Convocation

(noun): to come together; group of people formally assembled for a special purpose

We formally kicked off the 2020-2021 academic year with the school’s 179th Convocation Ceremony on Monday, Aug. 24.

The ceremony, which typically includes all students, faculty, and staff, was limited to sixty guests in Baird Chapel. The ceremony was streamed live on YouTube for those unable to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions. CU Trustee Michael Moscardelli was the macebearer and led the procession of deans and senior university administrators dressed in regalia.

The invocation was led by Diocese of Nashville Bishop J. Mark Spalding. President Paul Stumb, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bill McKee, Faculty Senate President Peg Fredi, and 8 Student Government Association President Allie Garcia offered words of inspiration and encouragement.

Additional awards included the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence presented to Assistant Professor of Nursing Julie Windmiller, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award presented to Herman D. “Boone” and Sally Swain. A Doctor of Literary Letters (honoris causa) was awarded to Michael Jon Spalding, M.D. Cumberland also publicly acknowledged and celebrated the law degree earned by Don Carlos Birdwell over sixty years ago.

The ceremony was rounded out by the recitation of the Cumberland Creed, the singing of the alma mater, and our annual Phoenix Firepit tradition.

Rising Phoenix Award

Jenny Gaffney is a 2006 Bachelor of Business Administration graduate with a minor in Computer Information Systems. She also earned her MBA from UConn in 2017. She now lives in Connecticut with her husband (Chris) and daughter (Grace) and is a Senior Project Manager for Walt Disney’s Directto-Consumer & International business segment. Jenny manages the ESPN Fantasy Games and is a leader for Disney’s Women in Technology initiative. Jenny dedicates her life to serving others through various volunteer organizations.

Award of Excellence: SHEA

Aqeel Kadhom Hussein Al Bdairy received his Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership in December 2016. He is a native of Iraq, where he resides with his wife and children. Aqeel is CU’s first Fulbright Scholar and was recognized by three different levels of Iraq’s government - the Iraqi Cultural Attache in Washington D.C., the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education’s Department of Education, and the Department of Education in his home city, Diwaniya.

Award of Exellence: Rudy

Monicka Stevenson is a 2009 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate. She is now a family nurse practitioner. Monicka works with Creative Healthcare and Aseracare Hospice and offers care and comfort to her patients and their families during a fragile and challenging time of life. She shows kindness and acceptance of all through utilizing patientcentered care and expanding awareness of hospice services.

Award of Exellence: Labry

Josh Sevier received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cumberland in 2012, Doctorate of Audiology from Pacific University, and recently a Masters of Laws (LLM) in Medical Laws and Ethics from the University of Edinburgh. He is the coordinator of the cochlear implant programs at Children’s Hospital of Omaha and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Josh serves on the legislative affairs committee and was Vice President of Advocacy for the Nebraska Speech-Language and Hearing Association.

Distinguished Alumni Award

In 2019, LaQuita Martin received the Enduring Advocate For Social Change Award by The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). She has been an active member of NCJW, Nashville Section, for over 20 years. Throughout her tenure, she has served as the section’s President and Vice President of Advocacy. She also serves as the Tennessee State Advocacy Chair with NCJW, National. LaQuita acts as a vital partner to organizations throughout the Nashville community and the state to promote NCJW’s mission and values.