Circle
From the President Several months ago Belmont’s Board of Trustees and senior leadership team discussed what we wanted Belmont to look like in five years. As we began crafting a Vision 2015 statement, one element that emerged was our ongoing commitment to Nashville. In fact, we wrote that we intended to provide “engagement with and service to the Nashville community that is unmatched by any other institution of higher education – Belmont is ‘Nashville’s University.’” Little did any of us know then what was about to befall Music City, USA. No one anticipated the damaging storms and torrential floods that would invade this region in early May. One thing we could forecast, however, was how we would respond. The Belmont community including faculty, staff, students, alumni and parents - rushed into service, volunteering time and donating money and supplies to aid those in need. Moreover, despite power outages, issues with water service and hours sacrificed to serve others in the days following the flood, Belmont’s students, faculty and staff rose to the occasion, finishing the academic year strongly in the face of pressure and uncertainty. While I grieve with those who have lost so much from Nashville’s flooding, I can’t help but to also feel a sense of pride in Belmont. It was remarkable to see the immediate and generous response by members of the Belmont community to the crisis in Nashville, but the on-going service to the Nashville community and the world that I see our students performing every day is equally noteworthy. In a recent meeting with Belmont students who were producing this year’s Best of the Best showcase, Vince Gill asked a simple question, “What would the world look like if we all thought of others first and ourselves last?” As I read this edition of Circle, I was struck by the number and variety of activities that Belmont is involved with that embody ways of thinking of others first. I hope as you read you will also get a sense of the atmosphere of service that pervades our university. Though I always have a sense of gratitude for the privilege of serving as Belmont’s president, recent events have only deepened my great love for this place and this community. After celebrating my first decade with Belmont in April, I can honestly say I’m even more excited about what the next 10 years will bring. Thank you for being a part of all the wonderful things that will continue to happen here.
Credits University Administration President Bob Fisher Provost Marcia McDonald Vice President for Presidential Affairs Susan West Vice President of Finance and Operations Steve Lasley Vice President for Administration and University Counsel Jason Rogers Vice President of University Advancement Bethel (Bo) Thomas, Jr. Vice President of Spiritual Development Todd Lake
Magazine Managing Editor April Hefner Designers Glenda Dahlhauser April Maglothin Sara Spencer Josh Wilkerson University Photographer J. Michael Krouskop Contributing Photographers ASunPhotos.com Wes Aldridge Alex Crawford Andrea Hallgren Scott Indermaur Rachael Moore Bonnie Riechert Teresa VanHattan-Granath Contributing Writers Greg Sage Meg Tully Jennifer Wetzel
Dr. Robert C. Fisher, President
Production and Distribution Coordinators April Maglothin Veronica Smith Circle magazine is published biannually for alumni and friends of Belmont University. Editorial content, graphic production, printing and distribution are coordinated by the Office of Communications. Address changes and alumni notes should be directed to the Office of Alumni Relations. Third-class bulk postage is paid at the U.S. Post Office, Nashville, TN. Direct inquiries and comments regarding Circle magazine content to: Belmont University Office of Communications/Circle magazine 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212 (615) 460-6641 or circlemag@belmont.edu Belmont University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer under all applicable civil rights laws.
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circle magazine