With summer in full swing, the university is also taking advantage of the summer months with an Independence Week celebration.
Tomorrow through July 3, the campus will be opening its doors to the public for its annual Summer Celebration. The celebration has been one of the longest-standing events held on Lipscomb’s campus, starting 90 years ago. In early years this was known as the “Lipscomb Lectures,” which brought several different speakers to the community.
Janel Smith, senior manager of communication at Lipscomb University, has played a big role in the event over the years.
“Lipscomb University has rebranded the summer celebration,” Smith said. “They’ve amped up the family portions of this event because a lot of attendees come from all over the country, and they bring their kids, and they stay in the dorms. It’s really like they’re on vacation.”
With a jam-packed schedule, there’s something going on at all hours of the day. Smith encouraged parents to bring the whole family because there are events for everyone, including keynote speakers for teens along with activities for children, like inflatable games. During the evening there will be a variety of food vendors from Kona Ice, Chick-Fil-A, Blue Coast Burrito and Papa John’s Pizza.
“This year every single class will be recorded and available for free,” Smith said. “That means if you’re only able to attend one, you can see the rest online.”
Along with a long list of speakers, there will be live performances during the Bison Block Party from acts such as The Annie Moses Band and George Pendergrass with the Mockingbird Project Singers.
Local Lipscomb students will also be showcasing their talents, including Daves Highway with Pat Flynn and recent contemporary music graduate Jacalyn Thompson. The concert will take place at 7 p.m., with fireworks immediately following.
For more information about the Summer Celebration, visit Lipscomb’s Bison Block Party website.