Embracing the SOUL of Belmont at a Day to Dream

Day to Dream Ferris Wheel
Campus Life

Embracing the SOUL of Belmont at a Day to Dream

October 31, 2024 | by Jasmine Simmons

Campus, community and external partners live the dream together at annual fall festival 

Belmont's Day to Dream festival once again transformed campus into a vibrant fall wonderland, bringing together students, faculty, staff and community members for a day of joy and whimsy.  

The day not only provided a welcome break from the busy semester but also strengthened community bonds, creating lasting memories and setting an inspiring tone for the future. 

Faculty and staff kickoff breakfast  

placeholderIn a new tradition, the Day to Dream Kickoff Breakfast provided a time of fellowship and recognition for staff and faculty across campus. 

“What is special about Belmont is you,” said Dr. Adam Pace, executive director of Health and Wellness. “Our faculty and staff make this a great community of learning, change and hope. Everybody here is critically important to the success of the University, and we thank you for everything that you do.” 

Following a Hope Summit recap by President Greg Jones, staff and faculty heard insightful and inspiring messages centered around core virtues of the SOUL framework for the Insight Speaker Series.   

“This is a pivotal segment where we bring together thought leaders and change makers to share wisdom that inspires our community and aligns with the core values and virtues that embody the soul of Belmont,” said Vice President for Hope, Unity and Belonging Dr. D’Angelo Taylor.  

Presenters for the Insight Speaker Series included former Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Byrd, Dean of the College of Education and Assistant Provost for Academic Excellence Dr. Jim McIntyre and Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President for Administration Dr. Susan West. 

Established from a desire to highlight members of Belmont’s community who live out the virtues of the SOUL framework, two recipients were selected for the SOUL awards: Dr. Renee Brown, senior associate dean for Research and Community Partnership, and Dr. Beth Bowman, assistant dean for the College of Sciences & Mathematics. 

Rick Byrd speaking to Belmont employees
SOUL finalists, winners and presenters
Jim McIntyre
Two Belmont employees
Belmont employees at breakfast
Susan West and Greg Jones
Beth Bowman and Adam Pace
Renee Brown and D'Angelo Taylor

Carnival and Festival 

As the day progressed, campus came alive with a plethora of activities including games on the main lawn, food vendors, a pumpkin patch and the return of the zipline and signature Ferris wheel.  

Scarecrow

Students in costumes

Group of children in front of Dream sign

Male and woman at Day to Dream festival

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Student playing guitar

students of carnival ride

Child and parent in costumes

The soul of Belmont

Student performances at the Bell Tower Patio created a lively soundtrack for the day, laughter and sweet treats permeated the festive atmosphere and the neighboring community was welcomed back to trick-or-treat at tables decorated by staff and faculty. 

As the sun set on Day to Dream, attendees left with hearts full of warmth, new memories and a renewed sense of belonging to the Belmont family. A picturesque autumnal campus provided the perfect backdrop for a day to share dreams, rekindle hope and embrace the soul of Belmont. 

Read more stories about Belmont's vibrant community.