On May 4, this year’s seniors will be graduating, including those who have helped contribute to Lumination during their time here at Lipscomb.
Whether that was through radio, TV newscast or our online website (or maybe all three!), we have appreciated all the work they’ve poured into this network, as they were an integral part in producing content for Lumination
They will be missed by the journalism and new media department, but communication staff and students alike trust that they will be successful as they pursue their careers.
Carly Reams
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
For sure Alan Griggs. He reminds me of such a father figure in the way he really pushes us hard while also truly believing in our talent.
Without him, I would not be the journalist I am today! His honest advice has meant so much to me and my time here at Lipscomb.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
Ah, definitely the Lipscomb vs. Liberty game! I know we lost, but it was so cool seeing Lipscomb come together like that. I love our sports, and all the big games have been my favorite part of college.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
I can’t pick one, but my feature stories have been a big part of what I love about writing. I think people are the most interesting and important thing to readers, and I feel the same as a writer. Getting to hear so many amazing stories from students has been such a blessing.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
Honestly, wherever life takes me! I see myself doing so many things, and I hope I can have a ton of interesting careers and opportunities. I could see myself on-camera one day, but hey, we will see where life takes me.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
All of the students in our department. We are all so diverse and bring unique perspectives together. I have learned so much from all the different views and values of my friends in our journalism department here at Lipscomb. I think we have one of the greatest groups of people, and I will miss being around such amazing humans.
Charissa Ricker
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
I love all of the professors in this department and they have been so influential and amazing, but Mr. Griggs has been the one that has really helped me realize my full potential. He is always pushing his students to be the best they can be, and I think we all needed that push and that person who is always in our corner.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
I studied abroad in Florence my sophomore year, and it was by far the best thing I’ve ever done.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
I think working on the Dove Awards was my favorite article. I love arts & entertainment and getting to be backstage watching that awards show happen was super exciting.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
Right now I just want to work and take some time to write and think about what I’m really passionate about. I think I’ll know the career I want when I find it.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
I’m going to miss the class atmosphere a lot. Not necessarily the homework, but getting to have discussions with professors and peers about journalism and related topics has been a big part of my education experience.
Erin Franklin
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
There’s so many wonderful professors here at Lipscomb. I don’t think I can pick just one!
Mr. Ghianni has truly been a wonderful mentor to me in my three years as editor. He taught me a lot about writing and this career field, and I’m going to miss our weekly Lumination meetings. His calm presence is always reassuring, and I’m grateful to have a friend like him.
Dr. Mac is one of the kindest men I know. I’m so thankful he took a chance on hiring the little freshman as editor of Lumination three years ago. It’s been such an integral part of my college experience, and I’m really proud of the site it’s become. He’s a very Godly man who sets a great journalistic and Christ-like example.
I was pretty scared of Mr. Griggs when I first started at Lipscomb as a freshman. But now, I’m comfortable talking to him and asking him just about anything. He’s always very reasonable, logical and I know he has our back (because thankfully he will always tell me if I’m doing something stupid!). His belief in journalism and freedom of the press has really given me a fire and passion for journalism myself as I step out into this career field in May.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
So many great memories! Ever since freshman year, I’ve kept a single notecard and written down my top three things I accomplished/experienced at Lipscomb. Out of all those, I think covering Lipscomb basketball in NY City during the NIT run, sweeping in Singarama, joining Delta Omega and leading Lumination have been the highlights.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
I’ve covered quite a few stories for Lumination! The Dove Awards has always been an amazing experience, and so has covering Lipscomb basketball. I particularly enjoyed writing my feature on the history of Lipscomb basketball last year during the Bisons first trip to the NCAA tournament. But going back to freshman year, one of my first “breaking” stories as editor was when Lipscomb grad David French was a potential presidential independent candidate. That story taught me a lot about writing quality pieces very quickly.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
My plans are to start a job in the journalism field in August. I’m currently talking to several media companies/TV stations about multimedia journalist positions, so hopefully you’ll see me at one of those in the next few months! In June and July, I plan to work at the same sweet summer camp that I did last year and take a short break from school. I also plan to take the GRE over the summer to take the first step in furthering my education.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
Lipscomb has become a second home to me, as I’ve worked on campus every summer and been here every semester. I’m sad to leave, but I’m also excited for the future. I think Lipscomb has provided me great experience in my career field, and, although I know I still have room to grow and improve, I’m confident I have the skills necessary to do well as I step outside of the Lipscomb bubble into the news world.
Most of all, I’m going to miss the people at Lipscomb. I love each person in my graduating class and each professor who has taught me. This is a really special community here, and I’m so incredibly grateful I get to be a part of it.
I also just love school and education, so I’m really going to miss that aspect as well. But I know I will be able to continue my love for learning in journalism since you’re learning about something new every day depending on which story you’re covering!
George Wong
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
Professor Gibson and Griggs. They really showed they cared about me and helped me truly find what I am good at.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
Clinching the semi finals match at the conference tournament my sophomore year.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
The whole fashion column I did. I really enjoyed it, and never thought I would do one.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
There is a lot I want to do. I want to stay in America, and start a YouTube channel and my own clothing line soon while working in a career in communications.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
My friends, the people and the community. Just being surrounded by like minded people, all going through life together in this special time that is college.
Anna Rogers
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
I cannot appropriately express the gratitude I feel for every single professor I’ve ever had.
Dr. Mac helped me graduate on time, among many other things, but that was so important to me and my parents, so I’m so appreciative of that.
Prof. Griggs has an incredible bull detector. He didn’t let me get away with goofing off, and that’s the kind of influence I need in my life — is one who will show me my full potential. He’s believed in me in a way that makes me want to believe in myself.
Prof. Gibson has brought her heart and soul to every lesson plan. She is the one who taught my documentary class, and her experience in that was a good reminder of the reason I want to be a journalist. We tell the stories and communicate the emotions of people without a platform. We raise awareness for very real issues in society. It’s more than a paycheck and benefits.
Mr. Ghianni also taught from experience. He encouraged me to write stories I’m passionate about, and when I got too emotional or carried away in a story, he anchored it back down with AP Style. He taught me how to balance both structure and emotion.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
Every corner of this campus has memories attached to it. From day trips and cliff jumping with new friends to first kisses to spontaneous musical escapades, Lipscomb has housed the best of experiences. In the classroom specifically, I mostly enjoyed shooting for my documentary. It reinforced my passion for videography. I also cannot get over on-camera delivery. Every class was full of laughter and growth. It was the kind of class that I never wanted to skip.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
Three articles I wrote in particular, I am very attached to. The first article I wrote (and was passionate about) was one about Sarah Wood releasing her solo project, post-Arcadian Wild. It was the first event I truly wanted to experience and get others excited about. The edit was brutal, as it was my first story, but I grew so much.
Another was about Lipscomb’s reaction to the executive order against allowing undocumented students to attend school. This was the first article I wrote about a serious social issue, and the first where I sat down and asked someone about his life story, which is always impactful.
The last article I wrote and was proud of was not hard news at all. I reviewed the new Grinch movie, and I spontaneously brought 3 friends of mine with me. It was the first article I wrote where I felt like I used outstanding literary language. It made me want to write more, and incorporate that element into every story to make every article fun to read.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
After graduation, I plan on laying low for the first time in my life. I’m taking a year (at least) to find a job in communications, preferably videography, and live in Nashville. Following this year, I plan on taking the LSAT and eventually studying law. This is hopefully to help my career in communications, yes, but also it opens doors for me to use my communication skills in a unique way.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
I will miss the ability to trek across campus to Brian’s office and beg for gear. We are so blessed to have such convenient access to high-tech equipment, and I wish I’d taken advantage of that more. I’ll also miss having professors so close by. They all have so much advice and experience, and I also wish I’d taken advantage of that more than I did. Every professor here is rooting for their students.
Jade Spilka
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
Dan Cooke, my Story of Jesus professor freshman year, made me feel so welcome walking into his classroom. I didn’t know anyone in the class but instantly felt like it was a place I could belong because of how inclusive he is the second each student walk through the door.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
My favorite Lipscomb memory is being surrounded by the amazing community Lipscomb has. Being able to walk from my dorm to class and see several friends along the way was always a great way to start the day.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
I wrote a series called Women of Lipscomb, six articles in one week profiling women throughout Lipscomb’s campus who are making a difference and impacting the community. I loved this experience because it was an opportunity for me to lift up women on campus who were already lifting others up.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
I am currently spending my last semester in New York City working for Telsey + Company, an office that casts major films, television shows and Broadway productions. Following graduation, I will begin work as the Producer’s Assistant on an upcoming film.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
I will miss the positive environment and the willingness to serve that surrounded me each day. Lipscomb is truly filled with some of the kindest, most caring people and they are undoubtedly the thing I will miss most.
LeBron Hill
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
Mrs. Gibson allowed me to be who I am and also be proud of it. She was the first professor I met, admittedly I thought she was a student at first. She’s a brilliant professor and even better person.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
I dressed up as a power ranger and passed out donuts.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
It would have to be the opinion on the “cottongate” situation. I spent all week talking to people on their thoughts, and it gave me my first taste of what journalism is all about, and I’ve been working hard to be that little screw when making a difference little by little.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
Becoming a reporter.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
The community. I’ll miss going to the Bennett center and checking up on some friends I see in passing.
Maria Morales
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
I think every professor has given me a piece of advice that helped me not only at school but in life too. If I had to choose it would be professors McCollum and Griggs. They both have given me a chance to show what I can do and have encouraged me to continue when I thought I wasn’t going to make it. I’m grateful for that!
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
I would say working for Lumination and having a news reporting class gave me a lot of hands on experiences. I think the skills I gained through these classes have definitely helped me get out of my shell and not be scared of what’s out there.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
I enjoyed the events I covered. I loved writing about plays that I didn’t know I was going to love or anything else related to entertainment.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
Hustle, learn as many languages I can, and if I could learn how to actually cook that’d be great!
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
Walking from the football field to class. Assignments, or more like working on producing a video or documentary for Mrs. Gibson’s class, that was fun.
Martin Baker
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
The professor that has shaped me the most has been professor Griggs by believing in me and giving me strong guidance.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
My favorite Lipscomb memory was my first day back on campus after a four year break.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
My favorite article I’ve written during my time was the feature story on Chloe Rogers.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
After I graduate I plan to spend time working while I look for a potential communications job as well as looking into going to school for audio engineering.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
The things I’ll miss most about Lipscomb are the teachers and classmates and the sense of purpose you have while pursuing your education.
Russell Vannozzi
1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way?
Dr. Jimmy McCollum. He’s been a great supporter of me and my work. There have been a bunch of great professors, but he’s at the top of my list.
2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory?
Being on press row in Ft. Myers when Lipscomb beat FGCU for the ASUN basketball championship in 2018. It felt like a movie was playing out right in front of me. I’ll never forget that day.
3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here?
Definitely the Connor Mirt feature I wrote in March. It made me smile, and I hope it made a lot of readers smile, too.
4. What are your plans after you graduate?
I’m going to be a sports reporter for Main Street Preps/The Robertson County Connection. I’ll be covering the seven high schools in the Robertson County, Portland and White House areas.
5. What are you going to miss most about Lipscomb?
I’m really going to miss the people here. Everyone is so friendly and happy to talk. I’ve never met a stranger at Lipscomb.