Belmont University
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From Here to Anywhere
C I R C L E
M A G A Z I N E
REBA McE N T IR E Hosts ‘CMA Country Christmas’ Taping on Campus
A P U B L I C AT I O N F O R S T U D E N T S , PA R E N T S , A L U M N I & F R I E N D S
FI R ST LO O K Visible from countless spots around the city, Belmont University’s newest residence hall, the aptly named Tall Hall, officially opened its doors in August. The building includes a ground floor fitness studio, captivating views of the Nashville skyline and innovative modular furniture.
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243,000 SQ UARE FEET
10+ FLOORS
610 RESIDENTS
U NIVE RS IT Y ADMINIST RAT IO N PRESIDENT
Bob Fisher PROVOST
Thomas Burns VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF OF STAFF
Susan West VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS
Steve Lasley VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION & UNIVERSITY COUNSEL
Jason Rogers VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT & EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Perry Moulds VICE PRESIDENT OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Todd Lake VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
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Paula Gill
A WOR D FR OM T HE PRESI DENT
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T H E E ND O F A N OT H E R Y EAR IS A P P R OAC H ING, but for many at Belmont, the academic year has already come to an end. Students and faculty have scattered, and the campus is strangely quiet. I’m thankful for a moment to take a breath after an incredibly busy and productive fall semester, one you can read more about in the pages to follow. You may notice we’ve incorporated a slight redesign in this issue of Belmont’s Circle magazine. A smaller size and more environmentally sustainable paper reflects our ongoing commitment to being a “green” University. In addition, we’ve also added a special feature, Alumni Stories, to focus on the accomplishments of Bruins across the decades. As always, I welcome your feedback and thank you for your interest in and support of Belmont University.
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Best Regards,
Robert C. Fisher, president
ON THE COVER:
“CMA Country Christmas” host Reba McEntire shined during the Curb Event Center taping of the holiday special, which was broadcast nationally on ABC. Photo credit: Donn Jones/CMA
MAG AZ INE MANAGING EDITOR
April Hefner (M.A. ’07) DESIGNERS
Sarah Hobbs, Anna Howard, Natalie Smith (B.F.A. ’08) UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Sam Simpkins CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kenzie Baker (B.B.A. ’21) Josh Behm (B.B.A. ’19) Tommy Gotsch (B.A. ’20) Donn Jones/CMA Kayla Schoen/CMA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Claire Anderson (B.S. ’19) Lydia Bailey (B.S. ’19) Hope Buckner (B.S. ’12, M.Ed. ’17) 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. 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.
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B EIN G BE L M O N T To kick off the campus Veteran’s Week celebration, students wrote letters to soldiers overseas and tied yellow ribbons around several trees on the main quad to honor the service and sacrifice of Belmont’s active duty students, veterans and family members.
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Diana Krall and Tony Bennett perform a duet during the taping. (Donn Jones/CMA)
Belmont Trustee Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant (Donn Jones/CMA)
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Approximately 60 students served as production assistants, talent escorts or seat fillers for this event. The “CMA Country Christmas” show airs nationally on ABC during the holiday season.
Dan + Shay performs during “CMA Country Christmas,” which aired nationally on ABC Dec. 10. (Kayla Schoen/CMA)
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Senior commercial music major David Cistrunk hopes to one day be a Christian singer/songwriter/worship leader, and the Detroit native appreciated how being behind the scenes of this event gave him new insights on his future career. He spent time “assisting with load in and stage setup and assisting the production coordinator with planning day-to-day activities, as well as the prop maker with getting everything needed for building set pieces. I believe that being a production assistant teaches you to appreciate all the work that goes into making a production successful. It also teaches you great workplace etiquette, while learning how it truly takes a team to make a successful production.”
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A number of students participated behind the scenes in the making of the event, working hand-in-hand all week with the production team. Junior Katie Kuhnash, a music business major from Centerville, Ohio, noted that this experience will help expand her professional network. “As PAs/runners, our main duty is to perform any task that the producers do not have time to complete, anything we can do to make their lives easier and make sure everything runs flawlessly.”
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The Curb Event Center was beyond transformed in September, as anyone entering the entertainment and athletic arena would easily believe they’d been transported to the center of Santa’s village at the North Pole. Twinkling lights, 20-foot Christmas trees, an array of wrapped packages and musical legends decked in their holiday finest all adorned the stage for the taping of the annual “CMA Country Christmas” event. Nearly 3,000 fans— including numerous Belmont students and employees—were able to enjoy live performances from host Reba McEntire, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Brett Eldredge, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs, Dustin Lynch, Brett Young and Dan + Shay.
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PAT T ER N S AND PLANS
AMIDST MODERN NEW DIGS, THE O’MORE SCHOOL OF DESIGN DRAWS MORE THAN 100 NEW STUDENTS TO BELMONT’S CAMPUS TO STUDY FASHION, GRAPHIC AND INTERIOR DESIGN.
A legacy came full circle this fall, as the O’More College of Design joined the campus of Belmont University. Ward-Belmont alumna Eloise Pitts O’More founded the school in 1970 to preserve her passion for design and design principles. From its location in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, the school provided generations of students access to top-rated programs in fashion design and merchandising, interior design and graphic design. After announcing the planned merger with Belmont University in the spring, administrators from both institutions set to work to provide O’More students a seamless transition to their new Nashville home at Belmont. The fashion and interior design programs are now housed in newly renovated floors of the Hitch Building, and the space reflects these unique academic offerings well thanks to the influence of interior design faculty who pursued a “mid-century modern meets mad scientist” motif. Over the summer, O’More received exciting news as the Fashion Merchandising Program was named one of the Top 20 Private Fashion Merchandising Programs in the U.S. by fashion-schools.org. Director of Belmont’s O’More School of Design Shari Fox said, “Our move to Belmont University places us firmly in the middle of the burgeoning Nashville fashion industry, and these recent rankings mark us as the premier fashion school for the entire region. We are educating the future leaders of the fashion industry right here at O’More.” Note: Belmont’s O’More School of Design has received preliminary approval from the University’s regional accreditor.
Anywhere F RO M HER E TO
NEARLY 900 BELMONT STUDENTS AND FACULTY PARTICIPATED IN STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCES THIS YEAR, TRAVELING TO LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.
Hampton Court Palace
parades, which are so essential to the history of the conflict,” she said. “The four weeks I spent in Belfast impacted the ways in which I perceive conflict and means of conflict resolution, and the opportunities I had helped me to understand the whole picture behind a religious conflict in a part of the world that I did not know much about prior to my travels. This trip was one of the best experiences I have had with Belmont so far.”
Traveling across the globe to Argentina, London, Israel, Jordan, Greece, Cambodia, Poland, Austria, Costa Rica, Florence, Rome, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Korea, South Africa, Germany, Haiti, India, Tanzania, Hawaii and more, these programs provided students with the opportunity to expand the classroom beyond the traditional experience. Students were able to visit places they’ve never been, see historical sites and spend time experiencing new cultures. And the opportunities never end as the catalog of study abroad programs offered to students expands each year. This summer new programs included studying acting and its origins in Belfast and London, examining the history and psychology of sport in Scotland, evaluating the role of song in the spread of the Gospel in Uganda and Zimbawe and actively participating in adventure tourism in Australia, among many others. For sophomore global leadership studies major Abby Roesch, the opportunity to study conflict transformation and social justice in Northern Ireland was too unique to pass up. “We traveled all over Northern Ireland and into areas of Ireland as well, where we learned about events like Bloody Sunday and traditions such as the bonfires and 12th of July
Boat ride down River Thames in London
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The age-old college “road trip” holds new meaning for the nearly 900 Belmont students who participated in study abroad experiences this year, with the vast majority of that number choosing to participate in one of 43 faculty-led Maymester and Summer Study Abroad programs.
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Gardens at Hampton Court Palace, London
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M AT T E R S O F
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LIFE& DEATH End-of-life simulation gives nursing students first-hand experience tending to patients and families facing terminal conditions. Students in Belmont’s School of Nursing are Upon arrival, students were made aware of their prepared for all aspects of what they’ll experience patient, Lisa Moss’s, prognosis, as well as her on the job—including caring for patients and their signed Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. Prepared families at the end of life. The School’s curriculum to provide appropriate end-of-life care for Moss, is heavily based on experiential learning as students students entered her room and were greeted by a receive hands-on training in health care facilities “family member,” played by an actor, who stayed and the University’s state-of-the-art simulation labs. with them throughout the entirety of the simulation For senior nursing students in Dr. Sara Camp’s as their patient transitioned. Adult Health II course, one of the most memorable experiences they’ll see in these labs comes through Though understanding patient end-of-life care is paramount to the students’ success as nurses, Camp the End of Life Simulation.
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says caring for the entire family unit during these times of death and loss is just as important.
helplessness and hopelessness, that patients and families are experiencing.”
“End-of-life training for nursing students is essential because for our patients and their families, this is one of the most sacred and vulnerable moments they will ever experience,” Camp said. “It is imperative that nurses contribute in meaningful ways that are compassionate and professional. As the most trusted profession, nurses can help patients and families cope with all of the complex feelings, including
Though less than two percent of nursing curricula across the country is dedicated to end-of-life care, Camp said Belmont’s program is dedicated to not leaving these critical aspects of job training to chance. “We want to give our students some tools before they find themselves in such a heavy situation, and we want to be sure they have a chance to process in a safe place.”
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THE NEW BELMONT OFFICE OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED THIS FALL WITH MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS SIGNING UP TO ENGAGE IN VALUES-BASED LEADERSHIP TRAINING.
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When students, faculty and staff gathered several years ago to discuss Vision 2020, a strategic plan for the future, everyone agreed a values-based leadership development program should be a distinctive hallmark of every student’s Belmont education.
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The dream is now a reality. Aptly named BOLD, the newly-created Belmont Office of Leadership Development launched in August with its first student leadership programming—the BOLD Moves Leadership Challenge. The experience encouraged participants to clarify their individual and group values and align those values with their actions. Through this experience, students began to understand and model what leadership looks like at Belmont through the lens of service, one of Belmont’s core values. The first few days of their time on campus were spent in the classroom as 17 staff and faculty from 10 offices across campus facilitated interactive learning sessions with participants. Covering the basics of leadership, behaviors effective leaders portray, the importance of
forming well-developed group values and more, these sessions allowed participants to understand their own leadership style before putting it into action. But it wasn’t all business. After their training, the BOLD Moves crew took to the city to experience some of what Nashville has to offer. After spending the morning at Top Golf, the group headed downtown for a round of laser tag before coming back to campus to prep for their busy weekend. Demonstrating the true meaning of service, the students completed their BOLD experience by assisting Residence Life with moving 2,200 upperclassmen and 900 freshmen into their campus residence halls. Assistant Dean and Director of Leadership Development Dr. Adrianne Archie said, “Leadership development is everyone’s business. BOLD Moves set the tone for all students to understand that everyone can learn and practice leadership—it’s not reserved for those with a certain title. All our students can be better in BOLD!” For Archie, the opportunity for students to experience real, authentic leadership opportunities while in college is what prepares them for life after graduation. And BOLD Moves is just the beginning. With six competencies and four levels of engagement, the BOLD framework is based on Belmont’s core values of integrity, inquiry, collaboration, service and humility and will produce transformative student leaders across campus both now and in the future.
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SPOT L I GHT Announced in August, the planned Belmont University Performing Arts Center will house a 1,700-seat multi-purpose theatre and a grand lobby—the venue, which will be located between Bernard and Compton Avenue on Belmont Boulevard, is slated to open in the fall of 2021.
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BELMONT PRESIDENT DR. BOB FISHER
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OUR GOAL IS TO BUILD THE FINEST MUSIC PERFORMANCE HALL ON ANY COLLEGE CAMPUS IN THE WORLD…THE ADDITION OF THIS VENUE COMPLETES OUR CAMPUS’S PERFORMANCE FACILITIES, CREATING THE MOST EXTENSIVE SUITE OF VENUES OF ANY OTHER INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
ALU M N I STO RIES
MEET ALUMNUS PHILIP PHILLIPS Belmont alumnus Dr. Philip Phillips, a 1990 English graduate, was recently elected to the national Board of Directors for The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines. In addition, a book he edited about Edgar Allan Poe, “Poe and Place,” was published in November.
Now the associate dean of the University Honors College and professor of English at Middle Tennessee State University, Phillips has the opportunity to be just as influential to students as his Belmont professors were to him, and his Honors College work gives him the opportunity to work with students in almost every academic discipline. “I’ve got one of the best jobs on campus,” Phillips said about being able to interact with students with diverse interests. “Education is not just about teaching; it’s about learning from other people.” During a recent visit to his alma mater, Phillips reflected on the many faculty who influenced his life. Calling his Belmont professors “some of the very best,” Phillips spoke fondly of faculty like Dr. Doug Murray, Dr. Marcia
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McDonald, the late Dr. Mike Awalt and the late Dr. Virginia Chaney. “She was one of the most influential people in my life who really inspired me,” Phillips said about Chaney. “She loved literature, she loved life and she loved working with young people.” Phillips’ time at Belmont greatly defined his future interests and career. Not only did the community at Belmont make a difference, but the relationships he formed with faculty left lasting impressions. “The professors who took an interest in me and guided me…really helped to prepare me for my graduate studies and enabled me to be successful in my career as a researcher, as a scholar and as a teacher.”
MELISSA RADKE
D E V I N D AW S O N
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Songwriting alumnus Devin Dawson received the Breakthrough Artist/Writer of the Year Award at this summer’s Music Row Awards. In his acceptance speech, Dawson said, “I was a Belmont student, and I remember reading in Music Row about all the songwriters I wanted to be. So this is kind of ‘full circle’ for me.” ’92
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PA U L E T T E D I L L A R D
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know me a little better, to feel like they are just really great friends who are meeting me over Mexican food and Diet Coke. But what I want them to leave with is the idea that all it takes is a little spark of bravery to start a forest fire.”
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Commercial music alumna Melissa Radke was on a national tour this fall, promoting her debut book “Eat Cake. Be Brave.” The Texas native has become an internet sensation with videos that have reached over 59 million people. “I want readers to get to
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Dr. Paulette R. Dillard, a Massey MBA graduate, was recently appointed as the 18th president at Shaw University in North Carolina. Dillard was serving as the interim president prior to her official appointment. She previously served as the University’s vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She held prior positions in the field of diagnostic laboratory science.
GARRISON SNELL An honors music business graduate, Garrison Snell dove into his entrepreneurial journey within two days of commencement. He began working full-time on creating, growing and operating his own digital marketing start-up, Gyrosity. Profitable within the first month, Gyrosity earned respect in the marketplace, leading to a summer
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purchase deal valued at more than $1 million. For Snell, the journey to tremendous success began at Belmont where he gained skills and met future colleagues that would be critical to his success. “Belmont is the whole reason I was equipped for this adventure…it was the perfect environment for education, practice and networking.”
CA M PUS N E WS
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ALUMNUS BRAD PAISLEY LAUNCHES NEW NONPROFIT, ‘THE STORE’ Alumnus Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley announced in October their plans to spearhead a unique new nonprofit for the Nashville area, one that will be located on Belmont’s campus. Operating as a free, referral-based grocery outlet, The Store will allow people in need to shop with dignity for their basic needs. It aims to empower individuals seeking self-sufficiency. “We want The Store to be a cheerful, safe place for volunteers as well as for people who are struggling,” said Paisley, who added that his family was inspired
to create The Store after spending time at the Unity Shoppe in Santa Barbara, California. “We want those who are referred to our program to show up and feel dignity.” The Paisleys are partnering with Belmont on the location of The Store in the growing 12th Avenue South area, specially located next to the Belmont Ministry Center. In the coming years, Belmont will be piloting healthcare and legal aid ministry clinics for community members.
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher noted, “At Belmont, we believe the greatest privilege anyone can ever have is to be in a position to help and serve another person. Brad and Kim are living out that mission in an extraordinary fashion in every aspect of their lives, particularly through the creation of The Store. We are proud to partner with them on this initiative, and I’m excited to watch as our current students pour their gifts and abilities into supporting the needs of The Store’s patrons.”
Fall 2018 enrollment reached a recordbreaking number of 8,318 students, with freshman admissions contributing the largest freshman class and highest average ACT composite score in Belmont history.
Songwriting student Alejandro Sierra’s hit song “So You Don’t” was featured among the top 5 songs on pop radio stations in Ecuador and reached No. 2 on southern Columbia radio charts.
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CHART TOPPER
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RECORD BREAKERS
FUNDRAISERS WIN BIG
Belmont students Mohansingh Udhawani, Sophie Reichert and Monika Falat with Brad Paisley at an event announcing The Store.
Belmont’s Up ‘Til Dawn team was recognized by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as Program of the Year for their fundraising efforts, raising more than $145,000 at their annual event.
MEDICAL MISSIONS
“WE WANT THE STORE TO BE A CHEERFUL, SAFE PLACE FOR VOLUNTEERS AS WELL AS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLING.” BRAD PAISLEY
Over the summer, College of Pharmacy students and faculty participated in and led medical mission trips to Honduras and Cambodia where they served more than 3,300 patients in 18 days of clinics.
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WALLPAPER CREATIONS
Associate Professor Dr. Lakisha Simmons and volunteers collected more than 200,000 feminine hygiene items for The Nashville Period Project, her effort to help economically disadvantaged girls have access to essential products.
Belmont art students learned the process of creating wallpaper from artist experts Kelly Diehl and alumna Elizabeth Williams, owners of New Hat. The winning design will soon be on display in the Belmont Mansion.
BABBLING BEAR CREEK
SYMPOSIUM STORYTELLER
New residence hall Tall Hall is surrounded by one of the most beautiful scenes on campus with the addition of a large new lawn and a babbling Bear Creek featuring bronzed bear sculpture Chum Run, crafted by acclaimed Wyoming visual artist Sandy Scott.
Renowned poet, activist, educator and author Nikki Giovanni visited Belmont in conjunction with the 2018 Humanities Symposium as the College of Liberal Arts & Social Science’s Scholar-in-Residence.
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PRODUCTS PROJECT
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“AS AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION, PROMOTING CIVIC INVOLVEMENT AND COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY ARE CENTRAL TENETS OF BELMONT’S MISSION TO ‘EMPOWER STUDENTS TO ENGAGE AND TRANSFORM THE WORLD.’” DR. BOB FISHER
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BELMONT HOSTS FINAL TENNESSEE GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE Belmont University hosted the final 2018 Tennessee Gubernatorial Debate between Democrat Karl Dean and Republican Bill Lee on October 12. For both candidates, the final debate was a bit of a homecoming, as Lee serves on Belmont University’s Board of Trustees while Dean has taught political science at Belmont. Belmont previously hosted the 2015 and 2011 Nashville mayoral debates, the 2010
gubernatorial debates and, most memorably, the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate between then Senators Barack Obama and John McCain. Belmont also served as the alternate site for last year’s presidential debate series from the Commission on Presidential Debates. Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “As an institution of higher education, promoting civic involvement and community
responsibility are central tenets of Belmont’s mission to ‘empower students to engage and transform the world.’ This University has shown that commitment through the hosting of numerous political debates and forums on a local, state and national level.” Bill Lee was elected governor of Tennessee and will be sworn in Jan. 19.
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NEW ‘BELMONT AT BONNAROO’ COURSE GIVES STUDENTS BACKSTAGE FESTIVAL ACCESS “Nothing makes you feel more like a rock star than rolling out of a bunk on your tour bus backstage at Bonnaroo!” COMMITTED TO VALUES-BASED LEADERSHIP
Throughout the four-day festival, students found ’Roo attendees to interview, seeking to gain insights into concepts critical to the future of festivals and the music business at large. In addition to their onsite research, students also attended classes each day in the Bonnaroo press tent with their faculty and Artists/Executives in Residence, including Bonnaroo founder Ashley Capps, Khalid manager Courtney Stewart and C3 promoter Amy Corbin, among others. Junior audio engineering and music business double major Mary Elizabeth Carothers said, “I learned so much from a few people in just four days than I could ever have learned in just one semester. The advice that was given and the connections that were made with people in the industry were priceless.”
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James Archer, president and CEO of both MV2 Entertainment and KJ Energy, shared career advice with students centered on the importance of values-based leadership and achieving individual goals.
FAMILY WEEKEND FUN
PHI MU RAISES $63K
The fall’s annual Parent & Family Weekend welcomed a record number of 2,300 guests to campus for a weekend full of family, music and fun.
Belmont’s chapter of Phi Mu raised more than $63,000 for their philanthropy, Children’s Miracle Network, at their annual concert-style event, BonnaMu, where this year Hunter Hayes was the featured performer.
94.5% F I R S T-T I M E PA S S R AT E
Tennessee Bar Exam SURPASSING THE BAR
College of Law students achieved a 94.5 percent first-time pass rate for the Tennessee Bar Exam, the highest pass rate earned in the college’s history as well as the highest in the state.
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So says sophomore Kaitlyn Walters, a first-time attendee of the event named “Best Festival” in 2008 by Rolling Stone. But Walters isn’t an overnight success who stumbled onto Bonnaroo’s main stage for a late night performance. Instead, she’s a University music business major who received six hours of college credit and first-hand experience at one of the nation’s premier music fests. Walters is one of 20 students who signed up for “Belmont at Bonnaroo,” a new Belmont Abroad program led by faculty members Dr. Sarita Stewart (music business) and Dr. Ken Spring (sociology) and consisting of two co-curricular classes, “Research Methods and Festival Culture” and “Sociology of Music.”
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BASKETBALL BEGINS MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TEAMS OFF TO A STRONG START
Fall on campus means the 3s are dropping as fast as the leaves as Belmont’s men’s and women’s basketball teams once again light up the Curb Event Center. Following impressive results last year, both teams began the 2018–19 season with strong home court wins with the women defeating Tulsa 78-53 and the men beating Illinois State and MTSU by 11 and 25 points respectively. In 2017–18, the women’s team won its third straight OVC Championship, leading to a third consecutive NCAA
Tournament appearance. First-year head coach Bart Brooks helped deliver a 31-4 overall record and was honored with the prestigious Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year and the OVC Coach of the Year awards. A pair of starters—Darby Maggard and Jenny Roy—return this season, along with seven letter winners overall, to tackle a challenging slate of opponents that includes perpetual contenders Tennessee (12/30) and neighbor MTSU along with a tough OVC schedule.
The men’s team is coming off its 12th 20-plus win season in the last 13 years, having won 16 conference championships since 2006, the thirdmost nationally over that span behind only Kansas and Gonzaga. Belmont has earned a reputation as one of the most respected programs in the country and is led by legendary Coach Rick Byrd, who ranks fifth among all active NCAA Division I head coaches in career victories. Annually playing one of the nation’s most demanding schedules, the Bruins’ slate features 11 contests
Belmont’s Mental Health Counseling program hosted a conference this fall with researcher Dr. Bruce Rogers-Vaughn to help students, faculty and professional counselors analyze the impact of capitalism on patients’ health.
ALEXA, OPEN MY MEDICINE CABINET
GRADE A REPORT CARD
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CAPITALISM & COUNSELING
Belmont is partnering with Nashville State Community College to provide NSCC associate degree students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree from Belmont’s Massey College of Business.
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GOOD FOR BUSINESS
College of Pharmacy students and faculty developed a skill that allows prescription counseling to be taken out of the pharmacy and into a patient’s living room. against teams who received postseason invitations a year ago. Seniors Dylan Windler and Kevin McClain return this season as the Bruins also welcome nine freshmen to the 2018–19 roster. Belmont basketball games are available to view on ESPN+.
Belmont Athletics captured the OVC Institutional Academic Award for the sixth year in a row, marking Belmont’s 15th academic conference championship in the last 17 years.
Ath letics h as won
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ACADEMIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
in th e last 17 years
WE BE L I E VE
ESTATE OF FLEETWOOD MAC’S BOB WELCH, WIFE WENDY CREATES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Days before acclaimed solo musician and former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch would have turned 73, the Musicians Hall of Fame unveiled in August a new exhibit honoring the late artist’s career and impact, a legacy that will live on thanks to a newly created endowed scholarship in his and wife Wendy’s name. Following Bob’s death in 2012 and Wendy’s passing in 2016, Mrs. Welch bequeathed her husband’s memorabilia and music business interests, including royalty streams, to Belmont for the purpose of endowing a scholarship to benefit students in the University’s renowned School of Music. Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “It’s a privilege to be a part of the unveiling of an exhibit honoring such a musical genius, but I am even more grateful that Bob and Wendy Welch were committed to education and to ensuring future musicians benefitted from their success. The Robert L. and Wendy A. Welch Endowed Scholarship at Belmont University will inspire musical talent for generations to come.” Welch released five solo albums, including his breakout 1977 album, “French Kiss,” following his departure from Fleetwood Mac, with
whom he recorded five albums from 1971–1974. His solo career produced 20 singles, including the seminal song, “Sentimental Lady,” which first appeared on the 1972 Fleetwood Mac album “Bare Trees.” Longtime Welch family friend Mike Lawson said, “Bob and Wendy treated me like a son. I knew them for more than half of my life… I’m very grateful to the Musicians Hall of Fame founder and old friend Joe Chambers for making this happen for Bob. He has more than earned his place alongside the legends of music in this museum.” Former band mate and manager of his solo career Mick Fleetwood wrote a tribute for the Musicians Hall of Fame exhibit in honor of Bob Welch, noting that his musical talents were “…a creative surprise that hit the ranks of Fleetwood Mac at a moment when we were somewhat lost musically. The fact is, he shone bright in his own right… Bob Welch I’ll be first in line to sit and listen to your wise words of worlds far away and be proud to be with you once again.”
T O TA L R A I S E D
$205,713,727 $300,000,000
ENDOWMENT ESTABLISHES THOMAS W. BEASLEY INSTITUTE FOR FREE ENTERPRISE
$200,000,000
$100,000,000
YOUR GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
15,977
Total donors to the We Believe campaign
$3,052,385
“Since receiving this scholarship, I was able to attend the Belmont East program this fall. This program consists of a semester of classes online and an internship in New York City, and I got an internship with ‘Saturday Night Live’ in their music department! This scholarship has created a ripple effect that will continue to make a huge impact on my life for years to come.” —S ARAH RIDGWAY Waco, TX | Senior music business major
Raised to support missions
$12,411,127 In gifts eligible for University match
The family of businessman Thomas W. Beasley recently made possible a $2 million endowment to establish the Thomas W. Beasley Institute for Free Enterprise in Belmont’s Massey College of Business. The Institute will promote the study of the free enterprise system by providing support for a director of the Institute and sponsorship of business-minded student organizations. Beasley said, “To ensure that future generations are genuinely able to pursue the ‘American Dream,’ we must remain steadfast in our defense of the free enterprise system. My family and I are grateful to Belmont University and the Massey College of Business for embracing this sacred responsibility to train tomorrow’s leaders accordingly.” Dr. J. Patrick Raines, dean of Belmont’s Massey College of Business, added, “We in the Massey College are incredibly grateful for this generous gift. Through courses, reading groups, student-faculty research projects and speakers, the Beasley Institute will give students opportunities to learn about the principles and institutions of a free enterprise system to engage and transform the world through market-oriented solutions.”
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