April 25, 2008

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Belmont Hosts Two Best-Selling Authors and Celebrates Undergraduate Research
James Loewen, author of 2008-09 First Year Seminar common book Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong, spoke on campus yesterday as part of the Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium (BURS). There were 220 students who participated in more than 135 presentations yesterday in 32 concurrent sessions across campus in the afternoon and evening, representing research in more than two dozen subjects across the academic spectrum from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to English and History to Accounting and Classical Voice.
In an evening talk at Troutt Theater, Loewen encouraged students to use research to ask good questions and then allow that research to create change for a better world. Click here for more on BURS and Loewen’s visit.

Two hours later, best-selling author and public theologian Jim Wallis led a conversation on ethics and public life next door in Belmont Heights Baptist Church. Wallis’ 2005 book, God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It, was a New York Times bestseller. His newest book, The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith & Politics in a Post-Religious Right America, was the primary subject of last night’s lecture.
Wallis noted that it will take a revival of faith to spark major social changes in poverty, war, the environment and other critical global issues. “Our choice is between hope and cynicism,” he said. “Cynicism becomes a buffer against commitment. Hope, however, is a choice you make, a decision because of faith.”
Nashville singer-songwriters and Grammy-award winners Ashley Cleveland (below center) and Marcus Hummon (right) opened Wallis’ lecture with a 30-minute set in the round, accompanied by guitarist Kenny Greenberg (left). For more on this story, click here.

BELMONT NEWS

Student-Athletes Recognized Nationally for Academic Achievement
Three Belmont University athletic teams were honored by the NCAA Thursday in its annual Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) Public Recognition Awards.
Belmont men’s basketball, men’s soccer and men’s tennis each ranked in the top 10 percent within their respective sports nationwide among NCAA Division-I programs for their academic progress rate as determined by the NCAA. The APR provides a real-time look at a team’s academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete. The APR includes eligibility, retention and graduation in the calculation and provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport.
Testament to its commitment to success on the court and in the classroom, Belmont is one of only four institutions in Division-I men’s basketball to make the APR top 10 percent list and earn a berth to the NCAA Championship Tournament each of the last three years: Belmont, Davidson, North Carolina and Villanova. For the 2007-08 season, 33 institutions boasted APRs in the top 10 percent, of which just 10 made NCAA tournament appearances. There are 341 institutions playing NCAA Division-I men’s basketball.
Moreover, each of Belmont’s top three career scorers for its NCAA-era – Wes Burtner, Justin Hare and Adam Mark – have been named to multiple ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America teams.
“Belmont student-athletes are continuing with their remarkable levels of achievement,” Belmont University President Bob Fisher said. “We are pleased that the extraordinary efforts put forth by our student-athletes, coaches, and athletics’ staff to excel both in the classroom and on the playing field have been recognized by the NCAA.” For more on this story, click here.
Belmont Plans Innovative, Debate-Related Programming for 2008-09
Distinguished Guests Ken Burns and David McCullough to Speak; Other Major Programming Planned to Explore Historical and Current Democratic Issues
With less than six months before the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate on Oct. 7, Belmont University is busy planning special debate-related programming for the 2008-09 academic year for Belmont students and the Nashville community. Most notably, award-winning documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns (right), and historian and New York Times bestselling author, David McCullough (below left), will appear on campus as special guests during this momentous year at Belmont. Burns will speak on Sept. 30, 2008, and McCullough will follow up in the spring semester on March 19, 2009.
Belmont is also launching a new Web site specifically for the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate, located at www.belmontdebate08.com. The site, which will launch the week of May 1, will feature news, programming information and campus updates for the Belmont community, neighbors and up-to-3,000 media expected on campus for the debate.
“The opportunity to host the Town Hall Presidential Debate provides an invaluable educational experience to our students, allowing them to observe firsthand our nation’s political process and to be participants in American history,” said Belmont Provost Dan McAlexander. “Bringing such distinguished guests as Ken Burns and David McCullough on campus is just one component of the debate experience we plan to offer our students.”
A task force of faculty and staff from Belmont, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Volunteer State Community College, Trevecca University and Nashville State Technical Community College has formed to create several opportunities for city-wide learning centered on Belmont’s role as Town Hall Presidential Debate host site. While Belmont is in the unique role of host site for the debate, this consortium with other schools celebrates the opportunity this debate offers Nashville and Tennessee – an occasion never before experienced in the city or state that has produced three American presidents (Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson).
A variety of speaker series, visual and performing arts programs, and activities and events designed specifically for students at Belmont and city-wide are slated for the 2008-09 school year. The Key Issues Speaker Series will bring an array of experts to campus to discuss issues of importance to voters in this election year: energy, the environment, entrepreneurship, health care, media and religion. Speakers will include Belmont faculty and special guests distinguished in their respective fields. For more on this story, click here.
Belmont University to Become ‘All Steinway School’ Thanks to $2 Million Merrydale Woods Bequest
Steinway & Sons to receive Applause Award at President’s Concert
On Sat., April 26, Belmont University President Bob Fisher will present the 2008 Applause Award to Steinway & Sons, an occasion which will also officially announce Belmont’s intent to become an “All-Steinway School” with the purchase of approximately 70 additional pianos from Steinway. The new pianos will be used in Belmont performance venues, practice rooms and faculty studios. The funds to replace older instruments and to purchase the new Steinway additions represent a gift of more than $2 million from the Merrydale Woods estate, a bequest which will also provide new endowed scholarships for future piano students.
Belmont is one of only 88 colleges, universities, conservatories or schools world-wide to have the distinction of being an All-Steinway School. Other All-Steinway representatives include Julliard and the Yale School of Music. All-Steinway Schools must demonstrate a commitment to excellence by providing their students and faculties with the best equipment possible for the study of music. With the purchase of new pianos, Belmont’s highly acclaimed School of Music will boast only Steinway-designed pianos throughout campus.
Dr. Cynthia Curtis, Dean of Belmont’s School of Music, said, “The School of Music is proud to join the distinguished list of institutions that are All-Steinway. With this decision we provide our students with the finest pianos for both practice and performance. The generous and greatly appreciated gift of Merrydale Woods will live on in the education of Belmont music students.” To read more on this story, click here.
University Honors Students, Faculty at Annual Scholarship and Awards Day
Belmont University recognized students and faculty at Monday’s annual Scholarship and Awards Day ceremony. Students honored in the ceremony included:
Ben Sanfilippo,Calvin Webster – Recipients, The Williams-Murray First Year Writing Awards
Nora McCook,William Peters – The Alfred Leland Crabb Awards
Cody Badaracca, Nora McCook, James McLendon – The Stacy Awalt Writing Awards
Liz Komoromi – The Annette Sisson First Year Seminar Writing Award
Kayla Lyftogt (pictured right) – The John Williams Heart of Belmont Award
Raychel McKelvy – The First Year Award, Leadership
Timothy Harms – The Second Year Award, Leadership
Amy L. Valentine – The Third Year Award, Leadership
Jennifer L. Stepaniuk – The Fourth Year Award, Leadership
Retiring faculty member Dr. Stephen Campbell (Mathematics) was also recognized for 37 years of service to Belmont.

ACHIEVERS

Alumnus Accepts Internship with U.S. Olympic Committee
Erin Mullen, a 2007 Belmont graduate in public relations, was recently accepted for an internship with the United States Olympic Committee in U.S. Paralympics. She will be working on various sports administrative procedures from June 2-Sept. 10 in Colorado Springs. Mullen is currently finishing her master’s at Mississippi State University in Sports Administration with a minor in Communication.
Webster Presents Seminar, Joins Task Force
The School of Pharmacy’s Dr. Andy Webster participated in the Austin Peay University visiting scientist seminar. Invited by the department of chemistry, Webster presented a seminar to faculty and senior chemistry majors titled “After Market Manipulations of Pharmaceutical Products.” The talk gave the students insight into the FDA drug approval process and the utilization of pharmaceutical chemistry to manipulate and enhance after market pharmaceutical products. In addition, Webster recently began serving on the Tennessee Task Force for Drug Diversion. The Task Force, which is comprised of law enforcement (TBI and DEA), state board of pharmacy representatives, practitioners and educators, is charged with eradicating the growing menace of illegally obtaining prescription medication, primarily controlled substances.
Chumney Published in Pharmacy Education Journal
The School of Pharmacy’s Dr. Elinor Chumney is the lead author on a manuscript titled “Impact of a Dual PharmD/MBA Degree on Graduates’ Academic Performance, Career Opportunities and Earning Potential,” which was published in the recent edition of American Journal of Pharmacy Education. The article examines how earning a dual degree impacts student outcomes and earning potential.
Sociology Students, Faculty Present Research
On March 14, the faculty of the Sociology Department and numerous undergraduate students attended the fifth annual Inter-University Research Symposium held at Fisk University. The symposium is compromised of undergraduate student research in Sociology from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Fisk University and Belmont. Drs. Andi Stepnick and Shelby Longard co-presided a paper session in which students Tiffany Minton and Claire Beck presented their research on “Homo-Hop,” a new genre of music that critiques mainstream hip-hop for its negative portrayals of women and gay people. Dr. Ken Spring also presided a session in which students Marie Campbell, Ryan Hurd and Cayla Wilson presented their research on applied social theory as part of the scholar community program .
In addition, at the recent annual conference of the Southern Sociological Society, held in Richmond, Va., Dr. Longard presented her research on Southern Child Beauty Pageants. Dr. Spring also attended, along with undergraduate students Jessica Boyer, Marie Campbell, Ryan Hurd, Cayla Wilson and recent Belmont graduate Kurt Neisner, who presented their findings integrating theory and practice through community service.
Students Graduate From J.I. Experience Leadership Program
The Office of Campus Life would like to congratulate the following graduates of the Greek Life J.I. (Just Initiated) Experience Leadership Program: Hunter Askew, Phi Kappa Tau; Jason Biddle, Phi Kappa Tau; Kathleen Bond, Phi Mu; Amber Garner, Delta Sigma Theta; Sukhbir Grewal, Phi Delta Theta; Kate Harris, Phi Mu; Megan Johnson, Phi Mu; Trey McHargue, Phi Delta Theta; Sam Moergen, Phi Kappa Tau; Benjamin Pate, Alpha Tau Omega; and Lindsey Welch, Phi Mu. The J.I. Experience is a theory-based program for second-semester freshmen and sophomores designed to positively affect their academic transition, increase their personal development and learn more about how to be a leader in the Greek Life community. In the photo, participants pose with Tennessee State Representative Debra Maggart, a member of the Phi Mu national sorority.
Alumna Chases Dream of Being an Astronaut
Alys Blair, an adjunct Physics instructor and 1997 Belmont graduate with a double major in physics and math, was recently interviewed on the Internet/Radio Show “On the Home Stretch” (http://www.onthehomestretch.com/). Blair was interviewed about her position at Belmont and her aspirations of becoming an astronaut. After graduating from Belmont, Blair went on to graduate school at the University of Alabama at Huntsville where she obtained a Masters Degree in Atmospheric Science. While in graduate school she worked with NASA on her research in lightning. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation and is applying for the 2009 class of Astronaut Candidates in hopes of achieving her dream of being an astronaut.
Public Relations Students Win Parthenon Awards
Eight Belmont students were honored at Tuesday’s 22nd annual Parthenon Awards given by the Nashville Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) held at B. B. King’s Club and Restaurant in downtown Nashville.
Hillary Bond received the $2,000 2008 PRSA Scholarship recognizing academic excellence, campus service and professionalism in the practice of public relations. She is vice president of the Belmont Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and currently serves in an internship at Katcher Vaughn & Bailey Public Relations in Nashville.
Recognized along with Bond were the other two finalists for the scholarship, Belmont students McCartney Boyd and Emily Telford, also officers in the Belmont chapter of PRSSA. “This is the first time in the history of the scholarship that three students from the same university were the finalists for the competitive scholarship,” said Steve Horton of PRSA in presenting the award. Public relations majors from Austin Peay University, Lipscomb University and Middle Tennessee State University are also eligible to apply.
A team of five Belmont students received the top award for student projects, a new category of awards in the professional chapter’s annual awards program. Honored were Belmont’s Cheryl Bak, Ashley Bearden, MacKenzie Fischer, Jess Reuter and Kari Woodard. The student projects award of merit was presented in recognition of the team’s public relations campaign, “A Safe Ride, Every Time,” which promoted seat belt safety among young teenagers. The campaign was developed as a service learning project in Dr. Bonnie Riechert’s Public Relations Strategy and Implementation (MDS 4180) class, and it also was entered into national competition in the 2008 PRSSA Bateman Case Competition.
Belmont was represented at the awards banquet by the eights students receiving honors and public relations faculty members Riechert and Pam Parry. “Our outstanding students and our public relations program were in the spotlight as Belmont swept all the student awards,” said Riechert. “Recognitions like these will help build our program’s reputation for ethics, excellence and service. Our students are well deserving of these accolades from the Nashville Chapter of PRSA.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Walkers and Volunteers Needed for Nashville Arthritis Walk on Campus
The Tennessee Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will for the first time this year hold its annual Nashville Arthritis Walk on the Belmont University campus. The event, which supports public awareness and raises funds to fight the nation’s leading cause of disability, is May 4 at 2 p.m., rain or shine. Check in for the event begins at 1 p.m. Click here for more information.
Follow Basketball Mission Trip Online
The following basketball players will accompany Betty Wiseman on the 2008 Sports Evangelism Mission Trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 12-23: Stefan Baskin, Keaton Belcher, Laura Cowley, Matthew Dotson, Brittney Everhart, Andrew House, Brittany Myers, Whitney Seals, Rachel Swisher, Brooke Sunday, Andy Wicke and Will Young. Tony Howell, assistant volleyball coach, will accompany the team as technical support. The Belmont community can receive daily updates by going on-line to the RIO 2008 Journal blog.
2008 Boys Basketball Camp
The 2008 Belmont Basketball Camp will be held June 9-13 at the Curb Event Center for boys ages 7-15. The regular camp fee is $220; Belmont faculty/staff price is $170. Click here for more information and applications.

COMING UP

Friday, April 25, 2-4 p.m.
Retirement Reception for Dr. Stephen Campbell and Mrs. Donna Campbell
Vince Gill Room
Saturday, April 26, 8 p.m.
19th Annual President’s Concert
Honoring Applause Award recipient Steinway and Sons Piano Company and featuring student ensembles highlighting the musical diversity of the Belmont University School of Music. The funds raised by this concert support Arts scholarships. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling x6408. Faculty and staff tickets are $10.
Massey Concert Hall
Monday, April 28, 10 a.m.
Scholar-Athlete Academic Reception
Awards to be presented include Presidential Scholar‐Athlete of the Year, Director of Athletics’ Character Award, Academic Achievement Awards and Student‐Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) Inspirational Awards.
Maddox Grand Atrium
Monday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.
Classical Performers
Massey Concert Hall
Tuesday, April 29, 5 p.m.
Vigilance Reduces Vulnerabilities: Learn How to Keep Yourself Safe in a Post Virginia Tech World
Michael “Moose” Moore is the President and CEO of Tiger Six, an anti-terrorism consultant and vigilance training group in Nashville, Tennessee. Moose travels across the country speaking to colleges about what he calls individual security for anyone who wants to learn how to defend themselves.
Multimedia Room, Bunch Library
Wednesday, April 30
Academic Preparation Day
Wednesday, April 30, 3-4:30 p.m.
Bruin Loop Party
Come join the Beaman Center as we unveil the Bruin Loop, Belmont’s first 1.5 mile outdoor loop around campus. Registration will begin at 3 p.m. with the Bruin Loop Kickoff starting at 3:30.
Beaman Center, West Lobby
Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fiesta Belmont Latin Street Fair
Sunday, May 4, 1-4 p.m.
Arthritis Walk
Friday, May 9, 2-3:30 p.m.
Baccalaureate
“Baccalaureate: A Service of Ordination to Daily Work” is a part of the Spring Commencement celebratory events for graduates and their families. The service will feature graduating seniors who will share how God is calling them to use what they have learned at Belmont to serve others.
Belmont Heights Baptist Church Sanctuary
Friday, May 9, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Commencement
Massey Concert Hall
Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.
Undergraduate Commencement
Curb Event Center
Saturday, May 10, 7 p.m.
Nashville Children’s Choir
Massey Concert Hall
Ongoing
Now-June
William Myers: Prints
Bill Myers is an artist and illustrator of numerous posters, books and magazines for adults and children as well as the creator of murals, and album covers. For the film Nashville, he created the artwork used in the opening credits, the soundtrack cover and poster.
Leu Art Gallery (Library)

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers Mike Webb in the Office of Campus Security and his family. Michael’s father passed away last Saturday.

BIRTHDAYS

If you notice an incorrect or missing birthday, please e-mail the update to communication@mail.belmont.edu.
April 25
Colette Keyser, Athletics
April 26
Dan Landes, Music
Deborah Nunn Baruzzini, Human Resources
Debra Wollaber, Nursing
April 29
Devon Boan, Honor
April 30
Rick Byrd, Athletics
Matt Reno, Bookstore
Michael Simpson, Security
May 1
Jennie Carter Thomas, Business
May 3
Jane Shelby, Nursing

April 18, 2008

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

2008 CMT Music Awards Broadcasts Live from Curb Event Center
In a night filled with surprises, Trace Adkins (“I’ve Got My Game On”), Taylor Swift (“Our Song”) and Kellie Pickler (“I Wonder”) emerged as the evening’s biggest winners at the “2008 CMT Music Awards,” which was broadcast live for the third straight year from the Curb Event Center at Belmont University. For more on this story as well as additional photos from the event, click here.
But the CMT Music Awards show wasn’t the only big event to impact Belmont this week. The past seven days also included the final 2008 performances of Thoroughly Modern Millie in Troutt Theater…

…as well as the Belmont-sponsored Eighth Annual Family Literacy Day, which was held last Saturday at Rose Park in the Edgehill community. About 175 volunteers helped with the event representing numerous campus groups, including Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Psi Omega (Theater Fraternity), Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Tau Omega, Belmont Ambassadors, Belmont Cheerleaders, Black Student Association (BSA), Circle K International, Delta Sigma Theta, International Student Association, MAACM (Math and Science Club), Massey Alumni, Massey School, Men’s Basketball, Our Natural Environment (ONE) Club, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Tau, Phi Mu, Pre-Health Club, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) and Student Nurses Association. Each group picked a different theme and offered a variety of books for all ages.