About Lumination Network
Who We Are
Lumination Network is Lipscomb University’s official student news service. We are a group made up of students from all majors who have a desire to submit various forms of media to be shared with the Lipscomb community. Lumination Network publishes news in several formats – articles, photo galleries, TV and Radio.
Get Involved
Lumination Network accepts writers, photographers, videographers, and ad salesmen of all majors. Interested in being on the staff? Simply show up to one of our Monday news meetings that take place at 11 a.m. in Ezell 155 and we’ll get you involved. Have a story idea or a question? Email the editor at editor@luminationnetwork.com. We would love to hear from you!
Staff
Kathryn Farris
Editor-in-Chief
editor@luminationnetwork.com
Hannah Cron
Managing Editor
Camryn Given
Managing Editor
Danny Kotula
Sports Editor
Jayme Foltz
Arts & Entertainment Writer
Erika Plunkett
Sports Writer
Spencer Barnabee
Sports Writer
Micah Kennedy
Staff Writer
Rachel Pavelich
Fashion Columnist
Schyler Jones
Political Columnist
Jimmy McCollum
Faculty Advisor
Tim Ghianni
Faculty Adviser
Recent News
Gospel Music’s return to the mainstream
Previously secular artists such as Chance the Rapper, Justin Beiber, and Kanye West have all come out with gospel music in the past couple of years- so what does this mean for the gospel music community? And the Christian community? A gospel choir member and musical theater major at Lipscomb, Téa Doherty, shares her take on artists like Kanye West. “If God’s word is being preached… whoever is not against us is for us! So, what’s it to me if Kanye does gospel music? That’s great! I dig it.” Ever since 6th grade, student Ryan Lusk has been an avid Kanye fan. “I think a lot of Christians get weirded out by swearing and talking about substance use and things like that. I think it’s actually really cool to be able to blend it…I think normal people can also love Jesus and I think they do a good job of expressing that through music,” Lusk said. “Sometimes Christians fall into the judgemental side of stuff… What are you doing? You are being a jerk in the name of religion, and I don’t think Jesus would do that.” Téa loves Chance’s single, “How Great.” “The fact that it’s acapella and I still feel like nothing is missing is really powerful,” she said. “There’s no limiting to gospel music- it’s just big and bold. I love it.” Aaron Howard, the director of the gospel choir at Lipscomb University, gives credit to secular artists where they are due. “We have a debt of gratitude for Kanye West because West starting his Sunday Service Choir has caused gospel music to be more intriguing...
Lipscomb Softball rebuilds team bond
It’s been quite the season for the Lady Bisons of the Lipscomb Softball team. With an overall record of 17-28 this season, there can be many aspects to reevaluate which contribute to the team’s performance. Head Coach Kristin Ryman said she notices how even after two years since the start of COVID-19, creating a close team bond can still be a challenge. The pandemic has had the power to shift the way communication and interaction occur, affecting numerous amounts of people. Included in this number is the Lipscomb softball team. This year there are six freshmen, who comprise nearly a quarter of the team. “In a sense we’re playing catch up a little bit this year with still getting to know them,” Ryman said. The team is known for having a few traditions that help build comradery within the group. These include a blind karaoke, sleepover in the locker room and playing hacky sack before games. “That connection piece is huge for us,” Ryman said. Avery Cox, freshman catcher/infielder, said that the culture of Lipscomb softball is unlike any other team she has been on. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or if you’re a senior,” Cox said. “Everyone’s happy for you when you get your chance.” With the bond rebuilding underway, players like Cox should begin to see how it will transform how the team plays together. The team’s conference record sits at 7-11. The ASUN tournament will take place May 11-14 in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo via Lipscomb...
Graduate Spotlight: Trey Phillips reflects on four years of ‘breaking out of my shell’
Thousands of graduating college students across the country are preparing to close this current chapter and open another. Many students do a lot of reflection around this time of year, and Lipscomb University’s Trey Phillips is no exception. Phillips will be graduating with a bachelor of science in civil engineering and a minor in applied mathematics. He said his experience at Lipscomb has been much more than formulas and equations. “The word that best describes my time at Lipscomb is fun.” Phillips said. “Meeting new people, learning new ideas, and challenging myself has been very fun. These four years really helped me break out of my shell.” It’s no surprise that Phillips had a rich experience while at Lipscomb when you consider his extracurricular resume: – President of the Lipscomb chapter of The Collegiate 100 and four-year member – Former Black Student Union president and chaplain and four-year member – Member of African Student Association – Member of Presidential Student Advisory Council These experiences have allowed Phillips to make quite the impression on the Lipscomb community. Prentice Ashford’s time as dean of Community Life started just one semester before Phillips’ arrival, and Ashford gave him high praise. “Steadfast and reliable are the two words that immediately come to mind when I think of Trey Phillips,” Ashford said. “He is a person who came in as a freshman with high expectations already on his shoulders and he exceeded those expectations. He has been a vocal leader among students in a space where representation matters.” Phillips will be taking those qualities into his next venture as an employee at Collier Engineering, a local multi-disciplinary consulting...Recent Galleries
Gallery: Students & Faculty look on as Lipscomb inaugurates McQueen
Lipscomb played host to local leaders, notable alumni and representatives from area universities during Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony. President Candice McQueen was officially inaugurated into her role, an occasion symbolized by the passing of the President’s Medallion. Gallery by Abigail...
GALLERY: Singarama’s matinee show brings “Storytime” to campus
The penultimate performance of Singarama brought the audience to “Storytime” Saturday afternoon in Lipscomb’s Collins Alumni Auditorium. The award for Best Theme went to Mystery, directed by Shelby Bratcher and Ellie Miller. Fairytale, directed by Nate Pierce and Erin Bell, took home the award for Best Music. Singarama will have one final performance Saturday night where the overall sweepstakes winner will be revealed. Gallery by Hannah...