by Camryn Given | Oct 22, 2021 | News, News Slider
Of the several social clubs at Lipscomb, only one will accept your club dues through Bitcoin. Sigma Alpha is pioneering the introduction of cryptocurrency to college organizations. Sigma Alpha started in 2019 and is a smaller and relatively newer club that prides itself on its recent innovation. Sean Hagan, a junior philosophy major from Nashville, introduced the idea of incorporating Bitcoin. Hagan is the president of the club and sees Bitcoin as a way for his younger group to build their reputation as well as their finances. This fall was the first semester that members were able to pay their dues in Bitcoin instead of dollars. “We have to find these creative solutions and innovative ways to protect and maintain at least what we do have, potentially build our purchasing power, and increase what we’re able to do,” Hagan said. Bitcoin is a relatively new and upcoming currency that takes place all digitally. Unlike fiat currency, government-backed money like the U.S. dollar, there is no paper trail. Even before it was officially created in 2009, Bitcoin has had an interesting and somewhat mysterious history. “Bitcoin is a digital asset. It was created in the wake of the [economic] crises by the man or entity under the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto,” Hagan said. The identity of Nakamoto is entirely unknown. Prior to Bitcoin’s creation, it published a paper that explained its function and use. “It’s built on the concept of digital scarcity,” Hagan said. “There are only 21 million bitcoins that will ever be in supply.” Bitcoin’s set value is what makes it stand out from other value systems such...
by Camryn Given | Oct 20, 2021 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Before the 52nd annual Dove Awards began Tuesday night, performers and nominees arrived at Lipscomb’s own McQuiddy Gym. The artists arrived with their guests, wearing their best attire, as hundreds of students and other onlookers gathered to watch. After checking in, the artists were guided inside McQuiddy to the red carpet. Cameras flashed and questions were directed to artists such as LeCrae, Lauren Daigle and for KING & COUNTRY. Zach Williams brought along his two children, and Jenn Johnson, a lead singer of Bethel, made an appearance in a stunning green dress. Another fashion standouts were Pastor Mike Jr. in a satin teal suit. He is known for his music with hits such as “I Got It” and his passionate sermons. He talked about his emotions that came up from being back on a college campus. “I just feel like a college kid all over again,” Pastor Mike said. “I’m excited to be here.” His advice to Lipscomb students: “Take advantage of college and begin to grow your gift and become how God calls you to be.” In an interview with Ellie Holcomb and two other members from the recent Faithful project, it was referred to as “a memorable evening.” Holcomb shared her excitement for the 12-song collaboration album made to address how God speaks to women. A real surprise on the carpet was an appearance from Miss Tennessee, Tally Bevis. She wore a sparkling champagne-colored dress and the classic crown and sash for her title. “Celebrating 100 years of Miss America, 52 years of the Dove Awards — it’s a really exciting evening,” Bevis said. As many other...
by Camryn Given | Oct 9, 2021 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
The 52nd annual Dove Awards will take place next Tuesday in Allen Arena, featuring prominent Christian and Gospel musicians. Hosting this year will be first-time host Jonathan McReynolds along with previous host, Natalie Grant, who are both Christian artists. The event took place online in 2020 because of the pandemic, and now as the event returns to in-person, the theme “Stronger Together” reflects this. The event begins with a red carpet event with photos and interviews. Then the hosts take over to announce live performances and category winners. The full list of nominees is posted to the Dove Awards’ website, with categories such as best song, artist and producer. Not only are there categories for Gospel and Contemporary Christian music, but the ceremony extends to genres such as Rap, Bluegrass, and Latino. The Gospel Music Association, the Award’s producer, revealed the nominated artists that will be performing on Tuesday night. They include Lauren Daigle, Elevation Worship and Zach Williams. Tickets are available ranging from $59 to $200. There are also tickets you can purchase for backstage access and artists’ meet and greets. The event will take place on Oct. 19 starting at 6:30 p.m. and will be aired via TBN the following Friday at both 7 p.m. and 9 p.m....
by Camryn Given | Sep 23, 2021 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
This weekend, a music festival will be held in Nashville’s own backyard, a rarity since the pandemic. The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin will host the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival for its first time since 2019. The festival was dreamt up by Better Than Ezra singer, Kevin Griffin, a resident of Franklin. As Griffin has told the press in the past, the idea came from his appreciation of the park’s beauty. According to the festival’s website, “[Griffin] wanted the community to further appreciate…the beauty and rustic quality of Middle Tennessee in the fall, and with the blessing of the City, began to dream up a music festival to do [The Park at Harlinsdale] justice.” Once Griffin had the idea, he teamed up with old friends to create the festival, and it has been going on since. Pilgrimage is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and amenities in addition to music. Going along with Pilgrimage being a Music and Cultural festival, there are many food trucks and merchants featured. Although there is a long list of vendors, some standouts are Edley’s BBQ and The Grilled Cheeserie. As far as merchants, The Nashville Blanket Project, Unclaimed Baggage, Black Sheep Goods and many others will be selling their goods. Pilgrimage was never meant to be another Bonnaroo. This festival has its own stage for children and takes place mostly in the daylight. As opposed to the late-night crowds at Bonnaroo, Pilgrimage has their final acts going scheduled to be done by 9 p.m. on Sunday. Overall, the atmosphere of Pilgrimage could be described as relaxed. Many even bring blankets or camp chairs...
by Camryn Given | Sep 6, 2021 | COVID-19, News Slider
President Randy Lowry doesn’t exactly remember his first day at Lipscomb. He does remember sitting in his office for the first week or two and not thinking there was much to be done. Now, 16 years later, as he prepares to end his time as Lipscomb’s president, he no longer has to wonder, “What am I supposed to be doing?” “Eventually, we figured that out and the pace picked up,” Lowry told Lumination Network. “Once the pace picked up, it hasn’t paused since then.” Lowry said there were a lot of emotions he associated with his coming to Lipscomb, including hopefulness for what he could accomplish. “This Christian college, which is a sister school to Pepperdine where I was coming from, really could and should be the leading university in our church fellowship,” said Lowry. “I was filled with anticipation, very excited and complemented to be here.” Now, as Lowry steps down as president at midnight tonight and assumes the role of chancellor, he says he’s looking forward to taking a break. He added for context that most university presidents only serve six years. “After 16 years, if we’re being really honest with ourselves, we’re probably more exhausted than we know. And so I’m going to sleep for the first 10 days,” he said with a laugh. Lowry said that in the next few months he’ll be taking a working sabbatical in which he wants to take piano lessons, which he hasn’t done since high school. He also said he plans on spending a lot of time with his nine grandchildren, all of whom have been born during his...
