Belmont University
SPRING 2021
From Here to Anywhere
C I R C L E
M A G A Z I N E
CIRCLE MAGAZINE
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FI R ST LO O K As part of a preview of Nashville’s newest performing arts space, Belmont University and the Nashville Opera announced that Richard Wagner’s masterwork “Das Rheingold” would close out the Opera’s 2021-22 season in a special showing in the campus’ new performing arts center. Scheduled to open this fall, the new 1,700 seat venue will supply students with a unique learning environment while adding another diamond to Music City’s ring of world class performance venues.
U NIVE RS ITY ADMINISTRATIO N PRESIDENT
Bob Fisher PROVOST
Thomas Burns VP/CHIEF OF STAFF
Susan West VP OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Paula Gill VP OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Todd Lake VP OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Steve Lasley
A WORD FR OM T HE P RESI DENT
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There’s a moving scene in the popular Broadway musical “Hamilton” in which President George Washington asks his longtime aide and then-Secretary of State to help him compose his farewell letter. He recognizes his time to serve the country must come to an end, and he wants to prepare the nation for change. “I wanna talk about what I have learned/The hard won wisdom I have earned… One last time, the people will hear from me… We’re gonna teach them how to say goodbye.”
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Well, I’m no Lin Manuel Miranda, or George Washington for that matter, but I have learned a great deal while leading Belmont University these past 21 years, far more than I could ever convey in the brief space allotted here. What comes mostly to mind in this moment are the lessons shared with me and my wife Judy as we interviewed hospice patients for our 2008 book “Life Is a Gift.” We talked to 105 people who were quite literally sitting on the front porch of eternity.
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We learned what really mattered were relationships. Relationships with God, and relationships with other people. Those relationships begin with our families, but they extend to our neighbors, our friends, our colleagues and more. As my time as Belmont’s president comes to a close, relationships are what stands out to me… The faces of the more than 29,000 students I’ve witnessed crossing the stage to claim their well-earned degrees. The dedication of my senior leadership colleagues—a ‘Real Dream Team.’ The committed service of our faculty and staff. The unwavering support of our Board of Trustees. The parents, donors, partners and friends who have contributed their time and resources to this University. I am so incredibly grateful for each of you. As we enter our next chapter, Judy and I will continue to pray for each of you and champion Belmont at every opportunity. A Bruin for Life,
Robert C. Fisher, president
ON THE COVER:
Retiring Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher walks toward the Bell Tower.
VP OF DEVELOPMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Perry Moulds VP OF ADMINISTRATION AND UNIVERSITY COUNSEL
Jason Rogers VP OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
John Carney
MAG AZ INE MANAGING EDITOR
April Hefner (M.A. ’07) DESIGNERS
Erica Belletete, Gina Cutarelli (B.F.A. ’15), Sarah Hobbs UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Sam Simpkins CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Preston Eggert (B.S. ‘21 ) Jami-Lyn Fehr Hall CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Haley Charlton (B.A. ’16), Emma dela Pena (B.S. ’21), Leah Kuhn (B.A. ’23) Circle magazine is published biannually for alumni and friends of Belmont University. Address changes and alumni notes should be directed to the Office of Alumni Relations. Third-class bulk postage is paid at the U.S. Post Office, Nashville, TN. Direct inquiries and comments to: Office of Communications/Circle magazine 615.460.6641 or circlemag@belmont.edu 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.
B EIN G BE L M O NT
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Dr. Fisher and SGA President Zaid Hatem share a selfie during a campus celebration in honor of the Fishers’ May 31 retirement.
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Of course, there are few songs that can sum up the past 21 years of what Bob and Judy Fisher have meant to Belmont University or that can accurately communicate all that’s been achieved during their tenure. Since 2000, Belmont: • N EARLY TRIPLED ENROLLMENT FROM UNDER 3,000 TO MORE THAN 8,200 • S AW MARKED IMPROVEMENTS IN AVERAGE ACT SCORE, RETENTION RATE AND GRADUATION RATE • I NITIATED NEW DOCTORAL PROGRAMS IN PHARMACY, NURSING, LAW AND MEDICINE • I NCREASED THE ENDOWMENT FROM $42.8 MILLION TO MORE THAN $340 MILLION • L AUNCHED DOZENS OF NEW UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS, INCLUDING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SONGWRITING, DATA SCIENCE, ARCHITECTURE, PUBLIC HEALTH AND MOTION PICTURES
• A CQUIRED TWO LOCAL ART/DESIGN COLLEGES • E XPANDED THE CAMPUS WITH 28 NEW OR RENOVATED BUILDINGS & MORE THAN $1 BILLION IN CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION • C ELEBRATED 62 ATHLETICS CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS WHILE ALSO WINNING THE CONFERENCE ALL ACADEMIC AWARD 17 OF THE LAST 19 YEARS • B ECAME A HIGHER EDUCATION LEADER IN SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS LEADING BELMONT TO RECEIVE A PRESTIGIOUS GOLD RATING • H OSTED TWO PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES (2020 AND 2008)
And those are just a few of the highlights! There’s so much that could be said, but we’ll borrow from the boss… Thank you Dr. and Mrs. Fisher for making Belmont “Simply the Best.”
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Those words from a 1998 Semisonic song became a sly joke for the past dozen or so years as they made their way each spring into the unique commencement speech given by Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher. A huge music fan at an institution highly acclaimed for music and music business in a city known as Music City… the speech that pulled almost exclusively from song lyrics seemed an incredibly appropriate send off for new graduates.
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“It’s closing time. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here!”
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AFTER 21 TRANSFORMATIONAL YEARS, BOB AND JUDY FISHER ENTER A WELL-DESERVED RETIREMENT
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Belmont’s new College of Medicine named in honor of HCA Healthcare co-founder Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr.
A Nashville native, Dr. Thomas “Tommy” Frist, Jr. had an idea while serving in the military for a company that would bring hospitals together to share resources. In 1968, Dr. Frist, his father Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr. and Jack C. Massey formed Hospital Corporation of America (now HCA Healthcare). As one of the nation’s first investor-owned hospital companies, HCA Healthcare modernized the way health care was delivered in the United States while keeping patient care and safety first. Dr. Frist noted, “Belmont has a history of building programs that are exceptional. I know with the leadership at the University, we have the potential to build a school that produces physicians with the same heart for service that guided my own career—not just for Nashville but also for a nation that desperately needs more practicing physicians.” The Frist College of Medicine is built on a strong history of connections between Belmont and HCA Healthcare, one that traces back to another of the company’s co-founders Jack Massey, a staunch Belmont supporter and the namesake of the Jack C. Massey College of Business. Initial plans for a building to house the Frist College of Medicine extend the campus’ footprint further down Wedgewood Avenue with a 160,000 square foot facility designed to create a fully interdisciplinary educational experience.
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Fisher said, “We have exceedingly high aspirations for this new College of Medicine. We know that we will have to earn a world-class reputation over time, but we intend to deliver a world-class learning environment beginning on day one with outstanding faculty, staff, students, physical resources and clinical experiences… The name ‘Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine’ signals our determination to create an innovative, entrepreneurial approach to compassionate, patient-centered care that will settle for nothing less than the very best.”
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Those remarks, made by University President Dr. Bob Fisher this spring, were a perfect set up to the naming of the new Belmont medical school in honor of health care icon Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr., co-founder of HCA Healthcare. In addition to its name, the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University enjoys strong ties with HCA Healthcare, whose Nashvillebased TriStar Health will provide residencies and clinical rotations for students of the college. Planning continues for the new college with an interdisciplinary retreat held this spring to gather input from faculty and administrative leaders across the University.
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“It’s been said that a good name is more valuable than anything else.”
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HISTORY
Belmont’s women’s basketball team wrote its name in the record books this year despite having to overcome countless hardships, including 11 games that were canceled or postponed due to weather or COVID-19 protocols. The Bruins completed a challenging season with a 17-5 record that included wins over Auburn and MTSU and entered the OVC Tournament as the No. 2 seed. Following victories over Austin Peay and Murray State, they beat top-seeded UT Martin 83-75. Freshman guard Destinee Wells led the way with 32 points, an effort that earned her the OVC All-Tournament MVP honor. Overall, the Bruins shot 54 percent from the field to claim the OVC Tournament Championship and punch their NCAA Tournament ticket. “This is extremely special considering all our team had to overcome this season,” said head coach Bart Brooks about the win. “The poise and resiliency our players showed the last month of the season was on full display in the OVC Championship... What excites me most about our team is our approach, how we will embrace the challenge of this week and how hungry we are to achieve more.” Brooks, who was named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Coach of the Year, was about to see just how hungry his young team was. The Bruins were named a No. 12 seed and traveled to Texas to play No. 5 seed (and No. 13 ranked!) Gonzaga in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. While the Bruins had a slow start, they turned it around to take a one-point lead heading into half-time.
Though the Bulldogs would put up a fight, the Bruins refused to surrender their lead, ultimately securing a 64-59 upset and recording the first-ever NCAA Tournament win in Belmont women’s basketball history. The game also marked Brooks’ 100th career victory as a head coach, ranking him in the Top 10 in the nation in winning percentage among his NCAA D-1 coaching peers. The historic run would stop at the NCAA round of 32, where the Bruins encountered the tough No. 4 seed Indiana Hoosiers. But the final defeat couldn’t detract from an extraordinary season that saw this team earn its fifth conference tournament championship in six years and become the first OVC women’s team to win an NCAA Tournament game since 1990.
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An epic upset. A legendary season.
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THE 2020-21 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM SECURES ITS SPOT IN BELMONT HISTORY WITH THE FIRST-EVER NCAA TOURNAMENT PROGRAM WIN.
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FREEDOM PLAZA As part of Belmont’s MLK Day activities, the University dedicated Freedom Plaza, a new memorial to honor the enslaved workers who helped build the original Acklen estate.
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The known names of the enslaved laborers are now inscribed on the fountain, and a nearby plaque features the lyrics to the “Oh Freedom” post-Civil War spiritual. The song, which expresses both the dignity of the formerly enslaved and their yearning for release after emancipation, was performed for the dedication ceremony by Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Dr. Jeffery Ames. “When the last of the enslaved received word of their freedom in 1865, there was a bittersweet reality—this socalled freedom would still be laden with oppression and inequality,” said Ames. “Unfortunately, for descendants of the American slavery system, our freedom remains historically emancipated, but has yet to be fully delivered. The premise of the spiritual combines a longing for freedom, both then and now, and a hope for redemption.” Last summer’s incidents of racial violence and discrimination inspired multiple campus conversations, and a number of action steps were identified to further promote a campus culture of inclusion and equity. A Faculty Senate committee conceived the idea for the plaque and fountain inscription, and then all employees were invited to financially support the creation of the memorial, more than tripling the original $10,000 fundraising goal. Associate Professor of Pharmacy Dr. Anthony Blash, who served on the memorial subcommittee, said, “As your eyes fall on the names of the enslaved persons that toiled on these lands and to those whose names are known only to God, I ask that you remember that no part of what we do as a University is immune from the forces of oppression, objectification and dehumanization, and that we pledge to identify and challenge these forces as a community.”
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This year’s commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday took on special significance as Belmont dedicated the area surrounding an iconic campus fountain as Freedom Plaza. The naming is part of an effort to honor the lives of the enslaved individuals who labored on the estate owned by Joseph and Adelicia Acklen more than 170 years ago, prior to the establishment of Belmont College.
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Honorary doctorates and a scholarship endowment represent two small ways Belmont expressed its thanks for the service of retiring Board of Trustees Chair Marty Dickens and his wife, Betty.
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JUST CALL THEM DR. AND DR. DICKENS!
At the April 23 commencement celebration, longtime Board of Trustees chair Marty Dickens and his wife Betty were surprised with honorary doctorates for “their devotion and service to the betterment” of Belmont. The award, which represents the highest honor conferred by the University, wasn’t the only way Belmont recognized all they have contributed. It was also announced that the Marty Dickens Scholarship Endowment for Worship Leadership would be established. Created with an institutional gift of $250,000, the fund will provide scholarships for aspiring church worship leaders. Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “I’ve often said that one of the top reasons I have stayed so long at Belmont has been because of the extraordinary support I’ve received from our Board of Trustees, and Marty Dickens has led the way as our chairman. The commitment he and Betty have shown to Belmont students and this institution at large has enabled us to accomplish so much more than we could have ever dreamed. Most of all, he has kept
us focused on our Christian mission and modeled Christ’s love and service to our community.” Dickens, who has led Belmont’s Board since 2005, noted, “One of the many joys of being associated with Belmont is how this university family strives to live out its Christian mission every single day. This wonderful scholarship is just one more example of that commitment. God blessed my life by providing me the opportunity to be a small part of the Belmont journey for the last 21 years. Being on that journey with Bob Fisher has been more like being on a rocket ride always taking us to greater and farther-reaching accomplishments. Thank you for everything. Belmont… from here to anywhere!” Dickens is stepping down from his role as Board chair in conjunction with Dr. Fisher’s May 31 retirement. Dickens and his wife Betty were previously recognized by the University with the naming of a 300-bed residence hall for upperclassmen in their honor, Dickens Hall, which opened in 2012.
CIRCLE MAGAZINE
13 SPRING 2021
R. MILTON JOHNSON
New Board Chair R. Milton Johnson, the retired HCA Healthcare chairman and CEO, was unanimously elected as the new chair of the Belmont Board of Trustees. A 1979 alumnus, Johnson has remained a dedicated leader and supporter of the University’s mission since his graduation. He and his wife Denice created the R. Milton and Denice Johnson
Bridges to Belmont Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2015 to support full scholarships for qualified, high potential students from Metro Nashville Public Schools. In addition to their financial support, the Johnsons spend substantial time each year with the more than 120 students whose experience at Belmont is made possible by their gifts.
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SPOT L I G HT :
CROCKETT CENTER FOR ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE
The newly opened Crockett Center for Athletic Excellence honors local businessman and Belmont Athletics supporter Dan Crockett while providing a state-of-the-art practice facility for the University’s basketball and volleyball programs.
45,000 SQ. FT. Indoor Practice Facility
Houses
Former men’s basketball players Dylan Windler, Spencer Turner and Ian Clark joined retired Coach Rick Byrd in attending the May grand opening of the facility.
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18 NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES Combined
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Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Volleyball have
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2 FULL COURTS for BASKETBALL and VOLLEYBALL
MeeT tHe DUKE DIVINITY DEAN DR. L. GREGORY JONES APPOINTED BELMONT’S NEW PRESIDENT.
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FEATURE 1. FACCAEP UDANIM AUTATUR? UGIA SI CULPARCHIL ILLUPTIO QUODITIO.
SAVE THE DATE FOR INAUGURATION
NovEmbeR 4&5
Known for his entrepreneurial leadership and fundraising ability, Jones served as dean of Duke Divinity School from 1997-2010 and again from 2018 until this May. Between 2010 and 2018, he served in a variety of roles, including vice president and vice provost for global strategy at Duke University and also as provost and executive vice president of Baylor University. In his tenure as Dean, Jones strengthened the Divinity School’s financial trajectory, diversified the faculty and staff and led a strategic planning process that garnered great enthusiasm for the school’s future, all while setting new records for gifts to the Annual Fund and to the Divinity School overall. Jones said, “I am honored, humbled and delighted to be invited to serve as President of Belmont University. I have long admired Belmont as a university that brings together the best of Christian faith, an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong focus on forming and educating students through excellent faculty and staff. President Bob Fisher has provided extraordinary leadership over the past two decades, and I look forward to working with the Belmont community to build on all that has been accomplished as we look forward to a bold and exciting future.”
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Marty Dickens, who chaired the Presidential Succession Committee, said, “Finding a president to follow Bob Fisher is no easy task, but we couldn’t be more pleased that Dr. Greg Jones has agreed to serve as the next leader of Belmont University. An exceptional scholar, tremendous communicator and strategic thinker, Dr. Jones will bring great imagination and energy to his role and will cultivate a dynamic, thriving culture that continues to focus on student success. Most importantly, as a devoted Christian and ordained minister, Dr. Jones will ensure Belmont’s ecumenical Christian identity endures and is strengthened in the years to come.”
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Effective June 1, Belmont welcomed a new First Family to campus as former dean of Duke Divinity School Dr. L. Gregory Jones took over the helm as president of Belmont. Jones and his wife, the Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones, moved to Nashville from North Carolina in May. Dr. Jones brings more than 30 years of higher education experience as a faculty member, administrator, consultant and strategist.
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ALU M N I STO RI E S
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18 SPRING 2021
ALUMNI BAND TOGETHER TO BREAK GUINNESS WORLD RECORD After a tough year for many due to the global pandemic, a group of Belmont alumni found a unique way to garner support and financial assistance for struggling music venues in Nashville. Alumnus and musician James Hatem, with the help of his team of fellow Belmont alumni, broke the Guinness World Record for most shows performed in 24 hours on April 9.
The 80 venues he performed in across the city included four on Belmont’s campus: Massey Concert Hall, Harton Recital Hall, McAfee Concert Hall and the Curb Event Center arena. Other venues ranged from smaller stages such as The Basement and EXIT/In all the way up to larger venues like Ascend Amphitheater and Bridgestone Arena. Hatem’s manager, 2017 entertainment industry studies alumnus Mitchell Curley, had the idea to pursue a world record and brought in fellow music business/entrepreneurship alum Gade Raftery (2020) who was connected to venues across town through his concert promotion company, Apogee Promotions. Raftery then brought in 2020 audio engineering technology alumni Nick Molloy and Ben McNamara to work on production. Other Belmontconnected team members included co-manager Matt Kimble (2020 music business), Danny Allebach (EIS, 2017),
Becca Tremmel (songwriting, 2017), Timothy Mlynarski (commercial voice, 2016) and current creative entertainment industry major Lindsay Cashman. Raftery said, “We really wanted to focus on the clubs and venues who have struggled this year. This is to raise awareness and money for the city of Nashville; that’s the whole point of this.” The shows were livestreamed throughout the day, and the project complied with all CDC guidelines. To achieve the record, the group held to a precise schedule with each set lasting 10 minutes and an average travel time of four minutes between each performance stop. Money raised from the project will go directly to Music Venue Alliance Nashville and the U.S. Bartenders Guild to be dispersed among the venues. To make a donation or learn more about the project, visit BasementtoBridgestoneArena.com.
KRISTOFF HART
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Journalism alumna Laura Hostelley was recently promoted to vice president of marketing at Triple Tigers Records. As a student, Hostelley interned at Music Row Magazine, Sirius XM Radio, Country Aircheck and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. Triple Tigers President Norbert Nix said, “She is a keen observer, creative thinker and fearless when it comes to advancing the careers of the artists we work with.”
Philosophy alumna Erin Cline was recently named as the Paul J. and Chandler M. Tagliabue Distinguished Professor in Interfaith Studies and Dialogue at Georgetown University, where she teaches Chinese philosophy, Chinese religions, comparative philosophy and theology, and Ignatian spirituality. A published author, her latest book is “Little Sprouts and the Dao of Parenting: Ancient Chinese Philosophy and the Art of Raising Mindful, Resilient, and Compassionate Kids.”
W H I T N E Y J OY
Occupational Therapy alumna Whitney Joy was recently elected as vice president of the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association (TNOTA). Joy is currently the
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owner of Aspire Therapies, a homebased pediatric occupational therapy practice. “I’m looking forward to working with others to advocate for the profession,” Joy shared.
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LAURA HOSTELLEY
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Recently, Hart was one of only 100 individuals accepted into TikTok’s new Incubator Program for Black Creatives among more than 5,000 applicants. The program connects creatives with largescale brands and provides resources to advance their talents into a career.
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After graduating from Belmont in 2016 with a degree in music business, Kristoff Hart worked in marketing and social media for the music industry before transitioning into full-time ministry. Serving as a communications director and online pastor, his skills in social media and content creation continued to serve him.
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MEN’S BASKETBALL IMPRESSES WITH 26-4 SEASON, CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP Belmont’s Men’s Basketball team didn’t let the challenges of a difficult year slow them down this season. After starting out 3-1, Belmont set a new OVC record by rattling off 21 consecutive victories and securing the program’s 12th regular season conference championship in 16 years. The streak helped the Bruins finish the season with the best record in the conference to secure Head Coach Casey Alexander’s second consecutive OVC regular season title – the third straight season title for Belmont. Alexander
was also named the 2020-21 Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year. As one of only six programs in America with 50 or more victories over the last two seasons, the Bruins also ranked Top 25 nationally in 14 statistical categories, including third in assists, third in 2-point field goal percentage and seventh in assist-to-turnover ratio. Several players stood out with amazing record-breaking accomplishments. Grayson Murphy recorded a triple double for the first time
in Belmont’s Division I era and led the OVC in assists per game, dishing out an average of 5.7. Murphy joined Nick Muszynski in being named to the AllOVC first team, and Luke Smith was named to the All-OVC Newcomer’s team. Sadly, a terrific 26-4 season ended in a disappointing fashion as the Bruins did not receive an NCAA tournament bid following their OVC Tournament Championship loss, and the shortened field of the 2021 NIT Tournament precluded a postseason invite there
Dr. Bill Bates, M.D. was appointed the founding dean of Belmont’s recently announced College of Medicine. The founder of digiChart and professor at Meharry Medical College, Dr. Bates brings with him a wealth of knowledge in medicine and medical education.
The Store, a nonprofit grocery store founded by alumnus Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley, reached its one-year anniversary in March and was recognized for serving more than 1 million meals.
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A YEAR OF IMPACT
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DEAN OF MEDICINE
PROMOTION OF FRIENDSHIP
as well. However, the team’s stellar results—which included the conference Sportsmanship Award—are expected to continue as the Bruins will have a strong returning cast and be even more hungry to make another run next season.
Belmont was the only American university this year to receive the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendation, presented by the Consul-General of Japan, Ms. Kayoko Fukushima. Belmont received the recognition for its commitment to promoting Japan and strengthening mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. ONLINE RUNWAY
O’More students showcased a variety of clothing design collections this year via an online documentary video, produced by 2015 alumna Shelby Goldsmith. The virtual fashion show also highlighted a partnership with Goodwill that challenged students to create sustainable fashion by sourcing materials from Goodwill retail outlets. Photos by Jami-Lyn Fehr Hall
ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS CREATED FROM SALE OF WATKINS CAMPUS
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AVID ENTERTAINMENT FANS
LENTEN REFLECTION
The Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business recently invested more than $2 million in technology upgrades to give its students an unmatched advantage in acquiring skills. Enhancements included a new Avid S6™ control surface offering a full 128 channel Atmos mix and an upgraded central media server with 1.6 Petabytes of storage.
The Office of Spiritual Development invited the campus community to experience 14 Stations of the Cross and related Gospel passages that were placed in the Bunch Library atrium surrounding the Frederick Hart Christ Rising statue as part of the University’s reflection on Lent.
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GRAND SLAM COACH
Dave Jarvis, the 24-year captain of Belmont Baseball, achieved a significant milestone this semester when doubleheader wins over Murray State helped claim his 664th win to become the winningest coach in program history. HOMECOMING AT HOME
Belmont celebrated 2021 “Homecoming at Home” festivities this year in February, offering remote events that allowed students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate in a Virtual Polar Bear 5K Challenge, a Pop-Up Scavenger Hunt, and the annual “Build-a-Bruin” competition.
Belmont recently closed on the sale of the former Watkins College of Art property for $22.5 million with the net funds from the sale creating an endowment to provide scholarships for students in Belmont’s Watkins College of Art. The Watkins College of Art at Belmont Scholarship Endowment will be used exclusively to provide need and merit-based scholarships for students studying the visual arts. The endowed fund is expected to produce more than $800,000 annually for arts scholarships upon maturation. “From research done by Belmont’s Development team, we believe the sale of this property will create one of the nation’s largest arts endowments to be used exclusively for student scholarships,” said Watkins College of Art Dean James Pierce. “That’s a game changer for us, as having such scholarships available to aspiring artists will propel our program into being a clear leader in art and graphic design education. Belmont and Watkins arts programs have drawn top talent to Nashville for years. Now the combined legacy of these programs united with the opportunities this endowment will bring represents a true gift that will impact the art world for generations to come.” In the inaugural year of the new merger, Belmont’s Watkins College of Art consists of 143 majors, 5 MFA students and 17 full-time faculty and staff, along with another 94 students holding a minor within the college. The Watkins College of Art at Belmont University is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Programs of study include Art History, Art Education, Design Communications, Experiential Design, Illustration, Photography and Studio Art as well as a new Master of Fine Arts graduate program. Watkins also hosts a dynamic Community Education program with courses, workshops and camps for students of all ages and skills.
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TENNIS TEAMS SHINE AS THEY FIND PERMANENT HOME BACK ON CAMPUS Tennis competition returned to campus this spring as the University cut the ribbon on a new six-court facility atop the recently completed South Garage. Belmont’s NCAA Division I men’s and women’s tennis teams have played at nearby Centennial Sportsplex for the last several years. The teams began play on their new home courts shortly before taking their rackets to the bigger stage. Coming off consecutive OVC regular season wins,
the men’s tennis team earned its firstever OVC Tournament title in April and went on to face No. 15 seed Ole Miss in the 2021 NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship in May. Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “This facility will serve our teams well in their competitions, while also giving our fans easier access to cheer them on. Plus, I’m excited that we’ll be able to offer the entire campus community an opportunity to enjoy recreational
play when the courts are not in use for Athletics matches or practices.” Made possible by the generosity of multiple donors, including avid Bruins fan and former Belmont tennis player Pat Johnson, the structure connects to a new indoor practice facility that serves as the primary training home for Belmont’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball programs.
Recent alumna Denisha Dalton and junior Keegan Ferrell showed off their singing chops on this spring’s season of “The Voice,” impressing the judges and representing Belmont well as they competed on the show.
Belmont Law was one of only three schools in the nation to have an ultimate bar passage rate of 100 percent for the graduating class of 2018 (pictured), according to the American Bar Association.
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ACING THE TEST
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THIS IS ‘THE VOICE’
Getty Image Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
RETURNING TO THE OPRY STAGE
School of Music students and alumni returned to the Opry stage for the second consecutive appearance on the annual Academy of Country Music Awards, supplying backup vocals to co-host Mickey Guyton’s performance of “Hold On.”
TURN YOUR TASSELS
Belmont held a series of four spring commencement ceremonies in April, celebrating the graduation of 1,328 students with 999 bachelors, 106 masters and 223 doctoral degrees conferred. Men’s tennis team earned its first-ever OVC Tournament Title
CIRCLE MAGAZINE
GOING THE DISTANCE
Belmont’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership, led by Jon Roebuck, announced the creation of The JudeoChristian Studies Initiative, an endowed program that will include lectures, classes and conversations to provide dialogue, perspective and understanding across these two faith traditions.
Against some of the best in the nation, Belmont Men’s Cross Country senior Ben Naeger finished 149th overall at the 2021 NCAA Men’s Cross Country Championship in March. His appearance marked the third consecutive year a male Belmont runner competed in the championship race.
ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENTS
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Watkins College of Art students were recognized with a record number of Student ADDY Awards for advertising design, receiving 18 Silver, eight Gold and two Judges Awards along with the Best in Show. Abraham Mast became the student with more ADDY Awards than any other at Belmont, having won 27 since his freshman year.
Students from the Department of Cinema, TV and Media and the Honors Program recently completed a compelling documentary, “How Did We Get Here? Nashville Surviving 2020.” The film features interviews with leading officials— including Dr. William Schaffner, Dr. James Hildreth and Nashville Mayor John Cooper—discussing the impact of a tornado, the pandemic, issues of racial justice and a presidential debate on the city.
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JUDEO-CHRISTIAN STUDIES
SPRING 2021
STUDENTS AND FACULTY HELP STAFF NASHVILLE’S MASS VACCINATION EVENT More than 100 School of Nursing faculty and students and approximately 50 College of Pharmacy students and faculty staffed what Nashville Mayor John Cooper called a “watershed moment” for the city as it hosted a mass vaccination event on March 20 at Nissan Stadium. Joining forces with city health officials and volunteers, Belmont representatives aided in 10,000 people
CIRCLE MAGAZINE
27 SPRING 2021
receiving their Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination by the end of the event. College of Health Sciences and Nursing Dean Cathy Taylor said, “This was an extraordinary opportunity to serve and learn alongside our public health colleagues and community volunteers. Our students demonstrated skill and caring typically expected of more seasoned professionals, and I couldn’t be more proud or inspired by their work.” Mackenzie Race, P3 pharmacy student working toward her PharmD, said the day was a humbling and emotional
experience. “After seeing our community lose so much over the past year, Saturday felt like a real step to making progress towards healing our city. Witnessing so many healthcare professionals come together and work as a team for the benefit of our community was astounding and something I will never forget,” she said. “I am so thankful that I got to serve the residents of Nashville alongside my colleagues at Belmont.” Dr. Lucyellen Dahlgren, assistant professor of nursing, commented on the students’ emotions ranging from fear and trepidation to excitement and joy. With
gratitude, she noted Belmont’s ability to participate in this historic event, stating it was “a great learning event, time to share tasks as a team, and just an overall positive feeling of goodness.” Additionally, Belmont put forth its own vaccination efforts internally, offering free COVID-19 vaccines to all students, faculty and staff. By the end of the spring semester, more than 1,500 doses were administered through campus vaccination clinics.
Belmont Surpasses ‘We Believe Campaign’ Fundraising Goal,
EXCEEDS $326 MILLION COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN PROVIDES FUNDING FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS, FACULTY SUPPORT, MISSIONS, ATHLETICS AND MORE
WE DID IT! In the final week before Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher’s • Faculty Support through endowed chairs/professorships to attract retirement, the University announced May 24 that it had successfully and retain preeminent experts in their fields surpassed the initial goals for the We Believe campaign, the largest comprehensive fundraising effort in Belmont history. Launched • Missions Support to expand endowed funds to enhance Belmont’s publicly five years ago at the conclusion of the institution’s 125th undeniably Christian environment and further students’ ability to anniversary celebration, the We Believe campaign aimed to raise and serve in the U.S. and abroad invest $300 million to support five strategic priorities: scholarships, • Athletics funding for endowed scholarships to support high-caliber faculty, missions, athletics and the annual fund. As of May 24, the student athletes who embody Belmont values and represent the campaign’s total reached $326,674,688, more than $20 million University around the world beyond the original goal. “When we launched the We Believe Campaign in 2016, we did so with five fundraising priorities identified that are critical to us living out our mission in even greater ways,” said Dr. Fisher. “We set our sights on the most ambitious fundraising goal in Belmont history and never looked back. Not surprisingly, our Belmont family—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, trustees and other supporters—heard the call and responded in record numbers. As a result, our endowment has grown more than 233% from $102 million to more than $340 million, ensuring our Christ-centered mission will endure and Belmont will thrive for many, many years to come.” Specific priorities of the We Believe campaign included: • Endowed Scholarships to ensure more qualified students can receive a Belmont education regardless of financial means
• Annual Giving to support the student experience (research, lectures, travel, etc.) and create a culture of philanthropy among Belmont constituent groups that encourages consistent, long-term giving Vice President for Development and External Relations Dr. Perry Moulds added, “Every donation, large and small, from the more than 23,000 contributors to this campaign creates more opportunities for students to receive an exceptional and distinctive education at Belmont University. I am thrilled that we could cross this threshold prior to Dr. Fisher’s retirement as it’s his visionary leadership that has paved the way for all that Belmont has become. Our donors’ belief has now set the stage for an even more dynamic future.” To learn more about the We Believe campaign or to invest in a Belmont University scholarship or other initiative, visit webelieve.belmont.edu.
T O TA L R A I S E D
$326,674,688 23,098
Total donors to the We Believe campaign $300,000,000
$6,048,489 Raised to support missions
$43,496,096
In gifts eligible for University match*
$141,913,684 Raised to support scholarships
$200,000,000
$16,948,793 Raised for faculty support
$14,416,735 $100,000,000
Raised to support Athletics
$51,922,588
Funds raised in annual giving
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING!
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