E

O F A LI FETIM E Immersive Experience Gives Architecture Student Olivia Hobbs Front Row Seat to Fisher Center’s Construction FROM AET TO ARCHITECTURE

Throughout high school, Olivia Hobbs found her passion in two seemingly unrelated fields: architecture and audio engineering. With her sights set on attending Belmont University, she chose to pursue audio engineering technology (AET), unsure if her interest in architecture could ever overlap. It wasn’t until a unique opportunity—and facility—beautifully illustrated collaboration between the two disciplines and allowed her to combine them in a career-launching way. Her architectural interest was piqued during her freshman year Survey of AET course where she first learned about the important partnership between acoustics and studio design. And she was hooked. Soon after, Olivia was connected to David Minnigan, Principal with ESa and longtime Belmont architect who was working on the University’s new performing arts center. The two talked by phone throughout the year, and he offered guidance as Olivia explored the possibility of changing her major to architecture. Ever interested in audio engineering, she was especially intrigued by space and the sound within a room. “Great acoustics are part of a room, they aren’t just an add on,” David said. “It’s integrated and collaborative.” The next time the two spoke, Olivia had changed her major and was headed toward architecture. “That was thrilling to hear,” he said.

But experience went beyond traditional lessons as Olivia herself became part of the tools used to test and tune acoustics. She was even the first person to sing on the Fisher Center stage. “She had the opportunity to see how the building came up from the ground, almost like an anatomy lab, but for architecture,” said David. REFLECTING ON THE EXPERIENCE

Both David and Olivia think back fondly on the experience they had to work together. Olivia was mentored through the job shadow of a lifetime, and David remains excited and energized to work alongside other students as they develop their passions. “This was a tremendous opportunity for her and for us,” recalled David. “We like to hire people like Olivia who have found their spot. College is a time to grow and explore, and it’s phenomenal what Belmont has been able to do–developing students who contribute to their companies immediately. By the end of the project, Olivia was skilled at different parts of acoustics, architecture language and process. It was special to see her grow that way.” Belmont’s effort to provide unique opportunities for students and leverage connections in the community was an important factor in her college decision. “Because Belmont wanted to build the best performing arts center on a university campus, it created an opportunity for me as an architecture student to learn how the structure was built,” Olivia said.

BRINGING THE BUILDING TO LIFE

WHAT’S NEXT

From there, David found opportunities for Olivia to get involved in his team’s efforts at Belmont. “We were just getting into construction for the Fisher Center, so we made Olivia part of the team,” said David. This immersive experience gave her a front row seat as the building came to life.

As she continues her studies, Olivia feels energized and empowered to explore other areas of architecture. “Working on the Fisher Center was extremely beneficial to me and my future, and an experience I wouldn’t get elsewhere,” said Olivia. “Whatever I end up doing with architecture, I know I want to have fun with it. Russ, Randy and David have so much fun with their jobs. Even when it got hard, they still loved it. I want that kind of joy with my work.” 

Because the project began over the summer, Olivia’s mom drove her more than 800 hundred miles round trip multiple times, committed to her ability to chase a great opportunity. She spent the summer joining site inspections, room tuning and following acoustician Russ Todd, architect Randy Nale and others on the design team. “Russ became like a teacher,” Olivia said. “It was a walking lecture through the hall, and I learned so much about acoustics.”

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A Y H T L A E H T O H UPS Alumna Katie Vandenberg meets community needs with her mobile vaccination pharmacy. As Belmont seeks to inspire an entrepreneurial With her background in microbiology, mindset for all students, one alumna from the Vandenberg enjoyed learning about vaccines in College of Pharmacy is setting a prime example school, so the transition was natural and exciting. of how graduates from any program can use After several months of consideration, she their skills to fill the needs of their communities. followed her dream and launched her mobile Katie Vandenberg, Pharm.D., is the owner and vaccination pharmacy in late 2019. In February founder of Tennessee Vaccination Services, a of 2020, Tennessee Vaccination Services became mobile, independent pharmacy that provides a licensed Tennessee pharmacy. in-home vaccinations for homebound patients and facilitates community outreach vaccination “During my time at Belmont’s College of Pharmacy, one of my professors, Dr. [Marilyn] clinics across Middle Tennessee. Thompson-Odom, had a positive impact on While working as a traditional retail pharmacist my life and instilled in me the confidence for several years, Dr. Vandenberg developed to go for it,” Vandenberg said. “Her support close relationships with her patients, who were helped me develop a sense of security in also her neighbors. After the birth of her son my abilities when I faced what seemed like Jack in 2016, she noticed (and empathized insurmountable challenges.” with) something new about her patients with children–how challenging it can be to get kids Vandenberg’s business offers all types of vaccines, dressed, ready and into the car… only to then although the pandemic has kept her busy with COVID vaccinations. Her patients range from wait for a vaccination at the pharmacy. small children, children with special needs, “I noticed kids would start to tense up while they disabled patients who have difficulty traveling waited, and I knew that could be prevented,” to a clinic and communities who may have Vandenberg explained. “I thought it would be limited access to vaccination resources. a lot easier if I could just bring the vaccinations home to them.” 22

A HE A LT H Y U P S H OT

Vandenberg said she wanted to start the pharmacy to spend more time with her patients than she could in retail pharmacy. “I like to work with the local communities to find the pockets of people who need my services the most,” she said. “Getting to spend one-on-one time with my homebound patients helps me really see the impact I’m making, along with getting to know the community better through the outreach clinics. I find fulfillment in what I do because I love having the control to use my skills and what I have learned to apply it in any direction.” 

Hear more about Katie’s story here:

WH AT ’ S YO U R W H Y ?

What’s Your

New course and mentorship program pair alumni with current students to discuss living with purpose. Belmont senior Camden Lee recalls walking into a restaurant near campus last October to meet with someone a few years older and a few years wiser– alumnus Ben Maslyn. Lee, a business systems and analytics major, was navigating life while also battling the effects of long-term COVID, hardly able to stand longer than five minutes. This meeting was exactly what he needed and came at the perfect time. Maslyn, Lee and two other students were gathering for the first time as a “mentor circle” through Belmont’s inaugural Purpose Mentorship Program, funded by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation and the Coalition for Life Transforming Education.

want; I should not be afraid of what I love. I should seek a good life, not just a good career or money. And I’ve already put these lessons into action, pursuing an internship I would not have seen myself in six months ago.” Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and the Massey College of Business piloted the program. Alumni were recommended by faculty and staff based on their outstanding character, humility and servant leadership along with their professional success. Each mentor circle, which included one of the 16 mentors and 2-5 students, met monthly to walk through how one’s purpose matures from college years to their life beyond graduation.

After that first meeting, Lee and his group met each month through April, journeying together in discovering their purpose from Belmont to beyond. The initiative was launched in conjunction with a new “What’s “Being an inaugural program, I was thrilled to come in with an open mind Your Why” course co-taught by President Dr. Greg Jones and Rev. Susan and ready to meet my mentees, while also having the autonomy of leading Pendleton Jones, which was first offered this spring and featured a variety these students on the journey or realization of their Purpose. At the same of impressive guest speakers and in-depth discussion sessions around time, I was excited to further explore my own Purpose,” said Maslyn, a targeted career clusters. The mentorship program matches Belmont two-time Belmont alumnus who currently works at Truist Wealth as a alumni who have shown a commitment to higher purpose in their careers VP and investment manager. “I had my mentees update their ‘Purpose statement’ each time we met, and it was fascinating to see how our Purpose with current students to help them on their purpose journey. changed in every time period. Selfishly, I wish I had something like this Because of his group, Lee said he feels closer to the path he wants to be when I was in undergrad, so I knew I wanted to push my mentees into a on. “As an upcoming graduate, I have learned a lot about the post-college motivating mindset. We were able to meet in a format that truly allowed transition, and having a resource like Ben has been invaluable to me,” he them to learn and grow.”  said. “This program helped me realize that I should be chasing what I B ELMON T MAGAZ IN E

Putting Let Hope Abound to Music “Let hope abound

Three alums helped bring this year’s campus theme to life through a musical collaboration.

President Greg Jones’ inaugural year theme—Let Hope Abound— lends itself perfectly to one of Belmont’s greatest artistic expressions— songwriting, and alumnus Chad Cates was up for the challenge. “Dr. Jones teed us up with such a great title,” he said. “And alongside songwriter Tony Wood and vocalist Melinda Doolittle we were able to write for the moment and create a song that would transcend any single event and live on.” Giving appreciation for the past and hope for the future, the trio wrote to pay homage to Belmont’s story. “We stand on the shoulders of the ones who came before,” Chad said. “In writing this song, we expressed gratitude to the Belmont story, the goodness of God and how the Lord led us here.” But a great song is more than just words—it needs a great vocalist to perform it. Alumna and songstress Melinda Doolittle worked on the project as both a singer and a co-writer. “I was happy to be part of it, but I don’t do a lot of writing,” she explained. There’s a big difference between writing a song and putting a song in front of an audience, Melinda said, and she was grateful to add her performance expertise to help bring the song to life. “The writing process was a gift I did not know I needed,” she said. “Writing with Tony was like a masterclass for me. Learning what the process is like from veteran writers who have these hit songs was such a great experience.” 26

PUTT IN G L E T H O P E ABO U ND TO M U S IC

Through times of hurt and trouble Let hope abound His love is meant for you He guides our way His light shines and surrounds For each and every one Let hope abound”

Chad and Melinda’s legacy through this song carries on at Belmont as ‘Let Hope Abound’ is performed at many events across campus, further emphasizing this year’s theme and Belmont’s charge to serve the world. “I am just grateful to support what Dr. Jones is doing in some small capacity,” reflected Chad. The torch was passed to alumna and vocalist Piper Jones who has performed “Let Hope Abound” at multiple events this year, from Dr. Jones’ Strategic Trajectory rollout to Spring 2022 commencement. Not only has Piper enjoyed singing her longtime friend Melinda’s song, she has been deeply encouraged by the song’s message. “Dr. Jones continues to talk about God-sized dreams, and I need to hear it just as much as the students,” said Piper. “The lyrics to ‘Let Hope Abound’ affirm that we’ve seen incredible things done in the past, and we are hopeful that God will continue to do those things in the future.” In addition to the contributed song from these alums, two other renditions of original “Let Hope Abound” songs were written, the first by faculty member Dr. Don Cusic and Belmont Trustee Mike Curb and the second by faculty member Henry Smiley. Abounding hope clearly cultivates abounding music, making this theme a perfect fit for the ever creative Belmont community. 

MELINDA DOOLITTLE

CHAD CATES

PIPER JONES

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TH E PATH TO 2030 This spring Belmont unveiled new mission and vision statements, along with establishing the University’s aspirational aims for 2030 and five strategic pathways needed to achieve those aims.

OUR VISION

OUR MIS SION

To be the leading Christcentered university in the world, radically championing the pursuit of life abundant for all people.

We are a Christ-centered, student-focused community, developing diverse leaders of purpose, character, wisdom and transformational mindset, eager and equipped to make the world a better place.

THE PAT H TO 2 03 0

ASPI RATIONAL AIM FOR 2030 To be widely recognized as the leading Christ-centered university in the world, known for: FORMING DIVERSE LEADERS OF CHARACTER EQUIPPING PEOPLE TO SOLVE THE WORLD’S COMPLEX PROBLEMS THROUGH TEACHING, RESEARCH AND SERVICE BEING RADICAL CHAMPIONS FOR HELPING PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES FLOURISH

FIVE STRATEGIC PATHWAYS 1

Be the model for whole person formation, to teach and develop people of character, purpose, wisdom and transformational mindset.

WHOLE PERSON FORMATION DATAINFORMED SOCIAL INNOVATION

2 EMBRACE HOPE AND INCLUSIVITY TO REWEAVE THE SOCIAL FABRIC

Lead the way in data-informed social innovation to enable regions to thrive.

Champion an integrative approach to achieve better

INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO HEALTH/ WELLNESS

STORYTELLING THAT INSPIRES THE WORLD

health and well-being for all.

Embrace hope and inclusive excellence to help reweave the social fabric.

Want to learn more? Scan here to watch Dr. Jones unveil the 2030 plan.

Amplify storytelling to inspire the world with messages of truth, beauty and goodness.

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