March 26, 2010

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Here Comes Spring!

BELMONT NEWS

Students Organize Concert Event to Benefit Haiti Relief Efforts
Recording Artist Taylor Swift Attends Fundraiser
Belmont University students Chloe Williams and Lindsy Anton organized a successful “Belmont Supports Haiti” benefit showcase Sunday night March 21 in Neely Dining Hall. The event was held to raise money for relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake.
Christian recording artist and Belmont songwriting adjunct instructor Ginny Owens kicked off the evening by performing two songs, and Belmont artists including Miss B, Christina Morris, Kierra Norman, Jessica Anderson, Rayvon, David Davis, Jimmy Saiz, Lazrmnstre and the dance crew B.O.W. also performed. The concert featured several donation opportunities, and the performers sold CDs, EPs and demos for the relief efforts as well.
The showcase attracted an audience of more than 100 people, including recording artist Taylor Swift. The showcase raised about $691, and the proceeds will be split between the Clinton/Bush Foundation and World Vision. Click here for more on this story.
Thompson Receives Curtain Call Award
School of Music alumnus and adjunct faculty member Chester Thompson was awarded the Curtain Call Award Thursday night at a concert in his honor. The award is presented annually to a School of Music alumnus in honor of achievement in the field of commercial and popular music.
From jazz to rock or pop to gospel, Chester Thompson has surpassed the boundaries of musical genres. He has performed and recorded with artists as varied as the Weather Report, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Genesis/Phil Collins and Ron Kenoly. Chester has been a member of the Belmont faculty since 1998.
Previous Curtain Call Award winners include Josh Turner, Ginny Owens, Jill Phillips Gullahorn, Will Denton, Fleming McWilliams, Melodie Crittenden, Jozef Nuyens, Gordon Mote, Tammy Rogers King, Bernie Herms and Chris Rodriguez.
‘Diagnosing Our Future’ Speaker Series Tackles Community Health
Harvard professor joins local industry leaders to discuss issues
The Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences & Nursing hosted “A Dialogue to Build a Healthier Community” yesterday with featured speaker Dr. David Williams, Harvard University professor and staff director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Commission to Build a Healthier America. Williams joined with numerous leaders in the Nashville healthcare community to discuss topics including: How Our Neighborhood Affects our Health, A Community Perspective on Disparities Research, Partnering Together for a Healthier Community and Beyond Health Care: Building a Healthier Community. The day-long event was part of the college’s ongoing “Diagnosing Our Future” Speaker Series. Click here for more on this story.
Catholic Charities Hosts Poverty Summit in Curb Event Center
Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc. hosted a Centennial Summit of Catholic Charities USA event on Thurs., March 25 in Belmont University’s Curb Event Center. The day-long event brought together civic, business, religious, community and nonprofit agency leaders through the Southeast region. Fr. Larry Snyder, president of CCUSA, John Seigenthaler, Sr., Dan Cornfield, and other notable presenters focused on the issue of poverty and its devastating effects on America for the purpose of identifying specific methods and programs that work effectively to help the poorest people move toward economic independence. Click here for more on this story.

ACHIEVERS

Click here for stories on the recent accomplishments of Belmont’s students, faculty, staff and alumni.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Earth Hour Invitation and Important Campus Information
Students, faculty and staff are invited to celebrate Belmont Goes Dark: An Earth Hour Celebration on Sat., March 27 as part of a global event to raise awareness of climate change. During Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people, organizations and governments around the world will come together to make a bold statement about their concern for climate change by doing something quite simple – turning off their lights for one hour.
The Belmont celebration, which begins at 8 p.m. with the lights going dim from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m., will be held outside the Beaman Student Life Center and will include acoustic performances by student artists and light only from bonfires. In addition, recycling stations will be available for trash and electronics, and old cellular phones will be collected for “Cell Phones for Soldiers,” a program that encourages proper recycling of unwanted phones with proceeds going to pre-paid calling cards for troops.
Note to Faculty and Staff Regarding Offices
Before leaving campus for the weekend, please keep in mind that power will be off in some areas for this hour on Saturday, so prepare your offices accordingly, turning off computers and other equipment as needed.
Safety Reminders for Earth Hour
As Belmont University celebrates Earth Hour on March 27, Campus Security would like to remind all students, faculty and staff of important safety precautions. All non-essential lighting will be turned off for this event, and areas on campus may be significantly darker during this hour. If you plan to participate, please be advised that you should arrive at your intended location prior to 8:30 p.m. and plan to stay there for the duration of the hour-long period. You may also want to bring a flashlight to use as an alternative light source if needed.
Several unrelated events will also be occurring on campus during the Earth Hour celebration. These events will continue as planned. Please keep in mind that Belmont’s Campus Security officers provide a security escort service on campus, and it’s important to use the buddy system whether on or off campus. This is a good idea any time it is dark, but especially when lights are dimmed or off.
Campus Security Alert
Metro Police has reported an increase in vehicle break-ins near the Belmont Campus. There are no suspect descriptions at this time. There have been no reports of thefts from vehicles on Belmont property as of this date.
Please remember to:
• Lock all doors to your vehicle.
• Make sure all windows are rolled up.
• Park in well lit areas.
• Do not leave valuables in plain view inside vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to: laptops, IPODs, cell phones, loose change, clothing.
• Keep a record of valuables serial numbers.
• Report suspicious activity immediately.
Greek Life Hosting Faculty/Staff Appreciation Brunch April 9
All Faculty and Staff are cordially invited by Belmont Greek Life to attend an appreciation brunch on Fri., April 9 at 10 a.m. in the Belmont Mansion. This event is hosted by all fraternity and sorority chapters to honor and thank the faculty and staff that make Belmont a great place. Light breakfast will be provided. All attendees are encouraged to click here to RSVP.
For further questions, don’t hesitate to contact Mary Noel, 2010 Greek Week Co-Chair, at panhellenic@pop.belmont.edu or 217.819.0078.
You’re Invited to March 31 ‘Seven Last Sayings of a Crucified Christ’ Worship Service
You’re invited… The “Seven Last Sayings of a Crucified Christ” is a worship service that seeks to praise God by remembering and celebrating the Crucifixion through song, and most importantly, the preached Word of God. Music will be provided by The Music City Chapter of The Gospel Music Workshop of America. Praise and Worship will be provided by some of Belmont’s own students. The following ministers are in no particular order: Bryan Barnett (Tennessee State University), Demetreous Johnson (American Baptist College), Brandon Perkins (Fisk University), Terrell Crudup (Belmont University), Aignes Alexander (Belmont University), Andre’ Waller (Belmont University) and Lee Perkins (Vanderbilt University).
“An Attempt to Silence the Lamb: Seven Last Sayings of a Crucified Christ”
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
7-9 p.m.
Belmont Heights Baptist Church
SAAC Invites Faculty and Staff to Saturday’s Tennis Matches
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is proud to sponsor the men’s and women’s tennis match on Sat., March 27 at the Davis Tennis Complex located on the Belmont campus. The men’s and women’s tennis teams will take on conference rival East Tennessee State University beginning at 10 a.m. The SAAC invites you to come out and show your Bruin spirit throughout the day.

COMING UP

Friday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.
Musical Theatre Presents Grease
Call (615) 460-8500 or visit the Curb Box Office for advanced tickets. Ticket availability at the door will vary by performance. Admission Charge: $5 for Belmont faculty and staff and non-Belmont students. Additional performances will be held Sat., March 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 28 at 2 p.m.
Troutt Theater
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Belmont Tennis
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is proud to sponsor the men’s and women’s tennis match this Saturday on campus. The men’s and women’s tennis teams will take on conference rival East Tennessee State University. The SAAC invites you to come out and show your Bruin spirit throughout the day.
Davis Tennis Complex
Saturday, March 27, 6:30-9 p.m.
Bluegrass Ensemble / Southbound
Massey Concert Hall (MPAC)
Saturday, March 27, 8-9:30 p.m.
Belmont Celebrates Earth Hour
Belmont University will join the worldwide effort to “go dark” in observance of Earth Hour on Sat., March 27. From 8:30-9:30 p.m., Belmont will turn off all indoor and outdoor lighting not essential to safety. Hosted by the O.N.E. Club, the event will include live acoustic performances from Chadasha and Landon Austin & Aaron Lagrone.
Front of Beaman
Monday, March 29, 10 a.m.
International Economic Development and the Role of Global Financial Institutions
This convo will highlight the roles played by several global institutions, including the IMF, World Bank, Regional Development Banks, USAID, and others. New development trends will also be examined, including the emergence of microenterprises and social entrepreneurship. The speaker, Mr. Larry Harrington, is currently the Chief Policy Deputy in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office. Harrington is a former executive director of the Inter-American Development Bank in Mexico City. The Jackson, Tenn., native was twice appointed by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the IDB and the Inter-American Investment Corporation.
MBC 100
Monday, March 29, 7:30 p.m.
Belmont Camerata: A Trio of Trios
Belmont Mansion
Tuesday, March 30, 7:30 p.m.
Pops in Concert
Massey Concert Hall (MPAC)
Wednesday, March 31, 10 a.m.
Resisting Feminism
Join Dr. Bonnie Smith for Women’s History Month wrap-up event. Dr. Smith will facilitate a discussion about feminism as a vehicle of resistance and as movement we resist.
Beaman Meeting Rooms A&B
Wednesday, March 31, 7 p.m.
An Attempt to Silence the Lamb: Seven Last Sayings of a Crucified Christ
The “Seven Last Sayings of a Crucified Christ” is a worship service that seeks to praise God by remembering and celebrating the Crucifixion through song, and most importantly, the preached Word of God.
Belmont Heights Baptist Church
Friday, March 26
Good Friday
ONGOING
Now thru May 14
The American Experience – Art and Decorative Arts from the Collections of Belmont University Alumni
Guest curated by Mark Brown, Belmont Mansion executive director, this exhibit will include quilts, furniture, silver, glass, textiles, painting and prints. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Leu Art Gallery in the Lila D. Bunch Library

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Associate Director of Alumni Relations Kelly Fish and her husband David on the birth of their son, Lofton Buckles Fish.
Lofton was born at 3:55 p.m. on Mon., March 22 and weighed in at 7 lbs. 5 3/4 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long.

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Belmont is a Christian community of learning and service that strives to support its members through prayer. The following concerns have come to our attention recently. Thank you for including them in your prayers:
Lloyd W. Brown, father of Dr. Sybril Bennett (Media Studies), passed away Wednesday night after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His Homegoing Celebration will be held on Fri., April 2 at 11 a.m. at the Bradshaw and Range Funeral Home, 2513 West Dugdale Road, Waukegan, Illinois (847) 662-3553 with Pastor, Robert E. Bell, St. John Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Please keep Sybril and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

BIRTHDAYS

If you notice an incorrect or missing birthday, please e-mail the update to communication@belmont.edu.
March 26
Emil Cunningham, Campus Security
Kathy Skinner, International Education
March 28
Robbie Pinter, English
March 29
Becky Gann, USASBE
Becky McCullough, Scarlett Leadership Institute
Christy Ridings, University Ministries
March 30
Mary Thompson, Business
March 31
Elinor Gray, Pharmacy
April 1
Allison Kee, Library
April 2
Dan Johnson, Art
James Stamper, Education
Susan West, President’s Office
April 3
Larry Wacholtz, Music Business
April 4
Deen Entsminger, Music