Circle Magazine Spring 2014 by Belmont University

CIRCLE

SPRING

MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2014

FIRST LOOK

carnival was held on the South Lawn the day before exams began, allowing students A to relax with games, food trucks and live music before they prepared for finals.

SPRING 2014

ylan Beckerich takes a selfie with Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher during a Fiesta to thank D students for their patience and understanding with campus construction this semester.

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From the President

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Belmont’s spring semester was brimming with celebrations at every turn, as you’ll soon read. The long-awaited Foutch Alumni House opened in February, and the renovations were completed on historic Columbia Studio A on Music Row. Our basketball teams continued their fine winning traditions, landing in post-season play, and our faculty and staff started a new custom of dedicating a day of service to the community. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito visited campus in May, offering sage and timely advice to our first-ever graduates from the College of Law, and tremendous progress was made on Belmont’s Vision 2020 planning through the input of faculty, staff, students, alumni and board members.

President Bob Fisher

As we all take a breath and enjoy the somewhat slower pace of summer, it’s good to reflect on what an amazing 2014 we’ve already had and to express our immense gratitude. Whether with your time, resources or both, we appreciate the support you’ve given to Belmont University, and we hope you’ll join us this fall as there are more exciting celebrations on the horizon. Best Regards,

Robert C. Fisher, president

University Administration

Provost Thomas Burns Vice President/Chief of Staff Susan West Vice President of Finance and Operations Steve Lasley Vice President for Administration and University Counsel Jason Rogers Vice President of University Advancement Bethel (Bo) Thomas Jr. Vice President of Spiritual Development Todd Lake Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness Paula Gill

Magazine Managing Editor April Hefner (M.A. ´07) Designers Nicole Childress, Glenda Dahlhauser Natalie Smith (´08), Sara Spencer University Photographer Andrea Hallgren Contributing Photographers Angela Disrud, Shannon Marie McLaughlin, Sam Polonsky Contributing Writers Juanita Cousins (M.B.A. ’13), Emily Young Production & Distribution Coordinators Veronica Smith, Sara Spencer

Table of Contents 3

From the President

Another Banner Year in Basketball

A Matter of Trust

It’s Bruin Time in the Community

Celebrating Columbia Studio A

Foutch Alumni House Grand Opening

Being Belmont: Mixed Bill

Just Rewards: College of Law Commencement

Campus News

Circle magazine is published biannually for alumni and friends of Belmont University. Editorial content, graphic production, printing and distribution are coordinated by the Offices of Communications and University Marketing & Public Relations. 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 regarding Circle magazine content to: Belmont University Office of Communications/Circle magazine 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212 615.460.6641 or circlemag@belmont.edu 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. Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service or sexual orientation. Inquiries or complaints concerning the application of these policies to students should be directed to the Dean of Students, Beaman Student Life Center Suite 200, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212, deanofstudents@belmont.edu or 615.460.6407.

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ANOTHER BANNER YEAR! BOTH BELMONT MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMS SCORE POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT BIDS. THE #ITSBRUINTIME HASHTAG SAW PLENTY OF ACTION this season, with both Belmont’s men’s and women’s basketball teams finding success on the court. In his first year at the helm of the women’s basketball program, head coach Cameron Newbauer helped the Bruins return to the postseason for the first time in seven years, earning a bid to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, where Belmont lost a nailbiter, 4948, to the Indiana Hoosiers. The women finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference with a 10-6 conference mark and landed in second place in the OVC tournament. Under Newbauer’s tutelage, Belmont saw Jordyn Luffman and Taylor Mills earn postseason AllOVC honors, as First Team and All-Newcomer respectively, a first for Belmont since joining the league two years ago. In an epic OVC contest, the men’s basketball team defeated new rivals Murray State, 99-96, on Feb. 6—it was the third straight heart-stopping contest between the Bruins and Racers in less than two seasons. After suffering a six-point loss to Eastern Kentucky in the OVC Tournament final, the men regained their momentum with a post-season National Invitation Tournament (NIT) win at Green Bay followed by a thrilling victory over Robert Morris, 8271, in front of an electrified home crowd in the Curb Event Center.

The game featured two of the top three-point shooting teams in the nation and allowed Belmont to move forward to face Clemson, where the Bruins lost a closely fought match up 73-68. Stand-out and men’s basketball team captain J.J. Mann excelled on and off the court with a 2013-14 Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention and as a finalist for the Lou Henson National Player of the Year Award. He was named 2014 OVC Player of the Year and National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) AllDistrict, among other accolades. Mann set Belmont NCAA era program records for games played (139), victories (109), steals (208) and single-season scoring (660 points, 2014). “J.J. Mann has accomplished as much on and off the floor as any Belmont player I have coached,” said Belmont University men’s basketball head coach Rick Byrd. “He was a great leader, teammate and competitor.” Meanwhile, Byrd was named the National Association of Basketball Coaches District 19 Coach of the Year, leading Belmont to a ninth postseason appearance in the last 11 years and a 26-10 record. He was also named OVC Coach of the Year for a second consecutive season and was a finalist for the Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award for a third time in four seasons. n

SPRING 2014

A MATTER OF TRUST

Belmont’s Board of Trust brings commitment and vision to the University.

AS BELMONT EMBARKS ON PLANNING FOR Vision 2020, central to the process is the University’s Board of Trust, a group of 39 men and women who voluntarily give their time and expertise in service to the campus community. Led by chairman Marty Dickens since 2005, Board membership includes individuals from all walks of life, from corporate CEOs and church pastors to attorneys and artists. Several recent graduates also serve three-year terms as Alumni Regents, bringing an essential student perspective to the Board. Together they oversee Belmont’s present operations, plan for progress and invest in Belmont’s future. In January, the entire Board gathered for an afternoon brainstorming session with representatives from across campus. Working in small groups, they discussed a vision for the University in 2020. Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “The value our trustees bring to Belmont is truly incalculable. The resources, insights and commitment they have offered over the years have propelled Belmont to top rankings as well as unprecedented physical and enrollment growth, all while empowering the

University to remain fixed on its Christian mission. I can only imagine what their contributions—in collaboration with faculty, staff and students—to our current Vision 2020 planning will bring to the future for this campus.” Collectively, the Board meets three times a year— August, January and April—but committee meetings are held more often. Each Board member serves on at least one committee with topic areas including Academic Affairs, Athletics, Audit, Development, Student Life and University Ministries, among others. Dickens noted, “I agreed to serve on Belmont’s Board because I believe in the mission of the University. As a trustee I believe it is my responsibility to help insure Belmont stays true to its mission of putting Christ first in all that it does while providing outstanding education opportunities for the students who choose to be a part of this University. Being a part of Belmont has brought great joy in my life because of all the unbelievable students I’ve had the privilege of being around over the years. I never cease to be amazed at the caliber, abilities and talents of the outstanding young men and women at Belmont.” n

BOARD OF TRUST Trustees Lee Beaman Marty Dickens, chair John Ferguson Dan Foutch Cordia Harrington Steve Hewlett Damon Hininger Jim Holleman

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Steve Horrell Gordon Inman Milton Johnson Klay Kelley Ron Knox Bill Lee Cynthia Leu Bruce Maxwell Carolyn McAfee

Stuart McWhorter Andrea Overby Ben Rechter Jon Roebuck Barbara Massey Rogers Anne Russell Joe Russell Dana Sherrard Michael W. Smith

Randy Smith Larry Thrailkill Terry Turner Paul Walker Bob Whisenant Jim Wilkerson Eugenia Winwood James Wright Mark Wright

Regents Tommye Maddox JoAnna Adkisson Charlie Dankert Abby Robinson

Trustees Emeritus Randall Baskin Jack Benz Mike Curb Helen Kennedy Clayton McWhorter Carolyn Patton George West

VISION 2020 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1. Students will be at the center of all that we do. 2. Highest quality academic programs and excellence in teaching will be treasured. 3. Strong Christian character will be embedded in all that we do. 4. Diversity will be enhanced across the University community. 5. A strong people-first culture of openness and mutual respect will guide our relationships. 6. The reputation of Belmont University will be strengthened. 7. Technology will be deployed to enhance learning and improve operational efficiency. 8. University resources will be applied to achieve high quality and to maintain momentum. 9. Investments in people will be made in the form of salary, benefits and individual development opportunities. 10. We will cherish the privilege of service to others and the importance of our work.

SPRING 2014

IT’S BRUIN TIME IN THE

Community Faculty, staff and students give back to Nashville. STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES CONTINUE TO FOSTER the Belmont mission and build community on campus through service to neighbors nearby and throughout Nashville. Approximately 150 Belmont staff, faculty and administrators gave Hunters Lane High School hallways, gym, stairwells, railings and banisters a cosmetic lift with a fresh coat of paint in March. The service project was dubbed “It’s Bruin Time in the Community,” and much like Belmont’s Annual SERVE Day for incoming freshmen and transfer students, it was part of the University’s ongoing mission to engage in the community and encourage the values of service on both a local and global level. “Belmont has a great partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools, and this service project provides another opportunity to enhance our commitment to them,” said Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan West. “Belmont places great emphasis on service. Our service to others helps to define who we are as a University. This day of service for faculty and staff allows another opportunity for Belmont to celebrate who we are and model the way for our students.” Students volunteered their time and resources as well this past semester in a variety of venues. One significant

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undertaking involved partnering with homeless ministry Room in the Inn, along with the Islamic Center of Nashville and Congregation Sherith Israel congregations, to coordinate transportation, meals and shelter for those in need. Two nights a week from November to March, Belmont students cooked dinner for the homeless and fellowshipped with them on campus in the Sports Science Building before turning in for the night on cots. In addition, other service projects this semester included some 145 Belmont students reading to Nashville children during the 14th Annual Family Literacy Day at Rose Park. The event was designed to allow the Belmont community to partner with Nashvillians to encourage reading and literacy among elementary-age children and their families. And Greek-lettered organizations raised $10,000 for St. Jude and logged almost 1,000 hours of community service throughout Nashville. Belmont’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee had sports teams showcase their off-field skills in the Battle of the Bruins talent show and collected more than $4,000 for Nashville Special Olympics. The University also joined the “Ms. Cheap Penny Drive for Second Harvest” to gather change for the local food bank. n

SPRING 2014

History REPEATS ITSELF

Columbia Studio A Celebrates Grand Reopening as ‘Learning Lab’

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PRESERVING MUSIC CITY HISTORY WHILE SHAPING THE music of the future… thanks to partnerships between Trustee Emeritus Mike Curb and Belmont University, that’s exactly what’s happening on Nashville’s acclaimed Music Row as another historic studio recently completed renovations and will now be used as educational space for students in Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Columbia Studio A, which celebrated its grand reopening in May, and the neighboring Quonset Hut provided the sonic landscape for countless hit records and legendary artists, including Bob Dylan, who recorded his legendary 1969 Nashville Skyline album in the most recently renovated space. Other artists who’ve graced the building include Dusty Springfield, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Loretta Lynn and George Jones, among others. Rock and country artist Brenda Lee said, “If these walls could talk, they could recount a virtual ‘who’s who’ of great artists and hit songs that first found life here… Thanks to the vision of today’s industry leadership—to men such as Dr. Bob Fisher, president of Belmont University, and Mike Curb, whose namesake Curb College

of Entertainment and Music Business is unparalleled as a music industry learning resource—thanks to them, these walls can and will ‘talk’ to a new generation of young creativity that will come here to experience and learn where it all began.” Mike Curb, founder of Curb Records, purchased the property in 2005 and is giving the University a 40-year lease on the building as an in kind contribution, an estimated donation value topping $10 million. Curb said, “These studios… allow students to learn all aspects of the music business and at the same time attend classes in the historic recording studios where Music Row had its beginning. The Belmont Curb College is now the largest standalone music business college in America, and we are excited about the partnership between Belmont and the Curb Foundation in preserving these historic sites.” In addition to appearances by veteran session musicians and industry leaders, the reopening event featured performances by rising I.R.S. Nashville band Striking Matches, a duo who first met when paired together in a Belmont guitar class. n

SPRING 2014

COMIN G

E M O H

ALUMNI FINALLY HAVE A HOME TO CALL THEIR OWN. “The significance of this building is as symbolic as it is physical as For the first time, Belmont alumni could walk into their physical house when they returned to campus for Homecoming. The University celebrated the grand opening of the Foutch Alumni House on Feb. 8. Thanks to the support of numerous alumni and donors, the former Ward-Belmont’s Clubhouse No. 10 was renovated to become the Foutch Alumni House, named in honor of 1982 graduates Dan and Lisa Foutch (Dan also serves on Belmont’s Board of Trustees).

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it has something that every generation of alumni can remember and can identify with,” said Vice President of University Advancement Bo Thomas. “We hope this first-ever space specifically created for alumni conveys a message to all alumni how important they are and how much we want to stay engaged and connected with them.”

Throughout the years, the building served as a faculty meeting space, theater, employee housing and Plant Operations facility. It was the original home of the Communication Arts department

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in 1985, and the main foyer served as the first video studio with faculty offices upstairs. The original fireplace, banister and beams were integrated into the restoration, and the building now serves as home to Belmont’s Office of Alumni Relations while also providing a gathering space for 40 to 50 people in the Kennedy Great Room, named for alumna and Trustee Emeritus Helen Kennedy. Alumni artwork is displayed throughout the building, which alumni can easily find next to the Bell Tower. The week of special events for Homecoming 2014 began Feb. 3,

centered on the theme “Destination Belmont: There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” and included two basketball games, the annual Commercial Music Showcase and a “Homecoming in the Round” alumni concert hosted by Gordon Kennedy and Chris Rodriguez. Other highlights included pep rallies, the traditional bonfire, alumni speakers and numerous reunions. James Shockley and Megan Richardson were crowned Homecoming king and queen at half-time of the men’s basketball game, during which the Bruins defeated Austin Peay State University 69-67. n

SPRING 2014

BEING

BELMONT

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The Department of Theatre and Dance celebrated the 10th anniversary of Belmont’s dance minor program with the production of “Mixed Bill X: Reunion.”

SPRING 2014

JUST REWARDS

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Speaks at College of Law Inaugural Commencement

BELMONT UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF LAW celebrated the graduation of its charter class May 10 as 120 students received their Juris Doctor degrees along with timely inspiration from commencement speaker and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. Belmont President Bob Fisher said, “We opened a College of Law because we believe it fits perfectly within Belmont’s mission to provide a transformative education that empowers civic engagement and creates change agents in our community and the broader world.” Encouraging his fellow graduates to “build a legacy of greatness,” Alexander H. Mills provided the valedictorian address for the College of Law Class of 2014, quoting from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Justice Alito used his commencement address to declare that the foundational backbone of the United

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States could provide an appropriate source for the graduates’ future guiding principles. “The essential features of the Constitution and the legal system can lead us to ideals that are applicable to life… it separates matters that are essential from matters that are simply important. The same strategy is a good one to implement in our personal lives. It’s good to go through the mental process to identify what is essential and permanent in our lives, those things that matter most.” Having a Supreme Court justice speak at the first graduation represents a perfect culmination to the legal education for Belmont Law’s charter class, but it’s certainly not the only highlight of the College’s first few years. From enrolling with a median class LSAT of 154, the 2014 graduating law class set the standard for Belmont lawyers to follow through classroom performance, involvement in numerous co-curricular clubs and activities and service to the community. n

SPRING 2014

CAMPUS NEWS

campus news

Making Art/Math Connections Origami expert Malachi Brown taught students about the connections between art, math and engineering during an interactive convocation in March.

Tailgate by the Tower To celebrate the first-ever post-season tournament menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball game to be held on campus, a well-attended tailgate was held by the Bell Tower prior to tip-off.

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Occupational, Physical Therapy Schools Help Make Disabled Children Mobile The Inman Health Sciences Building became a workshop and playground in May as part of an international project to promote pediatric mobility. The Pediatric Mobility Lab and Design Studio brought to Belmont Go Baby Go, a program that teaches adults how to modify existing toy cars in a few hours to make them functional for children with disabilities. Eight families and their therapists from Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia worked alongside Belmont occupational therapy and physical therapy students and alumni to learn how to modify toys and the logistics of the Go Baby Go program. Together, they altered Fisher-Price Lightning McQueen red cars with Velcro, PVC pipes, pool noodles and kickboards to create wheelchair-like toys. The cars also function as physical therapy devices to teach strength and balance while allowing the disabled children to socialize with other children their age. n

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Supporting Oscar Eight Belmont West students and four alumni served as part of a staff of 30 who ran the “Oscar Fan Experience” during the Academy Awards’ red carpet arrivals.

Arias Speaks at PeaceJam Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez, former president of Costa Rica and 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate, spoke as part of Nashville’s second annual PeaceJam, held on campus in February.

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campus news

New Deans Named As the College of Arts & Sciences divides into two new collegesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) and College of Sciences and Mathematics (CSM)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Belmont recently named Dr. Thom Spence (left) as the new CSM dean. Meanwhile, Judge Alberto Gonzales (right) took the reins of the College of Law this summer as Founding Dean Jeff Kinsler returns to the classroom.

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campus news

‘Welcome Home’ Initiative Encourages Campus Diversity Three years ago Belmont began a “Welcome Home” initiative to support the University’s goal of becoming increasingly more diverse and broadly reflective of local and global communities. Consisting of representatives from across campus, the Welcome Home team meets regularly to explore initiatives and plan strategies to create a culture of inclusion. Programs such as Bridges to Belmont, required employee diversity training and a Supplier Diversity program are just a few of the initial outcomes of the Welcome Home team’s work. In addition, ongoing and new academic-based programming offer learning experiences to broaden perspectives across campus. For example, this semester two weeks of special events were held in January around Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth date. Also in March, Belmont held its first World Culture Fest to demonstrate the diversity of culture and heritage represented across campus through dance, music, food, fashion and other art forms, including henna tattoos. n

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Enactus Finishes 4th in Nation Belmont Enactus landed in fourth place of 240 teams nationwide competing at the Enactus USA National Exposition competition in April.

Jordan Speaks on Power of Music Former R&B singer turned gospel artist Montell Jordan shared the power of music with the Belmont community during Chapel March 31.

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Maymester Course Teaches ‘Better Eating Through Chemistry’ While Belmont’s campus is usually pretty quiet in the period after commencement and before summer classes begin in June, 22 students could be found working diligently in the classroom and the kitchen this May. The undergraduate Maymester course, taught by chemistry Professor Dr. Kim Daus and titled “Better Eating through Chemistry,” managed to accomplish two noteworthy feats: getting nonscience majors excited about organic chemistry while also encouraging better eating habits in college students. The course included chemistry lectures, readings, problem solving assignments, research, field trips, lab experimentation and intensive group work and assessment. Music business major Mimi Ijir said, “It’s definitely made me a smarter cook. It’s been fascinating to see the connections behind the food and realize not just that bread is bad for me but learn why it’s bad from a chemistry standpoint.” Daus, who was also recently named the 2014–15 Chaney Distinguished Professor, added, “One of the major challenges associated with eating healthier within cuisines is how to make food we love taste good and still remain true to our traditions and cultures. In order to make changes we need to understand the nature of our food, how preparation alters it and how to work within recipes. In other words, we need to understand the chemistry behind food and cooking.” n

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Doctors of Nursing Practice Graduate May commencement celebrated the first four graduates from Belmont’s new Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Giant Jenga The annual Greek Week promoted service and community through a variety of activities, including a life-size Jenga tournament.

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Grant Funds China Research Dr. Qingjun (Joan) Li and four of her students were awarded a grant that will fully fund the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research project in China this summer.

New Practice Rooms Open Music majors across campus rejoiced this spring as 16 new practice rooms were opened in the McAfee Concert Hall annex.

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TN Supreme Court Visits Belmont In February the Supreme Court of Tennessee heard three appeals in the College of Law’s Baskin Center, marking the first time that Court convened on Belmont’s campus.

Alum Publishes Java Guide Alumnus Nicholas Williams (’09) is the newly published author of Professional Java for Web Applications, a 936-page guide to the creation of Java web applications for the enterprise.

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campus news

Students ‘Immerse’ in Missions

photography by: Shannon Marie McLaughlin

Approximately 80 Belmont students, faculty and staff participated in an alternative Spring Break trip as part of Immersion 2014, a mission trip program sponsored by University Ministries. This year groups traveled to diverse locations all over the world, exploring immigration and border issues in Las Cruces, New Mexico, working with migrant farm workers in Apopka, Florida and engaging in servant leadership in Washington, D.C., among other excursions. “My experience with Belmont’s Immersion program was the best spring break choice I’ve ever made. I was able to gain a new perspective on poverty and homelessness, problems so many Americans face every day,” said senior Emily Cox. n

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Ricky Skaggs Awarded ‘Applause’ The 2014 President’s Concert honored legendary musician Ricky Skaggs with the Applause Award.

Gladwell Advocates for the Underdog Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point, Blink) shared David and Goliath-inspired wisdom with business executives and students on a recent campus visit.

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Wallace Receives Milestone Award Alumna Carla Wallace was named the fifth recipient of the Music City Milestone Award, which celebrates Belmontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connection with Music Row.

Creating Roboroaches A neurobiology class used kits to create cybernetic cockroaches. Using cell phones to control input to the antennae, the experiment deepened studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; understanding of brain neuronal signaling.

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‘Read with Me’ Tradition Continues on Family Literacy Day Some 145 Belmont students read to Nashville children during the 14th Annual Family Literacy Day on April 12 at Rose Park. The event was designed to allow the Belmont community to partner with Nashvillians to encourage reading and literacy among elementaryage children and their families.

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“It is a great privilege for Belmont to celebrate the great work that goes on all year long by joining with Metro Nashville Public Schools, the Nashville Public Library, Metro Parks, Book’em, PENCIL Foundation and Homework Hotline to provide Family Literacy Day to the community,” said Belmont Director of Service-Learning Tim Stewart. “We are grateful for the opportunities the community provides our students and view Family Literacy Day as a small but hopefully significant way to say ‘thank you.’” n

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Convo All Stars William Paul Young, author of bestselling novel The Shack, visited Belmont in March, while actor, director and producer Corbin Bernsen (“L.A. Law,” “JAG,” “Psych”) spoke about his faith and film career in April.

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CSI: Belmont Members of the Chemistry department led an interactive crime-solving event as a convo, challenging students to play the roles of Crime Scene Investigators and draw conclusions based on their research.

Chapel Inspires Service Multi-platinum band Jars of Clay performed during the opening chapel of the semester, sharing band membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; passion for nonprofit Blood:Water Mission.

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‘Singin’ in the Rain’ Delights Crowds Belmont’s musical theatre department presented a classic favorite to sold-out crowds this semester as “Singin’ in the Rain” came to the Troutt Theater. Adapted from the 1952 movie of the same name, the plot is set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent screen era. The popular show was only one of the highlights experienced by the program this spring. Musical theatre faculty and students also recently partnered with a creative team from New York City to conduct a fully staged, fully choreographed workshop of a new Broadway-bound musical. The new show, called “Chasing Rainbows,” celebrates the early years of Judy Garland culminating in her being cast in “The Wizard of Oz.” The workshop process is when a show’s producers test out and tweak how a show is booked,

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scored, choreographed and cast, prior to an attempt at a Broadway run. A staged reading of the show was held May 22 on campus. Musical Theatre Program Coordinator Nancy Allen said, “Belmont is very excited to have been invited to do this because usually producers use only New York equity actors or top tier musical theater programs. This will hopefully be the first of many such collaborations.” In addition, 2011 musical theatre alums Ben Laxton and Andrea Rouch returned to Nashville in March for the traveling tour of “Ghost” at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Rouch and Laxton, who were married in May, served as understudies for the lead roles in “Ghost.” n

campus news

Win No. 800! Belmont baseball head coach Dave Jarvis celebrated his 800th career win this season.

New Majors for Fall 2014 This spring Belmont announced the formation of two new undergraduate majors: music therapy and publishing. More info at www.belmont.edu.

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www.BELMONT.edu

Save the Date

HOMECOMING is set for Saturday, February 28, with activities being held the week of February 23–28.

alumni.belmont.edu dates subject to change

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