[Editorial] No name change needed for Bisons, says one student

The first in a series, Lumination asks Lipscomb students what their thoughts are about the mascot change. This will be an ongoing series until the decision is made final. The following is written by senior biology major Alexander McMeen. Lets Go Bison. The Bison played great today. We are the Lipscomb Bison. Sounds strange doesn’t it? For all of you grammatically correct people out there, there is your correct usage of the word “Bison”. For all of us with feeling, the S is what adds the extra magic. We are the Lipscomb Bisons! Long before I was born we have been the Lipscomb Bisons. Some say it is incorrect. Others say it sounds funny. Some (Belmont) make fun of it for being different, but I find that more than ironic. For a University that prides itself on setting itself apart from others, giving in and changing our name to the Bison is crazy. Some say setting ourselves apart with the wrong form of the word is ignorant. I disagree. The word Bisons is being more and more recognized as a correct usage of the word. Even ESPN recognized it as a now correct usage of the word. Next year, it will be in the Merriam Websters dictionary, AS A WORD. What schools change their nicknames!? Some might say it is only an S, but to those who have been around Lipscomb, it is more than just an S. It is who we are. It is who our alumni are. It is whom I have grown up as. We are the Lipscomb Bisons. If you actually think about it, Bisons...

University urges students to file FAFSA

A note from the Financial Aide Department: “We recommend Tennessee residents file the FAFSA in January if they think they could qualify for the TN State Grant.  Those funds run out quickly.  We will begin awarding in March.  Students can view all awards and requirements on myLipscomb.” We recommend filing the FAFSA by March 1 to qualify for as much aid as possible (FILE IN JANUARY if you are a Tennessee resident and could qualify for the TN state grant.  Those funds run out quickly!).  The FAFSA is shorter and simpler this year.  You will use the samesignature pin numbers used last year for parent and student.  If you have filed taxes, please elect to use the IRS Data Match Tool.  This will ensure fast and efficient processing of your FAFSA and you will be less likely to be selected for verification.     MAKE SURE TO VIEW YOUR FAFSA RESULTS:   The Department of Education will notify you on your Student Aid Report if you are “selected for verification.”  You will also be notified on your Financial Aid on myLipscomb and there will be a link to therequirements.  Verification should be completed immediately.  Funds from theFAFSA will not pay to the student account until verification is complete.       Department of Education FAFSA help line: 800-433-3243     VIEW YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD:  ALL award notifications are on myLipscomb.   Go to “Financial Aid” then the appropriate aid year.  The “Accept Award” tab will have your award and instructions for loans.  We will begin awarding in early March.  Most students who have filed FAFSAs should be able to view their award by April 1st.  After fall 2011 class selection, the bill can be viewed on “step 4 of the registration process.”  Your bill and award can change so please review them often.       Attention TN Residents:  If you currently have a HOPE...
COLUMN: Big Ben & The Teebs, two essential stories about the Christian faith

COLUMN: Big Ben & The Teebs, two essential stories about the Christian faith

When he was in college, the nation could not get enough of his ability to push his teammates through any situation. When he was drafted, the Broncos were ridiculed because his throwing motion was not that of an NFL quarterback. Now the media, college campuses, workplace water coolers and especially the Internet are buzzing with “Tebowmania.” In the AFC Wildcard game last night, Tebow completed 10 passes. That’s nothing compared to what Drew Brees or Matt Stafford did in their games, completing 33 and 28 passes respectively. But Tebow did something that neither of the two have done in their entire careers. He broke Twitter. Well, sort of. When Tebow threw the 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Twitter exploded with over 9300 tweets per second. That was more than when Beyonce announced her pregnancy (8000+) and when Bin Laden was killed (5000+). Only adding to the shock and the excitement of the moment was Tebow’s final stat line. The Heisman winning quarterback had two touchdowns and a 125.6 (out of 158.3) QB rating, going 10-21 for 316 yards. That’s right, 316. Before entering the NFL where the rules do not allow it, Tebow wrote two Bible verses on his eyeblack – Philippians 3:14 and John 3:16. Beyond his football career, Tebow is changing the way people think about faith. Personally, I thought the comparing of stats and Bible verses was a bit over the top and absurd. However, now one day removed from the upsetting loss of my favorite team, I love that people are talking about Scripture....

Don Meyer Court gets a facelift and other news from Lipscomb’s athletic department

Since Lipscomb defeated Belmont at the Curb Event Center, the folks in the athletic department have been very busy. On Sunday night, GoVolsExtra.com reported that Clemson transfer point guard Cory Stanton is reportedly enrolling at UT. The tip was given to the site via an anonymous source. You may remember that Stanton transferred into Lipscomb before the Fall semester began. According to the site, Stanton will join the Vols as a walk-on. Tennessee has already used their allotment of scholarships for the next academic year. This is not the first time that this has happened between the two schools. You may remember Rob Murphy from two years ago when he left the team and the university for the University of Tennessee. He also joined the team as a walk-on. Stanton will not be able to play this season, and will not be allowed to practice until officially enrolled. You may also want to look inside Allen Arena before The Gathering on Tuesday. Remember the basketball court that was there? Over the break the department gave the court a facelift. Well, really, a whole new face. One of the first things one will notice is the lighter shade of the court. Also, the logo that is in the center is a very large gold and purple “Lipscomb” stretching across mid-court. Of course, Don Meyer’s name also appears on the court. There may be even more news from the department around lunchtime. Check back then for pictures and any more developing news....