Riven Family Gift Establishes Endowed Chair for Belmont's Office of Jewish Dialogue and Discovery

A transformative gift from Jewish community member, Nashville businessman and philanthropist Steve Riven will strengthen the relationship between Belmont University and the Jewish community while helping secure the future of Jewish-Christian relations on campus. 

Belmont recently announced the establishment of the Riven Family Endowed Chair and Director of Jewish Dialogue and Discovery, made possible through a major gift from Riven and matched by the university through its Johnson Academic Match Program. 

The position will provide permanent leadership for the Office of Jewish Dialogue and Discovery while also serving as a faculty appointment. Through teaching and collaboration, the chair will foster interfaith learning and dialogue both on Belmont's campus and across the greater Nashville community. 

The Office of Jewish Dialogue and Discovery, established in 2020, is housed within The Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership. Following years of collaboration on interfaith initiatives and their friendship, plans for Jewish dialogue and discovery space began between Dr. Jon Roebuck, the Center's executive director, and Rabbi Mark Schiftan, Belmont's Jewish Faith Student Advisor. Schiftan said the announcement represents the culmination of years of work. 

"It's a very exciting time. This is a transformative gift for Belmont and for the local and national Jewish community," Schiftan said. 

The effort began as a partnership between Schiftan, Roebuck, and Belmont leadership and grew with support from both Jewish and Christian community members. For Belmont President Greg Jones, these efforts have remained a priority. 

"There is no substitute for the wisdom that comes from faculty who can teach courses that deepen these engagements and cultivate friendships," Jones said. "The Jewish community in Nashville is so vibrant, and we can help provide wisdom for the broader culture and world." 

Schiftan shared that he received a phone call from Riven who was inspired by their vision and wanted to be involved in supporting the Jewish community on campus. Riven went to school near Belmont and has had ties to the area for some time.   

"It's going to change this city. I have rarely been as enthusiastic about anything in Nashville to date," Riven said. 

Over the past six years, the office has expanded through partnerships, advisory boards, lectures and gatherings that have brought members of Nashville's Jewish community to Belmont's campus. 

"We've hosted a number of dinners at the president's house for the Jewish community," Schiftan said. "Again, unimaginable in the 100-year history of Belmont College and University." 

In late 2022, the university broadened its hiring policies to welcome Jewish faculty and students. The newly endowed chair is expected to build on that momentum. 

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Excellence David Gregory, who has been part of these conversations for several years, emphasized the importance of relations with Jewish community. 

"One thing I often say is that we have more in common to bring us together than differences that would push us apart," Gregory said. "I deeply appreciate their friendship and their importance to the Nashville community and beyond." 

Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville CEO Judy Alperin echoed the significance of Riven's gift and its broader impact. 

"Steve has always walked the walk. He hasn't just talked the talk," Alperin said. "People have always been inspired by his actions and what he's done. I think this takes it to a whole other level." 

Of Belmont's nearly 9,000 students, about one percent identify as Jewish. For Schiftan, who has worked closely with both students and faculty, the gift represents more than an academic milestone. 

"I think it's a reminder to the Jewish community that we are not alone," he said. "This could not have happened without the Christian community and Belmont's leadership embracing the project. It shows we have true friends and allies."