Belmont University honored its heritage at the annual Ward-Belmont Alumnae Luncheon on the campus of Belmont University today. Before its acquisition by the Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC) in 1951, the Belmont campus was home to the Ward-Belmont School, a high school and junior college for young women, for 38 years. Each year, Belmont invites the alumnae of Ward-Belmont back to campus for a luncheon. This year’s luncheon welcomed back more than 70 Ward-Belmont alumnae and their guests.
At this year’s luncheon, Mary Niederhauser, a 1950 graduate of Ward-Belmont, announced plans for a restoration project of the historical Belmont Mansion and Bell Tower, two landmarks on the Belmont University campus dating back to the 1850s. Niederhauser announced that $500,000 was needed for the Bell Tower and over $1.5 million for the mansion.
“You cannot put a price on the historical value of this place,” Niederhauser said. “We [Ward-Belmont alumnae] want to be a part of its restoration.
Belmont University president Bob Fisher honored the alumnae of Ward-Belmont by dedicating the recently completed Presidential Garden to their legacy at Belmont.
“We owe this to you,” President Fisher said. “As we move forward as a university, we should not forget to look behind and be faithful to the ones who came before us. Your grace and style is still a part of Belmont University.”
Photo of Ward-Belmont alumnae in Presidential Garden by university staff photographer Michael Krouskop. Click to enlarge.
