I am so excited to experience my first Homecoming at Belmont. From the incredible stories I’ve heard already, it’s a sight to behold. The word “homecoming” originates from two words: coming home. And it’s my hope that our entire community does just that next week as we celebrate together.
Susan and I have been at Belmont for less than a year, but in that time, we have felt warmly welcomed into the Belmont family. We’re inspired each day by stories of our incredible alumni who share messages of truth, beauty and goodness.
Your stories impact our world in tangible ways, and you inspire future generations to carry on legacies of service and scholarship. Your stories are amazing, and we are grateful to be part of the Belmont family.
My inaugural year has centered on the theme, “Let Hope Abound.” Hope is something far greater than optimism, which is rooted in our own abilities and who we are. Hope is rooted in who God is. This type of hope allows us to hold the complexity of the lives we live together: acknowledging the brokenness of our current world and desiring and anticipating a brighter future.
We are moving forward into a new season with Christ as our center. With a commitment to being people who are hope inspiring, character forming, future shaping, community engaging and bridge building, we believe our best days are ahead, and we are excited to continue working together toward our vision of championing life abundant for all people.
Belmont’s alumni base spans decades and generations. Over the years, campus has expanded, and our student body has grown to include people from all walks of life. While our collegiate stories might differ, one thing unites us: we are Belmont for life. All members of our community–alumni, faculty, staff, current students and friends–are an integral part of who we are at Belmont. Homecoming is our chance to celebrate YOU.
Susan and I are deeply honored to call Belmont home. We hope you look toward our community fondly and remember it as your home, too.
If we haven’t had the chance to meet yet, I hope you’ll join us for one of the many opportunities we have to celebrate our community throughout the week. Susan and I are especially looking forward to Homecoming Saturday, February 26, where we will lead chapel. Come early for coffee and time to visit with other alumni and friends, then stick around after for our annual “Tailgate at the Tower” and our last home basketball games of the season. For a full schedule of homecoming events, visit www.belmont.edu/homecoming.