A Night of Memphis Hartley and Soul: BHSU Celebrates 2025 Spring Alumni Reunion

A lively outdoor event with people sitting at tables enjoying food and conversation while a live band performs in the background. A woman in the foreground is taking a photo or video of the band with her phone, and another woman with a name tag reading "Amber" is smiling and chatting. The setting is sunny with clear skies.

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Baptist Health Sciences University welcomed back 54 alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to the original site where Baptist Memorial Hospital stood from 1912 to 2000, which is now home to the UT-Baptist Research Park. The Spring Alumni Reunion, themed “A Night of Memphis Hartley and Soul,” was an evening of remembrance, reconnection, and rhythm.

The highlight of the evening was a soulful performance by Memphis Soul Remedy, which is a band made up of doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals, that brought music, memories, and a whole lot of heart to the gathering.

“It was a huge honor to bring our alumni back to the sacred grounds of where the original Baptist Hospital once stood,” said Zac Cox, Relationship Marketing Coordinator. “The icing on the cake? Watching a nursing alumna shout out song requests to her former colleague—now a band member. It doesn’t get more Baptist than BHSU’s Spring 2025 Alumni Reunion, A Night of Memphis Hartley and Soul!”

The evening also featured the presentation of three prestigious alumni awards, celebrating outstanding individuals for their dedication, service, and impact in health care and the community:

Young Alumni Service Award

Two women smiling and posing together outdoors during a daytime event. The woman on the left, wearing sunglasses, a blue jacket, and a name tag that reads "Amber," is holding a black and gold plaque that says "2024 Young Alumni Award - Amber Toles." The woman on the right, dressed in a black polo shirt with a university logo, has her arm around Amber and is also smiling. A stage with music equipment and a parked truck are visible in the background.

Amber Toles (Class of 2018, Medical Laboratory Sciences)
This award honors a recent graduate (within the last 10 years) who has shown exceptional volunteer service and professional promise. Amber has remained actively involved with the university while excelling in her field as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and Medical Education Specialist, inspiring fellow young alumni to stay connected and serve.

Nominations for this award are submitted via a written letter to the BHSU Alumni Office. All nominations are reviewed by the Alumni Awards Committee.

Alumni Service Award

Two women smiling and posing outdoors during a daytime event. The woman on the left is wearing a blue and white striped shirt over a white top and holding a black and gold plaque that reads "2024 Distinguished Alumni Award - Lauren Johnson." The woman on the right is wearing a black polo shirt with a university logo and has tattoos on her forearm. They are standing near a stage with musical equipment, and vehicles are visible in the background.

Lauren Brown (Class of 2017, Radiation Therapy)
This recognition celebrates Lauren’s long-standing commitment to BHSU, going above and beyond through volunteerism, university service, and community outreach. Her integrity and leadership embody the values of Baptist Health Sciences University.

This award is selected by a sub-committee of the Alumni Board of Directors and recognizes graduates from any Baptist school who display sustained, exemplary service.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Two women smiling and posing for a photo outdoors during a daytime event. The woman on the left is wearing sunglasses, a green shirt under a brown blazer, and a pearl necklace, holding a black and gold plaque that reads "2024 Distinguished Alumni Award - Val Oxley." The woman on the right is wearing a black polo shirt with a university logo and glasses. Trees and parked vehicles are visible in the background.

Val Kelley (Class of 1983, Nursing)
The highest honor given by BHSU, this award celebrates Val’s distinguished career in health care, community service, and innovation. Val’s legacy reflects the highest standards of professional excellence and personal integrity, bringing honor to the university on a regional and national level.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to an individual whose contributions to health care and society demonstrate excellence, leadership, and impact.

 

Stay tuned for more alumni events and opportunities to connect by visiting www.baptistu.edu/alumni.

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  • the band
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The 2025 Spring Alumni Reunion was more than just a celebration, it was a heartfelt return to where many careers in compassionate care began. From soulful music to honoring service, the evening beautifully captured the spirit of BHSU and the lifelong bond shared among its alumni.

God's Blessings

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11