Greetings, parents and family members of the Belmont community! My name is Kristine Neeley, and I am the new Director of New Student & Parent Programs at Belmont University. It is my pleasure to bring you a long overdue Parent & Family Newsletter - the first of 2009!
I realize it has been some time since you have heard from us in this capacity, and that is a result of a major transition in leadership our office has gone through over the last couple of months. In late August, our outgoing Director of New Student & Parent Programs, whom I am sure many of you know, left Belmont to fulfill a dream of his by going on staff at his Alma Mater. With his departure and the overwhelming amount of activities taking place on campus in the fall, our Dean of Students took ample time to bring someone on staff who would be both capable and committed to the goals of the institution and to this facet of campus life.
And now I am here, excited and energized about my role of providing connections and resources for both students and parents alike. I care very deeply about this place and its mission, for I myself was once an undergraduate at Belmont University. It is an honor to be fulfilling a dream of my own by being back here, giving my attention and my passion to something that means so very much to me. It is a coming home, of sorts.
It is only fitting, then, that we find ourselves currently in the midst of Belmont Homecoming 2009, "From Anywhere to Belmont!" This week we are celebrating everything that Belmont is and has been for those individuals who have been fortunate enough to call it theirs. During Homecoming, all members of the Belmont community are invited to take part in a variety of activities including an art exhibit, a worship service, reunions, a Young Alumni social, an orchestra performance, songwriters showcases, and basketball games. If you are interested in finding out more about this event, please click here.
Speaking of activities, I thought it might be useful to include some highlights of some exciting events that have taken place on campus since you last heard from us.
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Belmont Recognized on President's Higher Ed Community Service Honor Roll
The Corporation for National and Community Service honored Belmont University with a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America’s communities.
Wicke Named as Finalist for Lowe's Senior Class Award
Belmont University men's basketball senior Andy Wicke (Hendersonville, Tenn.) has been selected as one of 10 finalists for the 2008-09 Lowe's Senior Class Award for men's basketball.
Belmont Hosts Inauguration Viewing Party
Belmont students, faculty and staff gathered Jan. 20, 2009, to watch as the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, was inaugurated into office. The viewing party was held in the Beaman Student Life Center just steps away from the site which hosted both Obama and republican candidate John McCain for the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate.
Belmont President Bob Fisher Named Tennessean of the Year
Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher today was named as the 2008 Tennessean of the Year by Nashville’s daily newspaper The Tennessean.
Gonas Named 2008 Tennessee Professor of the Year
Belmont University’s Dr. John Gonas, an assistant professor of Finance in the Undergraduate and Massey School of Business, was named today as the 2008 Tennessee Professor of the Year, an award selection determined by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Belmont Breaks Ground on New Pharmacy/Health Sciences Building
Belmont University broke ground in October on an estimated $30 million building that will become the permanent home for the Belmont School of Pharmacy. The building, which has an anticipated completion date of June 2010, will also house the university’s School of Physical Therapy and will include expansion space for the Schools of Nursing and Occupational Therapy as well as the Social Work and Psychology programs.
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There's always something happening on campus and we'll do our best to keep you informed and connected to the heartbeat of the institution. I look forward to meeting many of you over time, and hope that you will see me as a partner in ensuring the best Belmont experience for your student!
Kristine Neeley
Director of New Student & Parent Programs