Cordia Harrington Honored for Longtime Support for Belmont Student Scholarships

Nashville business executive Cordia Harrington was honored in April 2016 for her longtime generosity toward the University when the campus’ new 950-seat cafeteria was named in her honor, Harrington Place Dining.

Harrington’s dedication to Belmont and its students is apparent through her role on the Belmont University Board of Trustees Executive Committee and her establishment several years ago of “The Bun Lady Scholarship,” which is awarded annually to entrepreneurship students who are participating in Belmont’s study abroad programs. More recently, she added the “Harrington Scholarship for International Studies and Student Missions,” which provides need-based scholarship support for students incurring expenses related to international studies or Belmont-sanctioned mission trips.

Harrington said, “The success of our family’s businesses over the years is a testament to the power of unwavering optimism, a tireless work ethic and perseverance that just doesn’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. I believe these values are central to any entrepreneurial effort, and these are also attributes I’ve long witnessed in how Belmont University approaches its students’ education. What’s more, this University instills those qualities on a firm foundation of faith. I am honored that Belmont has chosen to name Harrington Place Dining in my honor, reflecting all we have in common, and I hope my story can be an encouragement to young men and women starting their own career journeys.”

Harrington is founder and CEO of the The Bakery Cos. which laterally integrated business units include transportation and cold storage companies and grew sales from $4.8 million to more than $100 million. In addition to Cordia and Tom, sons Hunter, Brad and Tyler Wilkinson along with daughter Beth Westjohn are all involved in the family business.