Industry Ink (12/11/13)

Sarah Cates

Sarah Cates, Belmont University’s Senior Director of Curb College Initiatives, was presented with the 2013 Gabhart Award for Staff Excellence and Service. The Gabhart Award for Staff Excellence and Service is the highest honor Belmont University presents to a staff member. It recognizes exemplary commitment and service to the University as well as honors staff members who have demonstrated achievements and contributions of a significant nature.

Cates is a former Bruin student-athlete and a Belmont alumna. She is known for fostering community and collaboration among faculty and staff. In her role, she develops external programs and industry relationships for Belmont students. She also counsels and supports recording artists and their families through Porter’s Call and serves on the NashvilleNext Arts and Culture team, using her topical expertise to develop the city’s 25-year plan.

• • •

The lights of downtown Nashville are getting brighter. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge revealed a neon sign at the historic purple landmark today (Dec. 11). Steve Smith, proprietor of the Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, along with Terri Clark, The Roys, T.G. Sheppard, Jett Williams, Kelly Lang and David Ball unveiled the newly redesigned neon alley sign behind the long-standing honky tonk.

“We are officially taking back the alley and renaming it Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge alley,” said Smith. “The neon sign we have unveiled today is the original sign that hung for nearly 60 years, reminding the Opry stars where to come for a good time after their Opry performance. And those stars and more are still coming!”

Pictured (from L-R): Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard, David Ball, Jett Williams, Elaine Roy, Lee Roy (of The Roys), Steve Smith (owner), Terri Clark. Photo by: Rick Diamond / Getty Images