Parents & Family

Greetings Parents,

The season of Christmas is one of hope and brings to the forefront Belmont’s heritage. Since 1890, the institutions that formed Belmont University have been grounded in the identity that God gifts our students to accomplish significant work through the education they receive here. It is our understanding of Jesus that guides our sense of belonging and service to a world in need of givers.

Brennan Manning wrote in the Ragamuffin Gospel, "Jesus spent a disproportionate amount of time with people described in the gospels as: the poor, the blind, the lame, the lepers, the hungry, sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors, the persecuted, the downtrodden, the captives, those possessed by evil spirits, all who labor and are heavy burdened, the rabble who know nothing of the law, the crowds, the little ones, the least, the last, and the lost sheep of the house of Israel. In short, Jesus hung with Ragamuffins. Obviously, His love for failures and nobodies was not an exclusive love-that would merely substitute one class prejudice for another…it extends to all who rely entirely upon the mercy of God and accept the gospel of grace – the poor in spirit.”

Let’s remember, particularly in this season, to use our talents and blessings for those in need; to bring to, and live out of our hope. Thank you for the opportunity you have given us to do that with your student.

Many, many blessings to you and your family during the holiday season.

Grace and Peace,

Dane Anthony
Associate Dean of Students

Matt Burchett
Coordinator of New Student Programs

Posted by Matt Burchett at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Greetings Parents,

This week we kick-off the much anticipated 2006-07 Belmont Men's and Women's Basketball season. Both teams are preseason favorites in the Atlantic Sun Conference and are favored to appear in the NCAA Tournament. We hope you may be able join us on-campus for some games in the Curb Event Center, or give the Bruin cheer at away games in your area. You will find both schedules at Bruins Online.

Similarly, your student is finishing this semester with great anticipation. In the final days of course work they will be negotiating research papers, class projects, altered sleep schedules, unpredictable weather, and the excitement that comes as the semester sprints to a close.

For many students it marks the completion of their first college semester, one that, I’m fairly confident looks dramatically different than what they may have expected on Opening Day in August. For others it represents one of, if not the last, fall semester in an academic career leading to that much sought after degree.

All said, this is in myriad ways, a time full of anticipation. There is much around us to be thankful for this holiday season. In the spirit of the holidays, author Henri Nouwen writes "The real question is not "What can we offer each other? but, Who can we be for each other?”

Blessings,

Dane Anthony
Associate Dean of Students

Matt Burchett
Coordinator of New Student Programs

Posted by Matt Burchett at 12:46 PM | Permalink

Greetings Parents,

We all love a busy campus; the sounds of students throwing footballs, impromptu ensembles in gazebos, crowded green spaces, and a bustling Student Life Center bring energy to any college campus. Fall has arrived at Belmont replete with the reds of maples and dogwoods and the browns of our stately oaks. It signals that we have passed the mid-point of the semester.

Another fall touch point is Parent & Family Weekend. This year we hosted a record number – over 250 families. Preview Day, Parent & Family Weekend, Top Ten Celebration, Shakespeare in the Park, and the Christian Music Showcase all brought an excitement to campus. Thanks to all who attended Parent & Family Weekend and for your constructive feedback on how we can improve for future parent events.

We encourage you to remember that your student is entering one of the more stressful periods of the academic seasons and needs support and understanding. They are probably already thinking about the Thanksgiving Break, maybe even Christmas Break which makes wading through some assignments particularly challenging. Getting a random gift basket, a Starbucks gift card, or a letter from home will warm the spirits of your student as we enter the early-winter months. Send something to her/him “just because.”

Blessings,

Dane Anthony
Associate Dean of Students

Matt Burchett
Coordinator of New Student Programs

Posted by Matt Burchett at 09:13 AM | Permalink

Greetings Parents,

Once again we are experiencing another exciting year as we welcome the largest and most academically qualified incoming class in Belmont history. We literally “opened the doors” on 2006-07 with great anticipation. Grand opening ceremonies have been held for both Thrailkill Hall , the newest residential facility and the Gordan E. Inman Health Sciences Center. The newest project is well underway as ground was broken for the theatre complex to be located in a portion of Belmont Heights Baptist Church. The "caf" or cafeteria also underwent an expansive remodel and update. Needless to say, it was a busy summer.

We hope you will be able to join us for Parent & Family Weekend, October 6-7. To register, please go to www.belmont.edu/parents. Do not hesitate to contact us at BUParent@mail.belmont.edu if we can be of assistance.

Blessings,

Dane Anthony
Associate Dean of Students

Matt Burchett
Coordinator of New Student Programs

Posted by at 03:19 PM | Permalink

Greetings Parents,
Easter is a time of reflection and appreciation for the blessings in our lives. In this season of reflection, Belmont is celebrating both our personal and institutional blessings. We have reached the completion of the $170 million “Keeping the Promise” campaign (and extended it to $250 million). These funds in part have made possible the construction of the Beaman Student Life Center, the Curb Event Center, the Maddox Grand Atrium, Kennedy Residence Hall, and the Inman Health Sciences Building. In addition, renovation will begin immediately after graduation on a new theatre complex on the site of a portion of Belmont Heights Baptist Church.

Recently, Belmont served as the host site for a number of significant events; the annual CMT Music Awards, Parent & Family Weekend, the annual President's Spring Cookout & baseball game, and the Spring Musical "Cats".

Of the personal blessings we are celebrating are two significant milestones. Betty Wiseman, Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Womans' Administrator marks her 40th year in the Athletic Department, and Dr. Herbert Gabhart, University Chancellor, (92 years old), continues to grace the university community through 47 years of faithful service. In all capacities, Senior Administration, Faculty and Staff seek to serve students by engaging them and each other through service, learning, and tradition. It is our calling and blessing to work here and serve. I would encourage you as the semester comes to an end to reflect how you have been blessed. We certainly hope that Belmont is a part of that celebration.

Blessings,

Dane Anthony
Associate Dean of Students

Matt Burchett
Coordinator of New Student Programs

Posted by at 12:43 PM | Permalink

Greetings Parents,
There is a buzz around Belmont University. Students have arrived back from Spring Break with animated stories of trips to the beach, mission trips, ski trips, many including stories of adventures with old and new friends. Another buzz surrounds the news about the Belmont men’s basketball team. For the first time in school history the team has earned a trip to the NCAA tournament. The opponent in the first round is perennial powerhouse, UCLA. Also, the women’s basketball team earned a bid in the NIT tournament.

Another significant milestone for the entire Belmont community finds preparations underway to celebrate “Keeping the Promise,” the conclusion of the $170 million dollar campaign that made possible the construction of Kennedy Hall, Curb Event Center, Beaman Student Life Center, as well as completion of a number of campus renovations. The Inman Health Sciences Building and Thrailkill Hall are nearing completion and preparing for grand openings later this summer. Beginning my eighteenth year at Belmont, this is one of the most exciting times of growth I have experienced and there seems to be no end in site. Please remember our basketball teams, athletic department staff, and numerous other administrators as they work to represent Belmont at the NCAA & NIT Tournaments.

Want to be a part of all the excitement? Then don't forget to join us April 7-8 for Parent & Family Weekend.

Blessings,

Dane Anthony
Associate Dean of Students

Matt Burchett
Coordinator of New Student Programs

Posted by at 09:36 AM | Permalink

Greetings Parents,

Spring is upon us and among those things students’ are looking forward to are days warm enough to toss a Frisbee, set up shop in a gazebo to write a new song, or just take a nap on the sunny lawn, and of course they’re looking forward to you visiting campus for Parent & Family Weekend, April 7-8.

Spring is a beautiful time in Tennessee, but Belmont’s campus is particularly so. A stroll through campus gardens replete with tulips, dogwood and redbud in full bloom create a great atmosphere to catch up with your student in preparation for the onset of final exams and those plans for summer.

One special feature of the schedule will be the President’s Cookout and Belmont Baseball game, against Atlantic Sun opponent Stetson University, at Greer Stadium (home of the Nashville Sounds AAA baseball team). We hope you will be able to join us for the weekend. For additional details, you may check the link to the Parent & Family website.

Best wishes,

Dane Anthony,
Associate Dean of Students

Matt Burchett,
Coordinator of New Student Programs

Posted by at 11:52 AM | Permalink

Dear Parents & Families,

Welcome to Belmont's newest avenue of communication, designed specifically for parents and families to stay connected to the life of the university. The monthly e-newsletter will provide information regarding feature stories, upcoming events and programs, and resources.

We are committed to maintaining regular communication with parents as we partner together to engage not only your student, but you and your family. We are hopeful that this venue is one you enjoy and find helpful.

If you are interested in stories of a specific nature (academic, faculty/staff features, etc.) please let us know by contacting: BUparent@mail.belmont.edu

Sincerely,

Dane C. Anthony
Associate Dean of Students

Matthew Burchett
Coordinator of New Student Programs

Posted by Jennifer Wetzel at 02:20 PM | Permalink