NASHVILLE — MTSU Recording Industry alumnus and country music hit-maker Eric Paslay took a pause from his Tuesday night, March 15, performance at the Grand Ole Opry to belatedly accept one of the top recognitions given by his alma mater.

MTSU’s GRAMMY contenders didn’t bring home the statues this year, but they — and the university — continue to make a big impact on the entertainment industry.

Two alumni from the College of Media and Entertainment were honored at this year’s Distinguished Alumni and True Blue Citation Awards ceremony, held Oct. 2 as part of MTSU’s Homecoming festivities.

MTSU alumnus Eric Paslay and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter Dylan Altman headlined a special MTSU songwriting benefit Sunday, Dec. 9, at Nashville’s Listening Room Café.

Recording Industry alumnus Eric Paslay’s (’05) self-titled debut album shot to No. 2 recently on the iTunes country album chart.