Heritage Committee Highlight: Two moments captured at the Patrons' Party on the back lawn of the Cumberland University Bone House, featuring Sid Durham and Ann Floyd. A longtime florist, Sid lent his remarkable eye and artistry to the Phoenix Ball for many years, leading the decorating committee with creativity and precision. His thoughtful vision brought […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: A snapshot from the 1991 Phoenix Ball where Jamie and Randy Johnson, a wonderful couple who built both a business and a life rooted in community, dance the night away! Randy faithfully served Wilson County as a local barber for more than five decades. Jamie was an original employee of Wilson Bank […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: A joyful moment from Phoenix Ball 1991 captures Ronnie and Ottie Marks dancing the night away — a beautiful reflection of the spirit and tradition that have defined this celebration for decades. Faithful supporters of Cumberland University, the Marks embody the heart of Phoenix Ball: community, generosity, and the joy of coming […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: When Phoenix Ball was established 42 years ago as Wilson County's premier formal fundraiser, Bill Barry found a unique way to lend his expertise. Drawing on his career in the Big Band radio business, Bill became one of the architects of the ball's atmosphere. He personally booked the bands, ensuring that the […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: Looking back to 1994, the 10th Anniversary of the Phoenix Ball honored the patrons who attended the very first Ball in 1984. This celebration recognized the generosity and dedication of those whose support helped build the legacy of the Phoenix Ball, a tradition that continues to make a lasting impact at Cumberland […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: Looking back to 1996, Elizabeth and Barry Scruggs, Lynotte and Denise Moore, and Bill and Phyllis Robinson paused for a photo just before heading to the Phoenix Ball, an evening filled with tradition and celebration. This special moment was graciously shared by the Robinson Family and reflects the spirit of community and […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: The groundbreaking for the Dallas Floyd Gymnasium in August 1991 marked a transformative moment for Cumberland University. Through the generosity of the Floyd and Baxter families, this gift not only made construction of the gym possible but also endowed a scholarship that continues to support students today. Their commitment to Cumberland and […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: Sam and Teresa Hatcher, both Cumberland alumni, are familiar faces at the Phoenix Ball. In 1996, the couple were chairs of the event, and in 2002, they were named the Phoenix Ball’s honorees. Sam, who currently serves as Chairman of the University’s Board of Trust, has been a member of the Board […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: A joyful moment from Phoenix Ball 1991 captures Ronnie and Ottie Marks dancing the night away — a beautiful reflection of the spirit and tradition that have defined this celebration for decades. Faithful supporters of Cumberland University, the Marks embody the heart of Phoenix Ball: community, generosity, and the joy of coming […]

Heritage Committee Highlight: This treasured photograph takes us back to 1997 and features the late Robert Carver Bone, M.D., MBA, D. Lit. Ltrs. (Hon.) and his wife, Connie. Dr. Bone faithfully served as a member of Cumberland University’s Board of Trustees for an extraordinary 60 years, including 20 years as Chairman of the Board, and […]