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Science Undergraduates Present Research at Campus Symposium

Hope Buckner
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Science Undergraduates Present Research at Campus Symposium

Belmont’s College of Sciences and Mathematics has hosted its  Science Undergraduate Research Symposium (SURS) every fall semester since the 2004 inaugural event where 27 presenters participated. This year’s event, held Dec. 3, featured more than 55 student participants and included SURS keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Raridan, associate professor of mathematics at Clayton State University. Raridan presented on “What Undergraduate Research Means to Me.”

lab researchThis year’s event saw 58 students who presented research posters in biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, neuroscience, environmental science, chemistry, physics and honors-psychology. Additionally, there were 24 individual and group oral presentations in psychology.

SURS was created to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to conduct independent research and present to a community of peers. With the Wedgewood Academic Center’s facilities, students are able to present research posters in the third and fourth floor atriums.

Many students who presented research participated in this year’s inaugural Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURFs) program and began their projects then.

Presented research included:

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

  • “A Study of Tumor Suppressor p53’s Potential Role in the Upregulation of MARCKS Transcription,” Nelly Grigorian
  • “Mixed Catechin Solution from Rosa centrifolia Suggests Multiple Avenues for Tyrosinase Inhibition,” Felicity Newton
  • “Preventing Cancer By Placement of Special Bacterial Carotenoids in Selected Natural Oils,” Robert Fira
  • “Synthesis of [2,3-b]Selenophene Pyrrole,” Daniel Gilani
  • “Concise Synthesis of 4H-Seleno[3,2-b]pyrrole Toward its Bio-transformation to [4,5]Selena-L-Tryptophan ([4,5]SeTrp),” Jacob Curry
  • “Effects of Probiotic Fermentation on Antioxidant Activity in Blueberries,” Adam James

Environmental Science

  • “Biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in a first order spring-fed stream on the Belle Forest Cave property, Bellevue TN,” Walter Burn
  • “Comparisons of water quality and macroinvertebrate diversity in Richland Creek (Nashville, TN) – an urban stream undergoing riparian restoration,” Alexandria Jeffers

Neuroscience

  • “Technological Screen Exposure’s Effect on Danio rerio’s Development,” Samantha Gould
  • “The subcellular localization of the apoptosis signaling kinases Ask1 and Ask3 influence signalosome formation and composition in response to cellular stress,” Kathryn Hook
  • “Circadian Rhythm Dependence of Habituation in C. Elegans,” Chase Mackey
  • “The Effect of Caffeine Concentration and Time of Exposure on C. elegans Locomotion towards an Attractant,” Julisa Nunez
  • “Potential Protective Effects of Nicotine in C. elegans Treated with 6-OHDA,” Miranda West

Biology

  • “Utilization of alpha-lipoic acid as an antioxidant in the presence of 6-OHDA,” Danielle Aument
  • “Chemotaxis Assay of Caenorhabditis elegans to Bacillus thuringiensis strain 4A4 in Vegetative and Sporulated Growth Stages,” Angel Brothers
  • “The Effects of Stress Due to Increased Immune Response on Working Memory in Danio rerio,” Lindsey Cheek
  • “p53 Mediated Regulation of CCNH in Response to Paclitaxel-Induced Mitotic Stress,” Taeler Dahm and Morgan Turner
  • “The Effects of Glucose, Saccharine, Aspartame, and Sucralose on Longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans,” Emily Deas
  • “The effects of statin drugs on memory in Danio rerio,” Lindsey Dennis
  • “Caenorhabditis elegans response to hyperglycemic and hypoxic conditions post infection with Staphylococcus aureus,” Bryan Eoff
  • “Do Tricyclic Antidepressants Affect Working Memory in Danio rerio?” Araceli Garland
  • “Implications of Parkinson’s Disease in Nematodes Treated with the Insecticide Permethrin,” Dora Geving
  • “Caenorhabditis elegans and their Habitats,” Jemeilise Guzman
  • “The relationship between exotic earthworms, exotic plants, and soil and leaf litter invertebrate abundance and diversity,” Sara Haney
  • “Abundance of earthworms relative to leaf litter mass and exotic plant coverage,” Laura Horton
  • “The Effect of Antioxidants on Working Memory in Danio rerio,” Donald Hoyle
  • “Effect of p53 Status on S100A13 Expression in Response to Oxidative Stress,” Jeff King
  • “Role of Fatty Acid Metabolism and the Development of Parkinson’s Disease,” Zara Latif
  • “Differences in leaf pack decomposition rate between invasive exotic and native species in a temperate deciduous forest,” Lindsay Millward
  • “Investigation of the Regulation of CST6 by p53 During Cellular Stress,” Jasmin Mohn and Robin Weyman
  • “The Effect on ATP levels of Caenorhabditis elegans from a Staphylococcus aureus Infection,” Parin B. Patel
  • “Biomass and diversity of earthworms is affected by presence of exotic shrubs,” Ayda Porkar-Rezaeieh
  • “Transcriptional Regulation of RGS2 by p53 in Colorectal Cancer Cells,” Vian Pulous
  • “The Effects of Increasing Dosages of α-Lipoic Acid on the Chemotaxis Index of Caenorhabditis elegans at Adulthood,” Ambrose Rice
  • “The Effects of Bupropion on the Working Memory of Anxious Danio rerio,” Tessa Shupe
  • “Transcription Factor p53 and its Regulation of Pro-Apoptotic Gene BNIP3L During Heat Shock,” Eeleyah Singh Tanwar
  • “Decomposition of Acer saccharum and Lonicera maackii leaf litter in a first order stream,” Katlin Stodard
  • “Comparing the Anxiolytic Effects of Anandamides on Danio rerio,” Brandy Sweet
  • “The Effectiveness and Precision of Capillary Assays for Caenorhabditis elegans,” Alyssa Tidwell
  • “Appetite-Stimulating Effects of Herbal Root, Gentiana lutea, on Caenorhabditis elegans,” Sarah Trippett
  • “Determining C. elegans Chemotaxis to Cervical Cancer to Expand On the Nematode Scent Detection Test – A Cancer Screening System,” Parker Tumlin
  • “The addictive effects of nicotine on Caenorhabditis elegans,” Jud Wisdom
  • “Effects of Triclosan Exposure on Embryonic Development, Sensory Functioning, and Working Memory in Zebrafish,” Melissa Wolf

Honors- Psychology

  • “The Effect of Primers on Types of Semantic Satiation,” Devon Corcoran, Saniha Lakhani, Morgan McCauley & Riley Wymer
  • “Effects of Arousing Stimuli on Change Blindness,” Ciara Hauber, Lindsey Knapp, Reed Priest & Caroline Snellman
  • “The Effect of Adding a Congruent Auditory Stimulus to the Standard McGurk,” Charlotte Payne, Sarah Maxwell & Dean Adams
  • “Creativity and its Effect on Ambiguous Figure Detection,” Sean Rossettie, Jacqueline Skokna & Lauren Weber

 

Physics (*indicates presenter)

  • “Fabrication Protocol of Silver Ion Exchange Glasses,” Rachel N. Evans*, Sarah A. Cannavino, Christy A. King, Joe LaMartina, Robert H. Magruder & Davon W. Ferrara
  • “Fabrication Techniques for Gold Nanoparticles in Solution,” Sarah A. Cannavino*, Christy A. King & Davon W. Ferrara

Chemistry

  • “Sarcinaxanthin’s Effects in Sunscreen,” Kris Howard
  • “A Kinetic Study of the Dependence of Ascorbic Acid Concentration on Temperature and Time,” Ilyana Ilieva
  • “Towards the Concise Synthesis of a Tellurium-Containing Tryptophan Analog for the Elucidation of Protein Structure and Function,” Ryan Agh
  • “Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Copper(II) Imine Complex with Biomimic Properties,” Caroline Williams, Michelle Leatherwood & Justin Stace
  • “Characterization of Imine Nickel(II) Complexes and Their Reactivity with Various Solvents,” Daniel Beagan, Michelle Leatherwood, Jeanette Krause,(b) Tasneem Siddiquee,(c) Justin Stace (b: University of Cincinnati, c: Tennessee State University)
  • “Antioxidant Activity in Matcha and Leaf-Brewed Green Teas,” Shekinah Baum
  • “Quantification of Polyphenols and Assessment of Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenols Present in Organic and Non-Organic Raspberries from Different Sources,” Sofia Elmaliki
  • “Surface-Active Properties of Bis-Quaternary Ammonium Cationic Gemini Surfactant Mixed with Conventional Ionic and Nonionic Surfactants,” Sarah Heacock
  • “Cationic Gemini Surfactants for Enhanced Oil Recovery,” Adam Woods & Morgan McCauley

 

Psychology Oral Presentations

  • “Attention Modifies Emotional Response: A Study on the Effects of Shifting Attention,” Chase Mackey, Ragan Clark, Shelby Willard, Carson Ward & Matthew Williams
  • “The Effects of Food Preferences on Learning Performance in Rats,” Austin Arnold, Courtney Canady, Hunter Foltz, Sydney Omweg & Matthew Williams
  • “Media Exposure and Religiosity,” Sydne Richardson, Madi Lausten, Ashton Judy & Bayli Alexander
  • “Evaluating the Validity and Reliability of a New Scale for Uniqueness Seeking,” Ashton Judy, Hunter Foltz, Margaret Rittler, Bethany Strother & Lauren Weaver
  • “The Effects of Emotion and Color on Sensitivity to Impurity,” Kyle Mclean, Brittany McGavic, Scarlet Sanders & Mary Elizabeth Sorci
  • “The Relationship Between Personality Types and an Athlete’s Satisfaction with their Sport,” Sydney Omweg
  • “Does the Attitude of Facebook Profiles Change Self-Perception?” Courtney Canady
  • “Political Ideology and Interpersonal Attraction,” Bianca Flury
  • “A Validation Study of the Belmont University Measure of Adaptive and Maladaptive Absorption,” Madlin Lausten, Katy Coffer, Scarlet Sanders & Brittany Yaeger
  • “Perception of Intelligence Depends on Voice Intonation,” Katy Coffer, Blair Ferguson, Kathryn Graeff & Kathryn Hook
  • “Does Belief in a Just World and In-Group/Out-Group Membership Affect Perceptions of Suffering,” Mikayla O’Malley, Blair Ferguson, Jacob Huffman, Megan Kibby, Justin Lang & Mallory McDonald
  • “Under Pressure: The Effects of Emotion and Anxiety on the Phonological Loop,” Jacob Huffman
  • “The Effect of Mood Priming and Extroversion on the Perceived Pain of Spending Money,” Carmen Davisson, Lauren Fox, Emy Gildea, Amber Lowe, Diana Neculcea & Bri Widmer
  • “The Differential Effects of Artificial Sweetener and Natural Sugar on Memory in Rats,” Morgan Turner, Lauren Weaver, Lindsey Dennis, Ali Miller & Stephane Morin
  • “The Role of Mind Wandering in Incubation: The Effects of Incubation on Problem-Solving,” Stephane Morin, Bethany Strother, Miranda West & Brianna Widmer
  • “Schadenfreude: Developing and Validating an Effective Measure,” Alexandria Gumucio, Emily Fernandez, Faith Pollard, Christina Sorentino & Miranda West
  • “Validation of the Jealousy in Generalized Terms Scale,” Kayla Evans, Haley Foutch, Marlee Graham, Heather Jelonek & Brittany Lebhar
  • “Gaze and Fixation Time on People with a Handicap,” Heather Jelonek
  • “The Relationship Between Racial Bias and Memory of Medical Information,” Courtney Bright
  • “Voice Pitch Effects on Auditory Working Memory,” Nicole Canes, Kayla Evans, Samantha Gould & Courtney Bright
  • “The Effects of Continuous vs. Intermittent Reinforcement on Learning and Retention in Rats,” Allison Ramsey, Haley Foutch, Lyn Deters, Iris Chiang & Briana Anderson
  • “Attitude and Religiousness Towards Homosexuality,” Noelle Browne
  • “The Relationship Between Parenting Styles and College Students’ Alcohol Abuse,” Robert Bond
  • “Young Adults and the Comorbidity Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder,” Caroline Moore

 

 

 

 

College of Pharmacy Partners with Williamson Medical Center

Hope Buckner
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College of Pharmacy Partners with Williamson Medical Center

Belmont’s College of Pharmacy has joined with Franklin’s Williamson Medical Center (WMC) to establish the College’s fourth postgraduate program for pharmacists. The year-long residency, beginning summer 2016, will offer varied practice experiences in patient care at WMC as well as teaching responsibilities at Belmont. WMC is a 185-bed community hospital that provides comprehensive and progressive medical, surgical, pediatric and pharmacy services. The residency is designed to build skills in patient care, leadership, medication safety, teaching and research and provide opportunities for continued community service.

“We are privileged to be able to work with Williamson Medical Center professionals to provide an excellent setting for post graduate pharmacists to serve and learn,” said Dr. Phil Johnston, dean of the College. “Williamson Medical Center is a pillar of the community.”

Previous residencies have been established at Saint Thomas Rutherford, Rolling Hills and Siloam Clinic. Belmont is also supporting a post-graduate fellowship with Aegis Sciences Corporation. Financial support for these programs has come from Belmont, Aegis, Rolling Hills and The Christy Houston Foundation.

Belmont Represented on 2016 Grammy Nominations List

Hope Buckner
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The release of the 2016 Grammy Award nominations saw many Belmont mentions as alumni and faculty members were included on the list.

Alumni nominations include:

  • SteelDrivers, including member and Belmont alumna Tammy Rogers King, nominated for Best Bluegrass Album
  • Brother’s Osborne, including member and guitar alumnus John Osborne, nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance
  • Eric Paslay’s “The Driver,” co-written by Belmont alumnus and past Southbound member Abe Stoklasa, nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance
  • Alumnus Ryan Hurd co-write “Lonely Tonight,” nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance
  • Alumni Justin Davis & Sarah Zimmermann, of Striking Matches, co-wrote multiple songs on Ashley Monroe’s “The Blade,” nominated for Best Country Album

Joe Baldridge, lecturer of audio engineering technology, worked on three Grammy nominations including Keith Urban’s “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” nominated for Best Country Solo Performance and TobyMac’s “This Is Not a Test” and Chris Tomlin’s “Love Ran Red,” both nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

Baldrige’s successes this year continued as he worked on Urban’s 2016 album “Ripcord,” Eli Young Band’s 2016 album, Jake Owen’s single “American Country Love Song,” Tomlin’s single “God and God Alone,” Matt Redman’s single “Turn to Christ” and Christy Nockels’s single “Your Grace Amazes Me.”

All sessions were assisted by Belmont graduate Joshua Ditty at Ocean Way, Blackbird and Backstage Studios.

 

Kelton Receives Inaugural Excellence in Service Award

Hope Buckner
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Kelton Receives Inaugural Excellence in Service Award

Tim KeltonDuring the Office of Campus Security’s annual Christmas Appreciation Breakfast, the inaugural Excellence in Service award was awarded to retired officer Tim Kelton for continuously anticipating customer needs, taking ownership of issues through resolution and maintaining customer perspective at the forefront of all he did as an officer.

The office’s published flyer said, “[Kelton’s] actions consistently reflected well on the department and served to inspire others to achieve the same level of service excellence.”

Missy Martin Named Project Green Challenge Global Champion

Staff Writer
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Missy Martin Named Project Green Challenge Global Champion

Missy Martin was recently named the Project Green Challenge 2015 Global Champion after claiming first place at the finals, held in San Francisco, California. Martin surpassed thirteen other finalists, selected from thousands of participants, who attended the eco summit and worked together alongside esteemed eco leaders.

Among other tasks, finalists interviewed farmers about sustainable practices, cooked FLOSN (fresh local organic seasonal non-GMO) meals, radically decreased water usage, changed personal care and cleaning routines, launched petitions advocating for social change, met with school administration to work toward better practices and planted pollinator gardens. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges.

Of her experience Martin said, “It is one thing to know how to act to create change for people and the planet, and it is a whole other thing to actually make those changes. PGC pushed me to act and be a changemaker. I am no longer someone who simply just knows the facts. I am a driven, passionate global citizen who wants to develop ideas, mobilize others and change the world in the best way that I can.”

Missy Martin 2The competition was hosted by nonprofit organization Turning Green, a student-led global movement devoted to education and advocacy around environmentally sustainable and socially responsible choices for individuals, schools and communities. TG seeks to engage youth in the transition from conventional to conscious living, empowering the generation and mobilizing action to sustain a healthy, just and thriving planet.

For Martin, the opportunity to get involved with TG and its network has been invaluable. “The guidance and resources Turning Green provided me this month epitomizes the root of relationships, the budding of connections and the blooming of friendships in the global community by providing me the opportunity to engage in discussions and take action with local leaders, school administrators, peers, friends and family,” Martin said.

As the champion, Martin received the grand prize package, valued at more than $12,000, which includes a $5,000 Green Award from Acure Organics, a trip to the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim from Aubrey Organics, a $1,000 Whole Foods Market gift card, a trip to the Gaia Herbs farm in North Carolina, a head-to-toe eco makeover complete with clothing, bath and body products and other great prizes.

Hunter Named 2015 Gabhart Award Recipient

Hope Buckner
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Hunter Named 2015 Gabhart Award Recipient

Belmont’s 2015 Gabhart Award for Staff Excellence and Service was presented to Telecommunications Service Manager Gary Hunter during the university’s annual staff breakfast on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Named in honor of Dr. Herbert C. Gabhart who served Belmont selflessly for 50 years, the Gabhart Award is the highest honor presented to a staff person and honors a member of the Belmont community who demonstrates significant achievements, commitment and service to the University.

In his position as telecommunications manager, Hunter manages Belmont’s telephone, voicemail and cable television systems, campus-wide. In addition to his job duties, Hunter serves as an advisor for Belmont’s Black Student Association and facilitates “Real Talks,” frequent dialogue sessions where members of the Belmont community are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings regarding diversity on campus.

For Hunter, winning the Gabhart Award of Service signified the recognition of his hard work and commitment throughout the 20 years he has called Belmont home. Most importantly, it honors Hunter’s likeness to the late Dr. Gabhart, Belmont’s longtime president and chancellor who Hunter personally knew and respected. “Winning the Gabhart Award of Service means so much to me. It exemplifies the service and the care that Dr. Gabhart gave to students, staff and faculty. I could not be more honored to be mentioned let alone receive an award based on the examples of such a great man,” Hunter said.

Coming to work everyday is a pleasure for Hunter, something he does not take for granted. “I have had some of the greatest experiences of my life here interacting with students, staff and faculty,” Hunter said. “Belmont is a very unique place where so many people shine each and every day.”

2015 Gabhart award finalists include Greg Pillon, director of communications, Erin Ritter, Honors office manager and Candace Smith, School of Nursing program assistant.

Dr. Gabhart’s family was in attendance for the presentation of the 2015 Gabhart Award. Pictured above: Dr. Norma Gabhart, the late Dr. Herbert Gabhart’s wife, with Gabhart Award Recipient Gary Hunter

 

McGinnis Crowned Miss Murfreesboro 2016

Hope Buckner
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McGinnis Crowned Miss Murfreesboro 2016

Mary Allyson McGinnis, a Belmont sophomore double majoring in music business and marketing, was crowned Miss Murfreesboro 2016 on Nov. 14 Middle Tennessee State University’s Tucker Theater. As Miss Murfreesboro, McGinnis will compete for the title of Miss Tennessee in June 2016. The winner of Miss Tennessee will progress to compete for the title of Miss America.

McGinnis has chosen Big Brothers Big Sisters as her volunteer platform, an organization that pairs adult volunteers with children facing adversity. “I truly love serving my community and have a passion for helping children transition through the adversity they face. It is important for us to prepare all children for success in life,” she said. McGinnis currently serves as president for Belmont’s student organization, Bigs@Belmont and has helped recruit 54 new members to work alongside children in the Nashville community.

To McGinnis, this is more than just a title and a crown. “It is my honor and privilege to represent Murfreesboro. I see this opportunity as a job and responsibility to be a positive role model and serve the community by being true to who I am.”

Belmont Celebrates Christmas by Offering Free Events to the Public

Hope Buckner
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Belmont Celebrates Christmas by Offering Free Events to the Public

Belmont University celebrates Christmas and announces its Christmas gift to the Nashville community with a number of free events that are open to the public, as well as the televised airing of the annual holiday music spectacular, “Christmas at Belmont.”

Belmont Camerata will offer its annual presentation of “A Camerata Christmas,” a holiday celebration that includes the Corelli Christmas Concerto and bluegrass-style carols on Monday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Belmont Mansion.

Christsmas_At_Belmont_Sunday_Performance_2015-131-X2The University’s Christmas concert series will conclude with the annual Christmas Eve Carillon Concert, held on Thursday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. at the campus Bell Tower, located just off the corner of Belmont Boulevard and Portland Avenue. Continuing a tradition begun during the Ward-Belmont days, the concert features traditional Christmas music played by Professor of Music Richard Shadinger on the tower’s 42-bell carillon, one of five carillons in Tennessee.

Of course, the holiday wouldn’t be complete without the annual “Christmas at Belmont” special. A presentation of this year’s performance, which featured 700 students, faculty and staff musicians from the School of Music and was hosted by award-winning country recording artist Kathy Mattea, will be shown in Middle Tennessee by Nashville Public Television (NPT-Channel 8) on Monday, Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. (CST) and Thursday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. Check local listings for additional air times in other parts of the country.

For a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s performance, click here.

Al-Shamma Publishes Article in Arab Stages

Hope Buckner
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Al-Shamma Publishes Article in Arab Stages

Dr. Jim Al-ShammaJames Al-Shamma, assistant professor of theatre, recently published an article in the Fall 2015 edition of the online, peer-reviewed journal, Arab Stages.

Titled “The Birth of Modern Iraqi Theatre: Church Drama in Mosul in the Late Nineteenth Century,” the article was co-authored with Dr. Amir Al-Azraki, lecturer at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Curb College Hosts Morris Lecture Series

Hope Buckner
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Belmont’s second annual Morris Family Mentor and Lecture Series, sponsored by the Morris family, was held this fall through the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. The series of seminars honors industry professionals by bringing them to campus to continue to inspire others through their work in the entertainment and music industry. The Morris family honors these guests as Distinguished Lecturers.

The series kicked off with Ashley Gorley, this year’s ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year. Gorley has written more than 20 No. 1 singles including Carrie Underwood’s “All American Girl,” Brad Paisley’s “American Saturday Night,” Luke Bryan’s “Crash My Party” and Rascal Flatts’ “Rewind.” Gorley’s publishing venture Taperoom Music has had three top 10 singles, one No. 1 and songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Sam Hunt and Keith Urban.

Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing for Electronic Arts (EA) Steve Schnur followed Gorley as a Distinguished Lecturer for his work in the industry. Schnur is a longtime veteran of the music industry who has experience with many companies including Arista, Elektra and Capitol. Schnur turned EA into a leader in integrating the gaming industry with music with FIFA, Madden and The Sims.

The final Distinguished Lecturer of the semester was Pete Fisher, vice president and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry. Fisher has been with the Opry for the past sixteen years and, in that time, has transformed the Opry legacy. Throughout his time at the Opry, Pete has seen Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley and Blake Shelton, among many others, inducted as Opry Members.

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