Innovation and Inspiration: FHU’s Ninth Annual University Scholars’ Day Showcases Academic Excellence

With more than 40 oral presentations, a musical performance and five poster displays, Freed-Hardeman University’s Ninth Annual University Scholars’ Day showcased the innovative research, artistic creations and academic contributions of students, faculty and staff across eight campus locations during the fall semester.

“This year was an unusual year for University Scholars’ Day since we did not have Loyd Auditorium,” said Dr. Joe Deweese, director of undergraduate research. “Instead, we started with a chapel session in Loyd where Dr. Rick Brumback spoke about the importance of scholarship to Christian education and research.”

Representing the work of over 70 participants, the program highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering academic excellence. Following the opening session, students explored poster displays in the Brown-Kopel Business Center lobby and admired two art exhibits in the Anderson Science Center. These displays captured the diverse interests and expertise of the FHU community, setting the stage for an inspiring day. The event transitioned into concurrent presentations across eight campus locations, offering a variety of topics that engaged both presenters and audiences alike.

(l) FHU student Dan Chang discusses his Scholars Day presentation with fellow students

Among the notable presentations was “The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated” by Ruth Johnson and Mallory Morris. Drawing from a book of the same name by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack, the duo shared practical tips for financial stability. They passed out index cards listing 10 essential rules for good financial decision-making and focused their presentation on savings and debt. “Juggling daily expenses, especially unexpected ones, can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be,” Johnson noted, encouraging attendees to track spending habits and build emergency funds. Morris added, “Your financial journey doesn’t have to be complicated. Give yourself the space and rewards to make it enjoyable.”

Lauren Cabrera offered a glimpse into the fast-paced world of Washington, D.C., with her presentation “A Summer in the Seat of Power: Interning in the Nation’s Capital.” “I was there during the Palestine protests and former President Trump’s conviction,” Cabrera said. “It was eye-opening to see how the government operates from the inside.” Reflecting on her experience with the Governmental Affairs Office, Cabrera said the internship broadened her understanding of lobbyists and their role, challenging her earlier perceptions. “They’re not the bad guys—they’re advocates,” she shared, adding that the experience opened new possibilities for her career.

FHU students Mallory Morris and Ruth Johnson make a presentation during Scholars Day

A presentation about a mission trip to Tanzania highlighted FHU’s global impact. Sponsored by Neil Richey, the trip took students 9,000 miles from home to work alongside the Kisongo Church of Christ in Arusha. Junior Bible and music major Cy Warren reflected on his three weeks in Tanzania, his first trip to Africa. “We helped raise awareness about mental health issues, safe birthing practices and ways to combat poverty,” Warren said. He described the experience as life-changing and a testament to the university’s mission to serve both locally and globally.

The day also featured a musical performance by Adam Booher, assistant professor of music at FHU, who played “Souvenir de Porto Rico, Op. 31” by Louis Moreau Gottschalk entirely from memory. His rendition, described as a “dance-inspired fantasy,” brought Puerto Rican rhythms to life and demonstrated the interplay between art and culture. “It’s a piece I’ve been working on for nearly a year,” Booher said, emphasizing the joy of sharing his work with the campus community.

FHU assistant professor of music Adam Booher plays "Souvenir de Porto Rico" during Scholars Day

These varied sessions provided the FHU community with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse academic achievements of individuals across campus. “Scholars’ Day continues to amaze me with the breadth and depth of work showcased,” Deweese said. “It’s exciting to celebrate these accomplishments and to carry on the legacy of this program for nine years and counting.”