by Anna Rogers | Sep 21, 2018 | News Slider
Lipscomb’s department of history, politics and philosophy welcomed alumnus David French to its “Pizza and Politics” event. French is a graduate of Harvard Law, an author and an Iraq War veteran. French was also a potential independent candidate in the 2016 presidential election. French identifies as politically conservative. The thesis of his Monday night message was of acceptance. French spoke mostly about the freedom of religious expression, and how tolerance for Christianity in the modern world is fading. He used the example of Jack Phillips, a Christian cake-maker in Colorado who declined the opportunity to make a wedding cake for a gay couple, as an example of this. According to French, Phillips respectfully declined to bake a wedding cake for a two men, and liberal America was outraged and demanded legal action. This conflicted with his right to conduct his private business and practice his religious expression, French believes. On the other end of the political spectrum, French also brought up Collin Kaepernick, who exercised his freedom of symbolic speech at a 2016 NFL game by kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality. “Where was the tolerance?” French asked. “Where was the acceptance of something you might otherwise like, because the idea and the value of shared liberty transcended the political issue at the moment? It was nowhere to be found.” French addressed the country’s current tense political climate. “We are in the grips of something called negative polarization,” he said. He explained this as being aligned with a party out of fear and hatred of the other. French addressed this polarization and gave advice on...
by Anna Rogers | Sep 2, 2018 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Music City is bursting at the seams with talent. Live music is played everywhere: on street corners, in restaurants, in malls and even in the Nashville International Airport. As a native Nashvillian, sophomore Hudson Parker grew up accustomed to the sound of an acoustic guitar. “It’s all I’ve known from a young age,” he said. “It’s never crossed my mind, not doing it.” Just this summer, Parker put out his first EP, titled, “Last Love.” Despite his familiarity with the medium, Parker originally felt like he didn’t want to do music full-time. After graduating from Lipscomb Academy, he came to the University from to study English. His EP, he says, is just to “get stuff out there.” It was a self-assigned project he committed to back in January. Parker is minoring in music, and he says the two subjects blend together beautifully. “English helps everything,” he said. “It helps you learn how to think right and build art. The department is very encouraging and personal, so they help you build your voice and style. So when I write music, I already have this voice.” Though he’s found success and enjoyed his time at Lipscomb, he was hesitant about applying at first. Parker’s parents and two older brothers all attended Lipscomb. “I appreciate the things my family has done at this school, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” he said. “In a way, it’s inspired me, but, in the beginning, it was hard, especially freshman year.” Parker says many people knew his last name, and he was followed by assumptions. “I often got the, ‘Well, you’re a Parker,...
by Anna Rogers | Apr 30, 2018 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
As a school located in the heart of Music City, Lipscomb University started its own contemporary music program in the Fall of 2015, and the program is having its first graduate this year, Jacalyn Thompson. Previously headed by Grammy-award-winning music producer Charlie Peacock, the four-year major takes students down one of two paths: songwriting or producing. Now, another decorated production veteran Brown Bannister has taken the reigns in leading the department. Many students have continued with the program despite the changes, and they are currently finishing up their third year. Senior Jacalyn Thompson stands out among the songwriting students. She came into Lipscomb with some credits, making her Lipscomb’s first graduate in contemporary music, completing the major requirements in three years. “It feels good; it really does,” Thompson said. “I’m excited to blaze this trail.” The idea of graduating before her peers is bittersweet to Thompson. As excited as she is for her future, she said she can’t help but feel nostalgic. “I will have graduated early, but I count myself as the class of 2019,” she said. “It’s a family. If I won a Grammy, I’d totally give them a shoutout.” Thompson will be following in the footsteps of most Lipscomb graduates in the performing arts by hosting a recital in Shamblin Theater on Wednesday, May 2 at 6 p.m. All of the songs will be originals by Thompson. Some will be performed by her friends, most of whom currently attend Lipscomb or have attended at some point in their careers. Thompson noted that her peers in the department are all supportive of each others’ musical endeavors. The...
by Anna Rogers | Apr 19, 2018 | News Slider
After the lights dimmed in Allen Arena this Thursday to kick off this week’s unorthodox Gathering, a representative of Lipscomb security announced that they are partnering with the student-led organization You’re Not Alone to offer a self-defense class. The course will be open to students on April 24 in Swang 108. This opportunity comes at an appropriate time, since the Green Hills neighborhood was rocked by a local shooting back in February. This, combined with other crimes on Lipscomb’s campus, has led to minor security changes, such as the closing of an entrance to campus after hours. After the announcement of the free course, The Gathering officially began with worship and a prayer. Brandon Steele then greeted the audience with an anecdote about speaking to a couple on the verge of a divorce. “I don’t know if you’ve ever had this moment,” Steele said, “where you’re talking to someone, and they get this look that they’ve already made up their mind on what they’re gonna do.” He explained that in talking to this couple, no matter how desperately he plead for them to fight for their marriage, he could tell that the young couple had already mentally decided they had given up. Steele asked those in the audience who had already made up their minds about Jesus and rejected faith to suspend that judgment temporarily. He focused on those who might have had negative experiences within the church. Remember, it’s not Jesus who hurt you,” he said. “It’s people.” He compared a relationship with Jesus to a first date. No one, he said, goes on one date with someone...
by Anna Rogers | Apr 17, 2018 | News Slider
Lumination Network teamed up with Lipscomb’s Student Government Association (SGA) to host the 2018 SGA Presidential debate this Monday. Sitting on the stage of Zebi’s Lounge were SGA Presidential candidates Ralston Drake and Sierra Sparks. The typically-quiet hangout in the heart of the student center was bustling with candidates and their peers eagerly waiting to hear more about the candidates and their platforms. Moderator Lindsey Nance introduced all of the students running for the position of senator before giving each of the executive candidates 30 seconds to introduce themselves and offer reasons why they feel qualified for the positions they are pursuing. Running for the position of treasurer, Emilee Goss and Matt Welborn both spoke of their desires to work on behalf of the students. Goss emphasized allocating the budget to best fit the needs of the student body. Welborn agreed, adding, “I saw an opportunity to combine my passions of hard work and organization for students.” On a similar note, Macy Glassco, secretary hopeful, said, “I’ve been able to use my gifts and talents to make goals happen.” Her competitor, Deanie Pedigo, highlighted the need to keep SGA organized so that they can more efficiently help students. Both Annie Moore and Jack Webber campaigning for the office of vice president gave messages similar in tone, affirming their plans that helped achieve the ultimate goal of making Lipscomb a better place for enrolled and potential students. Since Webber is studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, Glassco read his pre-written statement to the audience. The more challenging questions were reserved for the presidential candidates. When Nance asked the two current SGA members...
