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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Bridges’s Work Featured in Upcoming Radio Show

Hope Buckner
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David Bridges HeadshotLecturer in the School of Music Dr. David Bridges will have one of his choral arrangements performed on “Tokens,” a radio show, on Sunday, November 19 at the Ryman. The show will be taped and air twice on WSM-AM 650 on Thanksgiving Day. The show was started 11 years ago by Lee C. Camp, a theology and ethics professor at Lipscomb University. Camp modeled it after “The Prairie Home Companion” with the addition of a religious element and a very eclectic mix of music. He announces the show, introduces the musical numbers, has comedy skits and interviews a wide variety of people. The audience has grown over the years, and the Ryman is consistently sold out for the taping.

The Lipscomb Academy Choir is one of the musical guests on the show and they will sing Bridges’s arrangement of the shaped-note tune IDUMEA, one of the tunes that was used in the film “Cold Mountain.” His arrangement is different from the film’s as it has a different text and is arranged for four (mixed) voices. Bridges’s choral arrangements have also recently been performed in the annual Christian High School Choral Festival Choir at Lipscomb University and at the Elementary Honors Choir festival in Pensacola, Florida.

Voight Published in Journal of Sports Physical Therapy

Staff Writer
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Voight Published in Journal of Sports Physical Therapy

Professor of physical therapy Michael Voight recently published two articles in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. The first, titled “The Relationship Between Segmental Rolling Ability and Lumbar Multifidus Activation Time,” was a graduate student research project completed by Nicole Clark, Sherry Pierce, Ryan Cook, Clint Henley and Lindsey Schiller, who graduated in 2017. Voight, Ashley Campbell and Pat Sells served as the faculty research advisers.

The second manuscript, titled “Introduction to the Movement System as the Foundation for the Physical Therapist Practice Education and Research,” written by Voight and Lisa Saladin, vice president of the American Physical Therapy Association, focuses on the transition of the field of physical therapy toward a movement-based approach.

The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy is a fully indexed medical journal with over 30,000 subscribers worldwide.

Hartz Discusses Nashville Transit Proposal

Staff Writer
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Hartz Discusses Nashville Transit Proposal

Emery Hartz of TransitNow, a local grassroots organization dedicated to promotion of a vibrant transportation system, discussed the implications of the proposed Nashville transit plan with Belmont students this week. Mayor Berry’s proposed plan includes 26 miles of new light-rail transit, an expanded busing service and a major underground tunnel below downtown, which would total a $5.2 billion project.

According to Hartz, by the year 2040, Nashville will be as large as Seattle or Denver, and traffic congestion will only continue to increase if nothing is done about the current transit system. She asserted, “We need more than one option to get out of gridlock.”

The proposed plan will expand bus operating hours and increase frequency, allowing them to run every 15 minutes from 5:15 a.m. until 1:15 a.m. All buses will be converted to electric buses as well, which will contribute to Nashville’s sustainability efforts and reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Travelling on the new system would be free for all citizens living below the poverty line and for students under 18. Additionally, the plan proposes new bus lanes to reduce traffic caused by bus stops and expanded sidewalks and bike lanes to preserve foot traffic. As Hartz noted, “We want to keep Nashville walk-able for natives and tourists alike.”

The main revenue generator for this plan would be a one-half percent increase in Nashville’s sales tax, implemented in July 2018, which would increase again to one percent in five years. Mayor Berry has also proposed increases to the city’s hotel-motel, rental car and excise taxes. The $5.2 billion projection is expected to include expenses for free riders, such as those mentioned above, as well as construction of the project and system maintenance for the following 50 years.

Hartz conceded that, should the plan be enacted, “it will be an adjustment, but, in the long run, it’ll make getting around much easier.”

The plan will be put to a vote at the polls on May 1, 2018. She urged students to “get the message out, so that every one can vote on May 1.”

Since 2005, Belmont has offered free transportation to campus for students, faculty and staff thanks to a partnership with Nashville’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Students, faculty and staff can ride MTA buses, the Relax & Ride commuter bus or the Music City Star rail system free of charge by swiping their BUID.

Honors Student Walks Camino de Santiago, Presents Thesis

Staff Writer
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Honors Student Walks Camino de Santiago, Presents Thesis

Skyline of the University of Santiago Senior Honors corporate communications major Erin Sanislo recently presented her thesis, “The Making of the Modern Pilgrim,” to discuss her journey on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Sanislo studied at the University of Santiago de Compostela for five months, where she was able to research the camino on-site. In total, her research spanned approximately 1 1/2 years, including walking the Camino twice. She first experienced the trail as a pilgrim during Easter week, a popular time for holy pilgrimage on the trail.

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage rich in history, legend and tourism. It incorporates 39 routes that spread throughout all of Europe. Sanlislo hiked a 116-kilometer section of the trail, making for a week of six-hour walking days.Erin Sanislo speaking

Her thesis explores the many facets of pilgrimage as they relate to the Camino specifically. She said, “Pilgrimage is an interdisciplinary phenomenon,” embodying not just religion, but also culture, language and heritage. She realized this importance of heritage in her own personal journey on the pilgrimage. Because Spanish is her second language, she noted how much she was able to learn about the language while conversing with the locals. “I realized how important Spanish is to my identity – how beautiful it is to make friendships in the context of my second language.”

Sanislo also emphasized the modern tourism of the Camino, but she noted that modernizing the experience does not necessarily detract from the faith journey. No matter the purpose of the journey, she said that the Camino offers “opportunities for every one to have an identity transformation… You’re creating your own personal journey, your walk of life.”

For some of her peers on the trail, the journey was “the best way they could show their devotion to God on Easter,” and for her it was an intensely cultural journey. She noted, “I think tourists can be converted into pilgrims on this route.”

 

 

Students Pitch Their Business Ventures to Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week

Staff Writer
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Students Pitch Their Business Ventures to Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week

Ten student entrepreneur groups recently competed in a business pitch competition hosted by Belmont’s Center for Entrepreneurship. The competition resembled the style of ABC show “Shark Tank.” Each student had two minutes to pitch their business concept to the judges and one minute to respond to the judges’ questions.

Justin Bavier took home first place of $500 for his business, Dime, an app that integrates charitable giving into users’ daily lives. According to Bavier, Dime’s goal is to “make giving to charities effortless.” Bavier and his team are currently members of the Accelerator, a program within the Center for Entrepreneurship that gives students the resources they need to start or run their business ventures.

The second and third place prizes of $200 and $100 went home with Suzanna Stapler’s Squillustrate and Ryan Reisdorf’s PlaceMat.

The competitors included:

  • Brett McCauley: Vibe Life Co.
  • Reggie Ordonez: Grind Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness
  • Justin Bavier, Ben Miner and Heather Flanagin: Dime
  • Emily Waddell: The Honest Consumer
  • Austin Woodruff and Tyler Traeger: Runway Audio
  • Suzanna Stapler: Squillustrate
  • Rok Jung: Quistler, Inc.
  • Jordon Washington: College In Color
  • Ryan Reisdorf: PlaceMat
  • Quita Daughtery: The Creative Collective

Judging the competition were Dan Hogan, Ben Cooper, Hannah Davis, Scott Rouse, Victoria Kopyar and Jocelyn Youndahl.

This event was part of Belmont’s celebration of Global  Entrepreneurship Week.  The next event will celebrate Belmont’s student-run businesses, House of and Boulevard Record Shop, on Saturday, Nov. 18 at their locations.

Belmont’s School of Nursing Celebrates 45 Years

Hope Buckner
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Belmont’s School of Nursing Celebrates 45 Years

Alumni return to campus for 45th anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 11

Belmont’s School of Nursing (SON) recently celebrated its 45th year with a continuing educating presentation featuring Dr. Alisa Haushalter, Belmont alumna and current director of the Memphis-Shelby County Health Department and luncheon for faculty, staff and alumni. The event, organized by Associate Dean for Nursing Dr. Martha Buckner, welcomed alumni from every decade of the School’s history as participants reconnected with peers and faculty and looked through memorabilia. The event also included several former faculty members and administrative leaders including former Dean and Emeritus Professor Dr. Debra Wollaber, former Associate Dean Dr. Chris Algren and former Undergraduate Director Ms. Kathy Jordan.

Memorabilia from past yearsThe School also announced a few updates to the program with the celebration of its 45th year including the implementation of a new concept-based curriculum specially designed by SON faculty to promote critical thinking, compassionate care and essential skills needed in the workplace of the future. This curriculum change points to the School’s consistent commitment to remaining relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving world.

“With keen attention to emerging science and program quality, and gratitude for strong administrative support, our degree offerings have steadily advanced to meet dynamic healthcare marketplace needs,” Taylor said. “From initial Associate and Baccalaureate degrees, to the addition of the Master’s of Science in Nursing track and more recent addition of the Doctor of Nursing Practice and joint Doctor of Nursing Practice-Master of Business Administration options, Belmont nursing has consistently been recognized for innovation and excellence.”

Looking to the future, Taylor said the School of Nursing will continue to accommodate best practices driven by new technologies. “Future graduates will be equipped with advanced processing and communication skills needed to manage these technologies, and while cutting edge technical skills will remain an expected baseline for Belmont nurses, future graduates will still be known for high ethical standards and care that is marked with a compassionate, human touch,” she said.

The room was full for the luncheon!

Despite the countless accolades the School boasts–including high licensure and certification exam pass rates, impressive job placement rates, school-wide mission trips, consistent accreditation and more–it’s the people who make up the School of Nursing that Taylor points to as the greatest achievement. “The foundation for every milestone lives in the extraordinary expertise and commitment of our faculty, staff and students and their willingness to engage in new thinking and new models of teaching and learning,” she said. “Belmont nurses will continue to honor our longstanding tradition of excellence. We will make increasingly important contributions to the evidence base for nursing and to the policies and practices that promote the health and wellbeing of families and communities around the world.”

International Justice Mission Student Chapter Hosts Freedom Fest

Hope Buckner
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International Justice Mission Student Chapter Hosts Freedom Fest

Student participate in the IJM Freedom FestBelmont’s International Justice Mission (IJM) student chapter participated in a nationwide IJM Freedom Fest on campus November 10 & 11. The group raised more than $500, with the help of the Belmont community, to end modern day slavery. Across college campuses nationwide, IJM raised $30,000–which is enough to fund 5 rescue missions.

Thorndike Presents on Honors Consortium at National Collegiate Honors Council

Hope Buckner
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Thorndike Presents on Honors Consortium at National Collegiate Honors Council

Director of Honors and Professor Dr. Jonathan Thorndike recently co-presented at the 52nd annual National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Thorndike and representatives from Nashville’s recently created Local Honors Consortium shared the process of creating the group, benefits of a collaborative effort, activities and events hosted and best practice alignment.

Presenters included Fisk University Honors Program Director Patrick Fleming, Tennessee State University Honors College Director Coreen Jackson, Lipscomb University Honors College Director Paul Prill and Thorndike.

The Honors Council Conference highlights student and faculty research presentations from across the nation and provides training and development for honors program administrators. The conference theme, “Just Honors”, explored how faculty and students can address the issues of access, equity and technology as key partners in the community.

“Every presentation at conference leaves an impression on the honors network. NCHC’s 2017 conference experience includes opportunities for participants to challenge their understandings and provide innovative solutions for the communities at large,” said Mary Beth Rathe, NCHC Executive Director.

The National Collegiate Honors Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and enhance the community of educational institutions, professionals and students who participate in collegiate honors education around the world. NCHC members total nearly 900 institutions from the United States and around the world. Professional and student memberships are available. More information is available at nchchonors.org.

Belmont Physical Therapy Students, Faculty Volunteer for Garrett’s Hero Run

Hope Buckner
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Belmont Physical Therapy Students, Faculty Volunteer for Garrett’s Hero Run

Belmont University participated in Garrett’s Hero Run on October 14, the Global Physical Therapy Day of Service, as part of the American Physical Therapy Association’s National Physical Therapy Month. This day provided a perfect opportunity for Belmont’s School of Physical Therapy to join with PTs in the community for a service event that supports a fellow physical therapist and Belmont alumna.

Amber Sapp, a physical therapist and 2005 graduate of Belmont’s program, has an 11-year-old son, Garrett, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare but fatal neuromuscular disorder with no cure. Every year, Amber and her husband, Randy, organize a 5K event as a fundraiser for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest nonprofit organization devoted solely to ending Duchenne. The race, Garrett’s Hero Run, encourages participants to dress in their favorite super hero costume to support Garrett. Currently, he is participating in clinical trials to help researchers find a cure so other children don’t have to face the same battles.

At the beginning of each fall semester, Dr. Christi Williams, assistant professor in the School of Physical Therapy, fellow 2005 alumna and former classmate of Sapp’s, shares Garrett’s story with her students.  “I feel strongly that there is something special here at Belmont and we refer to it as the ‘Belmont PT Family,'” she said. “This ‘family’ serves to support you when you need it most.”

At Belmont, the physical therapy program strives to transform the lives of others by serving patients in the clinic and giving back to the community–as evidenced by students’ involvement in countless community service events. “Making a difference in the lives of others is what physical therapy is all about,” Williams said. “Amber is making a difference in the lives of many families and young boys by raising money to support research through PPMD. Her story provides encouragement and inspiration to all future PTs, and since Amber is a part of the Belmont PT family, her mission continues to be supported by her former classmates, fellow alumni and the current DPT students.”

The 2017 Garrett’s Hero Run raised more than $25,000 for PPMD to support research efforts towards a disease cure. Belmont DPT volunteers assisted in these efforts by volunteering on race day, helping with fundraising and providing auction items for the silent auction.

Sapp said, “When I was in Physical Therapy school at Belmont, my classmates became my family. When my son, Garrett, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy seven years ago, one of the first calls I made was to a fellow alumni. These are the types relationships that are built at Belmont. These relationships are what get you through the ‘stuff of life’. Your classmates are the people who went through the fire with you and held your hand the whole way. These are the people I still want by my side.”

 

 

 

 

 

Belmont Employees Raise $53K for Local Nonprofits

Hope Buckner
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Belmont Employees Raise $53K for Local Nonprofits

This year’s total is the most campus has raised since the creation of ‘Belmont Cares’

Faculty and staff across campus raised more than $53,000 for local middle Tennessee charities through this year’s Belmont Cares Campaign, a campus-wide initiative to raise funds for a number of causes throughout the area. The campaign, lead by Director of Business Operations Aaron Jerome and his committee, encourages Belmont employees to engage with the community in a powerful way. This year’s efforts hit a university milestone as the initiative raised more than any year previously. A check for the campaign’s total was presented during Belmont’s men’s basketball home opener game against Vanderbilt on Monday, November 13.

Dollars go towards the work of many local organizations including United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, Community Shares of Tennessee, Community Heath Charities of Tennessee and Nashville Public Education Foundation. Account Manager for Workplace Engagement at the United Way Ashley Elliott said it’s important for organizations like Belmont to contribute to the communities where their employees work, live and play. “Funds raised through the Belmont Cares Campaign will go to programs focused on education, financial stability and health right here in Nashville,” Elliott said. “Our goal is to produce a minimum 10:1 return annually, so no matter how big or small, every gift does make a difference. Through the generosity of the Belmont community, we are able to improve conditions and change lives throughout our city.”

During the month of October, the 2017 Belmont Cares Committee hosted a number of events including a Two Buck Breakfast and Five Buck Lunch where faculty and staff were encouraged to enjoy a meal together for a good cause. Weeks later, the campaign’s annual Food Truck Frenzy invited food trucks to campus for folks to enjoy while a balloon popping station encouraged participants to purchase a balloon, filled with a gift card surprise, for $10.

Jerome said, “I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the Belmont Cares Campaign this year. It’s exciting to see our faculty and staff support the important work of so many organizations throughout our city, and I look forward to the continued impact we’ll have year after year.

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