Cheryl Carr, associate dean and associate professor of music
business, and Sarah Cates, director of development and industry relations for
Belmont’s Curb College, received the Nashville Business Journal Women in Music
City Award for 2019. The award recognizes women who are instrumental in shaping
Nashville’s music industry.
Award nominations are solicited, and nominees are asked
about their accomplishments and contributions to the music industry for the
preceding year. Honorees are women working in all facets of the music business,
from entertainment lawyers and entrepreneurs and a range of other professions,
who are deemed to impact their spheres of influence within the industry.
Carr explained the award shines a light on the efforts of women that might otherwise go unnoticed. “In an industry that celebrates artists, the Women in Music City Award celebrates those who work to support the business of that artistry. It also showcases just how many women are integral to that infrastructure,” she said. “It is an honor to be recognized for what you do, particularly for doing what is so meaningful to me, and has been for many years. I’ve worked in the entertainment industry as a lawyer, singer, author and now as professor and administrator, and I am grateful to be recognized as part of the entertainment community.”
Cates said, “I’m honored to be on a list with so many women
I admire. This recognition is a statement to the important work we all do at
Belmont—what we do to serve the entertainment industry and our students matters
immensely to the creative community. I’m grateful I get to be a part of it!”
Belmont’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students helped kids to give thanks to their family and friends at the 2019 Nashville Buddy Walk, organized by the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT). Students helped the children make thank-you cards to give to their loved ones, using handprints and stencils, all in time to celebrate Thanksgiving.
The annual Nashville
Buddy Walk celebrates and supports individuals with Down syndrome and their
families. The event aims to promote understanding and acceptance of those with
Down syndrome.
Occupational Therapy Department Professor Dr. Natalie Michaels and her students work at a table for Belmont University each year. During the event, they interact with the children and families to inform them about Belmont University and the benefits of both occupational therapy and physical therapy. Dozens of children colored thank-you cards, and many families expressed gratitude to Dr. Michaels and the Belmont students.
Students working with Dr. Michaels this year included Cassie Howe, Savannah MacIsaac, Emily Sonni, Ashley Rabuck, Jensen Anderson, Heather Ribolla, Marshall Dumas, Libby Robinson, Chloe Moore, Ashley Phillips, Sarah Parkinson, Pooja Patel, Katie Hartline, Chandni Vyas, Gabi Swiecki, MacKenzie Vanderbloomen, Payton Knupp, Amy Mack, Callie Emerson and Meredith Maines.
Dr. Ken Reed, associate professor in the College of Pharmacy, presented a poster titled “Comparison of Calcium Glycerol Phosphate Versus Calcium Gluconate Mediated in Situ Gelling of Alginates for Ocular Drug Delivery” on November 4 at the annual meeting of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) in San Antonio, Texas.
AAPS
is a professional scientific organization of individuals in academia, industry,
government and other pharmaceutical science related institutions. Its mission
is to advance the capacity of pharmaceutical scientists to develop products and
therapies that improve global health.
As a wrap-up to events around the Ken Burn’s documentary, “Country Music,” Belmont’s School of Music hosted a conversation with Dr. William Pursell and Dr. Terry Klefstad, author of “Crooked River City: The Musical Life of Nashville’s William Pursell” on November 7 in the Gallery of Iconic Guitars.
When he moved to Nashville in 1960, Bill Pursell was a classically trained pianist and composer who found his way into the studios on Music Row during the rise of the Nashville Sound. As he was working with some of country music’s biggest names, including Chet Atkins and Patsy Cline, Pursell was moonlighting as classical composer and a soloist with the Nashville Symphony.
Having retired from teaching at Belmont University (he began teaching in 1980), Pursell still keeps busy composing. View a gallery of photos from the event here.
Alumnus Luke Putney returned to campus this week to walk the final leg of the 26.2 miles in his “Marathon & Music for Charity” project, a fundraiser for his nonprofit Instrumental Horizons. Inspired by his recovery from a devastating medical crisis, the “Marathon & Music for Charity” initiative has already received hundreds of charitable gifts totaling more than $17,500 in donations!
Determined to triumph over brain tumors, a stroke, blindness and chronic pain, Putney was not only re-learning to walk, he decided to create a fundraiser and new music to benefit children in South Africa. Earlier this fall, he set out to walk a marathon, one mile per day for 26 days, as part of his recovery.
Donations to the marathon will support music education and music therapy through Instrumental Horizons’ partner organization, Music Works, supporting children in marginalized communities in Cape Town, South Africa.
Crossing the finish line with Putney was Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher, who has provided crucial business support during the start up of Putney’s nonprofit as well as personal encouragement in his physical recovery from a 2017 brain surgery and stroke.
Pledges for the marathon are still being taken with 100% of gifts received on or before December 31, 2019, funding Music Works programs for children in marginalized communities in Cape Town, South Africa, starting in early 2020.
As a thank you to anyone who makes a donation, Putney is sending a free download of his new song, “Cape Town (I Miss Africa).” This song features Luke Putney (Lead Vocal/Guitar), Bakithi Kumalo (Bass/Vocals for Paul Simon), Bob Franceschini (Sax for Chaka Khan, George Benson and more), Jeff Coffin (Sax for Dave Matthews Band), Darren English (Trumpet and Keys), Derico Watson (Drums for Victor Wooten), and Brad Covington (Alternative Percussion). Five-time Grammy Award winner Victor Wooten produced this recording at Ocean Way Nashville earlier in 2019.
Instrumental Horizons is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the State of Tennessee approved by the US Department of Treasury. This charity shares the joy of music by donating musical instruments and volunteering services to socioeconomically and medically challenged communities in the United States and around the world.
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music, presented the Belmont + Warner Chappell Writers Showcasein the Johnson Theater on Oct. 30 with special performances by alumni Jordan Reynolds, Parker Welling, Mark Trussell, Carlton Anderson and Caroline Watkins as well as current student Grace Lee.
The alumni shared music, advice and stories from their time at the University. The event showcased the special partnership between Belmont and Warner Chappell. Over the years, the publishing company has hired many Belmont alumni in business and creative roles, most recently offering a new, unique internship opportunity for songwriting students.
Grace Lee
The night included a performance by Grace Lee, a junior songwriting major, who is currently participating in Warner Chappell’s Emerging Talent Associate – Songwriting program. Through the internship, Lee will be treated as an up and coming W/C songwriter, receiving various co-writing opportunities with professional songwriters, consistent song feedback, one-on-one time with the A&R staff and mentoring in the publishing community in Nashville.
“Being a Belmont alumni myself, it has been such an honor to help facilitate the Warner Chappell / Belmont songwriting program. Alison Junker (previously at WC, now at Spotify) and Ben Vaughn created the program in 2018 and passed it on to me in 2019,” said Jessi Vaughn, manager, A&R/Digital at Warner Chappell Music. “I have been blown away by the talent, willingness to learn and bravery that Grace has displayed thus far. Walking into the room to write songs with people you’ve never met can be intimidating. Not only has she created amazing art, but she’s also done an incredible job and forging new friendships in the songwriting community. I look forward to seeing the rising stars this program yields over the next several years.”
ames Elliott, Cchair of Belmont’s Songwriting Program added, “I loved hearing the stories of these Belmont alumni who write for Warner Chappell Music. It was great listening to the hit songs they’ve written and how they met their co-writers and so many others they work with during their time as Belmont students. The Curb College has a rich history with Warner Chappell, and we’re excited about the new opportunities Ben Vaughn and his team are providing for songwriting majors like Grace Lee to co-write with their writers via the innovative Warner Chappell Songwriting Internship.”
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business recently hosted a convocation in Johnson Theater on their exclusive BMI Catalog Cast program with special guests BMI Executive Director – Creative Leslie Roberts, BMI Catalog Cast Alumna and current Belmont student Krystyn Ryder, Spirit Music Group Director of Administration Michelle Davey and SMACKSongs songwriter Emily Falvey. Through this unique partnership with BMI, Belmont offers students a hands-on experience and face-to-face meetings with songwriters, publishers, A&R executives, producers and other professionals.
During the weekly internship, 10-12 Curb College students have
the opportunity to listen to over 90 cataloged songs, pick songs that stand out
the most to them, and then become songpluggers as they attend meetings to “pitch”
the songs to industry executives. This program provides professional
development and a networking base for students looking for a future career in
the music industry as they work alongside their peers and attend weekly classes
with guest speakers.
“You have the opportunity to make connections with people
that you normally don’t have the opportunity to meet. You get to hear songs
that have not been cut yet, and you get the chance to get in front of someone
and fight for [the song],” said Ryder.
Applications for the Spring 2020 BMI Catalog Cast are open now for Curb College juniors and seniors through November 15. If interested, students should visit the Curb College page on myBelmont to apply.
Belmont University College of Law alumnae Mallory Acheson, Danielle Johns, Ann Hogan Murphy, Ann Rals Niewold-Brown and Samantha Simpson were honored by the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the 2020 class of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30.
“I am truly honored to be included in the 2020 class of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 and raise awareness and funds for those living with cystic fibrosis through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,” shared Johns. “I moved to Nashville for law school without any connection to the city. Belmont opened many doors and offered a wide range of opportunities which gave me the ability to engage in the legal and civic community right from the start. Through Belmont, I have met life-long mentors, served on the board and volunteered for a number of local non-profits, and gained priceless practical experience. Without these opportunities, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
The foundation has a 16-week recognition program and philanthropic competition raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s work. Honorees are nominated by co-workers, friends and family for their contributions to Nashville’s charitable and professional fields.
“We had so many outstanding young professionals nominated this year, which is a testament to how many talented young professionals there are in Nashville,” said Heather Hines, development director for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “We are very proud of this year’s group and look forward to seeing them better the community and spread cystic fibrosis awareness.”
Since 2009, Nashville’s Top 30 honorees have raised
more than one million dollars to support the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,
the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis.
On Feb. 1, 2020, the honorees will be acknowledged at the Top 30 Under 30 celebration gala event at the Sheraton Hotel at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and will highlight each honoree’s accomplishments as well as feature a silent auction. Click here for more information about the event and each honoree.
In October, six students from the neuroscience and psychological science majors joined Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Timothy Schoenfeld in Chicago, Illinois, to present independent research at the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting. They were joined by nearly 27,000 scientists from across the world sharing their newest research in the neurosciences.
Throughout the week, students and faculty were able to
attend a variety of exciting research lectures and learn about cutting edge
research in the field. A history and modern inventory of neuron communication
at the synapse, a discussion about studying episodic memories in the human
brain, new technologies designed to stimulate the brain in Alzheimer’s patients
and a debate about neuron creation in the adult human brain were a few of the
highlights of the conference.
Many students were able to network with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty and program directors at poster sessions, socials and graduate school fairs. Throughout the programming, students found renewed interest in Ph.D. programs, desire towards an M.D./Ph.D. program in addition to medical school and clarity in the types of research programs they want to pursue in the future.
Schoenfeld attended a workshop on keeping a research program
at an undergraduate institution, which discussed creative and innovative ways
to apply for grants and conduct research at teaching-focused institutions.
Students Damaris Guevara, MK Parrott and Arielle Manabat presented research at the undergraduate poster session at the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience Social. Guevara, and Parrott presented summer research at Belmont on the effects of acute exercise on memory and depressive behaviors in rats. Manabat presented summer research at Purdue University on toxicity within a Parkinson’s Disease model. Schoenfeld and students Amelia Smith, Kayla Williams and Karina Glushchak presented at the Hippocampal Learning poster sessions later in the week. Schoenfeld presented student research on modeling frustration effects on anxiety in rats. Smith and Williams presented their summer research at Belmont on the effects of ongoing adult neurogenesis on aging and inflammation in the brain. Glushchak presented her honors thesis research on adolescent high-fat diet and sleep deprivation effects on adult memory.
Students and faculty reported excitement from many visitors in regard to their posters about their research and a lot of constructive feedback on how to move forward with each project.
The Department of Chemistry and Physics hosted the third annual Celebrating the Women of Physical Science outreach event on Monday, Nov. 4. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, the theme of the event this year focused on rocket science and science and engineering practices.
Almost 60 students from 13 area high schools attended the event. Some of the highlights of the event included guided lab tours led by Dr. Thom Spence, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, and Dr. Rachel Rigsby, professor of chemistry, as well as a hands-on physics-engineering design challenge led by Belmont physics and chemistry faculty Drs. Krista McBride, Steve Robinson and Danielle Garrett.
This event – serving to make the physical sciences relatable and accessible to high school students, exposing them to key equipment, materials and skills needed in science and math classrooms – was organized by the Department of Chemistry and Physics STEM Outreach Committee (Garrett, Rigsby and McBride). Garrett, who chairs this committee, was delighted by the positive feedback and continued success of this annual event.
During the afternoon, Rigsby also moderated a career panel where students had the opportunity to interact with professionals from the Middle Tennessee area who have pursued various careers in the physical sciences. Panelists included Dr. Sharon Weiss (Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Engineering/professor of Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Materials Science/director of the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering), Dr. Hanna Terletska (assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Middle Tennessee State University), Dr. Tiffany Ellis Farmer (director of Learning & Outreach at the Adventure Science Center), Dr. Shelly Crescenzi (assistant professor in the Department of Radiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center), and Belmont alumna Katie Decker (instructor of Upper School Chemistry and director of Design Lab at Christ Presbyterian Academy).
The event ended with Dr. Janica Cheney’s keynote address “Rocket Science is Just Cool.” Cheney is the Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) Propulsion, Structures, Ordnance & Controls (PSOC) Director at Lockheed Martin Space. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin she worked at Orbital ATK, having served in numerous critical roles there, including support to FBM. She held key leadership positions at Orbital ATK, including most recently as senior director for test and research services and, prior to that, director for safety and mission assurance for defense and commercial systems. Prior to entering the defense industry, she was a National Academies Fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory, where she conducted research on semiconductor quantum dots to provide components for quantum computers. Cheney received her Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from the University of Utah.
“We were privileged to have Dr. Cheney as our keynote speaker this year. Her talk was very well received and sparked a great interest in rocket science for both the visiting high school students and the Belmont undergraduates who attended her talk,” Garrett said. “It’s a joy to be part of developing and hosting an event that has such a positive impact on local students. Along with choosing different themes, each year we make modifications to the overall program – working to develop a rich and meaningful experience for the attendees. This year was the first year we incorporated a building challenge. Students worked in small teams to design and test rubber band-powered rovers – working to achieve a design that traveled the farthest along a straight line path.”
She continued, “It’s exciting to watch students work through the engineering design process, using both successes and failures to guide the re-design process. Learning and refining this type of critical and creative thinking is essential to strengthening both the depth and breadth of students’ scientific understanding. I’m also glad to see that this event is motivating Belmont undergraduate students to take a more active role in bringing science to the community. This year, roughly 20 Belmont undergraduate students both from the College of Sciences and Mathematics and from the Belmont undergraduate Women in Science (WIS) student organization were also on hand to help with this event. Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to make such a positive impact on our local schools year after year. Each year this event has been even better than the previous year, and we cannot wait to start exploring and developing new, exciting and engaging ideas for next year.”
