Dr. Matthew Pinson, president of Welch College, has announced that the Strong and Courageous event for 2020 will be held August 18 on the college campus. The event originally scheduled for May 11 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr. Pinson, “as the state begins to open for business and the college opens for fall 2020 classes, it is time to celebrate the impact of Christian faith in our community.”
Strong and Courageous is an evening of inspiration, music, and drama that culminates with the awarding of the Strong and Courageous award honoring a local leader who has demonstrated their commitment to both the community and to the Christian faith. Past recipients of the award have included Dr. David Landrith, former pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church, and Representative Diane Black and her husband Dr. David Black.
Dr. Pinson announced that the keynote speaker for the rescheduled event is David Dill, president and CEO of LifePoint Healthcare in Nashville. A former Sumner County resident, Mr. Dill oversees a healthcare network of community hospitals across the nation including Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin. Dr. Charles Lea, Special Assistant to the President said, “We are especially honored that David Dill, a man of exceptional integrity and ability, has agreed to be our keynote speaker.” Previous speakers and entertainers include Dr. Ming Wang, Ricky and Sharon Skaggs, and Congressman John Rose.
The Strong and Courageous banquet raises funds for scholarships for Sumner County students. With increasing enrollment at the college, the need for additional funding for fall 2020 is great.
Welch College is a unique community of faith and learning. The residential college relocated to Gallatin in 2017. US News and World Report has consistently ranked Welch as one of the best colleges in the South for academic quality and affordability.