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 411

Students Present at Undergraduate Math Conference

Paul Chenoweth
-
0

Professors of Mathematics Barbara Ward and Daniel Biles directed three student presentations given at the 9th annual Undergraduate Mathematics Conference at the University of Tennessee on April 11. The annual conference gives undergraduate students a chance to present their mathematical research, meet other undergraduates and hear about their research.

Savannah Halliday (mathematics major) and Jackson Streeter (mathematics and computer science double major) presented “The Sandler Syndrome: Predicting Box Office Revenue.”  Jacob DeVries (music business and economics double major) presented “Using Technical Indicators to Predict Future Stock Prices.” Christopher Winfree (applied discrete mathematics major) presented “Predicting a Minor League Player’s Success in MLB.”  The conference featured eleven research presentations given by college students throughout the region.

Belmont Hosts Tennessee Academy of Science Regional Meeting

Paul Chenoweth
-
0
Belmont Hosts Tennessee Academy of Science Regional Meeting

TAS-chemistry-300x224Belmont’s College of Sciences and Mathematics hosted The Tennessee Academy of Science (TAS) Collegiate Division Middle Region Meetingon Saturday, April 18. The meeting included research sessions for chemistry, ecology/zoology/botany, cellular/microbiology/health and medical science and mathematics/engineering/computer science. The TAS meeting was coordinated by Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Duane Hatch.

A total of 37 student presenters from Belmont University, Tennessee State University, Motlow State Community College, Fisk University, Volunteer State Community College and Austin Peay State University presented research in 15 minutes presentations.

Each session was judged by faculty volunteers and 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention awards were presented. Belmont faculty volunteer judges included Drs. John Niedzwiecki, Robert Grammer, Nick Ragsdale, Lori McGrew, Chris Barton, and Roger Jackson, biology, and Drs. Rachel Rigsby and Justin Stace, chemistry. Belmont student volunteers included biology majors Brandy Sweet, Mohamed Darwish, and Austin Demaagd.

The following Belmont students won awards:

  • Chemistry:  2nd place – Daniel Beagan, 3rd place – Victoria Lim
  • Ecology/Zoology/Botany: 1st place – Sonia Kadakia, 2nd place – Jackson Smith, 3rd place -Brielle Davis, Honorable Mention – John Gossen
  • Cellular/Microbiology/Health and Medical Science:  1st place – Lauryn Bouldin, 2nd place – Justin Smith, 3rdplace – Stephanie Ray

TAS-ecology-284x300TAS seeks to promote scientific research and knowledge diffusion, encourage communication between scientists, especially in Tennessee, develop and make known state resources, and arrange and prepare reports of investigations and discussions as they further the aims and objectives of the academy.

Belue Selected as Nashville Ballet Local Artist

Paul Chenoweth
-
0

Photo-Trapped-d-close (1)Belmont Theatre and Dance Associate Professor Debbie Belue was recently selected as the featured local artist for the Nashville Ballet’s upcoming Emergence concert series, a program that highlights innovative choreography in an environment that promotes creative collaboration without risk or expectation.

Belue will  present her choreographic work, “TrApPed!,” alongside Nashville Ballet artists, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the Nashville Opera and singer-songwriter Matthew Perryman-Jones.

Emergence takes place May 14-15 at the newly renovated Martin Center for Nashville Ballet. Click here for more information.

Belmont Remembers Dr. Mike Awalt, Trusted Colleague, Mentor and Friend

Paul Chenoweth
-
0

Mike Awalt“As one of those who knew him best so eloquently put it, his like will not soon pass our way again,” said Dr. John Paine, Belmont professor of English and French, when remembering Professor Emeritus, trusted colleague and beloved friend Dr. Mike Awalt. Dr. Awalt died recently following a battle against cancer–he had spent more than 40 years teaching at the University.

Awalt began his career at Belmont in 1970 as a professor in the Theology and Philosophy Departments. Years later, he would go on to chair the Department of Philosophy before founding Belmont’s Teaching Center, a resource that continues to provide support, assistance and programming for faculty members to hone their craft. Awalt helped establish the Center in 1994 after successfully receiving $100,000 in grants for its development.

Dr. Awalt believed in the power of education and teaching and was deeply committed to contributing to Belmont’s status as a distinguished teaching institution, Paine said. Among the many things he learned from Mike, one of the most memorable was the ability to listen in a meaningful way that encourages collaboration, learning and engagement.

“I don’t think I learned truly to listen in class until I witnessed Mike do this. He allowed what I now think of as creative silences, posing a question that could be approached from several angles and waited patiently and silently for responses. Sometimes we, as teachers, become all too enamored with the sound of our own voices. Giving over a few moments of silence seemed inevitably to lead to articulate, creative exchanges that would move our class discussion forward in unexpected directions,” Paine said.

Continue

Carter Wins First Place in MTSU’s Chinese Language Writing Contest

Paul Chenoweth
-
0
Carter Wins First Place in MTSU’s Chinese Language Writing Contest

Belmont sophomore Clarke Carter, international business major and Chinese minor, won the first place award in the Advanced Category at Middle Tennessee State University Confucius Institute’s Second Annual Chinese Language Writing Contest.  In the fall of 2014, Carter entered the contest by writing a Chinese essay called, “My Best Friend.”

The purpose of the contest is to promote interest in Chinese learning among American and Chinese American students, to offer a platform to present their Chinese writing skills and to increase their understanding of Chinese language and culture.

Under the guidance of Dr. Qingjun Li, assistant professor of Asian Studies and Chinese Language, Carter is the first Belmont student to win an award in Elementary Chinese Writing for Non-Heritage, Advanced Chinese Writing for Non-Heritage or Chinese Writing for Heritage Chinese learners.

Li and Students Present at ASIANetwork Conference

Paul Chenoweth
-
0
Li and Students Present at ASIANetwork Conference

Dr. Qingjun Li, assistant professor of Asian Studies and Chinese, recently lead a group of three students to present their research, “Commodification of Culture in China’s New Cultural Industry,” at the 23rd Annual ASIANetwork Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Belmont students Anna Croghan, Samantha Hubner and Joseph Minga presented their research project for the faculty members from ASIANetwork member institutions, a consortium of around 160 North American liberal arts colleges and universities.

The poster session featured a video, research report and observation and survey results done at five Chinese cities (Beijing, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Hengdian and Wuhan). The team discussed the results of their interviews with professors and deans at the Institute of Cultural Industry at Beijing University, executives and leaders of the mega-corporation Wanda Group and government officials.  The research was generously funded by the ASIANetwork Freeman Student-Faculty Fellows program.

School of Music Recognizes Trustee Michael W. Smith with Applause Award

Paul Chenoweth
-
0
School of Music Recognizes Trustee Michael W. Smith with Applause Award

Belmont University’s School of Music honored acclaimed singer/songwriter/musician Michael W. Smith with the Applause Award at Saturday night’s annual President’s Concert. The Applause Award is the most distinguished award presented by Belmont’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and is given annually to honor those who have made significant contributions to the arts.

College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Dr. Cynthia Curtis said, “Belmont’s School of Music was delighted to present the 2015 Applause Award to Michael W. Smith, who is both an icon of Contemporary Christian Music and a caring and generous humanitarian. Michael was a perfect choice for this award because he brings a long list of impressive musical achievements, highly admirable examples of community service and, as a Trustee of the University, is a supporter of Belmont!  To top all this… his performance for the concert finale was energetic, joyful and simply fun for the entire audience.”

Smith noted, “What an amazing event. I was absolutely blown away at the talent of the kids there at Belmont. It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to see literally hundreds of kids – all with amazing talent – put on a show like that. And to hear them perform my music – – I have to admit to shedding a tear or two. It was a very emotional experience for me. I am so proud of Belmont University. I’m proud to be a Trustee, and I’m proud to recommend Belmont to so many kids that are looking for a great education.”

Smith has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, an American Music Award and more than 40 Dove Awards. In 2014 he, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. During his three-decade career, the West Virginia native has shaped the Christian music landscape with such classic songs as “Friends” and “Healing Rain.”

Presidents-Concert-Michael-W.-Smith-122On National Philanthropy Day in 2014,  the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals named Smith the Philanthropist of the Year, based on his extensive work with Rocketown, which he founded in 1994. Rocketown, the first of its kind in the Southeast, has grown into a model example for Christian-based relational outreach programs across the country. The current facility touts three stages for live entertainment, in addition to Middle Tennessee’s only indoor skatepark and a recording studio, as well as photography, art and dance studios. More than 800 teens from across the region participate in Rocketown programs each week.

Smith has also been actively involved in volunteer service and is the former vice chair of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. He is an avid spokesperson for sponsoring children through Compassion International and also serves on the Belmont University Board of Trustees.

The President’s Concert features School of Music student ensembles and groups that highlight the musical diversity of the program. The Applause Award is presented during the concert. All funds raised by the dinner and concert provide scholarships for students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, which includes the School of Music as well as the Department of Art and the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Previous Applause Award honorees include  the Grand Ole Opry, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins, The Beaman Family Foundation, Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Donna Hilley, Ronn Huff, Martha Ingram, Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, Nashville Symphony, Barbara Massey Rogers, Kenneth Schermerhorn, Ricky Skaggs, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Jerry Warren, Sam Wilson and CeCe Winans.

Earth Day Finds Belmont University Celebrating Its ‘Conservation Covenant’

Paul Chenoweth
-
0
Earth Day Finds Belmont University Celebrating Its ‘Conservation Covenant’

University recognizes past and future commitments to sustainability
conservation-convenant_FINALIn honor of Earth Day 2015, Belmont University celebrated this week with both a special event focused on educating students about being better stewards of the earth as well as an extensive campaign dedicated to sharing the University’s own steps toward conservation in hopes to inspire others to follow suit.

The celebration began today with a special convocation event that featured Blessed Earth, a nonprofit that seeks to inspire and equip individuals to understand their role in preserving the planet for future generations. Throughout the week, Belmont is sharing videos, social media posts and emails with community members to honor the University’s dedication to sustainability and stewardship. Long dedicated to “green” efforts throughout the campus, Belmont has recently transitioned to an all-encompassing sustainability initiative, known as The Conservation Covenant, to emphasize and focus plans for future progress in these areas.

Historically, Belmont’s sustainability initiatives have included a number of projects that align with an overall vision to be an institution committed to stewardship and the responsible use of resources. The University’s Vision 2020, a road map that outlines the vision and goals for the next five years, lists the efficient and responsible use of resources as one of seven strategic priorities setting the foundation for the future.

University President Dr. Bob Fisher believes strongly in the importance of individual and corporate commitment to sustainability, a passion that was born during his own undergraduate career. “As a college senior, I was part of the very first Earth Day celebration.  That participation triggered a lifelong passion of caring for God’s amazing creation, and it’s an honor to lead an organization that puts such a strong emphasis on sustainability.”

With initiatives led by students, faculty, staff and administration, Belmont’s Conservation Covenant has included the removal of plastic water bottles from campus, the installation of BLINK charging stations in parking garages, five educational and sustainable green roofs, campus’s recent designation as a Nashville Tree Foundation Arboretum and USA Tree Campus, light harvesting technology in the newest academic building, Gold LEED certification for the Baskin Center with Platinum LEED certification being pursued for the Wedgewood Academic Center and an innovative, interactive irrigation system that collects run-off rainwater in underground tanks and utilizes current weather data to dictate the need for water, among others.

The University’s current construction project, the Dining and Academic Complex, boasts a number of sustainable aspects including a pending LEED certification application, a geothermal heating and cooling system that uses that Earth’s natural temperature to regulate interior climate and a composting system that converts food and cardboard waste into enriched soil additives through large dehydrators, reducing overall waste from food operations by 45 percent.

spring-2015-153For Environment and Conservation Organization (ECO) Club President Katie Keast, sustainable life practices were not something she was aware of before coming to Belmont to study biology with a marine biology emphasis. Since being a member of the Belmont community, Keast said she has become privy to the importance of honoring the Earth and preserving it for those to come.

“It’s awesome to be at a place that shares the same appreciation for the environment. I’d like to think that someday my grandkids could go snorkeling and see coral reefs, but if humanity continues in the ways we are seeing, that won’t be possible. It’s important to protect the environment for future generations,” Keast said. Under her leadership, the ECO Club continues to develop new and creative student-led initiatives that strengthen the University’s Conservation Covenant.

Belmont has created a student-produced video to highlight these sustainability initiatives and more that contribute to The Conservation Covenant. To view the video, click here.

Student and Alumni Co-Present at National Research Conference

Paul Chenoweth
-
0
Student and Alumni Co-Present at National Research Conference

Belmont student Alexander Marsh and alumni Matthew Graham, economics, recently attended and presented their co-authored paper titled “GDP, Unemployment, and the Great Recession: Utilizing Okun’s Law to Analyze the GDP Drop from 2005-2013”at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) held at Eastern Washington University.  The NCUR is an interdisciplinary conference where students representing universities and colleges from all around the world present research and creative works in oral, poster and performance/visual arts presentations.

The team’s research studied the relationship between an economy’s output and unemployment, a relevant topic that has recently been an ongoing topic of discussion. The application of Okun’s law to modern business cycles can produce valuable insight to a country’s economy. Using quarterly data from 2005 to 2013, the study utilized a production function approach to analyze the relationship between GDP gap and unemployment during the Great Recession. Findings revealed that unemployment, capacity utilization and the size of the labor force have a statistically significant impact on the GDP gap during this time period.

Belmont is a member of the NCUR, whose mission is to promote undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity done in partnership with faculty or other mentors as a vital component of higher education.

The students were accompanied at this conference by research advisor and faculty member Dr. Colin Cannonier.

Belmont Enactus Places Fourth at National Entrepreneurship Competition

Paul Chenoweth
-
0

BelmontEnactus2015Competing against teams from colleges and universities across the country, Belmont’s Enactus team made a statement last night, coming in fourth at a national competition. With 533 teams consisting of more than 16,800 students in the United States, Enactus USA held its National Exposition and competition this week in St. Louis, Missouri, where the Belmont team stood toe-to-toe and came our victorious against much larger institutions, including the University of Oklahoma, University of Florida Gainesville and last year’s national champion, Texas State University.

Dr. John Gonas, associate professor of finance and Sam M. Walton Enactus Fellow, said, “I couldn’t be more proud of the Belmont Enactus students. They are consistently recognized and honored for their tireless commitment to serving our community by creating complex business models tied to social change. Working alongside incredibly committed faculty members Cate Loes, Jason Stahl and Nathan Adam, our students are examples to Enactus teams in the U.S. and world of how to conceive, develop and sustain social enterprises that are truly changing lives in our immediate and global community.”

Enactus is an international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of Enactus create and implement community empowerment projects around the globe. After three days of intense presentations, Belmont Enactus made it to the final four of the national competition, ultimately placing fourth behind John Brown University, La Sierra University and national champion Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

Maggie Fincher, an entrepreneurship major from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee who also serves as Belmont Enactus Vice President, summed the group’s mission up well during the team’s presentation Thursday: “Through entrepreneurial action we’re empowering our community while keeping our focus on our passion for serving people.”

National Enactus competitions are held in 36 countries around the world to showcase how the organization’s students are transforming lives and enabling progress through entrepreneurial action. The quality and impact of projects is evaluated at these competitions with expert business leaders serving as judges. From each national competition one team is selected to represent their country at the Enactus World Cup, this year in Johannesburg, South Africa in October. Belmont’s Enactus team previously won the national championship in 2010 and 2012, and claimed the international title at the 2012 Enactus World Cup.

The 2014-15 Belmont Enactus team consists of 64 members representing a diverse array of majors, including social entrepreneurship, finance, art history, nursing, Christian leadership and international business. In addition to Fincher, the Enactus members who presented at this year’s competition were Zoe Dollman (Ellilta Women at Risk Project Manager), Paul Macedonia (Rocketown Project Manager), Audrey Aavik (Guatemala Greetings and Our Lady of Mercy Project Manager), Brett Wisse (ComptonPost Project Manager) and Graham Spencer-Orrell (Strings for Hope Project Manager). The team currently has a dozen projects in various stages of development, but focused on three during the oral presentation to business leaders:

  • The team worked with its long-term partner 147 Million Orphans to create a bike across America campaign, “Riding with a Reason,” to raise funds to build a school in Mt. Olivos, Honduras for 27 refugee families. After months of planning and more than 3,400 miles on a bicycle, the team raised more than $60,000, enough to build and fully furnish the school. What’s more, the project exceeded its original goal, allowing Belmont Enactus to also build a playground, fund teacher salaries for the next three years and purchase uniforms for the school’s students.
  • Ellilta Women at Risk (EWAR) is an Ethiopian organization that melds job training with a social enterprise, selling scarves, handmade greeting cards and body care products. For the past 20 years EWAR has reached out to urban women in prostitution and provided rehabilitation and education programs as well as job opportunities. Upon a visit earlier this year, Belmont Enactus discovered issues with both the business management and marketing of the organization. The team implemented stronger accounting practices and inventory systems as well as licensing and nondisclosure agreements to protect the women from undesirable exposure.
  • Strings for Hope, a new non-profit organization that takes discarded strings from instruments and repurposes them into jewelry; funds from the jewelry is then used to support other nonprofits in the areas of food, health and education. This year Belmont Enactus and Strings for Hope worked to increase the product’s distribution network, improve online and e-commerce presence and develop a new line of bracelets and new marketing materials. The work resulted in a 50 percent increase in both web traffic and sales, with $12,000 donated to five different food relief, medical and educational organizations. Aavik noted in the presentation, “For Belmont Enactus, Nashville is not only where we live, but serving those in need in our area is also our passion… our home. Through the Strings for Hope project we’ve turned the strings we discard in Music City into sustainable careers, training, and relief – a truly note-worthy cause.”
1...410411412...860Page 411 of 860
Belmont University Logo | News & Media

CONTACT US

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

FOLLOW US