Belmont University held its 2023 summer commencement ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students on Friday, Aug. 11 in the Curb Event Center. 116 undergraduate, 126 masters and 58 doctoral candidates participated in the ceremony.
Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones presided over the event and emphasized the value of humility in his commencement remarks. “As you go forward from this place, I want to invite you to be proud of what you've accomplished, and to be humble in the ways in which you relate to others... I also hope that, as you go forward from here, you will let hope abound.”
Public health candidate Tatum Willow Brown read scripture from 1 John 4:7-11 and delivered a heartfelt student reflection.
“Everyone in this room has a story,” said Brown. “Everyone here has faced trials and tribulations. I want all my fellow graduates to know that no matter where you're coming from, your presence here today is evidence that another brother can do it, another sister can make it and another sibling can thrive. If no one else tells you this today, I'm so proud of you.”
This is the final year for the University to hold a summer commencement ceremony. Beginning in 2024, students finishing their degrees in spring and summer will be invited to participate in their respective May commencement ceremonies.
A live stream was available for spectators who couldn’t attend in person. Friday’s commencement and previous ceremonies are archived on the University’s YouTube channel. View images in the 2023 Summer Commencement photo gallery.