A Cover Like No Other To celebrate Belmont’s 125th anniversary, we gathered 16 alumni (14 models as well as our photographer and stylist) representing every decade since the 1940s for a unique photo opportunity. Conversation and laughter were abundant as these alums and current students shared stories of their campus experiences through the generations, finding numerous connections despite the difference in years. The cover photo was shot by Cameron Powell (’07) on Wed., Dec. 2 in the Belmont Mansion with fellow alum Brenna Mader (’09) serving as stylist and image consultant. Photography assistants were Jon Morgan and Joel Micah Dennis. Pictured are (l-r):
FLETCHER FOSTER Attended: 1983-85 Studied: Music and music business Memories: His favorite professor was Bob Malloy. “He was beyond a teacher; he was a friend and parent to so many of us.” Currently: President/CEO of Iconic Entertainment Group
BETTY HALL SHEPHERD LAMAR Attended: 1946-48 Studied: English literature, speech and dramatics Memories: The vice president of her senior
class and active in Speech Club, Phi Theta Kappa and Hood and Gown, Betty fondly recalls her theatre work and May Day celebrations. Currently: A retired teacher and active volunteer.
TAMARA TAJ GEORGE Attended: 2002-04 Studied: Marketing Memories: Though juggling a full-time class
schedule, part-time job, music tours and wedding planning, Taj remembers that she never skipped a marketing class. “John Gonas was my favorite professor and was super helpful with statistics.” Currently: A member of R&B trio SWV, Taj and her bandmates will release their seventh album in February.
SARAH ELLIS Attended: 2012-16 Studied: Political science Memories: An Honors student who’s active
in Greek Life, Sarah was chosen as the 2015 Homecoming Queen and mentions her love for Homecoming Week in particular. “I love meeting Belmont grads from all generations and being part of our school’s rich history.” Currently: Scheduled to graduate in May, Sarah is looking into international service programs and travel opportunities. She eventually hopes to pursue a career in higher education.
HANNAH PARAMORE Attended: 1978-81 Studied: Classical piano Memories: Hannah enjoyed being a member
of Chorale, the only Belmont choir at the time, and she recalls loving the performances of different music majors. “They were all so inspiring… our Chorale tour through the South my freshman year was a highlight.” Currently: President/CEO of Paramore, the digital agency
STEVEN MARTIN Attended: 2007-12 Studied: Accounting (Undergrad & Master’s) Memories: An RA who also held offices with
BETTY HAMILTON PHILPOT Attended: 1948-50 Studied: Biology and chemistry Memories: Involved at Ward-Belmont in Agora
BERNARD CHILDRESS Attended: 1974-78 Studied: Health and physical education as
MIKE SMALLING Attended: 1986-90 Studied: Business and finance Memories: Mike played basketball and was
Black Student Association and SGA, Steven won the 2010 Bruin Award. One of his favorite memories, though, came with winning the opportunity to record a three-song EP at Ocean Way studio during his senior year. Currently: Belmont Admissions Counselor
an undergrad and also received a master’s of education in administration and supervision Memories: As a basketball player all four years, Bernard counts Betty Wiseman as his favorite professor and mentor: “She was always willing to give me advice. She is truly a woman of God and outstanding role model.” Currently: Executive Director of Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association
JOHN MCCALL Attended: 1963-65 Studied: Business Memories: John was involved with Phi Nu
Sigma and Student Government, but his favorite memory came during a summer school chemistry class in 1964 where he met the woman who would become his wife. Currently: Co-owner of D.T. McCall & Sons furniture store chain
KAY FARRIS MCCALL Attended: 1961-65 Studied: English and French Memories: Kay expressed her love for Dr. Virginia Chaney (“a great English teacher”) and the oratorio choir, but her favorite memory was hanging the greens at Christmas with her future husband. Currently: Retired English/French teacher
JAMES POSTON Attended: 1951-55 Studied: English and drama Memories: Active in BSU and the Studio
Players drama group, James fondly recalls meeting his wife Betty on campus and the family-feel of Belmont. Currently: Retired Montgomery Bell Academy teacher, counselor and administrator
BETTY POSTON Attended: 1952-56 Studied: Elementary education Memories: Involved with Kappa Delta Sigma, Tower and SGA, Betty’s favorite memory was dating James, whom she’s now been married to for 58 years. Currently: Retired teacher
club and synchronized swimming, Betty’s favorite memories include the friendships she built and May Day celebrations. Currently: Active volunteer with church and other organizations
involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, noting that Bill Camp and Mike Awalt were his favorite professors. “They made the classroom creative and challenging, and they were big basketball supporters.” Currently: Mortgage lender for 25+ years
JONNY WOO Attended: 2012-16 Studied: Management and marketing Memories: Named the 2015 Homecoming King, Jonny’s involved with Belmont Ambassadors, Greek Life and the Massey College of Business Student Advisory Board. “Dr. Amy Crook and Dr. Robert Lambert have both gone above and beyond to teach me all I need to know to be successful in the business world.” Currently: Graduating in May, Jonny’s already secured a position at Change Health Care in Nashville.
INSET PHOTO
BRENNA MADER Attended: 2007-09 Studied: Journalism and media studies Memories: A former Miss Tennessee, Brenna
says her favorite professors were Thom Storey and Sybril Brown. “Both professors struck a great balance between being forward thinking, caring and using outside connections to help me in my career.” Currently: Serving as a freelance stylist and image consultant for this shoot, Brenna also does freelance work in broadcast and print journalism.
CAMERON POWELL Attended: 2002-07 Studied: Entrepreneurship and music business Memories: Cameron’s favorite Belmont memories include his time in Pembroke and Curb College showcases. Currently: Photographer and video director (CameronPowellStudio.com)
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
1