Belmont University | FYI


April 11, 2008

BELMONT NEWS


Beckmann Encourages Students to Connect Faith to Business
beckmann.jpgA Lutheran minister with a master's degree from the London School of Economics, Rev. David Beckmann spoke on campus twice this past week, offering perspective on business and the poor as well as his life as a "missionary economist." Beckmann will appear Fri., April 11 as a guest on "Bill Moyers Journal," a weekly PBS program, to discuss how the 2002 U.S. Farm Bill impacts low-income families and poor farmers.

Rev. Beckmann, whose visit to Belmont was sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Development and the Center for Business Ethics, served for several years on the board of Bread for the World before becoming president of the organization in 1991. Bread for the World is a grass-roots, Christian citizens' movement against hunger. Its 56,000 members and member churches urge the U.S. government to take actions to reduce hunger, both domestic and international. Rev. Beckmann is also president of Bread for the World Institute, which does research and education on hunger.

In Wednesday's convocation lecture for students, Beckmann encouraged them to connect their faith and ethics to their future professions, whatever they might be. "You can go into business with a purpose, a moral purpose... If we think God is concerned about justice and poverty, then we need to weigh in on those issues."

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Jones Provides Keynote for 'Belmont and Beyond' Finale
Patrick Jones.jpgPatrick Jones, MBA, and executive vice president and executive producer of Journey Productions, gave an inspirational talk to students in MPAC Thursday. Jones shared his personal journey with students and talked about how he found the “heart ” of his career when he produced the award-winning film, The Journey. The film follows four young adults as they search for the meaning of life.

Jones also reflected on his meetings with Mrs. Coretta Scott King and other famous political figures. He encouraged students to listen to themselves, make inspired choices and go where their hearts lead them. The "Belmont and Beyond" series, sponsored by Career Services, is offered as co-curricular programming that is designed specifically to assist students transitioning to life after Belmont.

'Best of the Best' Concert Honors Mulloy Legacy
MulloyPresentation.jpgLast Saturday, the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business presented its annual Best of the Best Showcase, which included a special celebration of the life and legacy of former faculty member and alumnus Bob Mulloy. Known for his passion for students and his dedication to Belmont University, Mulloy was the vision and drive behind Belmont's renowned music business program.

The evening included a moving video tribute, a song dedication from notable Belmont alumnus Gordon Kennedy and the presentation of a $25,000 check to fund an endowed scholarship in Mulloy’s honor. Students pursuing careers in the music business and entertainment industries will be eligible to receive assistance to pursue their goals, and those selected will hold the distinguished title of “Mulloy Scholar.” In addition, Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher announced the establishment of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence, an annual award to be given to an individual who has achieved a level of excellence in the music business and entertainment industries with notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community. Both awards will have inaugural presentations in 2009.

Shea Raye 8.jpgAs always, Best of the Best also highlighted some of Belmont’s remarkable student talent with performances from winners of past CEMB showcases and writers' nights playing before a packed house. Showcase winners who performed included Alvin Love (Urban/Pop), Jordan Kyle (Christian), Shea Raye (Country), Lorien (Rock) and Stephanie Lambring (Cover). In addition, ASCAP Writers’ Night Winners presented their original compositions: Joshua Eric Wright, Andrew Mallanik, Troy Akers, Matt Dragstrem, Greg Bates and Nathan Klages.

For information on how to contribute to the Mulloy Endowed Scholarship, email mulloyscholarship@mail.belmont.edu.

Rick Byrd Signs Contract Extension
byrd0708hs.jpgBelmont University and head men’s basketball coach Rick Byrd have agreed to a five-year contract extension, Belmont Director of Athletics Mike Strickland announced today.

Byrd, who with 541 career victories is one of 15 active Division-I men’s basketball coaches with 500 or more career victories, was named 2008 Atlantic Sun Conference Coach of the Year. This past season, the Knoxville, Tenn. native directed the Bruins to an NCAA era-best 25 wins and a memorable near-upset of three-time national champion Duke in the NCAA Tournament.

Moreover, Byrd led Belmont to its third consecutive Atlantic Sun Championship – becoming the first program in league history in earn three straight bids to the NCAA Tournament.

The Bruins ended the season ranked 16th in the final Mid-Major Poll of 2008 on CollegeInsider.com.

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Eighth Annual Family Literacy Day to Be Held April 12 in Rose Park
Belmont University's Eighth Annual Family Literacy Day will take place, rain or shine, on Sat., April 12 from 1-4 p.m. at Rose Park in the Edgehill community. The event, called “Read With Me,” is aimed at children from pre-K through grade 6 and their families and is designed to celebrate the joys of reading with a free afternoon of interactive story times, crafts and games. The primary focus of the event is Reading Circles, hosted by various campus groups such as the Student Government Association, the Pan-Hellenic and Intra-Fraternity Councils, and Reformed University Fellowship. Each group picks a different theme and offers a variety of books for all ages.

Tim Stewart, Coordinator of Community Service and advisor to the Belmont Volunteers for Literacy group, said, “Every year, more and more Belmont groups and students get involved. This year we’ve also experienced a significant increase in involvement by Belmont alumni, including help obtaining sponsorships and donations, as well as participation in the actual event. We are also pleased to partner with Metro Parks and Edgehill residents in sharing this event with the Nashville community. We hope it will further strengthen the common bond that we share in wanting to make Nashville a better place for our children and for all of us.”

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CEMB to Host Fourth Annual Leadership Music Digital Summit
The Nashville Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with Leadership Music this year to present the fourth annual Digital Summit, hosted by the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, on Tues., April 22 in Belmont’s Curb Event Center. In just three years, LDMS has proven to be a valuable event for both the entertainment community and city of Nashville by becoming one of Tennessee’s largest music-related summits. With an increase from 400 attendees in 2005 to more than 600 in 2007, the growth of the conference has challenged the volunteer and staff resources of Leadership Music. A partnership with the Chamber will allow for its continued improvement and reach and help strengthen relationships within the technology sector. Leadership Music alumni and industry volunteers with expertise in music technology create the programming, with the Chamber focusing on marketing, logistics and accommodating the event’s technology industry speakers and sponsors.

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