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

Home Blog Page 15

Belmont Celebrates Homecoming 2023

Julia Couch
-
0
Belmont Celebrates Homecoming 2023

The Office of Alumni Relations—host of Belmont’s annual Homecoming celebration—has announced the calendar of festivities slated for Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Saturday, Feb. 11.  

The University invites all Bruins, past and present, to celebrate more than 130 years of innovative and educational excellence. All students, alumni, faculty, staff and families are welcome. Be sure to cheer on the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams Friday and Saturday amid their inaugural seasons in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Women’s game against Evansville will be televised on ESPN3 on Friday. Tickets for both games (Men’s and Women’s) are available.   

“No matter where our lives have taken us since graduating from Belmont, so many paths began in this shared place where we discovered more deeply who we were and who we wanted to be,” said Chip Hayner, Director of Alumni & Family Engagement and the Executive Director of the Belmont University Alumni Association. “What makes Homecoming special is the opportunity for all of us as members of the Belmont community to realize how many of our individual paths now share common crossings, connecting us across generations, professions and life seasons. We’re excited to create meaningful spaces during Homecoming for you to experience these connections anew and remember why it’s so good to be part of the Belmont community.” 

Events are highlighted below, and a complete list of all 2023 Homecoming events can be found at belmont.edu/homecoming. Final event details are being added, so check the website for additional information.  

Homecoming 2023 Highlights 

Wednesday, Feb. 8 

  • Homecoming Parade, 10 a.m. | Bell Tower Plaza  
  • Men’s Basketball Watch Party, 5 p.m. | Bottle Cap 12South
  • Health Professions Graduate Student Mixer, 5 p.m. | Location TBD
  • Massey College of Business Student and Alumni Mixer, 5 p.m. | Barbara Massey Rogers Center, First Floor Lobby

Thursday, Feb. 9  

  • Alumni Non-Profit Fair, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Janet Ayers Academic Center Lobby 
  • Build-a-Bruin, 3 – 5 p.m. | Beaman A&B + Lobby  
  • Pickleball Tournament, 5 p.m. | FitRec. Open to all faculty, staff, students and alumni.  

Friday, Feb. 10  

  • Homecoming Chapel, 10 a.m. | Gabhart Chapel  
  • College of Law CLE, noon – 3 p.m. | Baskin Center 
  • Black Student Association and Black Alumni Network Tailgate, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Beaman A&B 
  • College of Law Mixer, 3 – 5 p.m. | 12S Taproom  
  • Women’s Basketball vs. Evansville, 6:30 p.m. | Curb Event Center  

Saturday, Feb. 11 

  • Healthcare Heroes: How Therapy Dogs Change Lives!, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Janet Ayers Academic Center, 4th Floor Conference Room 
  • Reunion Brunch, 9:30 – 12:30 p.m. | Fisher Center for the Performing Arts 
  • Student Tailgate, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Outside Maddox Grand Atrium  
  • Men’s Basketball Game vs. UIC, 1 p.m. | Curb Event Center  
  • Homecoming After Party, 7:30 p.m. | The Valkyrie Premier Club at GEODIS Park   

Additional events listed at belmont.edu/homecoming. If you have questions or need assistance with Homecoming 2023 events, call 615.460.6723 or email alumni@belmont.edu.  

Award-Winning Actor William Shatner to Co-Narrate All New “Our Planet Live in Concert” at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for Performing Arts

Allison Fomby
-
0
Award-Winning Actor William Shatner to Co-Narrate All New “Our Planet Live in Concert” at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for Performing Arts

“Our Planet Live in Concert,” based on the Netflix original documentary nature series, will perform at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on April 2 at 7:30 p.m.  

Emmy® Award-winning actor William Shatner, who came to fame portraying Captain James T. Kirk on the original “Star Trek” television series, today announced he has signed on to provide special co-narration for the all-new concert tour. 

Audiences will experience the magic of “Our Planet” with the most memorable clips from the series projected on a large HD screen. Like the series, the live show is narrated on-screen by David Attenborough, who has brought the natural world to living rooms all over the world.  

A collaboration between GEALive, Silverback Films and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), “Our Planet Live in Concert” combines high-quality live elements with a fusion of breathtaking cinematography projected on a large HD screen. “Our Planet” blends spectacular wildlife footage with the mysteries of how and why animals migrate. The series features stunning imagery of the Earth’s most beautiful, intriguing and surprising wildlife as it follows animals on the move from plains to frozen worlds to high seas and beyond. In these dramatic, compelling stories, it reveals the connections that drive our natural world, inspiring viewers to want to learn how climate change impacts all living creatures and what can be done about it. 

“My deeply immersive journey into space gave me a profound appreciation for the earth and its fragility,” says Shatner. “The reimagining of the Netflix series takes the audience on a journey showcasing our world with spectacular visuals, narration and music. The combination of all these elements gives the audience an opportunity to celebrate our planet together— the home we all share —and its wonders, while showing the urgent need to treasure and protect it.” 

The original Emmy-nominated score by Oscar®-winning composer Steven Price has been reworked for an epic two-hour performance, which will be performed by an 18-piece orchestra. Shatner’s narration provides bridges between the visually stunning nature imagery. 

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 20. at 10 a.m. For more information, tickets and tour dates, visit www.thefishercenter.com.   

Belmont University Set to Host Annual Community Night

Allison Fomby
-
0
Belmont University Set to Host Annual Community Night

Belmont University will hold its annual community night on Wednesday, Feb.15 in the Curb Event Center. Hosted by the Office of Community Relations, the event will offer free admission into the men’s basketball game against the University of Evansville beginning at 6:30 p.m., along with family fun and activities throughout the evening.  

Complimentary hot dogs, chips and soft drinks will be served at 6 p.m., prior to tip-off. The event will also feature games, face painting, balloon artistry and giveaways for children in attendance. Opening and half-time entertainment will feature the Carter Lawrence after school program and the Madison Metro Park Step Team, both community partners of Belmont and longstanding friends of the university.  

Community Day was initiated in 2009 when over 80 people from the neighborhood attended in its’ first year. The time-honored tradition is now a community favorite, with over 2,300 attendees since year one.   

The free event is open to area neighborhood organizations, residents’ associations, schools, churches and youth and senior serving organizations – all are invited to attend.  

To RSVP for tickets, guests may visit belmont.edu/community or call 615-460-2255. The number of free seats is limited. 

A Champion for Cultural Conexión

Jasmine Simmons
-
0
A Champion for Cultural Conexión

Conexión is the Spanish translation for “connection.” Conexión Americas is a nonprofit co-founded by Belmont alumnus and professor of Management and Entrepreneurship José González. Twenty years ago, González, Renata Sotó and María Clara Mejía created Conexión Americas to provide resources for Nashville’s growing Latino and Hispanic community. 

The Nashville-based nonprofit has become an extensive organization serving over 9,000 individuals and families every year with a mission to build a welcoming community and create opportunities where Latino families can belong, contribute and succeed.  

Beyond his mentorship and service to Belmont students and alumni, González is a well-known force in Nashville who advocates for cultural connectivity and awareness in Middle Tennessee. Mesa Komal Café coming to Belmont is a dream fulfilled for him.  

“A window of opportunity opened and I was at the right place, at the right time, in the right conditions to connect the dots of the partnership,” Gonzalez commented. “I, personally, had the dream of Mesa Komal having a permanent retail location somewhere in the city. A year ago, I could not have anticipated that the location was going to be on Belmont’s campus.”  

Like many in Nashville, González has seen the city’s demographic landscape explode with a variety of cultures as more and more diverse populations are attracted to live in Music City. Belmont is beginning to transform as well with diverse students representing 23.6% of the fall 2022 freshman class.   

The variety that Mesa Komal Café adds to on-campus dining is a welcomed benefit, but González understands that the subtle presence of diverse food can have a substantial impact that organically increases and promotes cultural awareness.  

 “When people from underrepresented communities have an opportunity to engage with Belmont and see a place that’s being intentional about connecting with communities it creates an awareness,” he said. “They think, ‘that is a place that wants me. They want my business. They want to engage with me. They want my child to go here.’ There is an awareness that this is a welcoming place.” 

González credits the Belmont administration for employing new strategic objectives and creating an environment that encourages places like Mesa Komal to join the Belmont community.  

“With the arrival of Dr. Jones and the establishment of a very clear strategic vision, I have seen more effort, targeted resource allocation, discussion and results around this in the last 12 months than I’ve seen in the prior 20 years,” González said. “Had his notion of being a radical champion not been envisioned for Belmont, Mesa Komal Café may not have been an opportunity.” 

This year, González stepped down from his active role as finance director at Conexión Americas. With his attention more centered on his work as a professor, he continues to provide students with value outside of the classroom by taking them to visit places like the Nashville Entrepreneur Center where they can get connected to opportunities like internships that are vital for gaining professional experience.  

He believes that the University’s effort to connect and create a welcoming environment for diverse populations is a journey that has just begun. “We’re at the beginning,” he said. “It’s not only about the Latino and Hispanic community but the broader, underrepresented communities. Elevating the awareness that an institution like Belmont is supporting something like Mesa Komal Café is something that I hope is a legacy.” 

Belmont’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week Celebrates “Infinite Hope”

Jasmine Simmons
-
0
Belmont’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week Celebrates “Infinite Hope”

Belmont University will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the 26th annual MLK Jr. Week Celebration beginning Saturday, January 14.  

Since January 1997, Belmont has hosted this commemorative tradition as part of the observance of Dr. King’s birthday. This year’s theme is “Infinite Hope” and a full schedule of the week can be found on Belmont’s MLK Jr. website. 

Local colleges and universities will come together for the “2023 Annual Joint MLK Day of Service” to volunteer throughout the Nashville community on Saturday, January 14 starting at 10 a.m. Members of the Belmont community can register to volunteer for the Day of Service and view a detailed schedule here.  

Faculty and staff are invited to attend Real Talk for Faculty & Staff on Tuesday, January 17 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A student-only Real Talk is scheduled for Thursday, January 19 at 4 p.m. 

Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby, Senior Pastor at St. Stephen Church in Louisville, KY — the largest employer of African Americans in Kentucky, and the seventh president of Simmons College of Kentucky, will deliver a message in Gabhart chapel at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18 that coincides with this year’s theme. The Belmont University Black Student Association Choir will sing selections of worship.  

A community luncheon following Dr. Cosby’s chapel message will be held in the Vince Gill Room of the Curb Event Center at 11:30 a.m.    

A panel discussion over the topic “Seeing the Civil Rights Movement Through a Different Lens – The Jewish Perspective” will be hosted on Thursday, January 19 at 7 p.m.  

On Friday, January 20 at 10 a.m., historian Jemar Tisby will speak in Gabhart chapel. Tisby is the president & co-founder of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective and the author of The Color of Compromise, a book that examines the American Church’s complicity in racism.  

Reference Belmont’s MLK Jr. website to get updated information about the schedule of events as locations are finalized.

Visual Storytelling through Campus Murals

Staff Writer
-
0
Visual Storytelling through Campus Murals

What was supposed to be a pit stop at Bongo Java Café turned into a prospective student admissions tour when 2005 alumna Becca Wildsmith first came to Belmont as a junior in high school. She and her mom were on their way to tour the state university. 

“I started walking across campus and we never made it to Bongo or to UT because we immediately went to the admissions office,” she said. “I fell in love with the campus. I fell in love with the culture. I fell in love with everyone that I met. It was so welcoming, and I thought this would be a great place to spend four years of my life.” 

The visual beauty and welcoming environment of the campus won the Franklin native’s heart as a student. Today, the Nashville-based artist and designer proudly acknowledges that “Belmont runs deep.” Not only does Becca have a brother and sister who are Belmont alumni, she also met her husband, Tim, while studying graphic design.  

Tim works in the Office of University Ministries on campus and recommended his wife for a creative project after the space underwent renovations over the summer. His team decided that a mural could showcase the welcoming and hospitable environment of the office in a visually appealing fashion. 

“Seeing Becca’s other murals and knowing that she is a Belmont alum, we thought she would be the perfect artist for this project,” University Minister Rev. Heather Gerbsch Daugherty said. “Throughout this school year, our students have regularly hung out in our space and feel at home, we believe that the environment created by the presence of the mural has made this happen.”  

The mural showcases key elements of University Ministries. The Bell Tower, a recognizable campus landmark, is surrounded by colorful abstract shapes that are meant to represent Belmont’s unique and diverse community. The University Ministries slogan, “Love God, Love People” is painted in the center of the piece. “It also serves to let everyone who walks into this space know what we are about and that they are welcome here,” Daughtery said.

After the University Ministries mural debuted, she was asked to create another. This time in the Hatchery, a co-working space for student entrepreneurs established by the Thomas F. Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship. The Hatchery mural is a whimsical depiction of the ideation process.  

“Becca Wildsmith’s artistic vision has brought life to so many spaces in Nashville and we wanted to feature her creativity in our space,” Executive Director for the Center for Entrepreneurship Elizabeth Gortmaker said. “The mural represents the creativity and inspiration exercised by anyone who uses the space. It has brightened the room considerably and provides a more noticeable presence in the Student Center.” 

From being captivated by Belmont’s beauty to having a role in attracting future students with the art she makes, Wildsmith’s Belmont story has come full circle. “It’s fun to create art that evokes a response from people,” she commented. “I love how all these murals have popped up all around campus. It’s been fun to watch.” 

Wildsmith has a diverse body of work. She has designed album covers for award-winning country and Christian musicians. Her mural art is located throughout Nashville including Hillsboro Village at the restaurants Pancake Pantry, Za Wood-Fired Pizza and Biscuit Love where she serves as creative director. 

“I try to have a little bit of fun in everything that I do,” Wildsmith said. “I hope that they’re a source of inspiration and fun and that when people see them, they smile as they walk away.”  

LET HOPE ABOUND  

Created by graphic designer Shehan Rodrigo, the “Let Hope Abound” mural lives on the campus side of The Belmont Store. Let Hope Abound was the theme of President Greg Jones’ inaugural year and has continued to be a thread of his presidency. “With our Christian faith as our animating purpose, Belmont University is well-positioned to bring hope to our communities and our world,” said Jones. In Rodrigo’s design, the “hope” font was hand-drawn, then illustrated to be larger than the actual mural as a visual reference to abounding and overflowing hope.  

RADICAL CHAMPIONS  

The Radical Champions mural lives on the side of Gabhart Student Center facing the Beaman Student Life Center and features an illustrated Bell Tower, floral motif and the phrase “Radical Champions for All,” the theme for the 2022-2023 academic year, and part of the University’s strategic trajectory towards 2030.  

“I love that image of being radical champions, because it takes the notion of being an agent of hope and extending it even one step further,” said President Greg Jones. “We want to be radical champions for the flourishing of all people.”  

Graphic designer Mary Puls ’20 said, “The word ‘flourish’ was inspirational in the design process. I included florals and foliage to create imagery of a place where students can grow and flourish. This doesn’t happen when contained to a box, which is why the design elements extend past the frame. When students grow and flourish, they are then able to extend a hand to impact their communities and become radical champions for all.” 

OFFICE OF EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION 

Located at 1909 12th Avenue South, Belmont’s new Office of Educational Innovation houses two teams focused on building innovative educational opportunities for students of all ages. The newly launched Belmont Online division promises digital courses credentials, certifications and continuing education opportunities, while the Center for Executive Education provides in-person and virtual custom programs, executive coaching service and a variety of professional development options.  

A mural on the side of the building faces the community and can be seen by passersby in the 12th South neighborhood, offering a warm “Welcome to Belmont” message. “We wanted people to feel welcomed as they drove or walked by,” said graphic designer Erica Belletete. “This mural celebrates both our University and Music City.”  

BELMONT ATHLETICS

The new athletics mural is on the brick wall outside the Curb Event Center loading dock. The collage-style artwork was designed by Erica Belletete and captures many aspects of Belmont athletics. The left side of the mural features a quote from Women’s Basketball Head Coach Bart Brooks, “There’s nothing small about Belmont.” Other vignettes include the Belmont Athletics hashtag #ItsBruinTime, pieces of the Belmont mission statement and the words “everyday excellence,” a nod to Belmont teams’ commitment to excellence on and off the field.  

“I love our sports teams and wanted to create something that sparked joy for students and athletes walking by,” said graphic designer Erica Belletete. “This mural celebrates our awesome athletics program. Belmont student athletes aren’t just good athletes. They’re people who help their communities, they’re strong students with strong values.”  

Brian Barry Knows Nashville

Emma Johansson
-
0
<strong src=Brian Barry Knows Nashville" title="Brian Barry Knows Nashville" />

Science has Albert Einstein, theater has Shakespeare, but Nashville has Brian Barry. A local born and raised in Music City, Barry is in the perfect position as Publisher of Nashville Lifestyles Magazine and Vice President of Magazines for Gannett to utilize his expertise on the city he’s loved for years.

Barry graduated from the Jack C. Massey College of Business in 1998 as a Business Administration major, working part-time through college at the magazine that would later morph into Nashville Lifestyles, opening shortly after his graduation. Twenty-five years later, the publication is still exquisitely showcasing the dynamic and engaging opportunities of the city with a monthly readership of over 120,000. When speaking of its origins, Barry said that “at the beginning, there were two employees, and I was one of them. We literally started it from the ground up.”

He then left in 2001 to pursue another magazine adjacent position, coming back to Nashville Lifestyles in 2013 as publisher. From there, the magazine has only continued to flourish. “I’m right at 10 years now with the company, and a lot has changed. I still love it. Nashville is by far my favorite market to work with. I think it’s a booming city, and there’s no stopping it any time soon. We are just primed for unique and evolving things.”

Two things about his Belmont experience stand out to Barry years later— the connections and the professors. Shouting out his English teacher Linda Poziwilko, he recalls feeling like she had a genuine connection to her students and truly cared about their wellbeing. As far as his peers go, Barry says that he still interacts with them daily. “There is such an interesting thread in the Belmont community. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met someone in the industry and realized they went to Belmont around the same time I did.”

When asked how he manages it all, he references a conversation he had with Taylor Swift back in 2015. “She did a phone interview with us while she was doing the video for ‘Shake it Off,’ and I said, ‘You must work all the time. How do you do that?” and she replied, ‘If I get to travel the world and write songs, it’s not a big deal if I have to take a call or return an email on a Sunday.’ And you know what? That’s really true, when you get past the point of saying ‘this isn’t just a job, this is a career and it’s something that I really love,’ you don’t mind doing it. You get to a level where you’re not doing it for yourself anymore, you’re doing it for the business, the brand and the employees.”

Kristin Cavallari and Brian Barry photographed by Warner Tidwell

While he excels in business and managing his exceptional team at the magazine, Brian Barry is a storyteller at his core. “My favorite part of the job has always been telling people’s stories. Whether it be someone who does something interesting, influential, challenging or someone who started a company, I love to learn how people did things. We’re also telling the stories of doctors who are doing things you might need to know about, or a new store that opened. The store sells clothes, but there’s a story behind why the person wanted to open the store and why they’re selling those clothes. To me, it’s all very interesting.”

As parting words to those looking to discover their own vocational passion, he says, “Do your homework. There’s no replacing your homework. You need to investigate, research, know what you’re doing and figure it out. Life is more about learning what you don’t want to do than what you do want to do. A lot of kids go to school and do what they think they should do, or what their family told them to do, or what they think will make them a lot of money. But that’s no way to live. I put a lot of stress on myself and pressure, especially as a high schooler. I wish I knew it would all turn out fine.” It’s safe to say that things turned out more than fine, and for Brian, this is only the beginning.

Interested in the Jack C. Massey College of Business?

Apply today!

Belmont Announces Graduate Engineering Partnership with the University of Arkansas

Cara Baker Davis
-
0
Belmont Announces Graduate Engineering Partnership with the University of Arkansas

Belmont is entering a new program with the University of Arkansas in which Belmont engineering physics graduates are guaranteed placement and funding for a postgraduate degree. The University of Arkansas’ partnership with Belmont’s College of Science and Mathematics guarantees admission to graduate school, tuition funding and stipend for Belmont engineering students who meet the requirements. 

“Belmont doesn’t offer undergraduate or graduate engineering degrees, but many of our prospective or current students want to pursue engineering in graduate school or as a career,” Dr. Thom Spence, Dean, College of Sciences & Mathematics at Belmont, said.

Belmont students who want to pursue engineering at the graduate level or as a career can now consider Arkansas, which offers biomedical, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering degrees at the graduate level (MS/PhD). Students earning a GPA of 3.5 within the program, and scoring sufficiently high on the GRE, will receive automatic admission with funding for some programs. Other students would also be considered for admission and funding on a case-by-case basis.

Arkansas is partnering with Belmont for skilled people to enter their programs, especially women who are underrepresented in these fields. In addition to being geographically close by, benefits for Belmont students include guaranteed admission and funding into their programs with preferences for undergraduate research opportunities. 

“This is an amazing opportunity for any Belmont engineering physics major because it means that our students have more options after graduation,” Spence said. “Our Engineering Physics Major program is built to provide students with technical skills desirable for success in applied physics and engineering fields. It’s an interdisciplinary program designed to give our students a solid foundation for them to pursue their goals.”

If you are interested in learning more about this program or applying, visit Belmont’s College of Science and Mathematics.

Belmont Celebrates 2022 Winter Commencement

Emma Johansson
-
0
Belmont Celebrates 2022 Winter Commencement

Belmont University hosted its 2022 Winter Commencement ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16 in the Curb Event Center. The University awarded 397 bachelor’s degrees and 65 graduate degrees.

English graduate Lauren Tweedell read scripture from the Gospel of Matthew and shared a reflection on her time at Belmont, followed by a student musical performance by Christopher Wiper. This is the fourth Belmont commencement ceremony to feature the original song “Let Hope Abound”—inspired by University President Dr. Greg Jones’s inaugural theme—performed by alumna Piper Jones. The piece was written by alumni Chad Cates and Melinda Doolittle with Tony Wood.

View photos from the event or the recorded ceremony livestream.

Belmont Students Perform Alongside Legends in CMT Special Honoring Vince Gill

Emma Johansson
-
0
Belmont Students Perform Alongside Legends in CMT Special Honoring Vince Gill

This semester, The Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Belmont University hosted its first-ever televised performance. Some of the biggest names in music gathered on September 12 for the taping of “CMT GIANTS: Vince Gill”, a 90-minute music special honoring the country music legend. Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell and Sting were among the star-studded lineup of special guests who reflected on their friendships and time working with Gill.

This grand event on Belmont’s campus required participation from all corners of our music community – from faculty and staff to musical directors and students. College of Music and Performing Arts faculty Dr. Jeffery Ames and Dr. Henry Smiley brought together a dream team of students across multiple music ensembles, including Vince’s daughter, Corrina Gill.

Take a look at what some of the students involved had to say about their experience:

Ashley Barber (Commercial Voice Class of 2024, Orlando, FL)

“To be around so many talented musicians was special and inspiring, especially getting to share it with my wonderful classmates. Vince Gill has had such an impact on country music, so it was very heartwarming to see all the artists uplifting that.”

Tucker Bruinsma (Commercial Voice Class of 2024, Terre Haute, IN)

“Before we got on stage, Chris Stapleton came through the curtains where we stood and shared an embrace with Sting as they chatted. I was awestruck. But being part of music ensembles at Belmont really helped prepare me for performing in a venue of that magnitude; the Fisher Center is always incredible.”

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 12: (L-R) Jenny Gill Van Valkenburg, honoree Vince Gill and Corrina Grant Gill attend CMT Giants: Vince Gill at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on September 12, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for CMT)

Corrina Gill (Commercial Voice Class of 2023, Nashville, TN)

“It felt like my worlds collided when my university was the host of an event honoring my dad. Performing his songs with some of my favorite artists was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It was amazing seeing artists that I look up to, look up to him in the same way. I caught a glimpse of his legacy: the vastness of it and the impact that he’s made.”

Haley Grimm (Commercial Voice Class of 2024, Westmont, IL)

“At Belmont especially, when an opportunity comes up where students can be creative and work towards their dream, there’s so much love and support! Being right in the middle of music city also provides an unparalleled connection to the industry. I’ll remember this special night for the rest of my life!”

Hannah Howell (Commercial Music Class of 2023, Dallas, TX)

“We had several ensemble-only rehearsals leading up to the performance and two dress rehearsals with Carrie and the band. It was put together extremely quickly, which is only possible when you work with such professional musicians like the people involved with this event.”

Bella Melius (Commercial Voice Class of 2023, Franklin, TN) 

“It seems like I was just a freshman hearing about the beautiful hall being built, so now as a senior being able to share that stage alongside my talented peers and iconic artists was such a fun and surreal experience.”

Sean Murphy (Commercial Voice, Class of 2023, Buffalo, NY)

“Being around those country legends and being trusted to be a part of this opportunity really gave me a sense of what a highly professional performance atmosphere was like, and to have my whole family see me up there was just a cool bonus on top of an already incredible experience.”

Lucas Pettee (Commercial Voice Class of 2024, Santa Clarita, CA)

“My schooling at Belmont gave me the confidence to come into the rehearsals and crush the parts I was given, so I would like to thank all my professors for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to be a part of something so special.”

Anna Scott (Commercial Voice Class of 2023, North Olmsted, OH)

“One of the coolest parts about the whole experience was that we were treated like talent. We were placed in the same area as the other artists and were even able to watch the red carpet. Artists backstage wished us good luck and we weren’t treated like students or fans- you can’t replicate that in a concert ticket or VIP pass.”

Annie Sullivan (Commercial Voice Class of 2024, Brewster, NY)

“It was such an honor to be able to represent the School of Music through this once-in-a-lifetime event. The opportunities that are offered to students at Belmont are unlike any other university, so I feel very lucky to be in this program.”

Click here to apply today and learn more about our College of Music and Performing Arts.

1...141516...887Page 15 of 887
Belmont University Logo | News & Media

CONTACT US

University Marketing and Communications
615-460-6650
communication@belmont.edu

FOLLOW US

Secret Link