Cumberland University hosted a discussion panel in Baird Chapel with two-time national champion, first-round NFL draft pick, Heisman Trophy winner, and author Tim Tebow and Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame inductee George Plaster.
On Oct. 8 before Cumberland’s Homecoming game, Tebow spoke to the community about turning success into significance by using one’s passions to serve others.
“If every single one of us takes our chances, our opportunities, our responsibilities, our successes we can all turn it into significance,” said Tebow to the crowd of over 4,500 at Nokes-Lasater field. “Significance is about other people. Every single one of us, we have the chance to, not just be successful, but to also be significant.”
After the main event, Tebow visited with Cumberland’s student athletes behind the stadium to answer questions about building a strong team and serving others. Later, Tebow thanked Cumberland University’s President Dr. Paul C. Stumb for giving him the opportunity to meet with student athletes.
“It’s an important time where we have to invest in them, and love them, and care for them so they have the mentors, teachers, professors, and parents that are going to help direct them into what they’re called to do,” said Tebow.
That evening, approximately 100 event sponsors and their guests gathered in Baird Chapel for a discussion panel moderated by Plaster and Cumberland University’s Vice President for Athletics Ron Pavan. Tebow shared about his extensive career including how he chose to attend the University of Florida, what it was like to win the Heisman Trophy, writing his newest book “Mission Possible: Go Create a Life That Counts” and his faith.
“Cumberland University hosted a truly incredible night,” said Plaster. “Tebow is exactly what everyone expects him to be; he is real, genuine and an overall great guy. It was a real pleasure to work alongside him.”
The Rise Above Speaker Series was one of the first events to be held on campus since the completion of Memorial Hall’s expansion project. Before the event, guests enjoyed time together by the iconic firepit at Memorial Hall’s front entrance.
“I have known President Stumb for many years and it is obvious that under his leadership, and with overwhelming support, the university has seen great strides. Cumberland University’s vision for the future is truly coming to life,” said Plaster. “As I walked out of Memorial Hall Saturday night and took in all the exciting changes on campus, I couldn’t help but anticipate what is still to come for the university.”
George Plaster has been a fixture in the Nashville sports talk market for more than 30 years, and currently hosts a 2 hour daily podcast with Watson Brown for Main Street Media. Plaster is a 1981 graduate of Vanderbilt and was recently inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.