La Campana Names Belmont Best Academic Institution

Nashville’s Hispanic newspaper honored Belmont University on Sept. 15 with its 2011 Crystal Bell Award for Best Academic Institution during a 10th anniversary celebration for La Campana, Spanish for The Bell, at Hickory Hollow Mall.

“In celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the newspaper we have chosen several organizations to give special recognition for their efforts throughout these years to reach out and be inclusive with the Hispanic community of Nashville and Middle Tennessee,” said Publisher Ramón L. Cisneros. “Belmont has been important to the Hispanic community for many years. At the beginning of the 2000s, Belmont was very important as a supporter of a program called Hispanic Achievers sponsored by the YMCA. Belmont also has been the main institution in promoting programs like Conexión Américas and Negocio Próspero, programs that help immigrants start businesses in the United States. Belmont also has hosted many Hispanic events through the years.  And Belmont has been very important to our community in terms of promoting arts and cultural events throughout the Fiesta Belmont event every May. During the presidential debate, Belmont was very considerate of including the Hispanic media and ethnic media in general.”

La Campana is a Spanish-language bimonthly newspaper. The newspaper’s board hand selected companies, organizations and individuals to receive Crystal Bell Awards.

University Director of Community Relations Joyce Searcy accepted the award on behalf of Belmont.

“Belmont University strives to be inclusive of all communities in the Nashville area and empower students and neighbors of diverse backgrounds,” Searcy said. “We are honored that La Campana recognizes Belmont’s employees and students for their efforts to engage and transform the world and especially the Hispanic community of Middle Tennessee.”