May 29, 2009

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Belmont Royalty
This smoke bush or smoke tree, also known as Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple, was shot recently in the area between the construction zone of the new Health Sciences building and Pembroke Hall.

BELMONT NEWS

Belmont Hosts International Country Music Conference
The 26th annual International Country Music Conference honored some of the top authors and journalists in the field of country music May 21-23 during an annual gathering at Belmont University.
The Belmont Book Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Charlie Lamb Awards were presented during a special noon luncheon, underwritten by the Mike Curb Family Foundation, on Fri., May 22 in the Frist Lecture Hall. This year’s Belmont Book Award was given to Patrick Huber for Linthead Stomp: The Creation of Country Music in the Piedmont South. The University of Illinois Press received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their series, Music in American Life.
In addition to the book awards, the Charlie Lamb Awards for Excellence in Journalism were presented to Alanna Nash in the Career category and Barry Mazor in the Contemporary category. The Charlie Lamb Awards are underwritten by Gary and Peggy Walker.
The 26th annual ICMC featured authors of books on a variety of country music subjects, including Jimmie Rodgers, Ernest Tubb, Eddy Arnold, Gene Autry, Johnny Cash, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Events included a Thursday evening panel at the Quonset Hut with Shelby Singleton, Jerry Kennedy and Bob Moore, moderated by Don Cusic, and a panel discussion at RCA Studio B on Friday evening with Harold Bradley, Fred Foster and Ray Edenton with moderator John Rumble. There were also several presentations from prominent country music historians and scholars, including panels “The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers” and “Defining Country Music: What It Is and Does It Matter?”
For more information, visit www.internationalcountrymusic.org.

ACHIEVERS

William Morris Commissions Art Students for ‘Musica’ Works
The William Morris Agency recently commissioned Belmont Art students to create interpretations of Alan Lequire’s “Musica” sculpture, which is located on the Music Row roundabout. Students involved with the project included Hannah Crabtree, Allison Dodson, Ellie Caudill and Sable Royal.
Pictured at right is Dodson preparing her piece. All of the art was delivered to William Morris last week and is currently on display in their Nashville building at 1600 Division Street (on the roundabout).

ANNOUNCEMENT

Study Abroad Class Blogs from Japan
Dr. Marieta Velikova, assistant professor of economics, is currently leading a study abroad trip to Japan. The goals of this trip are to develop basic knowledge of modern Japanese history, to understand the Japanese economic system and to develop an appreciation for Japanese language and culture. Click here to read the group’s blog.

COMING UP

ONGOING
Edie Maney: Not by Chance
Edie Maney creates bold and exciting works with acrylics and mixed media. By using plastic, scrappers and squeegees in addition to brushes and palate knives, she begins in a chaotic style before developing a focal point. Show runs now – June 25.
Leu Art Gallery (Library)

BIRTHDAYS

If you notice an incorrect or missing birthday, please e-mail the update to communication@belmont.edu.
Happy Belated Birthday to Angela Breedon in the Curb College, who celebrated on May 27.
May 29
Patricia Jacobs, Career Services
Keith Moore, Music
May 31
Anthony Donovan, Residence Life
June 3
Ann Edgin, Library
Mary Goodloe, Math and Computer Science
June 4
Jason Rogers, University Counsel
Mike Strickland, Athletics
Jasmine Taylor, Business
June 7
Margaret Schlereth, Development

May 22, 2009

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Graduation 2009
During Commencement ceremonies held last weekend, 707 Belmont students received undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition, Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher presented the Presidential Faculty Achievement Award to Dr. Maggie Monteverde, professor of English and associate dean of the School of Humanities. Provost Dr. Dan McAlexander presented the Chaney Distinguished Professor Award to Marjorie Halbert, associate professor of voice, director of musical theatre and coordinator of the musical theatre degree program.

BELMONT NEWS

Belmont Awarded $575,000 Grant From National Science Foundation
Money to provide science, technology and math scholarships
Belmont University announced Thursday that the National Science Foundation (NSF) is awarding the university a $575,000 grant in support of scholarships for students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with the intention of attracting women, minorities, first-generation college students and economically disadvantaged students to these disciplines. The NSF sees investment in STEM education as crucial if the U.S. is to hold its place as a world leader in science and technology. This project, titled “Pathways to Science, Technology and Mathematics,” will involve Belmont faculty working with high schools and industries across Middle Tennessee and is an important piece of a renewed vision of the sciences at Belmont.
Belmont Provost Dr. Dan McAlexander said, “The ‘Pathways’ project will have a lasting impact on the sciences at Belmont and on the caliber of students we attract. This grant in particular enables the university to expand and strengthen its commitments in areas that are vital to a 21st century world, areas that reflect this generation’s pioneering spirit.”
Professor of Mathematics Dr. Glenn Acree, who served as principal investigator for the proposal, added, “Belmont University welcomes the opportunity to take a leadership role in science and technology initiatives in Middle Tennessee. With this grant we intend to raise student awareness of science-related careers, enhance our science and technology academic programs, and provide qualified graduates to meet the workforce needs of Middle Tennessee.”
The broader impact will be realized across the Middle Tennessee region as opportunities for education and careers in the STEM disciplines are communicated to K-12 communities and as students within these communities participate through this scholarship program. In addition to partnering with other education institutions, the “Pathways” program further enhances a growing relationship with organizations like the Nashville Technology Council, which seeks to help the Middle Tennessee technology community succeed.
Minimum requirements for scholarship applicants include a high school G.P.A. of 3.25 and Math ACT score and Comprehensive ACT of 25 (or equivalent SAT scores) as well as completed applications for Belmont and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Student participants will receive scholarships for four years as long as they continue to satisfy the requirements of the program.