Belmont University Honors Two Students With Inaugural Bill Pursell Memorial Scholarship

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Pictured (L-R): Belmont University’s Stephen Eaves and Mark Volker; student and scholarship fund recipients Matthew Oliver and Sam Wood; Laura Pursell; Belmont University’s Terry Klefstad and scholarship friend David Johnston. Photo: Katie Hodgson/Belmont University

The inaugural Bill Pursell Memorial Scholarship at Belmont University was awarded on Monday (April 8) to students Matthew Oliver and Sam Wood. Pursell, the late renowned composer, arranger and pianist, was a 37-year Professor of Music at Belmont University.

The ceremony honoring the two students’ outstanding musical works and accomplishments was held at the Massey Performing Arts Center during Belmont University’s Scholarship and Award Day.

“This scholarship is a tribute to the legacy Bill left at Belmont, the countless composition and commercial music students he taught and mentored over the years who have gone on to do great things,” says Terry Klefstad, Professor of Music. “Student scholarships are the best way to honor his dedication to music and teaching. Bill was devoted to his students and gave of himself freely as a teacher. This scholarship is a way to continue that legacy.”

A musical tribute to Bill was held last summer (June 15) to a packed house at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley. Netcom Music recording artist and daughter of Bill, Laura Pursell, the Nashville All-Stars and the Nashville Recording Orchestra conducted by Steve Mauldin performed many of Bill’s iconic arrangements and songs that he performed on during his 50-year musical career with iconic artists such as Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Dan Fogelberg, Chet Atkins and more, along with some of his last original works.

An album of the songs was in the process of being recorded by Bill and Laura, but unfortunately Bill passed from COVID -19 in September of 2020.

“It was my dad’s dream to finish this very personal album. He wasn’t able to do it in his lifetime, and I’m so grateful to Netcom Music for allowing me to complete it,” Laura shares of the project, Lost In Time.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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