Skoller, an app created by Belmont alumni, was recently selected by SeedInvest, a leading equity crowdfunding platform, for a round of funding. Graduates of Belmont University’s economic program Carson Ward, CEO, Logan Matthews, COO, and Jonathan Rankin, creative director, developed Skoller, an app that provides students with a way to manage all of their class grades and assignments from their smart phone.
Through opportunities provided by SeedInvest, companies like Skoller are able to speed up the fundraising process by gaining access to over 250,000 investors globally.
“During college, I was looking for a better way to know when to study and when to have fun. Both are important and getting the most out of college is a huge part of shaping the trajectory of our lives,” shared Skoller CEO Carson Ward. “To balance those, I needed to know what my upcoming assignments were and their significance on my grade was important. The school technology (Blackboard) didn’t deliver this function well. I felt there has to be a better way to keep track of assignments for the student population, as a whole. Skoller is the ‘Waze’ of the classroom.”
Skoller was also recognized by the Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship at their inaugural event honoring the Top 100 Alumni Entrepreneurs on Oct. 10. The company’s success and selection by SeedInvest has been highlighted in numerous publications including Venture Nashville and Nashville Post.
Ward explained, “Most of my development for building the Skoller project was learned by simply trying and failing. I think that is the best way to learn something. Right behind that is listening to other people’s advice. My time at Belmont allowed me to meet awesome, smart people. We turn to each other and share experiences to give us a leg up.”
Next on the list for Skoller is Skoller Jobs, a way for job recruiters to gain insight and interact with early job candidates in a way that’s never been done before.
Dr. Jon Roebuck, executive director of the Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership, just announced the release of his third book entitled, “Creating Space.” This book is all about creating space in our lives for relationships to form and then to thrive. “Creating Space” traces the relationship journey that goes from a simple conversation to an in-depth connection that can provide healing, hope, and redemption in the life of another.
The book contains a mix of Biblical insight, practical application and illustrations from Roebuck’s years of experience as a pastor. At the heart of this narrative is the description of five spaces we have the ability to create, which become inclusive, significant and transformative in the lives of others and in our lives as well.
“Creating Space” is available on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, and NurtingFaith.net. Dr. Roebuck is also the author of two other books, “Morning Conversations” (devotional thoughts from every chapter of the New Testament) and “Christmas Then & Now” (a collection of 25 original Christmas stories).
Belmont University made a strong impression at the 147th Audio Engineering Society International Pro Audio Convention in New York in October. Belmont had the largest representation of students and faculty presenting research and participating in the recording competitions.
All-in-all, Belmont activity generated two awards and 10 peer-reviewed papers published in the AES e-library. AES Fellow Dr. Josh Reiss pointed out that, “Belmont has more representation in the Technical Programs, papers and posters, than any other institution!”
On Oct. 26 more than 5,000 people came out to the Maryland Farms YMCA to support the fight against breast cancer. The weather for Saturday’s Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk was rainy, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm for a wonderful celebration of survivors and a great fundraiser to help end breast cancer. The Belmont University School of Physical Therapy again brought over 120 student volunteers to the event to assist with village/course setup and takedown, to serve as walk marshals at the start/finish line and throughout the course, to hand out water and bananas at the finish, and to help manage the crowd.
School of Physical Therapy Program Chair Gary Austin said, “To see our physical therapy students come together as one is a true blessing. I was able to watch them step up in their volunteer effects on multiple levels. From getting the start/finish line finalized to helping ‘pump up the crowd’ when they joined in on the Village dance party and then lead the survivors to the starting line. The students were amazing as they cheered on the walkers and survivors as they cross the finish line. We all truly enjoy these moments because we get to remember that we can make a difference in many ways, even by just helping at events to support an important cause.”
Physical Therapy Professor Dr. Michael Voight, who serves on the Susan G Komen Board of Directors, was co-race course chairman for this year’s More Than Pink Walk. Voight says that he initially chose to support Komen because of the fact that up to 75% of net proceeds raised remain in the affiliate service area. The remaining 25% goes towards lifesaving research in all areas of breast cancer, from basic biology to prevention to treatment to survivorship. The funds raised are vital to providing screening mammograms, diagnostic testing and treatment support through annual Community Grants Programs. The community grant program helps to provide funding to other local nonprofits and researchers. Voight says, “These nonprofits and researchers are working on the front lines to battle breast cancer, educating both women and men on the value of early detection and promoting awareness to low-income and non-insured individuals. To date Komen Greater Nashville has provided more than 397 grants totaling $10.1 million in screening, treatment and educational services to the women of Middle Tennessee. By giving resources, we can help them eradicate this problem.”
To put on an event of this magnitude requires a lot of advance planning and work. While the planning began months before the walk, the real work begins the week of the walk. Students assisted early in the week at the storage facility through packing and loading of supplies into cargo trucks. As the walk drew near, many showed up the day before the race and worked on last minute preparations for the walk. Then on the day of the walk, over 120 students showed up at 7 a.m. to begin final preparations for the day. Voight stated, “I was truly amazed at the work going on long before participants started coming in, everyone was working hard in the rain on finishing the last minute preparations. This was no small effort. However, when I saw those hundreds of survivors that had walked in the race and were so happy to have finished, it made it all worthwhile. It was one more victory against this disease. This would not have happened had it not been for all help provided by the students from Belmont.”
Adjunct professor, Belmont School of PT alumni and More Than Pink course co-chair Ashley Campbell had this to say: “I began my involvement with SGK Race for the Cure 10 years ago as a 3rd year PT student. I had no idea at the time that this would become a passion for me, but you’d be hard pressed to find an individual who has not been directly affected by breast cancer these days, and that is a problem. SGK is committed to finding a cure, and in the meantime provides crucial education and prevention to those who need it most. I am honored to be a Belmont PT Alumni, and each year that I have been involved the PT students continue to impress me more and more.”
Student leader Beau Kovach concluded, “Sometimes when we are in classes and constantly studying, we lose sight of why we wanted to be a part of this profession. This is my third year of involvement, and I am reminded at all of our volunteering events, but especially the More Than Pink Walk, that this is why I wanted to be a physical therapist in the first place. We are here to serve, to help promote a healthier and more positive world in any way we can.”
Belmont University Musical Theatre senior Ginny Swanson was named a semi-finalist in the national search for Broadway’s next Roxie Hart in the hit musical Chicago. Casting directors, producers and former stars of Chicago chose Swanson as one of only 10 semi-finalists from among hundreds of applicants who submitted video auditions.
Now it’s up to her fans to help Swanson advance to the final three. Visit https://chicagothemusical.com/roxiecasting/ to cast your online vote from Nov. 1-8. The top three finalists will be flown to New York City in November to audition in person with the show’s directors and producers.
Broadway.com will film and produce a five-episode video series documenting the audition process, including interviews with the cast and creative team of Chicago, former celebrity Roxie Harts and footage of the contestants learning the iconic Roxie songs and dances. This will culminate with the official Broadway debut of the show’s newest Roxie Hart onstage at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City.
Visit Broadway to view Swanson featured at minute-mark 2:18 in the “The Search for Roxie” episode 2, “Meet the Top 10 Semi-finalists.”
Dr. Annette Sisson, professor in the English department, is one of seven poets named as a Fellow for the BOAAT Writers’ Retreat May 30-June 6, 2020 in Vilas, North Carolina after being selected through a national competition.
This fall, Sisson has had poems published in Passager Magazine, Typishly, One and Hamilton Stone Review, and she has poems forthcoming in Blue Mountain Review, KAIROS and SPANK the CARP.
Sisson was also invited to compose an ekphrastic poem in response to Frederick Hart’s sculpture. On October 20, she presented her poem “A Genesis of Light” to the Hart family and Hart scholars who assembled at the Frederick Hart Symposium at Belmont University.
On October 21, 2019, nine students were inducted into Belmont’s Xi Alpha Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta (the National History Honor Society) at a ceremony held in the Belmont Mansion.
These students were Liam Brenna, Alexis deBoer, Tommy Edmunds, Rebecca Lewis, Martha Smith Miller, Caroline Tvardy, Lauren Weaver, Clara Williams and Kory Winning. The ceremony was attended by the chapter’s faculty advisor Dr. Cynthia Bisson, faculty from the History Department, and family and friends of the inductees.
Following the induction ceremony was the annual Phi Alpha Theta lecture given by guest speaker Dr. Natalie Inman from the Department of History at Cumberland University who spoke on kinship networks in the Native American community in Colonial America.
Co-sponsored by the College of Sciences & Mathematics, Dr.
Se Kim spoke in Belmont’s chapel on Wednesday, October 30 to discuss the
relationship of science and society and working toward a common good. Dr. Kim
holds a Ph.D. in Molecular & Human Genetics, an MBA and was a fellow with
the National Institute of Health. Kim leads the American Association for the
Advancement of Science as Deputy Chief Programs Officer and has presented her
research in publications such as Journal of Neuroscience and Current Biology.
Kim said there are three ways that science and religion can
interact, but Americans mostly think the two are in conflict with one another.
With 70 percent of the United States claiming to be religious, Kim said help is
needed to work toward the common good.
She started with a quote from Rabbi Johnathan Sacks. He said,
“Science is about explanation. Religion is about meaning. Science analyses,
religion integrates. Science breaks things down to their component parts.
Religion binds people together in relationships of trust. Science tells us what
is. Religion tells us what ought to be… Science sees objects. Religion speaks
to us as subjects. Science practices detachment, Religion is the art of
attachment, self to self, soul to soul.”
“Science can’t answer questions of identity, purpose,
significance, suffering or beauty,” said Kim. “When we look at the neurological
evidence of how memories work, we can see that we are more than just our DNA.
Science can’t answer the questions of who we are.”
As a geneticist, Kim addressed the current landscape of gene
editing and the need for science and faith communities to come together for
conversations about the future. Kim quoted an anonymous scientist that said the
“voices most often heard by the public are those seeking to emphasize a rift
between science and belief, but the voices most needed are those recognizing
the compatibility of the two.” Technologies like CRISPR are already here, so it
is imperative that voices of compatibility are present in the dialogue.
“This is not just a question for science; there are many
stakeholders. It’s a question for all of society, which is largely comprised of
religious peoples,” said Kim. “We must make sure that these conversations are
those of collaboration and openness. Know that there are those out there who
are here to champion these conversations with you.”
Pharmacy Student Rachel Milwee had never previously
considered what to do with leftover medication. Like many, unused prescription
pills were stashed in the back of a household medicine cabinet until time for
spring cleaning. However, this practice can often lead to medicine misuse, as the
2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health proved that a majority of abused
prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.
Now as a second-year pharmacy student, Milwee and her peers are taking steps to prevent drug misuse through Generation RX, a division of the patient care initiative of APhA-ASP (the student division of the American Pharmacist Association). Belmont’s chapter was pleased to partner with Metro Police to host the first on-campus Drug Takeback event at Belmont’s Health and Wellness Fair on October 23. The event also provided informational pamphlets with instructions for students and faculty to safely dispose of their medications at home.
Assistant Professor Kendall Shultes, co-advisor for the student
organization, said, “We were really excited to be able to offer this event to
Belmont University’s campus. As our first drug takeback on campus, we were
unsure of how many people to expect. Regardless of the number who attended, I
think it helps to bring awareness on fighting drug abuse and that it can start
with changes in the home. We are thankful for the support of Belmont and Metro
Police and look forward to hosting another drug takeback in the future.”
Milwee Assists a Belmont Employee in Dropping Off Unused Medication
Milwee serves as chair of the Generation RX educational program and has helped lead Belmont’s campaign. “This is a great opportunity for students and faculty to not only prevent medication misuse and/or diversion, but to learn about safe medication disposal practices,” she explained. “We want to educate students and faculty. I know my own family isn’t very medically-literate, so I think events like this are important. If you teach students safe drug practices, they can take that home to their families.”
With the opioid epidemic at an all-time high, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration established a National Prescription Drug Takeback Day to allow communities to dispose of unused medications safely. With that in mind, the Belmont pharmacy students elected to hold their event just a few days before this year’s national day on October 26.
Drug takeback events are one of the most visible ways to increase public awareness and encourage health care providers, community leaders, parents, teens and college students to actively work to prevent abuse. Last year, there were 5,389 collection sites that participated and collected 914,236 lbs. of unused medication. All kinds of medications are accepted in a drug takeback.
Belmont employee drops off expired medication at Drug Takeback event at Belmont’s Health and Wellness Fair
Metro Police provided and monitored the certified box for the medications. Belmont students did not handle the medications, but were there to provide community counsel. After the event, the police take the box away, weigh the medicines for DEA records and dispose of them properly.
Milwee said in addition to the campus takeback event, students also worked on a social media campaign for the week about safe drug practices, with emphasis on the opioid overdose antidote naloxone (Narcan®). This campaign was shared on Facebook and Instagram and reached more than 2,600 people.
“The main counseling points on our social media campaign are about what to do if you see signs of an overdose, what people will be exhibiting if they’re having an overdose, and some basic facts about Narcan®. Narcan® is never going to hurt someone that is not having an overdose; it’s simply a reversal,” explained Milwee. “It’s a great medication; it saves a lot of lives. Anyone is able to get Narcan® and should do so if they have any concern about a family member or friend. Letting as many people know that is really important.”
For any community member who needs to dispose of extra or expired prescription medication, most neighborhood pharmacies have drop boxes bolted to the ground year round. Collection sites can also be found on the DEA website here. For Nashville students in particular, there are boxes all over Vanderbilt University’s campus. Amazon also sells bags online that chemically neutralize medicine at home for safe disposal.
For those in rural areas without these resources, pharmacists suggest putting the medications in a sealed container with coffee grounds or kitty litter. While these two options do not technically neutralize, they act as a deterrent to anyone seeking pills.
As Milwee and her peers look forward to their future as pharmacists, events like these show her how big of an impact she can make. She said, “I think it’s always important as a pharmacist to be teaching people safe medication practices and making sure patients know how to take their medications and how to dispose of them.”
Global Leadership Studies students recently had the opportunity to visit Thistle Farms, a local nonprofit social enterprise, through Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel’s course introducing leadership competencies, theories and frameworks. Thistle Farms is an organization designed to heal, empower and employ women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction.
During the visit, students listened to the stories of leaders at Thistle Farms and toured their café, shop and manufacturing facilities, as well as administrative and educational centers. They gained further insight into the complex world of nonprofits, social enterprise, spiritual development, legal realities, financial sustainability, marketing, education and service.
Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, global leadership studies professor
Global Leadership Studies (GLS) is a major and minor program offered at Belmont University that draws upon the liberal arts and develops a set of skills that can be applied to real-world issues.
Pethel said, “Global Leadership Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the human condition past, present and future.”
