IMPORTANT NOTE: These are the archived stories for Belmont News & Achievements prior to June 26, 2023. To see current stories, click here.

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Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Inducts 2019 Class at Luncheon and Ceremony

Haley Charlton
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Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Inducts 2019 Class at Luncheon and Ceremony

The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame inducted its 2019 class, made up of seven health care legends from across the state, at a luncheon and ceremony in Belmont’s Curb Event Center today. Hosted by John Seigenthaler, Jr., a partner at DVL Seigenthaler, a Finn Partners Company, the Hall of Fame seeks to recognize and honor the pioneers and current leaders that have formed Tennessee’s health and health care community and encourage future generations of health care professionals.

Created by Belmont University and Belmont’s McWhorter Society with the support of the Nashville Health Care Council, a Founding Partner, this year’s inductees include:

  • Dr. David Barton and Dr. John M. Flexner: Two visionaries who contributed to changing the process of providing care for dying patients and their families in the U.S. through their founding of Alive Hospice
  • Dr. Mary Bufwack: Former CEO of Neighborhood Health, a daring and creative leader and mentor who was instrumental in the development and support of systems of comprehensive primary care services to the medically underserved populations in Middle Tennessee
  • Ms. Nancy-Ann DeParle: An impactful leader in the health care industry serving in two White House administrations leading to the development and successful passage of the Affordable Care Act
  • Dr. Lloyd C. Elam: A prominent teacher and education leader at Meharry Medical College responsible for a long career of promoting psychiatric health
  • Mr. Richard (Dick) L. Miller: Chairman and CEO of the architectural firm Earl Swensson Associates who guided the small local firm with 10 employees to one of the top-ranking health care designers in the country
  • Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin: Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Services at HCA Healthcare where he transformed the clinical enterprise, developed a clinical leadership structure and built a clinical data warehouse

But this year’s event didn’t simply announce the induction of these impressive health care pioneers. Seigenthaler announced that monies raised through the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame have surpassed the $1.2 million mark since the event’s inception. Coupled with other McWhorter Society fundraising efforts, this brings the total amount raised for McWhorter Society Endowed Scholarships to $3.6 million.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “I am grateful for Belmont’s placement in Tennessee—a state widely recognized as a central hub for health care in the U.S. As an institution of higher learning offering programs in nursing, physical and occupational therapy, pharmacy, social work, health care business administration and law, Belmont is committed to equipping students to skillfully and confidently meet the challenges they will face in the ever-changing health care arena. We are deeply grateful for these leaders who have set such inspiring examples for our students and other health care providers.”

For more information on the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame, click here. To view a gallery of photos from the induction ceremony and luncheon, click here.

Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship Honors Top 100 Alumni Entrepreneurs at Inaugural Event

Haley Charlton
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Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship Honors Top 100 Alumni Entrepreneurs at Inaugural Event

Ranked a Top 25 Program for 2019 by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine, the Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship held an inaugural recognition event on October 10 for the Top 100 graduates who have helped the Center receive its highly-regarded reputation.

Out of the Top 100 graduates honored, 71 alumni were able to be present for the event, given that the majority of the honorees run their businesses out of Nashville. Including co-founders, 117 alumni were honored within the 100 businesses. Overall, Belmont entrepreneurs represent more than 500 businesses in 74 cities and five countries. The honorees studied 26 different majors while at Belmont, and, with a focus on business for a purpose, the majority are still in business 5-10 years later.

Elizabeth Gortmaker Speaks at Event
Gortmaker Welcomes Attendees to Awards Event

Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Elizabeth Gortmaker thanked the attendees for being a part of the first awards event. “With the Belmont Entrepreneur Awards, we are thrilled to recognize the hard work you’ve put into making your dream a reality. Building a successful business is no small feat,” she said. “Your drive and commitment have made you an innovative industry leader, created opportunities for others and enhanced the world around you. Congratulations on your success. I look forward to seeing what your future holds.”

Approximately ten entrepreneurs were recognized in ten categories through a video produced by Pack Films, founded by 2012 video production alumnus Matt Horvath. LMA Designs provided decorations, started by 2007 music business alumna Lauren Marie Atkinson, and HiFi Media Co. provided the photo booth, started by 2014 music business alumnus Matt Self. 

Alumni entrepreneurs networking
Alumni had the chance to network at the event

Owners of EVAmore, class of 2016 alumnae Channing Moreland (songwriting) and Makenzie Stokel (music business and entrepreneurship), not only booked the entertainment for the event, but also shared their story of starting EVAmore from the ground up, thanks in part to the resources provided by the Center.

As Belmont freshmen, Stokel and Moreland began putting on events for friends and wanted to grow it into something more. They eventually decided to put their entertainment booking idea into a technology-based platform. Friday nights were spent on the phone with developers in India in the basement of their freshman dorm. A contract was eventually signed in Belmont’s library.

Dr. Jeff Cornwall speaks at event.
Entrepreneurship Professor Dr. Jeff Cornwall speaks at event.

The duo tried to get involved in every opportunity that came their way, such as the Center’s business plan competition. They credit winning that competition and the valuable feedback they received through it with helping them launch EVAmore. By their senior year, they won the Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Award and were well on their way to success following graduation.

“Belmont prepared us for the countless pivots we had to make,” said Moreland. “We get asked all the time ‘why did we do it?’ It’s because it’s what we love the most. We hope we can inspire others to do what they love the most, as well.”

Group photo of event attendees
Belmont Entrepreneur Awards at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, October 10, 2019.

The shared understanding of the ups-and-downs of small business ownership is what united everyone in attendance. The goal for the event was not only to build Belmont pride and promote the Center, but to connect the many passionate business founders who have so much in common, specifically their Belmont roots.

Stokel closed the keynote saying, “Neither one of us expected to start a business at Belmont, but we were so inspired by the support here that we decided to take our idea and run with it. As entrepreneurs here tonight, we all understand each other. We understand what it takes. It’s one of the best communities to be a part of.”

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher speaks at event.
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher speaks at event.

That community and a gut feeling is what drew the Center’s first director, Entrepreneurship Professor Dr. Jeff Cornwall, to Nashville in 2003. “Logic should have taken me elsewhere. If I had done any of the things we teach our students like being as analytical and realistic as possible, I wouldn’t be here,” he laughed. “But I was so excited in what I saw in Nashville, just budding with potential. Everyone here was excited to help us make this program come to life, and they did. Elizabeth has also come along and brought stability. She has created a program that will be here for years to come.”

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher acknowledged the leadership that has brought the program to great heights and congratulated the entrepreneurs for all of their many successes. “There’s enthusiasm in what you do. There has to be enthusiasm to go along with those creative ideas, and I hope tonight you’ll get to be around the enthusiasm of others and take it with you,” he said. “And when you’re down or feeling discouraged, cheer each other on and know that here at Belmont we are cheering for you, too.”

View the booklet of all the honorees here and watch the video produced by Pack Films here. A photo gallery of the event can be viewed here.

BELMONT UNIVERSITY RECEIVES ‘YES’ VOTE TO HOST 2020 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

April Hefner
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BELMONT UNIVERSITY RECEIVES ‘YES’ VOTE TO HOST 2020 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) announced today that Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.—home of the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate—will again host a presidential debate on Thurs., Oct. 22, 2020. This will be the third and final presidential debate of the 2020 campaign season, occurring less than two weeks before Americans go to the polls to vote.

Following an intensive application and site survey process, Belmont was selected as one of four debate sites (three presidential and one vice presidential) nationwide, making the University and Middle Tennessee vital locations in an election that will determine the nation’s direction.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “When opportunity comes knocking, Belmont University eagerly opens the door. This campus is known for swinging at every pitch and embracing big occasions, consistently pursuing ways to defy the status quo in higher education and provide students—and the community at large—with phenomenal learning experiences. Hosting the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate put Belmont University at the center of one of the most historic presidential elections in American history. To be selected again is a great honor, and I’m confident that together we will once again exceed expectations in producing this internationally important event.”

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee noted, “It is terrific news that Belmont University has been chosen to host a presidential debate in 2020. Belmont has been a proven leader in our state and in our nation, and it is an honor to have another chance to showcase this outstanding university and our state to the world next fall.”

Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County John Cooper said, “I congratulate Belmont University on their successful bid to host a 2020 Presidential debate. This is an exciting moment for Belmont and for Nashville. In hosting mayoral debates earlier this year, Belmont played a vital role in shaping the conversation around moving our city forward. We look forward to hosting this conversation on the national stage.”

The 2020 Presidential Debate at Belmont University will be held in the Curb Event Center, home of the NCAA Division-I Belmont Bruins basketball and volleyball teams. The debate is expected to attract huge numbers of national and international media to Nashville, along with the candidates’ campaigns and supporters, and will be viewed by millions worldwide.

According to Nielsen Media Ratings, more than 63.2 million homes nationwide tuned in to view the Town Hall Presidential Debate held on Oct. 7, 2008, the largest television audience of the three presidential debates held that fall. USA Today political writer Chuck Raasch noted at the time, “Belmont University in Nashville proved that small places with big ambitions could be world-class stages.”

In addition to hosting the Town Hall Presidential Debate, Belmont planned and offered a slate of more than 100 debate-related programs during the 2008-09 academic year, including appearances by award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and New York Times bestselling author and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough. Numerous speaker series were scheduled along with visual and performing arts events and special voter engagement activities, all centered on the theme “The Art of Being Free.”

Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns anticipates hosting a 2020 debate to provide another banner year of educational opportunities for Belmont students and the broader community. “It’s rare to have such an opportunity to be on the front lines of all of the critical issues facing our nation and the world, and we intend to take full advantage of this debate by promoting exceptional educational experiences to benefit our students and all of Middle Tennessee.”

Civic organizations along with state and local government officials have endorsed Belmont’s bid for the presidential debate with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, former Mayor David Briley, Senators Marsha Blackburn and Lamar Alexander, and Congressman Jim Cooper, among others, all contributing letters of support. Newly elected Nashville Mayor John Cooper has also pledged his support.

The past 18 months alone demonstrate Belmont’s unique ability to host major events as the University was home to the international Davis Cup tennis competition, taping in 2018 and 2019 of the nationally broadcast “CMA Country Christmas” special, a visit from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and the Nashville premiere of new Ken Burns’s documentary, “Country Music.” Moreover, Belmont has long been known for its commitment to civic discourse and citizen education, as a frequent host of mayoral and gubernatorial debates and forums.

Belmont University also launched its Debate 2020 website this morning at belmontdebate2020.com and will be using the #BelmontDebate2020 hashtag throughout the next year in celebration of all of the events that will surround this historic season.

Video from today’s press conference can be viewed here and photos from the event can be found on Belmont’s online photo gallery.

About The Commission on Presidential Debates
The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and has sponsored all general election presidential and vice presidential debates since 1988.

About Belmont University
Nationally ranked and consistently recognized as a “Most Innovative” university by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is home to nearly 8,500 students who come from every state and more than 36 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The University’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs. With more than 95 areas of undergraduate study, more than 25 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual’s horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.

McEntire Publishes ‘Not Scattered or Confused: Rethinking the Urban World of the Hebrew Bible’

Katie McAdams
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McEntire Publishes ‘Not Scattered or Confused: Rethinking the Urban World of the Hebrew Bible’

Dr. Mark McEntire, professor of biblical studies at Belmont University, recently published his ninth book “Not Scattered or Confused: Rethinking the Urban World of the Hebrew Bible” with Westminster John Knox Press.

In his book, McEntire offers a comprehensive and hopeful understanding of the Bible and city life as the world’s population continues migrating toward cities and the discussion about the impact on human life and natural environment continues.

In a review of the book, Samuel L. Adams, McNair Chair of Biblical Studies at Union University said, “This is a fascinating exploration of how urban perspectives influenced the writers of the Hebrew Bible and related literature. […] As he works through the ancient texts, McEntire keeps his eye on our contemporary context and the pitfalls of urbanization and gentrification. This creative study demonstrates that the Bible has a lot more to say about cities and urban living than we might assume.”

“When I began studying the Old Testament and its language in graduate school I knew I had found the academic discipline that could energize me for the rest of my life. I have taught in many places, including Illinois, Zambia, Kentucky, Ethiopia and North Carolina. When I came to Belmont University in the year 2000, I knew I had found a place where I could settle in for a long time and enjoy a productive career of teaching and scholarship,” shared McEntire.

Barnard Speaks at USA College Day in London

Haley Charlton
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Barnard Speaks at USA College Day in London

Belmont Associate Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Education Dr. Mimi Barnard was recently invited to speak at the USA College Day in London.

Barnard and Claire Wilkins, director of International Admissions at Temple University, co-led a seminar on September 28 entitled, “US vs. UK Universities: What’s the Difference?” Barnard presented on curricular and co-curricular differences between American and U.K. institutions, including high-impact practices, such as undergraduate research, service learning, internships and study abroad.

Barnard said, “Belmont’s national reputation for study abroad has increased over the last several years, which was a precursor to being invited to serve as an IIE panelist—my two partner presenters were from the University System of Georgia. And, it was an honor to be invited to speak at USA College Day. I enjoyed sharing information about Belmont, and I look forward to increasing opportunities for recruiting international students, as well as American students who live abroad. It brings global perspective in the classroom that is beneficial to everyone.”

Organized by the US-UK Fulbright Commission in partnership with the University of South Florida, USA College Day is the largest U.S. university fair in Europe, and more than 4,500 prospective undergraduate students and their families attended the two-day event.

On September 26, Barnard also served as a webinar panelist for The Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education (CASSIE), hosted by the Institute for International Education (IIE) prior to USA College Day. During the webinar, entitled “Making Evidence-Based Decisions: Using Data to Advance International Education,” Barnard spoke about her experiences leveraging data to advocate for institutional change, using the embedding of study abroad in the Honors Program as an example.

CASSIE is led by the University System of Georgia (USG) in coordination with the Institute of International Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s International and Foreign Language Education Office. CASSIE is a research partnership to study the impact of international education experiences – study abroad, taking a foreign language, Title VI program participation–on student success outcomes.

Searcy Speaks at Breaking Barriers Conference

Katie McAdams
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Searcy Speaks at Breaking Barriers Conference

Director of Community Relations Joyce Searcy spoke on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at the Breaking Barriers 2019 Conference presented by Ad Women for All Women (AWFAW). AWFAW is a program aspiring to introduce young women to the opportunities available in advertising, ignite their passion for advertising and support them as they endeavor to become a part of it.

“Is the barrier real or in your head? We have to address our own interior barriers, as well as exterior ones,” said Searcy.

Other Breaking Barriers Speakers included President and Founder of MAC Presents Marcie Allen, President and CEO of duGard Communications Perri duGard Owens and BOHAN President and CEO Shari Day. The conference presented statistics surrounding women and advertising such as 7 out of 10 women say they feel alienated by advertising and 91% of female consumers feel advertisers do not understand them.

Searcy poses with flowers at Belmont
Joyce Searcy, Director of Community Relations at Belmont University

At Belmont, Searcy identifies and cultivates alliances with neighborhoods, community groups, organizations, businesses and government entities in Nashville to increase the effectiveness of Belmont University’s outreach and service initiatives.

‘Mr. Darwin’s Tree,’ Acclaimed British One-Man Play, To Be Staged at Belmont

Haley Charlton
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‘Mr. Darwin’s Tree,’ Acclaimed British One-Man Play, To Be Staged at Belmont

Mr. Darwin’s Tree, the acclaimed British one-man play that explores the life and work of Charles Darwin within the context of science, faith and family, is coming to Belmont University’s Troutt Theater on October 26 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Produced by Scholarship & Christianity In Oxford (SCIO), the U.K. subsidiary of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), the performance will engage attendees in the important conversation on science and religion. The play is coming to Belmont as part of the “Bridging the Two Cultures of Science & the Humanities II” grant program with the SCIO institue, awarded to Physics Professor Dr. Scott Hawley. Belmont Provost Thomas Burns and Vice President of Spiritual Development Todd Lake have also participated in the program for the past couple of years.

Written by noted playwright and director Murray Watts (The Miracle Maker, KJB: The Book that Changed the World, The Dream) and starring leading British film, TV and theatre actor Andrew Harrison (Dorian Gray, Miss Marple, Beyond Narnia), Mr. Darwin’s Tree has been described as “a brilliant, fast-paced and beautifully detailed performance” (“Church Times”). Both Watts and Harrison will visit Belmont’s campus and host a workshop to help students explore the life and work of Charles Darwin and his impact on science and religion.

“We are fortunate that both the Belmont College of Sciences & Mathematics and Theology & Christian Ministry are comprised of Christian faculty who celebrate the fact that God used evolution to bring about the rich diversity of the Creation,” said Lake. “This play vividly enacts the very first encounter of Darwin’s theory and Christian thought, showing just how high the stakes are when brilliant science and biblical faith encounter one another.”

“Discussing creation and evolution in abstract terms often leads to polarized and emotional debates,” said Stan Rosenberg, SCIO’s executive director and the CCCU’s vice president for scholarship and research. “Seeing these issues in their historical context and connected to real people, by contrast, helps us to understand the complexity of the issues and to discuss them in more nuanced and less confrontational ways.”

Mr. Darwin’s Tree presents a very human and very real Charles Darwin, one who wrestled with the challenges that his theories posed for traditional beliefs. It also presents Darwin’s wife, Emma, as an intelligent and articulate representative of Christian faith. In doing so, the play rejects the “straw man” effigies of Darwin presented by both his extreme protagonists and antagonists, providing the opportunity for lively engagement, thoughtful conversations and fresh explorations.

Mr. Darwin's Tree poster

Since its 2009 premiere, Mr. Darwin’s Tree has had highly successful runs at the Edinburgh Festival in 2011 and at the King’s Head Theatre, London, in 2012. It has travelled to Oxford, Cambridge, St. Andrews and many other universities, colleges and theatres in both the U.K. and the U.S. The latest U.S. is underwritten by Templeton Religion Trust and the Blankemeyer Foundation.

The October 26 performance will be at 7 p.m., followed by a reception and discussion with the playwright and leading campus academics. Admission is free.

Learn more at www.mrdarwinstree.com or http://www.scio-uk.org.

About SCIO: Scholarship and Christianity In Oxford (SCIO), the U.K. subsidiary of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), is a research and educational institute in Oxford, England. It strives to serve CCCU institutions in North America and elsewhere and the undergraduate, graduate and faculty members of those institutions by producing and supporting scholarship of the highest standards. It offers two rigorous study abroad programs, the Scholars’ Semester in Oxford and Oxford Summer Programme, which enable undergraduates and a few graduates to develop academically and experience scholarly life at a major research university. It runs an increasing number of faculty-focused research projects, with a particular focus on the relationship between science and religion and on ancient texts. For more information, visit http://www.scio-uk.org/ and http://www.scio-uk.org/bridging-two-cultures/.

About the CCCU: The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of more than 180 Christian institutions around the world. With campuses across the globe, including more than 150 in the U.S. and Canada and more than 30 from an additional 18 countries, CCCU institutions are accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities whose missions are Christ-centered and rooted in the historic Christian faith. Most also have curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. The CCCU’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help our institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. Visit www.cccu.org for more information.

‘Anything But Ordinary,’ BOLD Hosts Annual Bruin Lead Experience

April Hefner
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‘Anything But Ordinary,’ BOLD Hosts Annual Bruin Lead Experience

During the first few days of October, the Belmont Office of Leadership Development (BOLD) hosted the annual Bruin Lead experience.  Two options were hosted back to back as faculty and 120 students were able to come together to learn and practice exemplary leadership using the Student Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. Seventeen staff members and graduate students helped facilitate leadership workshops for Belmont students from every year with eight different colleges represented.  

Learning about leadership on campus is anything but ordinary. Each workshop is filled with interactive, hands-on experiences that helped participants learn by doing. For example, participants had the opportunity to create physical movements to match their top personal values, challenge themselves to be innovative in the way they help groups achieve a common goal via an obstacle course and collaborate with students to develop ways to encourage and praise others who are striving to be leaders.

This year, graduate students who are participating in BOLD’s Graduate Opportunities in Leadership Development (GOLD) experience, were challenged as they helped guide undergraduate students through this portion of their leadership journey.  This semester alone 117 Belmont graduate students have engaged in BOLD’s GOLD experience and are on track to earn their certificate in leadership. 

As defined by BOLD, leadership at Belmont University is, “A values-driven process of individuals from diverse backgrounds working together to boldly and ethically engage and transform the world.” Students were able to apply this definition as they learned to be a role model for their peers. By modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act and encouraging the heart, these aspiring student leaders studied and put into action behaviors and skills needed to demonstrate exemplary leadership on and off campus. The overall hope is that students increase leadership behaviors that are proven to bring out the best in themselves and others. 

Bruin Lead 2019

One student participate commented, “The path to being a good leader is long and continuous. There’s always something to be learned or a skill to be improved upon,” while another noted, ““Fostering relationships and focusing on yourself in order to help others is key.”

The Bruin Lead experience occurs each fall semester. BOLD’s next major event is the Leadership Lately convocation series starting on October 28. BOLD also is hosting Tower Talks beginning on October 31. At this convocation, students who have progressed through the BOLD process will share their own transformational leadership stories.  Students may join BOLD and the GOLD experience in Bruin Link. Contact the BOLD office at bold@belmont.edu.  

University Ministries Encourages Students to “Live a Better Story”

Haley Charlton
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University Ministries Encourages Students to “Live a Better Story”

One of the University Ministries team’s hopes for students’ time at Belmont is that they will begin to consider how their Christian faith will shape all aspects of their lives – their work, their family, their hobbies and even their finances. Each year, the team launches the “Living a Better Story” initiative to encourage students to steward their financial resources for the good of their neighbors.

At the end of chapel earlier this semester, almost 1,000 students received an envelope with an information card and a $10 bill, provided by an anonymous donor. The students were then invited to think about ways they could use their small stories, day-by-day, to be a part of God’s work. They thought about how to “pay it forward” or how they could multiply their money, such as using the $10 for bake sale ingredients and donating the profits.

University Minister Heather Daugherty said Living a Better Story helps students learn how to be generous with a small amount of money. “We hope that what you receive today becomes something that shows you what it means to live your life with open hands, to give your gifts to others and to be a part of God’s restoring and redeeming work in the world,” she said.

Each year the program’s outcome looks a little different. One year, a student used his or her money to buy face paint supplies and painted faces at the park. The student continued to reinvest in supplies and ended up raising a good bit of money to donate to his or her chosen organization.

Katie McAdams with her note for Shawn

The initiative gives students the chance to practice stewardship. Assistant Director of Spiritual Formation Josh TenHaken-Riedel said, “While the focus is on stewarding our money, I hope more than anything that students come to see that all we have, not just our money, is a gift from God. We are invited to use our gifts to bless, serve and love others. Hopefully this program prompts them to consider the gifts God has given them and who they are called to love more intentionally.”

This year, one student decided to gift the money to someone who has made an impact on her life, even if in a small way. Every day on her way to the gym, she drives past a joyful man named Shawn who sells “The Contributor” newspaper. She explained that he always greets her with a smile, a thumbs up or a wave and a “God Bless You,” but she has never seen anyone buy a newspaper from him or ask him how he is doing.

Shawn

“Shawn is a constant reminder to me of the simplicity of joy. Standing on a street corner in the blistering Nashville heat of August, he somehow manages to continuously radiate positivity and gratitude. His undying eagerness and constant friendly presence is something that makes me smile just thinking about it,” said junior Katie McAdams. “I was longing to make an impact with this money and help someone in need. During my drive to the gym that very next day, I saw Shawn smiling at me through my windshield.”

The student knew how she wanted to reinvest her money the moment she saw him that day. She parked her car down the road and walked over to see Shawn. She told him how his kindness and positivity had made her day time and time again. She bought one of his $2 newspapers and asked that he keep the change.

“In awe of his impact and the donation, Shawn hugged me and thanked me for stopping to share that with him,” she said. “Shawn lives his life from love and is fervently grateful for all things and shows incredible joy to all those who have the privilege to meet him. Through this experience, I’ve found that living a better story doesn’t require a mission trip to Africa or volunteering in a soup kitchen, although those are wonderful activities to take part in. It’s amazing to see how God works through us to make an impact in ways that we don’t understand.”

Rogers Travels to India with Fulbright Scholarship

Katie McAdams
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Rogers Travels to India with Fulbright Scholarship

Through the support of a Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research Scholarship in 2012, Assistant Professor of Photography Christine Rogers traveled to India for the first time and began a body of work called The Switzerland of India and an artist residency over a period of nine months. She recieved a second Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research Scholarship to India in 2018.

On her first trip, Rogers focused on ideas of imagined landscapes, mental projections upon landscape photographs, the middle class domestic tourist industry of India, the history and politics of representational landscapes in India, love, honeymooners, snow, cold weather and more.

After nine months in India, Rogers knew she would be back as she had grown to love India immensely. “There is never a dull moment in India: the kindness of the people, the beauty, the energy, the complexity. The contemporary art in India continues to amaze me, as well as the layers of history that are always present,” she said.

Photo at an Indian Snow Theme Park
Photo taken by Christine Rogers at snow theme park in India.

For her most recent project called “This Strange Eventful History,” Rogers researched for and developed a new body of work about the Indo-American Ice trade of the 1830s and contemporary snow theme parks in India in the context of a warming planet. Rogers worked with historians, artists, descendants of Indian trading families, port security officers and ice delivery men to revisit this somewhat forgotten thread of history as a way of building this body of work.

In nearly every large city she visited, there seemed to be a snow theme park she could photograph. To Rogers, this work is about remembering and forgetting, the common ground of photography and ice, and the ways in which people know each other and are connected through something as unlikely as ice.

During her most recent trip in 2018, Rogers was able to give a talk at the American Centre in Kolkata (a wing of the Consulate General in Kolkata), a talk at the Gallery and Artist Residency 1Shanthiroad Gallery in Bangalore and at the Jadunath Bhavan Museum and Resource Centre in Kolkata. She also had a solo exhibition of this new body of work at the Jadunath Bhavan Museum and Resource Centre.

Boy standing near water
Photo Taken by Christine Rogers in India

Rogers said she has been fortunate in her career to not only visit India multiple times and create art there, but to be able to share her love of the country with her students. Rogers and Theology Professor Dr. Beth Ritter-Conn have co-led a maymester to India every year since 2017. An additional course in intercultural communication will be offered, as Communications Department Chai Dr. Nathan Webb will be joining the trip. “Being able to take students to India has been a true joy and adventure, and it is always wonderful to see students fall in love with India, too,” Rogers shared.

To students considering the study abroad opportunity to India in May, Rogers encouraged, “Take the leap! India is an amazing place, and to be able to travel there on a maymester is a great way to really get to know the country and learn a lot. It’s such a complex and multifaceted country that having the support of the maymester, a group of new friends and the wonderful classes that are offered will enrich and enliven your experience. Once you’re in India, have an open mind, no expectations for what any given day may bring, be open to a change of plans, a sense of adventure and a sense of humor. Go see a Bollywood movie, have a cup of South Indian filter coffee, go for a long walk in an urban green space, breathe, look around. The rest will follow!”

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