Belmont University School of Occupational Therapy student, Morgan Sondergeld, recently won the Scholarship of Excellence Award from The Tennessee Occupational Therapy Foundation. She earned the award and scholarship by maintaining a GPA of 4.0 in the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program while volunteering with Sprocket Therapy, GiGi’s Playhouse and Room at the Inn.
Internationally Acclaimed Experts Join Belmont Virtual Educational Series on ‘White House Style’
As the Oct. 22 Presidential Debate at Belmont University approaches, Belmont’s O’More College of Architecture & Design is embracing the event with a four-part educational series focused on “White House Style.” Beginning Sept. 24 and available for free public viewing, the program is being led by Nashville-based creative consultant Libby Callaway and will feature a national slate of historians, designers and cultural critics exploring how First Couples have left their personal mark on the People’s House, through how they eat, dress, decorate and entertain. Featured guests will include White House Historical Association historian Lina Mann, former White House decorator Michael S. Smith (who recently published “Designing History,” a book on the White House), former White House staffer and James Beard Award-winning food journalist Adrian Miller, Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan and internationally acclaimed fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.
“This series promises a unique perspective on American history along with the house—and people—who occupy so much national interest,” said Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher. “I’m so impressed and pleased to see the incredible creativity and outstanding guests our faculty are bringing to the table in our ‘Ideas of America’ debate programming series. Clearly, ‘White House Style’ offers the expertise and subject matter to appeal to audiences of all ages and interests.”
Dr. Jhennifer Amundson, dean of Belmont’s O’More College of Architecture & Design, added, “We’re very excited to welcome a distinguished group of professionals representing diverse parts of the world of design to contribute to this important event. We understand how design is part of our national discourse, both political and patriotic, and that understanding more about how the President’s house fits into a broader narrative will present us with great new insights about the power of design and its role in our country’s history and in the present day.”
Program organizer and moderator Libby Callaway, who chairs O’More’s Fashion Advisory Committee, is the founder and principal at The Callaway, a Nashville-based communications agency that provides strategic leadership, marketing and PR services, event management and retail curation for creative companies in the areas of fashion, design, retail, hospitality and nonprofit. She is the former media director for the Nashville denim company imogene + willie and marketing director for the Alabama fashion house Billy Reid. Prior to working in PR and marketing, Callaway was a journalist in New York, where she contributed to some of the country’s most widely regarded magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, Elle, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, Glamour and the New York Post, where she was fashion editor.
Callaway said, “We all know that the vibe of the White House changes with each First Family, but few people understand the rules and rituals that govern these evolutions. Our incredible slate of guests have insider knowledge in this area. The collective experience and deep knowledge that they bring to these conversations will change the way viewers think about the style and culture of the country’s most famous residence.”
The series promises to give viewers an insider’s glimpse into the design of the White House and the style of its occupants over the course of the past 200-plus years, thanks to the nationally acclaimed experts who will join Callaway for the evening conversations. The entire White House Style series can be viewed on Belmont’s Debate Events site, and additional details on specific program dates, times and descriptions can be found below:
Setting the Scene: Life at the White House
Thurs., Sept. 24, 7 p.m. Central
Part One: When a President and their family move into the White House, they aren’t given carte blanche. Historian Lina Mann of the White House Historical Association (WHHA) will discuss the guidelines that govern the decoration of and decorum within the country’s most famous residence, drawing from specific events and using historical imagery. Mann started at the WHHA in 2017 as a fellow while pursuing her Master’s degree in Public History. After completing her degree in May 2019, she has continued her work with WHHA, where she helped research and develop the Association’s recent Slavery in the President’s Neighborhood initiative.
Department of the Interior: Designing the White House
Thurs., Oct. 1, 7 p.m. Central
Part Two: Redecorating the White House at the start of a presidency is not as easy as ordering a new kitchen table and replacing a few slipcovers. Los Angeles-based interior designer Michael S. Smith will share his experience working with the Obamas to redesign the White House during their eight years in residence. Smith, author of the new book “Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House,” is one of the most sought-after talents in the design industry today. With an international roster of high-profile residential, hospitality and commercial clients, he is known for an effortless blend of all-American modernism and European classicism. Smith has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being continuously named to the AD100 and Elle Decor’s A-List, and he was honored by the Hispanic Society of America with his partner, James Costos, the former ambassador to Spain and Andorra; they received the organization’s 2016 Sorolla Medal in recognition of their extraordinary support of Spanish art and culture. Smith was also the 2018 recipient of the distinguished Arthur Ross Award for Excellence in the Field of Interior Design from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art.
Head of Plate: Inside the White House Kitchen
Thurs., Oct. 8, 7 p.m. Central
Part Three: Presidential style encompasses more than just the visual aspects of the White House: how First Couples eat and entertain says as much about them as their wardrobes or interiors. Former White House staffer and James Beard Award-winning food journalist Adrian Miller will explore the history of the White House kitchen and presidential cooks. He will be joined by a number of significant Nashville chefs, preparing a multi-course meal inspired by the best-loved presidential recipes. Recipes will be shared in advance on Belmont’s Debate Events website. Miller is a food writer, attorney and certified barbecue judge who lives in Denver. Miller’s first book, “Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time” won the James Beard Foundation Award for Scholarship and Reference in 2014. His second book, “The President’s Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families, From the Washingtons to the Obamas,” was published on President’s Day 2017 and was a finalist for a 2018 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Literary Work—Non-Fiction.” Participating chefs will include:
- Charles Hunter (The Salted Table)
- Lisa Donovan (James Beard Award-winning journalist author of Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger)
- Rhonda & Shelton Cammon (The Barseat)
- Lokelani Alabanza (Saturated ice Cream)
- Philip Krajeck (Folk and Rolf & Daughters)
- Julia Sullivan (Henrietta Red)
First Couple Style: Dressing for the White House
Wed., Oct. 14, 7 p.m. Central
Part Four: For a First Couple, getting dressed is not as easy as picking out a suit or dress. Every piece of clothing worn by the President and First Lady is ripe for public scrutiny, whether it’s an off-the-rack polo shirt or high-dollar couture gown. For this panel, host Libby Callaway will be joined by Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg to explore the parameters — many of them unspoken — that dictate how the First Couple dresson every occasion. The fashion critic for the Washington Post, Givhan’s journalism has also appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Essence, New Yorkmagazine, The Daily Beast and theNew Yorker, among other publications. She is the author of “The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled Into The Spotlight And Made History” and has contributed to several books. In 2006, she won the Pulitzer Prize in criticism for her fashion coverage.
Diane von Furstenberg is a fashion designer, philanthropist and Founder and Chairwoman of the company that bears her name. In 1974, she created the iconic wrap dress, which became a symbol of power and independence for women all over the world and grew into a global brand. She acted as President of the CFDA from 2006 to 2015 and served as its Chairwoman from 2015 to 2019. In 2010, she established the DVF Awards to honor extraordinary women. Her memoir, “The Woman I Wanted to Be,” was published in 2014 and has been translated in six languages. In 2015, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and the following year, she received the CFDA Swarovski Award for Positive Change. In September of 2019, Diane von Furstenberg was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame honored for her leadership and achievements which have changed the course of history. She currently serves on the boards of Vital Voices, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation. A HBO documentary entitled “Liberty: Mother of Exiles” aired in Fall of 2019 and further enlightens the public on the history of the monument and DVF’s dedication in raising funds to bring the institution to life.
For additional information on this and all other programming related to the Oct. 22, 2020 Presidential Debate, visit the Events page on BelmontDebate2020.com.
‘Rock the Vote at Belmont University’ Set for Sept. 22 With Headliner Moon Taxi – Presented by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.
Music City will welcome the eyes of the nation Sept. 22 with “Rock the Vote at Belmont University: Nashville Colleges Celebrate Democracy,” a 90-minute concert event to promote voter registration prior to Belmont’s Oct. 22 hosting of the third and final presidential debate. Set to broadcast on National Voter Registration Day, performers will include student and alumni acts from Belmont University, Fisk University, Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University, as well as special guest Bren Joy and a headlining set from Moon Taxi, both Belmont alumni.
“Belmont is committed to hosting a presidential debate because our mission as educators doesn’t stop at the classroom doors,” said University President Dr. Bob Fisher. “This debate—and all of the exciting programs we’re offering leading up to it—will serve to provide our students and citizens across the country key insights into important issues impacting our nation. We are so proud to partner with Rock the Vote, fellow Nashville universities and our valued alumni to host this concert to celebrate democracy and promote voting.”
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. will serve as the presenting sponsor for the concert, which can be viewed beginning at 7 p.m. Central Tues., Sept. 22. Rock the Vote, which is dedicated to building the political power of young people, is set to host the event on the organization’s YouTube channel and it will also be viewable on Belmont’s YouTube channel well as the Rock the Vote and Belmont University Facebook pages.
“For 30 years, Rock the Vote has revolutionized the use of culture and technology to reach young people where they are with messages that inspire and empower them to get involved in the political process,” said Carolyn DeWitt, president and executive director of Rock the Vote, “We are thrilled to be teaming up with Belmont University and young Nashville artists to celebrate National Voter Registration Day and mobilize young people to take action by registering to vote.”
Alternative rock band Moon Taxi, whose members met as students at Belmont, will headline the evening. Lead singer Trevor Terndrup, a 2007 Belmont graduate, said, “We are happy to be playing such an important show for our alma mater. College is a place where you learn about truth, justice and equality. The voting booth is where you put those ideals to the test. We all must all do our part in this upcoming election. College students have the ability to change the world and I think it’s important to remind young people how much power they have by casting a ballot.”
Doug Howard, dean of Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, said, “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the upcoming Presidential Debate 2020 on Belmont’s campus and to prepare for this year’s national election than to join with Rock the Vote to encourage all students to engage in their civic duty and register to vote!”
The concert, which is being produced live by Nashville-based video production companies TNDV Television and Stereophonic Films with assistance from Curb College Showcase students, is intended to showcase a spirit of collaboration and celebration among local college musicians and artists. The event will take place at Belmont’s Curb Event Center, the arena which will also host the Oct. 22 presidential debate. Participating acts include:
- Spoken word artist Sommer Jade (Tennessee State University)
- Acapella group The Melodores (Vanderbilt University)
- R&B soul singer/songwriter Lauren McClinton (Fisk University)
- Pop/rock band Shelter Cove (Middle Tennessee State University)
- Indie rock/pop artist Annie DiRusso (Belmont University)
Between performances, clips will provide information on both how to register to vote, important deadlines and resources for learning more about the upcoming election. Due to COVID-19 prevention measures, there will not be a live audience, and strict guidelines will be adhered to in terms of health screenings, social distancing and sanitation for those performing and producing the event.
For more information, visit belmontdebate2020.com/rock-the-vote/.
2018 Belmont Graduate Brooke Small Awarded Prestigious Fulbright Teaching Grant
Belmont alumna Brooke Small was recently awarded a Fulbright program grant for overseas teaching in Cyprus. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is an international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government that provides competitive grants to graduating seniors and graduate students to serve as cultural ambassadors of the United States abroad.
Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns said, “The selection process for identifying Fulbright scholars is extremely rigorous and selects only those applicants that will be both exceptional ambassadors and strong advocates for collaborative work. We are so proud of Brooke’s work and share her excitement for being selected for this prestigious national award which recognize our country’s best and brightest. I am confident Brooke will represent the United States and Belmont University well in her international placement – she possesses remarkable intellect, passion and commitment to service. It is such a joy to see our graduates fulfilling Belmont’s mission to empower students ‘to engage with and transform the world.’”
Small, from Littlestown, Pennsylvania, graduated from Belmont in May 2018 with a major in communication studies and a minor in photography. During her time at Belmont, Small invested her time as a volunteer tutor for organizations like World Relief and Nations Ministry Center. She was inducted in to the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Studies Honor Society.
She also enjoyed a study abroad trip to Africa her junior year. “That experience confirmed for me that not only do I want to live and work abroad, but that a life of service is very possible through programs such as the Fulbright,” Small said.
While in Nashville for the last year and a half, Small was an AmeriCorps member serving with Nations Ministry Center where she taught English to refugee children, while also serving as the Volunteer Coordinator for after-school programs. When her AmeriCorps service ended in July, she then became a member of Nations Ministry Center’s staff, where she currently continues her same work. Her long-term goal is to teach around the world as a Peace Corps volunteer, as well as get her Master of Education to become a social justice educator. “As a first-generation college graduate, I’m deeply aware that quality education can propel you into a future you didn’t think possible. I hope to give back by teaching the next generation of dream chasers attending under resourced schools in America and abroad.”
With her Fulbright Award, Small will be teaching English in Cyprus, an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean. Along with her role as an ESL teacher in Cypriot public schools, she plans to volunteer with community centers serving the refugee community, in accordance with safety precautions for COVID-19. Due to COVID-19’s impact on international travel, her grant has been rescheduled for January 2021-June 2021.
“As a child growing up in a small, rural Pennsylvania town I didn’t realize that ordinary people could live out extraordinary dreams all while hopefully contributing to the greater good. My time at Belmont opened my eyes to the vast opportunities available. I was continuously motivated by my advisor, Suzanne Lindsey, who always believed in me amidst my own moments of doubt and encouraged my goal of serving abroad. As a teacher, I hope to be the cheerleader for my students that my advisor was for me,” she said. “The Fulbright is the perfect opportunity for me to combine my love of teaching with my passion for representing the United States as a cultural ambassador.”
Belmont Alumni Couple Produce Top Apple Podcast on Healthcare
Belmont alumni and married couple Clark Buckner, co-founder and partner at podcast agency Relationary Marketing, and Hope Cooper Buckner, account supervisor at full service strategic communications agency DVL Seigenthaler (DVLS), recently launched “Vanderbilt Health DNA: Discoveries in Action,” a new, original podcast from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). The 10-episode series takes listeners on a journey to explore the big ideas and breakthroughs at VUMC – told by some of the medical center’s top experts, scientists, researchers and pioneers.
Since the show’s launch in late July, each episode has zoomed up the charts, with the first four already in the top 10 percent of all podcasts.
“DNA” explores important topics throughout health care like vaccines, COVID-19, diversity and inclusion, imposter syndrome, unconscious bias and health policy, among others. Each episode features scientists, faculty members and researchers from VUMC who share their expertise and perspective on the topic at hand.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect, Hope said. “Instilling trust in the power and reliability of science and medicine has never been more important than right now as our world collectively fights a global pandemic,” she said. “This project does just that.”
Relationary Marketing, Clark’s company, serves as a podcast vendor for DVLS, the firm where Hope works, and the two have greatly enjoyed the ability to collaborate on this project. But it isn’t just the two of them who brought this vision to life. The duo are quick to push the credit to their extensive teams — including their team members from VUMC, Relationary and DVLS who have worked tirelessly over the past several months to bring the show to life.
Clark serves as the podcast’s host and can be heard narrating behind the experts’ on each episode, connecting their perspectives to one another. For Clark, this project has been especially important and differentiates Vanderbilt as a health care provider. “It’s been really incredible to see,” he said. “I’m really grateful to Vanderbilt for taking the time and care to put content like this into the world, in addition to all the work they’re doing in response to COVID-19 and beyond.”
Clark graduated as an entrepreneurship major at Belmont and has been heavily involved in Nashville’s creative environment ever since. In addition to his work with Relationary, he also serves as a contractor with the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and is the co-founder of the Nashville Podcasters Meetup. Hope studied public relations and education at Belmont and formerly served as the Assistant Director of Communications for the University before moving to her current position with DVLS. As a current adjunct instructor at Belmont, she teaches Nonprofit Public Relations & Fundraising and Public Relations Principles within the Public Relations Department.
Vanderbilt Health DNA: Discoveries in Action, is available for streaming anywhere and everywhere you get your podcasts. The show’s website, ListenDNA.com, includes episode extras and new episodes, which are dropped each Monday.
Stroud of AP News: How to Navigate an Infodemic with Upcoming Election
This past Wednesday, Belmont University hosted Scott Stroud, news editor for The Associated Press in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, as part of its 2020 Presidential Debate programming events. Stroud was joined by Belmont Instructor of Journalism/Cinema, Television and Media Jennifer Duck for a conversation focusing on the importance of accurate information. The two discussed the world of journalism, previous information scandals and the need for accurate and trusted news.
The event started with a poll of students which shared that 44 percent of the attendees retrieve their news from social media, which led to a conversation about trust in news sources. Stroud emphasized the need to be proactive and discerning in a world that outputs so much information. He encouraged students to think about each source of information and ask why the organization should be trusted as a new source.
Stroud shared how optimistic he is about the state of journalism, despite that the world is currently in an infodemic. There’s still a need for journalists, and it’s important that there are still students consistently coming out of college interested in the field. But now more than ever, journalists have to be clear, direct and authoritative. “The appetite for news and the need for people to look under the rug at what’s really going is never going away,” Stroud shared.
Throughout the conversation, Stroud and Duck discussed past significant events related to an influx of information such as the Watergate scandal and Mark Felt as Deep Throat.
Additionally, they discussed the relevant issue of voter fraud, especially in the midst of an upcoming election. Stroud explained to students and prospective journalists that “we want the government to be robust ensuring this won’t happen, and we need to be the watchdogs that write a compelling story.”
The event ended with a chance for attendees to ask questions.
As Belmont prepares for the upcoming presidential debate on campus, students and the community can learn more through upcoming events which can be found on Belmont’s Debate website.
Belmont Bruins Make a Safe Yet Joyful Return to Campus
New and former Bruins have started to safely move back to campus as the University begins the transition to HyFlex, in-person courses. The student body and administration are excited to welcome in new students and see campus become more lively. Throughout this next weekend, Belmont students will be welcoming back more of their peers and assisting with their move onto campus.
As Belmont greets returning students, they also prioritize making the move-in process for first-year students as seamless as possible. Senior Orientation Council leader Jackson Wallace shared how exciting it is to see reunions among the student body through move-in. “The move-in process has been so much fun! It is such a special way to welcome our new students, and I can’t think of a better way for everyone involved to finally reunite on campus after being gone for so long,” he said.
New to campus, Bailey Coleman shared that, “This has probably been the most tiring, yet exciting week of my life. It has been so fun to finally meet my fellow classmates and online friends in person!”
While the University’s campus begins to see more activity, safety and health are still the utmost priority. Social distancing and masks are required on campus, and students have been adjusting to smaller class sizes, dining hall precautions and sanitization stations.
Sophomore Holli Riddle said, “I think Belmont is doing a great job with their safety precautions. It’s such a weird time for everyone, but Belmont has adjusted so well to the craziness.”
Belmont is committed to students’ safety while also providing in-person classes and opportunities so students can move forward with their fall semster.
Welcome back Bruins!
Belmont Remembers the Life of Dr. William Pursell
Belmont is saddened to share that former faculty member and successful musician, Dr. William Pursell, passed away at age 94. Pursell began working at Belmont in 1980 and continued to teach for the university for 37 years. He was named Professor Emeritus of Music when he retired from Belmont in 2017.
Pursell’s consistent guidance and wisdom to student musicians will always be remembered. Dean of Belmont’s College of Music and Performing Arts Dr. Stephen Eaves shared, “Pursell had a huge impact in Nashville and at Belmont during his 37 years of service. He was a brilliant musician and an inspiration to his students and colleagues. We will focus on our fond memories of Bill and the opportunity to be a part of his rich and vibrant life.”
More recently, Pursell was on campus last fall for a conversation with Dr. Terry Klefstad, associate professor and author of “Crooked River City: The Musical Life of Nashville’s William Pursell” as a wrap up to events around the Ken Burns’ documentary “Country Music.”
“Bill was a wonderful colleague and friend, and the world is a much smaller place without him,” said Dr. Klefstad. “I will miss our long conversations and his stories about his friends in the music business. His friends included country musicians, rock musicians, jazz musicians and classical musicians. He was completely at ease with any style of music and could improvise anything on the spot. He was also a gifted composer and arranger. Musicians like him are rare indeed.”
Born in California, Pursell was signed as a solo artist just two years after moving to Nashville. His 1963 rendition of “Our Winter Love” became one of the biggest-selling records of that year, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Pursell was also a two-time Grammy-nominated composer and was named Composer of the Year in 1985 by the Tennessee Music Teachers Association. Throughout the rest of his life, Pursell worked as a pianist for many well-known artists.
Tributes to his life, his work and his success have shown up all over the country, including reports by The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard and NBC.
Former students have also shared countless posts on the impact Pursell had on their lives, including the ones below.
Alumnus Kyle Pudenz shared, “I was fortunate enough to get to perform with Dr. Pursell when he was a soloist with the University Symphony Orchestra, as well as study in his History of Commerical Music class. He would never fail to bring the whole class to laughter every time he would sit down at the piano to demonstrate a tune, haphazardly throw down some kind of unbelievable lick that no one in the room could have even attempted, and then just brush it off with this characteristic ‘yeah, whatever…’ Even at 80+ years old, the man could work a piano in ways that few folks will ever grasp, and his wealth of stories from working in the studios during the rise of the Nashville sound were an inspiration to all of us trying to cut our teeth on our first gigs in town. He will be missed by so many of us in the Belmont community, and I’m so grateful to have learned from him during his time on Earth.”
Alumnus Josh McClellan shared, “Bill was a living vestige of old Nashville: a sharp-minded and clean person with a relentless wit and charming sensibility that ultimately came out in his playing no matter if it was someone else’s music or his own. He never hesitated to hand out critiques along the lines of, ‘Well I hate to say it, but this just won’t work that way. It just won’t, but try writing it again this way. I’m pretty sure this is what you wanted.’ But, after any student came back with corrections, he was just as quick to offer elaborate, joy-filled praises such as ‘Wow! I tell you what, you really nailed it! That’s exactly it!’”
Belmont alumna Shelby Blalock shared, “Dr. Pursell was not only a musical legend, but an incredibly kind person and a wonderful teacher that I had the pleasure to learn from at Belmont. I’ll never forget how, in his orchestration and ‘Music Since 1900’ classes, he would sprinkle in his stories of first-person encounters with some of the composers we were studying. And even more, how he would get genuinely excited to hear what his students had composed for each assignment – it was clear that he truly loved to help young musicians hone their craft.”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Belmont University School of Music William Whitney Pursell Scholarship in Composition. Please call 615-460-6408 to donate.
Belmont Journalism Alumna Finding Success as Reporter with CNET
Belmont journalism alumna Erin Carson is currently a staff reporter with CNET where she covers the intersection of technology, science and culture. After graduating from Belmont in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Carson obtained her master’s degree in magazine, newspaper and online journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University.
Recently, Carson published an article on CNET titled “9 Ideas to Help you Virtually Date while Social Distancing.” The article suggests and discusses multiple ways for people to continue dating while still prioritizing safety in a pandemic.
Carson’s successful employment at CNET has granted her with unique opportunities and achievements such as Johnson Space Center, where NASA uses virtual reality to train astronauts. Additionally, she has covered a NAPA winery where a computer tracks every stage of the fermentation process. She has covered large scale events and topics such as alternative protein, SXSW and San Diego Comic-Con.
Currently, Carson is based in Louisville, Kentucky while still working as a staff reporter at CNET. She keeps in touch with professors at Belmont and plans to continue sharing her advice with students.
Belmont Student Volunteers Time, Video Skills to Local Elementary School
Belmont senior and film major, Timothy Cody, spent a total of 22 hours volunteering his time to local elementary school, Thomas A. Edison. Cody used his media skills to teach the young students about media creation.
Over the course of the past 2 years, Cody has been helping fourth and fifth graders with their creations in media. “I had a lot of fun helping the students come up with a story to guide their music video. Seeing their excited creativity certainly inspires me to continue in my creative endeavors,” he said.
Cody first was offered this position by a member of his church, Christopher Blackmon, who previously helped in this position. Throughout the 2018-2019 academic year, Cody “was instrumental” in helping the elementary school create the “I’ve Got Your Back” video, on Youtube here. Additionally, Cody returned the following year to help with media creation in Blackmon’s 4th and 5th-grade class but was unable to complete the video due to COVID-19.
Tim Stewart, Office of Service-Learning director, shared how Belmont students have the opportunity to learn and serve simultaneously in the Nashville community and beyond. “The learning is enhanced by the ability to apply what you’re studying in the classroom to real-world needs in the community,” he said. “We like to think that our students are better servants, too, because of the things they learn in the classroom.”
