Phoenix Rising - Spring 2021

PHOENIX

RISING

CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY | SPRING 2021

“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”

WILLIAM JAMES Philosopher

Photography: Annie Cater ‘22

LEGACIES

Cumberland University changes lives. It’s changed my life, and I’m sure many of you feel the same way.

At Cumberland, we provide our students with a college experience that challenges and prepares them to lead impactful lives long after graduation. Thanks to the support of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, we have built a legacy of excellence spanning nearly 180 years by helping students create a better future for themselves and their families. One of the important issues we face as a society is the access and affordability of a college degree. At Cumberland, we believe that every student deserves access to higher education, which is why we’re committed to removing financial barriers from earning a four-year degree.

Since 2015, we’ve been a proud partner of the Tennessee Promise program, allowing Tennessee high school graduates to earn an associate degree, tuition-free. From 2015 to 2020, we’ve seen a 528% increase in Tennessee Promise student enrollment, showcasing the need to expand upon this important program.

To assist more of our students in earning a four-year degree, we recently created the Phoenix Promise Scholarship, an extension of the Tennessee Promise program, which will allow select Tennessee students to receive their bachelor’s degree at Cumberland, tuition-free. We believe that access to higher education should not be limited by financial restrictions, and we will continue to make strides towards eliminating extensive student loan debt from Cumberland graduates. That is part of our legacy.

Over the next couple of months, you may notice the construction and various projects across our beautiful campus. We recently began the Phoenix Pride Project, which will modernize and improve many of our building spaces, including the Phillips Dining Hall, Vise Library, and all campus residence halls. We will continue to improve our campus to meet the needs of our growing student population. This is also part of our legacy.

The trials presented to us during the past 15 months have been a testament to the dedication, agility, and determination found within our Cumberland community. COVID-19 has taken many things from us - face-to-face interactions, special moments and events, time with loved ones, and many lives, but it has not taken the spirit of our great university. Our growth and success during this difficult time will contribute to our lasting legacy for generations to come.

Thank you for your constant support, generosity, and commitment.

Thank you for being part of our legacy.

Paul C. Stumb, Ph.D Cumberland University President

A Lasting Mark in our Community 6 Lending a Helping Hand 8 Leading for a Change 10 Traditions: Old and New 14 Legends on and off the Field 18 A Lasting Impact 22 Rising Beyond the Classroom 24 Phoenix Strong 26 Leaving a Legacy 28 Beginning a Tradition of Giving 32 New & Noteworthy 34

A Lasting Mark

in our Community

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CU alumni came together to lend

a hand to make Lebanon a little bit brighter.

In partnership with the Cumberland University Community Arts Council, CU unveiled a new mural near the Lebanon square this spring featuring Phoenix-like wings and the quote, “We rise by lifting others.”

The mural was made possible by a generous donation from CU alum and president and owner of Bone and Associates Hal Bone ‘98, and the painting was completed by Karlie Odum Cunha ‘18, ‘20, owner of Wild Colors Creative Design Studio in Lebanon.

“With everything we have been through this past year, I am thrilled to be part of something so uplifting,” said Cunha.

“Cumberland University grew me into the artist and business owner that I am today, and I am very thankful to have the opportunity to bring their vision of unity to life. Like the Phoenix, we as a community will rise together and continue rising until we reach our greatest potential.”

The mural unveiling was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the LebanonWilson County Chamber of Commerce.

The donation will also be used to host art classes for local children on CU’s campus through a partnership with CUCAC, CU alums, and local artists.

Visit the mural and snap a photo at 626 East Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087.

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Lending a Helping Hand The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented need for healthcare workers that has continued for the last year and a half.

People from all over the world left their homes to serve areas that were heavily impacted by the virus.

Since the COVID-19 vaccines became readily available to the public in early 2021, the rollout of these vaccines required a similar call to action from the medical community.

Throughout the trials of this year, the CU community stepped up to help in every way possible. As a member of the National Guard, Dr. Elizabeth Cooper, associate professor of nursing, was deployed from March 2020 until January 2021 in support of COVID operations.

Dr. Cooper played an integral part with initial COVID testing operations and led an Infection Prevention and Control Team.

During her deployment, Dr. Cooper was able to continue teaching her courses with the help of Dr. Mary Bess Griffith, the dean of the Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions.

“Because of her support through my deployment, I nominated Dr. Griffith for the Patriot Award,” said Cooper. “The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures. Dr. Griffith was incredibly deserving of this award because of her understanding and the accommodations she made for me during my time away from campus.”

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Dr. Griffith was presented with her award surrounded by colleagues at a small celebration at the nursing school earlier in the semester.

“This is the best recognition I have ever received even though I believe all of Cumberland University deserves the recognition,” said Dr. Griffith. “I am so proud to have supported the effort to protect our citizens’ health through support of Dr. Cooper’s work with the Guard.”

Upper-level nursing students also lent a helping hand during the pandemic.

Since February, clinical students have volunteered at the COVID vaccination center at College Hills Church of Christ administering thousands of vaccines.

“It’s been a great experience for our students,” said Jake Whicker, instructor of nursing. “Getting to see public health in the field and give back to the community has been extremely beneficial for them, even when they’re working and learning in a pandemic.”

Students were even able to give vaccinations to Cumberland staff provided locally from Gibbs Pharmacy.

“It’s been a great opportunity to give back to the community,” said 2021 graduate Tammy Johnson. “Not to mention it’s been such great practice for the real world!”

Photography: Annie Cater ‘22

LEADING FOR A CHANGE Shaquillra Taylor and Shae Dunn discuss their experiences as young, Black female leaders on CU’s campus as president of Afro and founder of the Black Student Union.

Photography: Annie Cater ‘22

Shaquillra Taylor Psychology Major ‘22 Intern with The Art of Life Leland, M.S. & LaVergne, T.N. For those who might be unfamiliar, what is Afro?

Afro is a student-led organization that allows us to come together to discuss issues that affect minorities and discuss what steps we can take to help alleviate them on our campus and in our society. Coming together as a group to discuss really important and relevant topics gives us all the opportunity to open our minds, consider others’ opinions and find solutions to move forward.

How did you get involved with Afro?

I was a member and then I was recommended for the president position by my friend Tk, who was the founder of Afro and an old classmate in the Haiti leadership course. She saw me as a leader in the class and knew that she’d be leaving it in good hands. I’ve been in this position for the last two years.

What are some of Afro’s accomplishments?

Afro has coordinated many Black History programs on campus and has worked with the Black History Committee of Wilson County to engage in various programs in our local community. Our Black History Month event from last year focused on police brutality and was very successful. Throughout the school year, we typically have small social events on campus, canned food drives, and partner with other groups on campus to make an even larger impact.

This last semester we held voter registration events, played a pivotal role in the “I AM” movement and the Anti-Racism march on campus.

What was your time in Haiti like?

It opened my eyes to so much and I now see a much broader view of the world. We, Americans, are living every day to be successful, they are living every day to just survive. Plus, education isn’t a priority there; especially public education.

It just ignited something in me to want to help facilitate change there. That’s why I want to build a school there so that I can be a part of teaching small children how to be leaders. They’re the ones that will change the world.

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What has your experience been as a young Black female leader on CU’s campus?

For me, it has been a sweet and sour experience.

I’ve grown as a person and as a leader because the opportunities on campus push you to become a leader, but it’s difficult to balance being a good student with all of these demands. Being a good student and a good leader can be hard to juggle, but faculty members have helped me learn how to balance them well.

What’s some advice that you give your past self?

You’re only one person. It’s okay to ask for help.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d like to be a school counselor and take part in some clinical work. In the long term, I want to open a school and start a foundation in Haiti.

Shae Dunn MAT program with an emphasis in Physical Education ‘2021, Undergraduate ‘20 Cross Plains, T.N. What role do you play with the Black Student Union?

I founded the chapter on CU’s campus. There was a need for a sense of community and belonging among Black students on campus, and I wanted to do something to create that. As we came together as one, we asked ourselves, “What can we do here and now?”. Dr. Janet Parker was our biggest supporter and has helped us become an established organization on campus.

What are some of BSU’s main goals?

We’re driven by doing community service and making sure everyone has access to the resources they need. We host a lot of canned food drives and coat drives to make sure people are taken care of on all levels. We also want to make sure that people feel included. While BSU is a space for Black students to learn, grow and flourish, it’s also a place for people of all races to come together to discuss issues that affect Black people and what we can do to help. BSU is so much more than a club; it’s something that’s here to influence change.

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What has it been like to be a Black female leader on CU’s campus?

At first, I think it was hard for people to see me as a leader. I was always just the funny girl on the softball team, but I was also one of only two black girls on the whole team. I think it started there, where I was able to show some of my fellow teammates outside of their own privilege.

With everything that occurred within the past year, we stepped up as a Black-led organization, and being able to be part of that was huge. There was such a fine line between being heard and being crazy, and it was important to us that we set the precedent of, “This is how we are going to handle this on our campus.” So, we organized donations and supplies for the marches that happened in Nashville and spent a day packing up backpacks to send there. That day, I looked around and grew teary-eyed realizing that we were part of something bigger than us. This was our time now, to be part of the change, to be part of history.

When we had the marches on campus, I saw how much passion there was on campus for change. It gave me hope for the future.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to be a teacher. I also want to have the best life possible for my son, Amir.

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TRADITIONS: Old and New

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CU celebrated 179 years with its annual

Homecoming celebration the week of April 5-9. All Homecoming events were moved to the spring semester to coincide with the Phoenix football schedule, which was moved due to COVID-19. Students, faculty, and staff celebrated on campus with “Family Vacation” themed events, and the community gathered together Friday night to watch CU beat Campbellsville University 14-9. Throughout the week, CU also raised money for student success through the inaugural Giving Week, raising over $34,000.

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Legends on the Field 18

& off

Photography: Annie Cater ‘22

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n January 2021, Coach Woody Hunt, head baseball coach, officially announced his retirement from CU. After 43 years at the university and 41 seasons as the head coach, Hunt decided that it was time to hang up his coaching hat.

During his time as head coach, the CU baseball team captured three NAIA national titles in a span of 10 years, two national runners-up, 12 trips to the NAIA World Series, and 20 regular-

season conference championships.

“Life is full of decisions and changes, which affect a person’s life and those around him,” said Coach Woody Hunt in his official retirement announcement. “It has been a great run and an unbelievable journey to be the head baseball coach at Cumberland,” continued Hunt. “God has blessed me beyond measure.”

Hunt’s legacy was celebrated in a ceremony in April where over 1,000 baseball alumni, fans, and friends of

Coach Hunt came out to honor his leadership and commitment to the game and his players.

In addition to his already long-lasting legacy, the Coach Ronald “Woody” Hunt Endowed Fund, raised over $55,000 with the help of many generous donors which will support the Cumberland baseball program with additional scholarships, equipment, and infrastructure for years to come.

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Photography: Annie Cater ‘22

Softball players, alumni, and supporters gathered in the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena on Friday, April 23 to celebrate the 13-year career of Softball Coach Heather Stanfill. The team celebrated Senior Night and Coach Stanfill’s last game vs. Bethel after the ceremony, with alumni, friends, and community members in attendance.

Stanfill has been head coach at Cumberland since 2008 and announced her resignation in February of this year.

“My time at Cumberland has been nothing short of wonderful,” said Stanfill. “I promised myself the first day I walked on campus that I would leave the program and facility better than I found it and I feel I have held onto that promise.”

That was a promise that Stanfill kept throughout her time at Cumberland. One of her many legacies left at the university is the renovations to the softball facility. Stanfill led the softball program in raising funds to improve the softball facilities, which are now named Billy Dee Ross Stadium, in honor of Stanfill’s late brother. A giving opportunity honoring the coaching career of Stanfill was created to fund the needs of the Cumberland softball program as well as create a social space for the players at Billy Dee Ross Stadium. To contribute to the softball program, visit cumberland.edu/giving and select “Softball Fund.”

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A Lasting Impact

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n April, we announced the completion of the Ignite the Vision Major Gifts Initiative. The initiative began in 2019 with a goal of raising $1.72 million to enhance the campus experience for our growing student population. In the past two years, CU has surpassed the original goal and raised just over $1.89 million from 600 generous donors.

The campaign focused on four strategically planned initiatives, Phoenix Scholars: Supports scholarships for Tennessee Promise students in the continuation of their bachelor’s degree Phoenix Marching Band: Assists the marching band with scholarships, uniforms, and equipment to support the growing band Phillips Dining Hall Expansion: Will create an indoor/outdoor dining experience and add additional seating for our growing student body Memorial Lawn Enhancements: Will transform Memorial Lawn into a functional outdoor space for students and community members to enjoy Each of these key initiatives will assist in enhancing the student experience at Cumberland.

Our student enrollment has increased by more than 80% since 2015, and our campus must grow to meet the needs of our students.

The initiatives funded by the Ignite the Vision Major Gifts Initiative will transform the student experience for current and future CU students. Thank you for your continued support in meeting this milestone achievement. For more information on Ignite the Vision, or to give to CU, visit www.cumberland.edu/giving/.

600

total donors

$1.89 Million

Gives access to

2,550

students in the Phillips Dining Hall

raised

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outdoor classroom opportunities created

80

new Phoenix Marching Band uniforms purchased

Awarded Phoenix Scholar scholarships to

40

students

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Rising Beyond the Classroom

Faculty members are leaving their mark at Cumberland with help from the Dr. C. William McKee Academic Research Grants.

Abby Pitts, Director of Student Retention and Tennessee Promise Support: These

projects, entitled “A Study on Increasing Freshman Resilience” and “Workshops to Aid Freshman and Sophomore Students in Selecting a Major” will focus on increasing student resilience and offering students ways to find their majors. The first project stems from CU’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and will use test and control groups, along with pre and post surveys, to analyze results. The second will offer workshops to students with the goal of having students realize what major makes them passionate about their studies and in turn, become more engaged with course work and the campus.

Eddie Christian, Director of Counseling Services: The study is titled Physician Authentic

Leadership and Emotional Intelligence, as Healthcare Managers: Their Impact on Subordinate Ethical Strength.

The study will involve a quantitative correlational design to explore answers to three research questions: (1) Does physician EI predict employee ethical strength? (2) Does physician EI predict their AL? and (3) Does physician AL moderate the relationship between physician EI and employee ethical strength? The purpose of this study is to address healthcare corruption and the lack of moral integrity in the field, as reported in the current literature.

The aim is to provide relevant information to physicians and healthcare administrators as guidance toward proactively affecting corruption and its destructive repercussions in the industry.

Dr. Jenny Mason, Associate Professor of Psychology and Psychology Program Director: Recently, students began stating that they feel more invested and active in the Psychology program compared to others (both here and at other schools), which might be a result of the Family Chores Initiative (FCI). This initiative came about as an understanding that being part of a family often means helping without a direct reward, with simply the understanding that benefitting your family also benefits you. This project will connect each student’s direct involvement in FCI opportunities with their self-reported levels of program engagement and loyalty, trying to determine whether more involvement in FCIs directly connects to how invested students feel about this school and this major.

Dr. Kent Hallman, Assistant Professor of Sociology:

This project is dedicated to linguistic diversity and language preservation. The ancient Romani language has been spoken in the Americas since 1498, in North America since the 1600s, and is one of the two oldest non-indigenous minority languages in the Americas. However, minority languages - especially those unsupported by government agencies or other allies - are vulnerable to language loss. This project will collect language samples on contemporary American Romani, to gauge the current state of the language, collect linguistic data and lay the foundation for future work on language preservation.

Other grant recipients include: Dr. Eric Cummings, Dr. Mary Bess Griffith, Dr. Laura Bechard, Dr. Paul Percy, Dr. Mark Cheathem, Dr. Peg Fredi, Dr. Jason Grindstaff, Katelynn Hatton, Dr. Andrew Wiley, Dr. Fred Heifner, Dr. Natalie Inman, Dr. Tara Mielnik, Dr. Robert Nichols, Rusty Richardson, Dr. Michael Rex, Ted Rose, Dr. Stephen Shao, Dr. Sandy Smith, Bettina Warkentin

Sarah Pierce, Professor of Chemistry & Sugeidy Sanchez-Xalate: As part of the grant,

Sugeidy recently presented her research with the American Chemical Society National Spring Meeting.

Her research presentation was “Factors that Determine the Amount of Capsaicin in Jalapeño Peppers”.

Capsaicin is the main compound in peppers that specifically triggers the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel. TRPV1 of the body signals the brain that a food is spicy. The amount of capsaicin is interesting because humans are the only ones who find spicy flavors appealing, while other animals are repulsed by it. This gives rise to an interest in quantifying the amount of capsaicin in peppers.

Capsaicin concentration was determined in three different pepper types including Jalapeño, Serrano, and Cayenne. The current hypothesis is that as the amount of nitrogen content increases, the amount of capsaicin will also increase because the capsaicin molecule contains a nitrogen atom. After the plants produce Jalapeño fruit, the same solid-liquid extraction procedure will be performed followed by UV-VIS spectroscopy to determine the amount of capsaicin in each pepper.

Sandy Gertz, Assistant Professor of Creative and Imaginative Writing: This grant will help to fund a commemorative print edition of the Novus Literary Journal, featuring the best work since the journal’s inception in the spring of 2019. This will be distributed to local libraries, schools, bookstores, and will have several launch events in the fall within a tri-county area. Funds from this grant also allowed the journal to enhance the online edition by going nationally on the industry-standard Submittable platform and join the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses.

Rachael Bible, Assistant Professor of Anthropology: CU houses a large archaeological

collection with, at last count, 3,243 artifacts in the Porter and Heifner collections. These two collections consist mainly of stone tools (Porter Collection) and Southwestern ceramics (Heifner Collection). By documenting and databasing these collections, as well as other collections housed at CU, we can position ourselves to add to multiple conversations about archaeology in general and the use of archaeological collections as a teaching tool in higher education. Students in multiple programs will be able to work directly with the archaeological and museum collections and have a vital role in establishing both the database of our artifacts as well as creating an online presence to share that experience and knowledge.

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Phoenix Strong Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all athletic teams held their season during the spring semester. In total, Cumberland had 23 men’s and women’s teams compete in the NAIA conference from January through May 2021. Although many sports seasons were condensed due to the virus, our athletes continued to rise above the many obstacles and outshine their competition.

Lindsey Donnell Award Winner Sarah Haddock The Lindsey Donnell Award is presented annually to a CU student-athlete who excels in both academics and athletics. This year’s award was presented to senior women’s soccer player Sarah Haddock.

Haddock, a senior from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, is one of the most decorated women’s soccer players to come through the program. She has been named Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year three times and is a two-time NAIA All-American and four-time First Team All Mid-South Conference recipient.

In addition to her accomplishments on the field, Haddock holds a 3.5 GPA, has earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester since arriving at Cumberland and earned Academic All-MidSouth Conference three times and NAIA Scholar-Athlete twice.

Wrestling has Highest Finish in Program History The Cumberland Wrestling team had the highest finish in program history in the National Tournament placing fifth in the NAIA. The team set a program record with five All-Americans after day one of the tournament, including a national runner-up.

Junior College transfer and two-time All-American Esco Walker competed in the 133-lb weight class in the tournament and made it to the national championship before being defeated by Indiana Tech’s Conner Gimson.

The Phoenix finished the tournament with five All-Americans, Esco Walker, Patrick Depiazza, Carter Cox, Anthony Maia and Cole Smith.

To stay up-to-date with Phoenix athletic news and events, visit www.gocumberlandathletics.com.

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Men’s Golf Claims Highest Finish in Program History Cumberland’s men’s golf team shot a 1197 after four rounds in the 69th NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, IL. The team claimed the highest title in program history and finished 10th in the tournament overall. This is the team’s fourth consecutive trip to the NAIA Men’s Golf Championships.

Women’s Soccer’s 6th National Tournament Appearance in Program History The Cumberland women’s soccer team earned a bid to the 2020 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship in Hattiesburg, MS. The team held a regular season record of 9-3 with seven shutouts on the ledger.

After a 2-0 win over Truett McConnell in the first round, the team made it to the NAIA Opening Round Final. The Phoenix lost to #1 ranked William Carey in their second tournament game 5-1 ending the season 10-4.

Phoenix Running Back Totals Over 1,000 Yards Cumberland Running Back Treylon Sheppard totaled 1,013 rushing yards despite a shortened Phoenix season. Sheppard is the first Cumberland rusher to reach 1,000 yards since Lemeco Harris in 2012, and Sheppard accomplished this in four fewer games.

The sophomore led CU with 11 touchdowns on the ground and ranked second in NAIA rushing yards per game with 144.7 average yards. He also ranked fourth in total rushing yards and ninth in scoring per game, averaging 9.4 points per game.

Sheppard was named First Team All-Mid-South Conference for the 2020-2021 season.

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Leaving a Legacy 28

This academic year began with the university’s largest total enrollment, with 2,704 students and concluded with celebrating Cumberland’s largest graduating class in the university’s 179-year history. We welcomed 679 new graduates to the alumni association and are now 13,000 alumni strong.

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Beginning a Tradition of Giving “If it weren’t for generous

donors, I wouldn’t have been able to graduate with my undergraduate degree and MBA from Cumberland. I know what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown at Cumberland will be the key to my success and I’m forever grateful to Cumberland and the generosity of donors like Jackie who have made my education, and the education of my peers, possible.”

-Joan Gopar, MBA ‘22

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At this year’s Commencement Ceremonies, generous donor and Cumberland alum Jackie Cowden gave each graduate a commemorative dollar coin to start the tradition of paying it forward. Graduates received a card with information about the new tradition and the coin to be used as their first gift back to the university.

Philanthropy has always been important to Cowden, a trait instilled in her by her parents who both grew up in poverty and made a very good life together by being responsible, good stewards, being vigilant and having a passion for everything they did, especially their children and education.

“Remember this campus, remember your professors, remember the activities, the sports teams, the new band, the chorus or whatever impacted your time at Cumberland. Remember the generosity of others whose earned dollars allowed you to attend and now graduate from Cumberland University.

To the class of 2021, go into this world with responsibility, stewardship, with vigilance and with passion and you will be successful adults.”

- Jackie Cowden, Class of 1975 & 1995

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New and Noteworthy Holocaust Remembrance CU hosted its second annual Holocaust Remembrance ceremony on April 7 in Baird Chapel. The ceremony commemorated the national Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust and honored those who suffered and perished in the Holocaust. The event featured special performances from CU faculty and students and guest speaker Mr. Jack May. Mr. May’s renowned family business, May Hosiery Mill, provided refuge to almost three hundred Jewish refugees during World War II. In the 1930s, co-president Mortimer May traveled back and forth to Germany to rescue Jews and offer them employment at the mill in Nashville.

Honor Society Induction Students, faculty and staff were inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa society this April. The ceremony was included in Founder’s Day celebrations and honored special guests and recipients. ODK is the premier leadership honor society in the U.S.

eSports: New to CU Late in the fall semester, Director of Athletics Ron Pavan announced the addition of an eSports program, beginning in the fall of 2021. Competitive gaming also referred to as eSports, has grown rapidly over the past few years in popularity and more and more institutions are offering competitive teams.

The team will be coached by Spencer Claypool.

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A Big, Big Payback CU raised $36,549 during The Big Payback this spring. During the 24-hour online event, 54 donors contributed over $36,000 to support our students.

The Big Payback, an initiative by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is a day of giving supporting nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee.

In its seventh year, The Big Payback has now raised nearly $21 million for local nonprofits. Cumberland has participated in the annual fundraising event since 2016.

We are so thankful for all of our donors!

A New Promise

This spring, CU announced the start of the Phoenix Promise program, giving qualified Tennessee students an opportunity to earn a four-year degree, tuition free.

The Phoenix Promise, an extension of the Tennessee Promise, will allow eligible Tennessee students with the greatest financial need to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree from a private university without paying any tuition costs.

1842 Society The 1842 Society began in September 2020 as an alumni annual giving society. Today, the society has over 400 members and continues to grow. To join the 1842 Society, members are encouraged to give what they can starting at $18.42 in honor of Cumberland’s founding year.

New alumni are given a graduation cord to be worn with their cap and gown at the annual Commencement Ceremony to honor their contribution back to the university. For more information, or to join the 1842 Society, visit www.cumberland.edu/alumni/.

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1 Cumberland Square Lebanon, TN 37087

www.cumberland.edu