Alumni invited to campus for two days of reconnecting, remembering, relishing all things Belmont
Belmont University hosted its first-ever Reunion Weekend, June 28-29, bringing together alumni across the decades to celebrate their shared connection to the Institution. The event, themed "Humble Beginnings," offered an opportunity for graduates to reconnect, reflect on their time at Belmont and witness the University's growth firsthand.
Reunion Weekend was curated and organized by the Office of Alumni Engagement. In addition to various campus partners who contributed to the event, alumna Anna Messer '22 designed all Reunion Weekend artwork.
In the opening session, Senior Alumni Engagement Director Chip Hayner compared Belmont’s dynamic community to a flourishing tree, recognizing the exceptional faculty and staff who provide continuous support and nurturing as firm roots. It is further strengthened by a branching alumni network that fosters growth through individual and collective contributions in mentorship, collaboration and leadership.
“This weekend is about honoring the small, significant moments that have shaped Belmont’s journey from a modest start to the vibrant community it is today,” Hayner said. “Each one of our alumni represents an amazing chapter that is part of Belmont’s story.”
From recent graduates to those who walked the halls more than 50 years ago, alumni came together to reflect on Belmont’s beginning, celebrate the present and dream about what the future holds. The compact, conference-like schedule offered multiple connection points for alumni to engage with their colleges, programs and student organizations.
The inaugural Reunion Weekend was a powerful testament to Belmont's enduring legacy and vibrant future. As alumni from across decades came together to celebrate their shared experiences, reminisce about the past and witness the University's remarkable growth, the event underscored the threads that connect the Belmont community together across generations. The weekend not only honored the institution's humble beginnings but also showcased its dynamic present and promising future.
Highlights of Reunion Weekend
Kickoff Celebration
The weekend kicked off with a vibrant celebration at GEODIS Park that set the tone for two days of nostalgia, networking and new experiences.
Tower Society Luncheon
The Tower Society is a cherished alumni community representing graduates of 50+ years. At the Tower Society luncheon, alumni shared captivating stories from their time at Belmont College, and the class of 1974 was inducted into its ranks.
Academic Sessions, Open Houses & Campus Tours
Academic sessions, open houses and campus tours provided insight into current programs and upcoming developments. Despite the physical changes to the campus over the years, many alumni remarked that the heart of Belmont remains unchanged.
As alumni made their way around campus on Saturday morning, they heard the melodic Bell Tower bells played by Professor Emeritus, Dr. Richard Shadinger.
Humble Beginnings Panel
Humble Beginnings Panels
Four "Humble Beginnings" panels fostered rich discussions around different topics and explored the University's transformation from past to present.
Roots of Tradition: The Legacy of Belmont Orientation & Towering Traditions Panel
The Roots of Tradition: The Legacy of Belmont Orientation & Towering Traditions panel discussed the development and evolution of student orientation and parent programming. Panelists recapped the history of orientation at Belmont, recalling the inspiration for Belmont’s orientation process and how the program has grown into a cherished experience for staff, students, parents and alumni. Panelist Dane Anthony has dedicated over 30 years to higher education as a university chaplain, student services administrator and faculty member, focusing on spiritual direction and vocational discernment. His leadership in Student Affairs signified a turning point for the orientation experience. “I realized after a conversation with the director of housing that the University had a sense that orientation was a student affairs program,” Anthony recalled. “Then I thought, we're welcoming students to whole life within the institution and it's a bigger idea than that. So, we had this idea of starting to recruit offices within the University to come and have a presence.”
Bruin Spirit: Untold Stories of Belmont Athletics
The Bruin Spirit: Untold Stories of Belmont Athletics panel delved into the early days of Belmont Athletics, exploring the growth and challenges faced by the department. The panelists emphasized the importance of maintaining Belmont's core values amidst the changing landscape of college athletics, particularly with the advent of NIL and the transfer portal. Panelist Renee Shultz is Belmont’s senior associate athletic director, senior woman administrator and a former Belmont women’s soccer team captain. She reflected on her experience as a student-athlete and the enduring sense of community and care she found at Belmont. "It's a community that cares about one another. I felt cared about. I felt valued as a student when I was here. I feel like still today, 27 years later, that still exists on our campus."
Belonging at Belmont: Reweaving the Social Fabric Panel
The Belonging at Belmont: Reweaving the Social Fabric panel unpacked where Belmont has been and where it’s headed – exploring efforts to be an institution where diversity, care and support are interwoven in all pursuits. “When we talk about the ‘flourishing of all’, that means we're going to get into some spots where Belmont has maybe never stepped into. It’s our job to live that aim out and not lose that fire,” said Vice President for Hope, Unity and Belonging Dr. D’Angelo Taylor. “How can we make this a place where every student, faculty and staff member feel as if they belong?”
Becoming Nashville's University: How Belmont Has Grown with Its City Panel
The Becoming Nashville's University: How Belmont Has Grown with Its City panel explored how Belmont has evolved in tandem with the city of Nashville, highlighting key initiatives, historical milestones and the University's impact on the broader community. Touching on projects to digitize the University’s scrapbook collection, the impact and significance of Belmont in the Nashville’s community and the $58 million gift from Mike Curb to continue Belmont’s legacy as Nashville’s university, attendees engaged in an outstanding panel conversation.
Humble Beginnings Moderators:
Madi Shultz Tummins '18, former Orientation Council student director; Emily Proud ‘16, CBS sports reporter, Julia Copeland ‘16 & ‘23, Belmont University director of public relations; Jaylen Palmer, Public Health and Business Administration ’22
Humble Beginnings Panelists:
Suzanne Matheny, former dean of students & Towering Traditions architect; Dane Anthony; Nancy Garrett, former resident advisor and leader in student government at Belmont; Jess Finney, 2024 Orientation Council student director
Rick Byrd, Former Men’s Basketball Coach; Dr. Rich Tiner, professor emeritus of mass communication known as the play-by-play voice of Belmont baseball and women’s basketball; Renee Shultz '02 & '04
Don Cusic, professor of music industry history; Molly Randolph, special collections manager & library archivist; Joyce Searcy, founding director for community relations
D’Angelo Taylor; Heather Daughtery, University Minister; Dan Ritter ’10
Reunion Weekend Banquet
The weekend ended with a dinner and program in the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, followed by a dessert reception at the Bell Tower. President Jones and Hayner shared closing remarks and banquet attendees were graced by performances from alumni artists Walker Burroughs and Emily Falvey.
View more photos from Reunion Weekend!