Belmont University celebrated its 49th commencement on Friday, August 9, 2002 at Belmont Heights Baptist Church. Nearly 150 students received diplomas at the ceremony. This commencement marks a first in Belmont's history with the awarding of the first Master of Education in Sport Administration degree to 12 candidates.
In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of graduating seniors, Belmont University honored well known Nashvillians Eddy Arnold and Sally M. Beaman with honorary doctoral degrees. Both are long time friends and supporters of higher education and Belmont University. Arnold and Beaman join an elite list of Belmont honorary degree recipients. Belmont University President Robert Fisher is pleased to add Arnold and Beaman to the list.
"This act is the highest honor Belmont University can bestow upon any individual. Therefore, it is my honor to award these two exceedingly deserving recipients," said Fisher of Arnold and Beaman.
One of the most enduring and prolific country musicians, Eddy Arnold began cutting tracks in 1944. In a career that spans over 50 years, he created 28 number one songs and countless charting singles, establishing him as the most popular country musician of the last century.
Eddy Arnold has been recognized countless times by numerous organizations. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966 and was invited to the White House by President Lyndon Johnson. He was elected as the first Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year in 1967, and in the same year, he performed at Carnegie Hall. In 2000, Arnold was presented the National Arts and Humanities Medal by President Clinton at Constitution Hall.
Arnold has also distinguished himself as an astute businessman and real estate entrepreneur, which has made him one of Tennessee's most admired business achievers.
"Belmont University honors Arnold for his artistic and business accomplishments, and for the enduring impact he will have on humanity for the ages," said Fisher. "We lift him up to our students as an example of how an honest, achievement-oriented life should be lived."
Sally M. Beaman is known as one of the south's most generous philanthropists. She is the widow of Alvin G. Beaman, who pioneered Beaman Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, established middle-Tennessee's Beaman Automotive, and founded several Nashville radio and television stations. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Beaman dedicated themselves and a significant portion of their resources to higher education.
Beaman has been a friend of Belmont University for many years. She served as a member of the Leu Art Gallery Advisory Board and recently presented Belmont with one of the largest capital gifts in the school's history. In May of last year, Belmont announced that Mrs. Beaman had contributed nine million dollars as a naming gift for the new student life center. This gift is funding a major portion of the construction of the Beaman Student Life Center, scheduled to open on the southern end of campus fall 2003 semester.
"Belmont University recognizes Sally M. Beaman for her life of extraordinary accomplishment, her example as a servant to others, and her dedication to Christian higher education," said Fisher.
Belmont University has honored meritorious individuals through honorary degrees and, from 1978 to 1999, through Collegiatus. Collegiatus recipients are individuals whose support of Christian higher education has been of special relevance and significant continuity in the life of the university. Since the university now offers doctoral degrees as a part of its graduate educational program, the Board of Trustees recently approved the selective awarding of honorary degrees to replace recognition into Collegiatus. Previous inductees into Collegiatus are now recognized as honorary doctorate recipients along with Arnold and Beaman. Belmont has awarded 42 honorary degrees to date.