Belmont Breaks Ground on New Academic Building on Wedgewood Avenue
188,000-square-foot structure plus five-level underground garage will be largest campus building to date

Belmont University broke ground May 4 on the campus’ largest building to date, a 188,000-square-foot academic center situated on the corner of Wedgewood and 15^th Avenues. The building will house most departments from the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the School of Religion, providing much-needed classroom and lab space for the growing University. Slated to open in fall 2014 and anticipated to cost $76.5 million, the new building is being designed and built by locally-owned companies—Earl Swensson Associates (ESa) and R.C. Mathews—and will create jobs for hundreds in Middle Tennessee. A five-level underground parking garage will also provide approximately 430 additional parking spaces, and the facility will connect on three floors to both the Inman Center and McWhorter Hall.

“The building establishes a new cornerstone for Belmont University and provides a true reflection of who we are,” said Belmont President Bob Fisher. “It will sit as a beacon on the northeast edge of campus, offering a perfect view of the Nashville skyline and inviting Nashville and the world to come and see what Belmont is all about:  providing an academically challenging liberal arts education in a Christian community of learning and service.” Read more.

Belmont University Celebrates College of Pharmacy Charter Class Graduation May 5
First class of 65 students recognized for accomplishments, service

The Belmont University College of Pharmacy (BUCOP) will celebrate the graduation of its charter class on May 5 with 65 members of the Class of 2012 expected to cross the stage to receive their Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. After opening its doors in 2007, the College of Pharmacy accepted its first students in fall 2008, and the initial class has paved the way for future BUCOP students, setting a high standard for academic excellence and community service.

Belmont’s College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Phil Johnston said, “The University and the Nashville community have enabled us to develop a stellar College of Pharmacy at Belmont. I am proud of the commitment of faculty and students to take on leadership roles in this profession to make a difference in thousands of lives. Also important is the contribution of more than 450 affiliate faculty, who open their businesses to our students to provide quality education and mentoring.”

BUCOP has provided students with the skills to contribute to the growing health care needs of Nashville. Since the college’s first class was admitted in August 2008, students’ academic accomplishments and service has grown exponentially each year. Read more.

Belmont Graduates Largest Class in University History
Belmont University will hold its spring 2012 commencement ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students on Saturday, May 5 in the Curb Event Center. For the second consecutive year, the University will have two ceremonies on the same day.

Belmont celebrates the graduation of a total of 1,018 students, marking the largest graduation in the University’s history to date. During the graduation ceremonies, 723 undergraduate, 211 master’s and 84 doctoral degrees will be conferred. Among the graduates is the Belmont University College of Pharmacy charter class, with 65 members receiving their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Read more.

Cordia Harrington Awarded Beta Gamma Sigma Medallion at Belmont University

Cordia Harrington, founder, CEO and president of The Bun Companies, was recently awarded the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Medallion for Entrepreneurship. In a ceremony held on campus April 29, Dr. George Stevens, past president and current board member of Beta Gamma Sigma, made a personal visit to present Harrington with the honor during the annual Belmont University Center for Entrepreneurship Student Awards Banquet.The Medallion for Entrepreneurship has been awarded annually by international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma since 1994. The award was established to recognize individuals and firms who contribute significantly to the vitality and strength of the economy, combining innovative business achievement with service to humanity. Mrs. Harrington, affectionately known as “The Bun Lady,” was nominated by Belmont University’s College of Business Administration (COBA). She is one of four recipients of the award this year. The other 2012 honorees are David Director, president of Connecticut Lighting Centers; John R. Post, founder and president of Post Precision Castings, Inc.; and Steve Weiss, chairman and CEO of Coachella Valley Angel Network. Read more.