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Spring Commencement Largest Ever at Belmont

graduation01.jpgThe largest graduating class in Belmont University's history received their diplomas Saturday morning in a commencement celebration in the Curb Event Center on the Belmont campus. Bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees were presented to 457 students, including 363 undergraduate degrees, 94 master's degrees and 18 doctorates.

In addition, Belmont University President Dr. Robert Fisher presented the Presidential Faculty Achievement Award and University Provost Dan McAlexander presented the Chaney Distinguished Professor Award, two retiring faculty members were honored, and the Class of 2004 presented its Senior Class Gift.

Click here for a graduation photo slide show by university staff photographer Michael Krouskop.

Fisher presented the Presidential Faculty Achievement Award to Dr. Margaret S. Howell, professor of Italian and director of Belmont's Language Learning Center. Dr. Howell also is Co-Director of the Belmont in Italy Study Abroad program in Florence. The award is endowed by Carolyn and Frank Sheffield, who also endowed the Chaney Distinguished Teaching Award.

McAlexander presented the Chaney Distinguished Professor Award, which goes to a faculty member who best represents the vision of the university to be a "premier teaching institution,” to Dr. Richard L. Churchman, an assistant professor of management in the College of Business Administration.

Dr. Churchman teaches in both the undergraduate and graduate business programs and was voted most inspirational professor by Belmont’s graduating MBA class of December 2000. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of Belmont’s Center for Entrepreneurship.

MacAlexander also recognized the service of two members of the faculty who have announced their retirements, Dr. Cliff Eubanks, professor of management,, and Dr. Otis McCowan, professor of mathematics.

Professor Eubanks came to Belmont in 1992 as professor of management and dean of the School of Business and the Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business and has served the university in various roles in leading the College of Business Administration to achieve accreditation in 2001 with AACSB, the international body that accredits schools of business.

Professor McCowan joined the Belmont faculty in 1967, served on many university-wide committees and represented Belmont through service to numerous professional organizations during his tenure. He was a long-time sponsor of Belmont's chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society, an organization in which he held office at local, regional, and national levels.

Dr. McCowan was also awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of Mathematics upon the recommendation of the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences and the approval of the Belmont University Board of Trust.

The Class of 2004 presented its Senior Gift Saturday, three large framed black-and-white art photographs showing timeless views of the Belmont campus. The photographer, John Bamber, is a 2002 Belmont graduate.

Posted by the Office of University Marketing & Communications, May 15, 2004

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