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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2021 Belmont University Homecoming Preview: Homecoming at Home

Emma dela Pena
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2021 Belmont University Homecoming Preview: Homecoming at Home

Belmont University will celebrate its 2021 “Homecoming at Home” festivities this year the week of Monday, February 15 – Saturday, February 20. Homecoming recognizes the University’s strong community and the bond alumni carry with them beyond graduation. The celebration must go on, although this year’s events will look a little different from in years past due to the coronavirus.

Throughout the week, Belmont will feature COVID-safe events that allow students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate on their own time including a Virtual Polar Bear 5K Challenge, a Belmont Athletics Pop-Up Scavenger Hunt and exclusive discounts from The Belmont Store.

“From the comfort of one’s home, Belmont alumni all over the country should be able to join in the festivities, even if they normally would not have time or be able to make the drive to Nashville,” shared Director of Alumni Relations Julie Thomas. “There is a great advantage for us to reach a wider base of alumni than ever before. Our goal is to continue to ‘Defend our Den’ following the established safety protocols, while simultaneously working to expand the cherished traditions of Homecoming.”

The University also emphasizes its Homecoming Community Service Initiative with the PENCIL Foundation where pencil donations will be collected at the Foutch Alumni House and the Office of Service-Learning (Janet Ayers Academic Center 1014) during the month of February. 

The week features a set intention for each day including Mission Monday, T-shirt Tuesday, WOW Wednesday, Thank You Thursday and FANtastic Friday. A preview of the week’s events is listed below, but more events and further details can be found on Belmont’s Homecoming page.

Homecoming Build-A-Bruin 2020
Homecoming Bears at Belmont University’s 2020 Homecoming Celebration

Mission Monday: February 15

  • Join Belmont Alumni who own or work with area non-profits at the Virtual Alumni Non-Profit Fair from 12 – 1 p.m. (Register here)
  • The annual Build-A-Bruin competition will commence and be offered all week long with bears available for curbside pickup in the Beaman Student Life Center. 
  • Local non-profits will speak on a panel for Radical Generosity: Helping Others in the Midst of a Pandemic at 6 p.m. (Register here)

T-Shirt Tuesday: February 16

  • Tune into Belmont Women’s Basketball on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. 
  • Hear from Casey Alexander, Men’s Basketball Head Coach, and Bart Brooks, Women’s Basketball Head Coach, for Coffee with the Coaches at 9 a.m. (Register here)
Homecoming Tailgate 2020
Belmont Homecoming tailgate at Belmont University on February 15, 2020. Disclaimer: Photo was taken pre-COVID

WOW Wednesday: February 17

  • Homecoming Bruin Break: The Early Belmont Days will feature Belmont alumni sharing their stories from their time at Belmont at 12 p.m. (Register here)
  • Students and alumni are invited to join a College of Business Virtual Mixer from 5 – 6:30 p.m. (Register here)
  • Young Alumni Trivia Night will feature questions about Nashville in the 2010s at 6 p.m. (Register here)
  • The Virtual Murder Mystery Event, presented by Belmont’s Department of Theater and Dance, will take place at 7:30 p.m. with actors leading participants through an evening show with a rehearsed performance and audience interaction. (Register here) Performances run Wednesday, February 17 – Sunday, February 21.

Thank You Thursday: February 18

  • Belmont Faithful members will be recognized with an annual “thank you” luncheon.
  • Tune into Belmont’s Basketball Double Header on ESPN + at 4 p.m. for Women’s Basketball against Jacksonville State and at 7 p.m. for Men’s Basketball against Jacksonville State. 

FANtastic Friday: February 19

  • Alumni are invited to participate in “a safe and brave space to voice all opinions,” at the Alumni Real Talk: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace at noon. (Register here) 
  • Join Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher as he speaks at the Homecoming Chapel: What Really Matters at 3 p.m. (Register here)
Homecoming Court 2020
The Homecoming Court is announced at Belmont’s 2020 Homecoming Celebration. Disclaimer: Photo was taken pre-COVID.

Homecoming Saturday: February 20

  • Join the Belmont community on the 15-minute Virtual Guided Prayer Walk Through Campus, beginning at 10 a.m. (Register here)
  • Learn about the impact COVID-19 has had on Healthcare Delivery at 10 a.m. (Register here)
  • The Presidential Scholars Virtual Homecoming Gathering: A BOLD Leadership Experience will take place from 12 – 1 p.m. (Register here)
  • Stream Belmont Women’s Basketball vs. Tennessee Tech at 1 p.m. and Belmont Men’s Basketball vs. Tennessee Tech at 4 p.m. on ESPN+. The 2021 Homecoming Court will be announced between games.
  • Listen in as the annual Homecoming Carillon Concert takes place at the Bell Tower at 3:30 p.m.

Event details and the alumni website can be accessed on Belmont’s Homecoming page. For any further questions regarding homecoming, please contact our Alumni Office.

Belmont University Admissions to Remain Test Optional for Next Year

Haley Charlton
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Belmont University Admissions to Remain Test Optional for Next Year

In an ever-changing world, Belmont University is committed to remaining flexible and adaptable through a holistic admissions application process. Implemented during the 2020-21 undergraduate application cycles due to the challenges the coronavirus has placed on the college search process, Belmont will officially continue its test optional policy for the 2021-22 admission application cycle (i.e., for students applying for Spring and Fall 2022 admittance).

Undergraduate students who apply as a test optional applicant will not be required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission and scholarship purposes. Graduate students can check with their individual program for admissions requirements. Belmont admission counselors are also available to help answer any questions and guide prospective students through the application process.

Belmont Associate Provost and Dean of Enrollment Services Dr. Chris Gage said that while the number of higher education institutions adopting a test-optional admission policy has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, most are likely to continue this path, and Belmont is proud to do so as the decision signifies a student-centric admission process. He explained, “We want to ensure equity in our admission process by acknowledging the unique skills and talents of every student interested in a Belmont education. Students are more than a test score, and our holistic review process guarantees all students receive equal consideration for admission and merit scholarships regardless if they are a test submitter.”

Belmont is committed to using a holistic approach in reviewing each applicant for admission, reviewing all required components of an application such as essays, resume of activities, transcripts and school counselor recommendations. Belmont will also equally consider every student for merit-based scholarships regardless of their decision to submit a test score. A list of frequently asked questions and answers about this policy can be found on Belmont’s Test Optional information page.

“At Belmont, the admission team is not just admitting students for their first year; rather, our framework is to admit future alumni, so our process seeks to honor all student achievements,” Gage said. “As with nearly every aspect of life, COVID-19 has disrupted college admissions and Belmont seeks to remove barriers to entry rather than make the enrollment process more challenging and complex.”

Another hallmark of Belmont’s COVID-era admissions strategies is the opportunity for more robust virtual visits. Freshman and transfer students alike can join Belmont admissions counselors and student tour guides for the newly revitalized Virtual Admissions Information Sessions and Campus Tours. These sessions cover general information about the University and its program offerings, as well as the admissions and financial aid process. The tour guide will provide a virtual tour of campus and residence halls, incorporating Belmont’s unique history with their own personal stories. These sessions are offered weekly through the semester and can be scheduled through Belmont’s BU4U accounts.

Of course, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Belmont’s campus in person. Although limited in size due to COVID-19, these tours and visits are still available. Updated safety guidelines for campus visitors can be found on Belmont’s admissions website.

Pharmacy Students Aid in Vaccination Efforts at Siloam Health

Haley Charlton
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Pharmacy Students Aid in Vaccination Efforts at Siloam Health

Fourth year pharmacy students, Bassel Alhashemi and Patty Hernandez assist with the COVID-19 vaccination efforts for patients over the age of 75 as part of their learning experience at Siloam Health this month.

Siloam Health is a faith-based nonprofit that provides medical care for the underserved, community health for marginalized immigrant populations and student education for the next generation of health care providers. Siloam Health serves as a training site for pharmacy students under Dr. Elisa Greene, associate professor in the College of Pharmacy.

Searcy Serves on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Taskforce

Haley Charlton
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Searcy Serves on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Taskforce

Belmont Director of Community Relations Joyce Searcy participated on a COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Taskforce to make recommendations to the Metro Nashville Department of Health on how the city can improve administering the COVID-19 vaccine to communities of color and vulnerable populations.

As vaccine doses continue to reach states for distribution, the Tennessee Department of Health has released early data suggesting minorities are not receiving the vaccine in percentages that mirror their share of the population or even their share of COVID patients. As of January 13, 2021, less than 4 percent of Tennesseans who identify as African American and less than 2 percent of Hispanics have received the vaccine. By contrast, African Americans account for 13 percent of the state’s COVID-19 cases and more than 25 percent of hospitalizations.

Concerned by this disturbing trend, representatives of several community organizations –who share a commitment to reaching the most vulnerable in Nashville, came together for a series of meetings to identify potential resources and solutions to mitigate disparities in the awareness of and access to a COVID-19 vaccine.

In general, observations and recommendations can be grouped into four basic categories, with some challenges and opportunities cutting across multiple categories, including public information and messaging, logistics, appointment scheduling methods and related messaging and instructions, and the vaccine supply. The taskforce wrote up their recommendations and presented it them to Dr. Gill Wright with the Metro Public Health Department.

Others who served on the taskforce include:

  • Dr. A. Dexter Samuels, MHA, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs & Executive Director of the Center for Health Policy at Meharry Medical College
  • Katina Beard, CEO of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Inc.
  • Yuri Cunza, President & CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Jessica Fain, Chief Strategy Officer at YMCA of Middle Tennessee
  • Matt Wiltshire, Chief Strategy Officer at Metropolitan Housing and Development Agency

Alumnus Blane Howard’s Tribute Song for Chiefs Gains Steam before Big Game

Haley Charlton
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Alumnus Blane Howard’s Tribute Song for Chiefs Gains Steam before Big Game

A lifetime Kansas City Chiefs fan, 2010 commercial music alumnus Blane Howard recently released his song “Run It Back” to celebrate the team. The Chiefs not only used the song in one of their promos, they also played it in Arrowhead Stadium to fire up the crowd during the 2021 playoffs.

This weekend the Chiefs defend their title against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Big Game.

Howard will perform Saturday and Sunday in St. Petersburg, Florida for the Arrowhead South Chiefs fan group’s event, “Run It Back 2 Back BBQ Tour.”

Watch a promo video featuring Howard’s song “Run It Back” here.

OT Alumnus Joe Straatmann Celebrates First Publication With Mobility and Telehealth Study

Haley Charlton
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OT Alumnus Joe Straatmann Celebrates First Publication With Mobility and Telehealth Study

Belmont Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OT) alumnus Joe Straatmann (2017) is published in the fall 2020 edition of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation. The study, “Functional Mobility Outcomes in Telehealth and In-Person Assessments for Wheeled Mobility Devices,” found telehealth to be an appropriate care and delivery source for patients with mobility needs, traveling from rural communities to city clinics. The research was conducted in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. 

“As occupational therapists, we look for ways we can best serve the people and communities we live and work in, better addressing healthcare disparities,” said Dr. Straatmann. “This study was promising because it provided us with a safe way to see patients from afar while also meeting their needs and expectations.” 

In partnership with Mitchell Bell, Dr. Richard M. Schein, Dr. Brad E. Dicianno and Dr. Mark R. Schmeler, the driving forces behind the study, Dr. Straatmann discovered veterans who utilized telehealth in lieu of clinics experienced reduced caregiver, financial and travel burdens.

“This study contributed to the future of telehealth,” said Dr. Straatmann, “and it is our hope others can take what we learned and find ways to use the lessons in everyday life.” 

Dr. Straatmann moved from Music City to the Steel City after graduation to work at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he is an occupational therapist and assistive technology professional. He also serves as an adjunct clinical instructor in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. He credits Belmont for playing a role in his success. 

“OT is wide-ranging with expertise—everybody takes a unique spin on it as a practitioner. Belmont’s program taught me about the fundamentals of OT but pushed me to embrace my interests in OT,” said Dr. Straatmann. “Dr. Teresa Plummer was instrumental in encouraging me to follow my passion for assistive technology and take steps to create my own identity. Then, the opportunities presented themselves.”

Learn more about the study Dr. Straatmann co-authored here. 

Rising Artists, Belmont Graduates Release New Music

Emma dela Pena
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Rising Artists, Belmont Graduates Release New Music

Belmont alumni are showcasing their achievements all over the music industry with releases from graduates and former students this month. Music Row recognized the artists in their recent “DISClaimer” article highlighting notable new releases and new artists. 

Belmont alumnus Brad Paisley was recognized by the magazine article for his release with country artist Jimmie Allen, “Freedom Was a Highway.”

Lauren Weintraub, a former Belmont songwriting student, released her new single “She’s Mine,” after receiving more than a million views for the single on her TikTok account. 

Jake Hoot and Kelly Clarkson’s new song “I Would’ve Loved You” was recently released, co-written by music business graduate Jamie Floyd.

Songwriting graduate Clare Dunn was also recognized for her release of  “Real Thing,” and songwriting graduate Cameron Bedell co-wrote with music duo Seaforth on their new release, “Breakups.”

American Songwriter recognized songwriting graduate Sheyda for her new single “The Dragon,” which sets “an impressive tone for her rising career.” 

Alumnus Devin Dawson released his new EP, “The Pink Slip EP,” on January 15. Dawson told Music Row in regards to the new release, “I have come a long way from the person I was, and I understand more of what it means to be an artist.”

Belmont Student Writes Feature Article in Foreign Policy Magazine

Emma dela Pena
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Belmont Student Writes Feature Article in Foreign Policy Magazine

Belmont math major Konstantin McKenna was recently presented with the opportunity to write a feature article for the magazine “Foreign Policy.” The article discusses and shares perspective on the “1776 Project” recently implemented by former President Donald Trump but soon canceled by President Joe Biden. 

McKenna was invited to write for the magazine through a Twitter connection. The article is featured on Foreign Policy magazine, an American news publication that features news on current events, global affairs and domestic and international policy. 

Belmont Students Succeed at the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature

Emma dela Pena
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Belmont Students Succeed at the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature

The Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature hosted their annual General Assembly session this past november where students from Belmont were able to use their voices and learn more about how the government works. Keidron Turner, Chloe Vaughn, Jace Wilder and Lauren Stanfill represented Belmont at this year’s virtual event and left the experience with many accomplishments under their belts. 

The students joined other students across the state of Tennessee to participate in the weekend-long mock legislative session, which consisted of students writing, presenting and debating legislation and lobby bills. Students also had the opportunity to document the event through TISL media. 

Keidron Turner, sophomore politics and public law major, and Chloe Vaughn, junior political science and global leadership major, were among the students that succeeded in getting their bills passed at the session. Vaughn was also elected as the TISL’s state treasurer for the year where she will work to plan next year’s general assembly. Each elected position has the chance to serve throughout the year with their term ending at the next general assembly. 

The bills that are submitted each year can range from civil rights, education, healthcare and more. Students have the opportunity to submit bills that can be passed on to the TISL’s House and Senate chambers which move to the Tennessee General Assembly. From there, bills are debated and examined to possibly become Tennessee law. Belmont’s delegation submitted three bills with two of them being passed through the House and Senate chambers and are currently being processed by the TISL leadership. 

Jace Wilder, junior political science and public health major, won the Carlisle Award for the organization’s best senator. The Carlisle Award is granted to ten outstanding legislators and is the oldest and most prestigious award. Wilder is Belmont’s head delegate and won the award and best senator for his distinguished performance in this year’s assembly. 

Freshman politics and public law student Lauren Stanfill represented Belmont at the assembly by serving in the position of CEO for the Healthcare and Education lobbying firm. Stanfill’s role was to decide the direction of the firm by analyzing each bill and choosing whether or not to lobby for legislation.

Although virtual this year, Belmont students were still able to experience the event and carried out a noticeable and outstanding performance.

Upcycled Garments From O’More Fashion Show to Be Auctioned

April Hefner
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Upcycled Garments From O’More Fashion Show to Be Auctioned

Four high-fashion, sustainable garments designed by students in the O’More College of Architecture & Design at Belmont University will be sold at OnlineGoodwill.com in an auction which will be open for bids from Feb. 1-5.

Each of the upcycled outfits was created from donated clothing and home goods obtained for about $25 from local Goodwill stores or Outlets. Students Marian Anderson, Maddy Clements, Emily Ferguson and Carson Stromen participated in the class project, called the Goodwill Studio Challenge. 

Clements, who is a junior, designed a woman’s cropped top, wide-leg pants and a face mask using men’s button-down shirts she purchased from the Goodwill store on Berry Road in Nashville.  

“Designing this look helped me see the potential in unwanted clothes,” Clements said. “I learned how to transform second-hand garments into fashion-forward, innovative designs. I learned that you don’t need fabric that costs hundreds of dollars to create designs that could walk the runway.

“I hope that by creating this garment I can show others how to use their creativity to extend the life cycle of thrifted clothing,” she added. 

The four students’ creations were part of a Virtual Fashion Showcase, sponsored by Singer and AMAX Talent, which was unveiled on Belmont’s website Jan. 13. The virtual display was held in lieu of an annual in-person fashion show to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Goodwill Studio Challenge was integrated into O’More’s Basic Draping course and was intended to challenge students’ design, construction, patterning and draping skills. They worked throughout the fall semester on their creations, even as in-person classes were on hold.

Other outfits include a woman’s jacket, cropped shirt with one sleeve and trousers by Anderson; a quilt-textured woman’s jacket and pants by Ferguson; and a man’s corduroy top and distressed jeans by Stromen. Unusual materials from Goodwill incorporated into some of the garments include placemats, a tapestry blanket and a shower curtain. 

Proceeds from the auction of the garments at OnlineGoodwill.com will benefit the nonprofit mission of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, which is changing lives through education, training and employment. 

What:   Online Auction of Upcycled Garments from the O’More College of Architecture & Design Virtual Fashion Showcase 

When: Monday, Feb. 1-Friday, Feb. 5 (Bidding Open 24-7)

Where: www.OnlineGoodwill.com

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