by Mason Thomas | Mar 6, 2018 | News Slider, Sports
All eyes were on Casey Alexander and the Lipscomb University men’s basketball team at today’s Gathering. The standard Gathering didn’t take place today, as today’s meeting served more as a pep rally than an occasional Tuesday chapel. The 2018 ASUN men’s basketball champion’s celebration began with an address from Lipscomb’s athletic director Philip Hutcheson. He brought to perspective the success of both men and women’s basketball this year and Lipscomb’s young history as a Division 1 athletic program. “We are really just a teenager in terms of a program in NCAA competition,” Hutcheson said. “Yet in that time, well, just look up around the banners surrounding you.” He went on to explain the success of Lipscomb sports since its 2003 NCAA Tournament eligibility. Afterwards, Hutcheson invited men’s head basketball coach Casey Alexander to the stage. Coach Alexander proudly walked on stage with the 2018 ASUN basketball trophy in-hand. “This hardware and this net,” said Alexander, “is just a visual understanding to provide you with exactly where we are.” The coach heavily stressed that the championship represents more than just the basketball team; it represents Lipscomb as a whole. He then welcomed President Lowry on stage to share another perspective on this athletic landmark in Lipscomb’s history. Lowry recollected coach Alexander’s hiring, and performed a mini-interview with the basketball team’s leader. “You took the program and have done a great job with it.” Lowry stated. Student representatives of Lipscomb then came on stage and accepted the ASUN trophy. A video highlighting this past Sunday’s game played as the team came on stage. “I brought them up here so they could...
by Mason Thomas | Feb 27, 2018 | News Slider
This week’s Gathering ran deviated from the normal routine. Announcements filled the bulk of the beginning, and then this week’s special guests, Jenni & Tyler, performed and spoke for the remainder. In 2004, Jenni and Tyler Somers met at college in Delaware. From then on, the two grew fond of each other and began their lifelong partnership as husband and wife. Now based in Nashville with three little daughters, the two continue their musical journey with upstart label Residence Music. Today, the duo, appropriately called Jenni & Tyler, brought their story to Lipscomb. The couple began their time at the Gathering with an introduction of how they fell in love. They proceeded to play a quirky tune called ‘One-Eyed Cat,’ telling of how Jenni had to leave her cat Stuart at her parents house because Tyler is allergic to the pet. The tone of the Gathering became more serious as the duo explained their involvement with International Justice Mission (IJM), a human-rights organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking and slavery in the world. “We really believe in what they do,” said Jenni, “and it’s not even as much about IJM as it is about what God is doing through IJM.” They showed a video about a former fishing slave from Lake Volta, Ghana, named Gideon. Gideon and nine others were saved by IJM. Gideon has a brother that sadly wasn’t present during Gideon’s rescue, and is still in need of rescue. “I love my brother, and he loves me too. I want you to rescue him like you rescued us.” Gideon said to IJM. Jenni & Tyler found about...
by Mason Thomas | Feb 16, 2018 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
The Lipscomb Theatre Department opens its spring season with “On the Verge” Friday at 7:30 p.m in Shamblin Theatre. Lipscomb Theatre is no stranger to unique productions, and “On the Verge” certainly isn’t a typical household show name. Instead of drawing a big-name Broadway production from a hat, Lipscomb Theatre chose a show that will give its audiences something new and refreshing. “I think audiences will find a wonderful break from their daily routine that invites them to use parts of their minds and imaginations that get neglected far too often,” said Scott Baker, head of marketing. “I think they’ll get to consider well how to see things from another person’s point of view.” Directed by Evelyn O’Neal Brush, this Eric Overmyer play tells the story of three female Victorian explorers adventuring a newly discovered land. As their journey begins, unexpected developments occur, placing the show’s comedy front and center. “’On the Verge’ stands out to me firstly because of its focus on three distinctly-drawn, strong, independent women who are bucking the conventions and expectations of their day,” stated Brush. “They are capable, empowered, and confident in who they are. They also happen to be hilarious. I think audiences will totally fall in love with their quirks and their strength.” The play features a four-person cast: Emily Meinerding (Fanny), Mary Elizabeth Roberts (Mary), Bekah Stogner (Alex) and JT Friend, who plays a whopping eight characters. Brush described this group of performers as “a true ensemble: they support, encourage, and reenergize each other throughout the whole show.” The production will stay faithful to the original show’s script, but will provide an added...
