Belmont’s School of Humanities will be hosting its Sixth Annual Fall Humanities Symposium next week, featuring guest lectures and special events all built around the topic, “Transforming Travel: Rewriting the World as We Know It.” Running Sun., Nov. 11 through Mon., Nov. 19, the symposium will focus on the ways in which travel literature and narratives transform our world.
A range of events and readings will be offered from experts in the field of travel writing. A few highlights include the following:
Vanderbilt University’s Dr. Molly Miller, a geologist, will be speaking on Mon., Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. on her research in Antarctica in her talk, “Life and (Cold) Hard Times in Antarctica: Mixing Science and Travel while Unraveling the Frozen Continent’s Climatic and Ecological History.”
Alexa Smith, formerly of the Presbyterian News Service, will offer her perspective on the challenges of reporting on religious communities isolated in areas of international conflict in her Tues., Nov. 13 lecture at 3:30 p.m. on “The Struggle for Authenticity in a Conflict Zone: Transforming Subject, Reader and Writer.”
Tony D’Souza, freelance journalist and award winning author of Whiteman, will speak on Wed., Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. on his experiences in Central America and his involvement in the Eric Volz trial, in his talk ““From Mariscos to Mariachis to a Murder Trial: How a Central American Freelance Jaunt Became a Literary and Legal Nightmare.”
Brice Minnigh—a Belmont alumnus, freelance travel journalist, extreme adventurer, Fulbright scholar and co-author of The Rough Guide to Taiwan—will speak on Thurs., Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m. on “Passion and Profession: The Art of Making the Two Meet Through Adventure Travel Writing and Photography.”
Dr. Margaret Doody, renowned scholar and novelist from the University of Notre Dame, will speak on Thurs., Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. on the place of Venice in the Western imagination in her talk “The Traveler in Venice: Moving through Space, Time, and Change.”
The kick-off event takes Sunday evening, Nov. 11, with a reading of travel-related writing by members of the Belmont community. Other highlights include a reception Wednesday for the symposium speakers, a Humorous Travel Essay Competition and a Writing Workshop focused on freelance/travel-related writing.
For additional information and a complete listing of all events in this year’s symposium, visit the online program at www.belmont.edu/english/humanities_symposium.
School of Humanities to Host ‘Transforming Travel’ Symposium
DMHO Makes Top Ten on ‘Next Great American Band’
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, a local band consisting of a number of Belmont alumni, made it into the Top 10 last week on new Fox television show “Next Great American Band.” The big band performed original song “All Night” and Elton John cover “I’m Still Standin’” on Friday evening’s show, and this week’s episode, which will air Fri., Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Central, will feature the songs of Billy Joel. Viewer voting will occur for two hours, from 8-10 p.m. Central, immediately following the conclusion of the broadcast. For more information, visit the DMHO Web site at www.denvermho.com.
Junior PR Major Wins Bridgestone Americas Scholarship
Emily Telford, a junior public relations major, was recently awarded the $2,500 Bridgestone Americas Public Affairs Scholarship, an annual award given by the Nashville-based company to a student who demonstrates academic excellence, campus service and professionalism.
Telford, who also is earning a double minor in journalism and philosophy, has maintained a 3.77 grade point average while being an active campus leader. She is the president of Belmont’s PRSSA Chapter and the former secretary and current volunteer for Bruin Recruiters, the student recruitment team at Belmont University. In addition to her campus service, she has had internships at Schmidt Relations, PassAlong Networks and National Renal Alliance.
“I am honored to receive the scholarship,” Telford said. “I am very passionate about working in the PR field, and I am so proud of the growth of our program at Belmont. Succeeding in my PR classes and developing our student organization, PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America), has been the most gratifying part of my college education, and to be rewarded with a scholarship is beyond reimbursement for all my hard work.”
Nursing Students, Health Services Provide Free Flu Shots for Edgehill
Belmont University and Kayne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church partnered this weekend to provide a free family flu shot clinic at the Easley Community Center in Rose Park, giving 94 vaccines at the Easley Community Center and to residents of I.W. Gernert Homes.
“Belmont has a great history of volunteerism in the community,” said Belmont Health Services Director Katy Wilson. “It was a logical and important step to add a health care dimension to that. My hope is that this effort will be the first in a long line of partnerships with the Edgehill community.”
Dr. Jason Rogers, the university’s vice president for administration and university counsel, added, “Belmont students, faculty and staff are already involved in a number of projects in the Edgehill community, but we are always looking for opportunities to further our service-learning initiatives and to be the best neighbors we can be. Hopefully, this event will go a long way toward keeping our community healthy this winter.”
Kayne Avenue Missionary Baptist brought food, games and balloons to the event to help distract participants, including numerous children, from anxiety about the needles. Vincent K. Campbell, senior pastor, said, “One of the things I like about this is that Belmont and the church are helping people overcome the barriers that prevent them from receiving services. This is a perfect example of how churches and non-profit institutions can partner together to do good for our community.”
Alvin Love Wins Urban/Pop Showcase
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business Showcase Council rose to the challenge of bringing the best of Belmont to the stage on Sat., Oct. 27 in the university’s Curb Event Center. The Urban/Pop Showcase entertained the 1500+ crowd with stompin’ and steppin’ and musical musings from Steve Moakler, Alvin Love, Stephen Fryrear and Brett McLaughlin.
Taking home the prized title of “winner” was Detroit, Mich. native Alvin Love. Some of Love’s talents include dancing, singing, songwriting and choreography. As winner of the Urban/Pop Showcase, Love will perform again in April at the 2008 Best of the Best event.
Sophomore Music Business major and student producer Ross Marshall thought the production was “absolutely phenomenal… I seriously could not have asked for a better staff, crew or show. For my first time around, I thought it went amazingly well and that everyone involved had a great time.”
Justin Hare Named to Mid-Major All America Team
Belmont Basketball senior Justin Hare has been named to the 2007-08 Preseason Mid-Major All-America Team by CollegeInsider.com.
Hare, the leading returning scorer in the Atlantic Sun Conference last season with 1,275 career points, was a 2006 First Team All-Atlantic Sun selection. The Cleveland, Tenn. native also earned Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP honors in 2006 and 2007 in leading the Bruins to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
“This is a tremendous honor for Justin,” Belmont men’s basketball head coach Rick Byrd said. “He has represented our program well, both on the court and in the classroom, during his time at Belmont. I know our coaching staff is expecting big things from Justin in his senior season.”
Of the 25 players named to the Preseason Mid-Major All-America Team, Hare was one of just two Atlantic Sun Conference representatives, joining East Tennessee State guard Courtney Pigram. Division I coaches and NBA scouts were part of the selection process, but final decision rested with the CollegeInsider.com staff. Belmont opens its 2007-08 campaign Fri., Nov. 9 at Cincinnati.
Tickets Now On Sale for ‘Nashville Celebrates Elvis!’
Belmont University announced today that tickets are now on sale for “Belmont University Presents: Nashville Celebrates Elvis!,” a benefit show to be held at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Tues., Feb. 12, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.
In celebration of Elvis’ association with the early days of the Nashville music industry, the show will feature Elvis songs performed by celebrity artists who have recorded, performed or been influenced by his music. Proceeds from this one-night-only opportunity will benefit the Cecil Scaife Music Business Scholarship Fund to help Curb College students.
Confirmed artists participating include George Klein (host), Pat Boone, David Briggs, Mac Davis, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Wanda Jackson, The Jordanaires, Millie Kirkham, Ronnie McDowell, TG Sheppard and BJ Thomas.
Tickets are available at $35, $100 and a special patron-level of $500 that guarantees premium seating and an invitation to a special party at the RCA Studio B recording studio on Mon., Feb. 11. Tickets for $35 and $100 seats are available at all Ticketmaster locations, through Ticketmaster.com and the Ryman box office. Patron-level $500 tickets are available only through the Curb Event Center Box Office at 460-8500.
Adams Selected for Tennessee Teaching Award
Dr. Sarah J. Adams, Chair of the Department of Sport Science, was recently notified that she will be receiving the “College/University Teacher of the Year” award from the Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD). The Association honors individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance and will hold the award luncheon during the organization’s annual convention Nov. 6 at the Nashville South/Cool Springs Embassy Suites Hotel.
Entrepreneurship Senior Attends Leadership Forum in Tampa
As a result of her outstanding scholastic achievement and her involvement with the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) Business Honor Society, Belmont Senior Entrepreneurship major Kassi Konz was chosen to represent the University’s BGS chapter at the Student Leadership Forum held Nov. 1-3 in Tampa, Florida. Konz is a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
While attending the forum, Konz will be working with BGS student members from Colleges and Universities across the country for a chance to improve her leadership skills. The Student Leadership Forum will be challenging the chosen participants to examine their leadership styles through team-building exercises, social activities, and networking. Beta Gamma Sigma is a business honor society which serves programs accredited by the AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
Belmont Partners with Local Church to Give Free Flu Shots in Edgehill
Belmont University and Kayne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church announced today that they are partnering together to provide a free family flu shot clinic at the Easley Community Center in Rose Park (1000 Edgehill Avenue) on Sat., Nov. 3, from 10 a.m.-noon.
In anticipation of flu season, Belmont recently offered shots to all students, faculty and staff for $16 each. More than 200 additional vaccinations are being offered for free to the university’s neighbors in the Edgehill community, and student nurses from the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing will administer the shots. In addition, approximately 40-60 doses will be offered free of charge to residents of I.W. Gernert Homes, which serves seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“Belmont students, faculty and staff are already involved in a number of projects in the Edgehill community,” said Dr. Jason Rogers, the university’s vice president for administration and university counsel. “But we are always looking for opportunities to further our service-learning initiatives and to be the best neighbors we can be. Hopefully, this event will go a long way toward keeping our community healthy this winter.”
Vincent K. Campbell, senior pastor of Kayne Avenue Missionary Baptist, noted that the church’s youth (Next Generation Now) and community outreach (Helping Hands) ministries will be hosting a family festival at the Easley Center that morning to help attract parents and children to the event. In addition to games and music, the church will be providing food, candy and prizes.
