Belmont University | FYI


May 8, 2009

BELMONT NEWS


Belmont Recognizes Scholar Athletes at Year-End Reception
ScholarAthletes.jpgBelmont University's scholar-athletes were honored Monday in a special ceremony in the Maddox Grand Atrium, as numerous administrative officials remarked on Belmont athletes' academic achievements and strong character. Dr. John Gonas, who won the 2008 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Faculty Academic Inspiration Award, noted his pride in Belmont athletes in three distinct areas: balance, conduct and humility, and community involvement.

"I have three boys who are 9, 7 and 4 1/2 who love sports just about more than anything else, and my boys look up to you more than professional athletes," Gonas said, remarking how one son had chosen his team number based on his favorite player at Belmont. "Thank you for being examples on the court, in the field, in the classroom and in the community."

For the first time this year, four co-winners were announced for the President's Scholar Athletes of the Year awards, marking the strength of this year's field of candidates. Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher ultimately doubled the traditional number of recipients, honoring volleyball's Cat Mundy, women's golfer Lorie Warren, men's basketball's Andy Wicke and cross country/track & field athlete Kipkosgei Magut. Click here for a complete list of award winners.

Fiesta Belmont Returns for Fifth Annual Latin Culture Celebration
Fiesta Belmont, Nashville’s Latin Music Street Fair, returns Sat., May 9 for its fifth annual celebration of Latin culture. Sponsored by Belmont University, the street fair features a day-long schedule of continuous Latin music performances, Latin food vendors, kids’ activities and folkloric Latin dance groups. Admission to the event, which runs from noon-7 p.m. on the Belmont University campus, is free.

Ebony Cosby, student event coordinator, said, “We believe this festival provides a positive showcase for culture and interaction within the community. This event has become a class project, and we are proud to be a part of this.”

The event features family and local business vendors who will be supplying Columbian, South American, Caribbean and Hispanic food for this fifth annual event. Entertainment includes traditional folkloric dancers, along with a wide variety of Latin music such as mariachi, conjunto/cumbias and salsa from Nashville’s top professional Latin bands. Admission and parking to this family-friendly event are free, and kids’ activities—such as piñatas, face painting, bubble activity and inflatable slides—are also provided at no extra charge.

Belmont faculty member Dr. David Herrera, who also serves as Fiesta Belmont event director, said, “This event celebrates the growing diversity that is becoming Nashville. It mirrors the authentic Street Fairs of my childhood in New Mexico, showcasing music and incredible food. I am proud that Belmont provides this showcase for local culture, food and interaction within the community.”

Net profits from the event will benefit the YMCA Hispanic Achievers Program—a program that assists local youth and parents through mentorship and educational programs. For more information, visit www.latinstreetfair.com or contact David Herrera at (615) 460-6908 or at herrerad@mail.belmont.edu .


    For more stories from the Belmont News Archive, click here.