Belmont University honored its heritage at the annual Ward-Belmont Alumnae Luncheon on the campus of Belmont University today. Before its acquisition by the Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC) in 1951, the Belmont campus was home to the Ward-Belmont School, a high school and junior college for young women, for 38 years. Each year, Belmont invites the alumnae of Ward-Belmont back to campus for a luncheon. This year’s luncheon welcomed back more than 70 Ward-Belmont alumnae and their guests.
At this year’s luncheon, Mary Niederhauser, a 1950 graduate of Ward-Belmont, announced plans for a restoration project of the historical Belmont Mansion and Bell Tower, two landmarks on the Belmont University campus dating back to the 1850s. Niederhauser announced that $500,000 was needed for the Bell Tower and over $1.5 million for the mansion.
“You cannot put a price on the historical value of this place,” Niederhauser said. “We [Ward-Belmont alumnae] want to be a part of its restoration.
Belmont University president Bob Fisher honored the alumnae of Ward-Belmont by dedicating the recently completed Presidential Garden to their legacy at Belmont.
“We owe this to you,” President Fisher said. “As we move forward as a university, we should not forget to look behind and be faithful to the ones who came before us. Your grace and style is still a part of Belmont University.”
Photo of Ward-Belmont alumnae in Presidential Garden by university staff photographer Michael Krouskop. Click to enlarge.
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About Belmont University
Ranked No. 7 in the Regional Universities South category and named for the fifth consecutive year as one of the top “Up-and-Comer” universities by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University consists of approximately 6,650 students who come from every state and 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs, a fact made evident in the University’s hometown, Nashville, where students served more than 60,000 hours of community service (valued at $450,000) during the last academic year. Belmont is also home to the World Cup champion Enactus team, a group of 42 student leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. With more than 80 areas of study, 23 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information visit www.belmont.edu