World-renowned tenor performs at celebration along with Trisha Yearwood, CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, Pia Toscano and Belmont student musicians
In a breathtaking evening that celebrated the transformative power of education, Belmont University officially launched the public phase of its Hope Transforms campaign Oct. 16 with a gala event at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, headlined by legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli. The sold-out celebration also featured performances by alumna Trisha Yearwood along with CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, Pia Toscano, Larisa Martinez and a host of Belmont student musicians, showcasing the University’s commitment to cultivating excellence in the arts.
The gala marked the beginning of Belmont’s most ambitious fundraising initiative in its 135-year history — a $700 million campaign designed to fuel the University’s bold vision to become the leading Christ-centered university in the world. At the heart of this vision are three guiding pillars: Character, Creativity and Innovation — values that define the Belmont experience and shape the leaders it sends into the world.
“Hope Transforms is more than a campaign; it’s a movement,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “It’s about forming leaders of character, unleashing transformational creativity and inspiring innovation that serves the common good. This campaign will empower our students, faculty and community to imagine and build a better future.”
A Campaign Rooted in Purpose
The Hope Transforms campaign is structured around three major funding priorities:
- Endowment ($300 million): To secure Belmont’s future through scholarships and endowed faculty positions that attract world-class educators and mentors.
- Capital Investment ($200 million): To strengthen campus infrastructure, including transformative spaces like The CORD – Powerhouse, a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the expansion of Curb College on Music Row, building on Curb College’s reputation as a national leader in entertainment education.
- Current Use Initiatives ($200 million): To support mission trips, research, service learning, and experiential programs that define the Belmont experience.
Signature initiatives include:
- The Hope Transforms Scholarship Challenge, which matches new endowed scholarship gifts of $100,000 or more, doubling the impact of donor generosity.
- The Johnson Academic Challenge, a $30 million matching fund to create up to 20 new endowed professorships, ensuring Belmont continues to attract innovative faculty who mentor students with purpose.
A Vision for 2030 and Beyond
With $300 million already committed, the campaign is well on its way to achieving its $700 million goal by 2030. The funds raised will support Belmont’s Aspirational Aim “To be widely recognized as the leading Christ-centered University in the world, known for:
- Forming diverse leaders of character
- Equipping people to solve the world’s complex problems through teaching, research and service
- Being radical champions for helping people and communities flourish.”
From health care and business to the arts and education, Belmont graduates are known for their integrity, creativity and impact. The Hope Transforms campaign ensures that future generations of Bruins will be equipped to lead with Character, Create with purpose and Innovate for good.
Join the Movement
Belmont invites alumni, parents, donors and friends to be part of this transformative journey. Whether through a gift, a conversation or campus engagement, every contribution helps shape a future filled with hope.
To learn more or contribute to the campaign, visit hopetransforms.belmont.edu or contact hopetransforms@belmont.edu.
