University dedicates new Nursing and Health Sciences Center

University dedicates new Nursing and Health Sciences Center

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the building for the new Nursing and Health Sciences Center was dedicated to the administration, faculty and students by President Lowry and five other men and women on Thursday, Oct. 25. Nursing students, faculty and members of the surrounding community gathered to witness more physical growth on the Lipscomb campus. The dedication ceremony lasted 45 minutes, followed by another segment of tours and a small reception. Roger Davis, dean of the College of Pharmacy, opened the ceremony, offering, “This is not just about a building; it’s about so much more. It is about the vision of the students.” “Today we celebrate the work of last year,” President Lowry said, giving many thanks to those involved during the process. The new building would not have been possible without the work of so many, he said. After the Lipscomb Academy concert chorus sang I Can Tell the World, Lowry and Davis, along with David Scobey (chair of the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees), Beth Youngblood (executive associate dean and professor of nursing), Josh Hardeman (president of the Student Nursing Association) and Rachel Pugh (service coordinator for the Student Nursing Association) cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the newly dedicated building. The facility consists of a 16-bed simulation center, 19 mannequins, a 14-bed assessment skills lab and spacious classrooms. “It really has the feel of a true hospital unit,” Youngblood said in an article on the university’s website. Clint Rider, a senior nursing student from Greenbrier, Tenn., gave special thanks from the nursing students as a whole. Rider’s senior class will have collaborated with Vanderbilt in their...

Futuro to host Fall Fiesta on campus Nov. 1

For the fourth year in a row, the annual Fall Fiesta will be held on Nov. 1. A newly adopted Lipscomb tradition, Fall Fiesta is an event where Lipscomb students from Latin America and Hispanic heritage share their culture’s customs, traditions and cuisine. For the last three years, it’s been organized by Kappa Iota Theta, the intercultural society, spearheaded by president Shawna Rayford. However, for the first time, Futuro, a newly established professional development organization for Hispanic college students, will organize Fall Fiesta. “Since Futuro is made up of mostly Latino students, we’re kind of expected to organize Fall Fiesta this year,” said Karin Lopez, the Lipscomb Futuro chapter’s graduate assistant. In the past, Fall Fiesta has consisted of students holding performances in the square, along with typical Latin American cuisine from different countries. However, Lopez said this year things will be a little different. “We really want to make it fun and establish a good reputation for Futuro,” she said. “We’re holding a taco-eating contest, balloon games and even a photo booth, so families can have pictures with props we’ll have set up.” There will also a performance by dance group Destellos Culturales (Cultural Sparks), a piñata-hitting contest, trivia games and food.  The event is free of charge and open to the Lipscomb community. Futuro is in its second year of existence, and some of the members participated in organizing last year’s Fall Fiesta with Kappa Iota Theta. But Lopez said it will take a different approach to organizing the event. “We’ve learned from our mistakes and have received feedback from members about how we can make it...

Sophomore singer-songwriters share talent with campus

Two Lipscomb sophomores have added their voices to the rich musical tapestry that is found at Lipscomb. McKenna Smith and Kayla Hawkins are singer-songwriters who are building their careers, education and  faith while studying here. Tau Phi’s Cowboy Show, Pi Delta’s Cocoa and Carols, and other venues around town such as The Listening Room are all places you may have heard Smith’s matchless, sweet twang serenading a crowd. “Once I started singing, my passion for music only grew,” Smith said. Growing up in Nolensville, Tenn., a few miles southeast of Nashville, she has been around the music scene, examining her options and opportunities, for a good while. But on campus, she wants to simply have fun with her music and to participate in programs and performances. With a strong social media backbone and songwriting that appeals to a wide span of people, Hawkins shares her music with anyone and everyone who will listen. “I grew up on country music and was fascinated by the lyrics and the stories the songs told,” said Hawkins, who began writing those stories at the age  of 13. Now, according to Hawkins, “I take the stage whenever I get the chance.” “The ultimate goal is to be a signed artist, but I just have to see what God has in store for me,” Hawkins says. Smith said she’s not sure what her future holds, but she’s optimistic about her future. “I know that I would absolutely love a career with music, and it would be such a blessing to make it the center of my life,” she said. “The only thing I really know about...

Safety tips protect bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers on the road

Parking at Lipscomb can be a hassle, so some students who live nearby choose to walk or bike to class. But biking in larger cities like Nashville – especially along busy roads like Woodmont Boulevard – can sometimes be hazardous. One student who bikes to school  is Ian Dixon, a senior marketing major. Dixon travels from his apartment complex to Lipscomb safely on his mountain bike. “I feel fine biking to and from campus,” said Dixon. “There is a lot you need to pay attention to when you’re out there though.” Whether you are driving or walking along the streets near campus, it’s important to be cautious and to keep these safety tips in mind. FOR DRIVERS Do not turn corners swiftly. You never know when a biker or jogger may be at the edge of an intersection. Look ahead of your vehicle’s path while making the turn. Obey the speed limit. It’s important to follow the speed limit anywhere but especially in a neighborhood. A human life is more valuable than saving a few seconds getting to where you are going. Do not text and drive. This applies any time you are driving but especially around Green Hills. There is often a lot of activity on the sidewalk and street. Constantly keep your eyes on the road. FOR BICYCLISTS AND WALKERS Look both ways before crossing the street. Do not rely on your hearing. A lot of hybrid cars have quieter engines, so it may be difficult for you to hear them. A car can speed by before you ever hear it coming. Wait until you know the driver...

Dr. Joe Morgan sheds light on role of engineering in clean water efforts

Clean drinking water is so often taken for granted, but there are areas all over the world that struggle to get a safe drink of water every day. Safe and clean drinking water has been always been an issue in developing countries around the globe. There are people in countries worldwide who get water-born diseases because they drink, bathe, wash clothes and perform other daily tasks in the same water source.  According to Dr. Joe Morgan, the university’s department chair of civil and environmental engineering, engineers are some of the most important people in helping deal with the clean water crisis in the world. ”Typically engineers that are helping people have access to clean water would work with local or national populations to try and help folks look at available sources,” he said. Safety for the communities is the key issue for engineers who are helping develop clean water systems. “We have to analyze and know what is the best plan for meeting the needs of the community,” Morgan said. “We decide which technology may or may not be required to make sure the water is reasonably safe.” Morgan said for communities who only have one water source for the entire area, the solution may be very simple. “A lot of times, all that is really required is just to put in a well.” Morgan said, explaining that putting in a working well can greatly enhance the water quality of a community that uses the same water source for everything they do. Not only do engineers help with the building process of wells and treatment plants. Morgan said they are also very...

Pizza and Politics hosts final Presidential debate watch party

Students, faculty and guests alike gathered in Shamblin Theater on Oct. 22 for the final Presidential debate watch party where President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney gave their final thoughts and opinions on the topic of foreign policy. Per tradition, those in attendance were offered pizza and drinks on arrival.  Following the pizza, those who had “clickers” answered poll questions about the debate and who they would vote for. Four panelists shared their thoughts after the poll with series moderator Professor Alan Griggs. Attorney Gregory Ramos of North, Pursell & Ramos, junior political science major Scott Bledsoe, Toby Compton of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and Katie Culp, a master’s student in Civic Leadership here on campus were members of the panel. Each gave their opinions on what to look for in each candidate. They also discussed what issues may be addressed, namely the main topic of the night: foreign policy. The final debate took place at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla., moderated by Bob Schieffer,  host of CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” The military, economy, education and foreign issues were all topics the candidates discussed during their allotted 90 minutes of debating. At the end, both candidates gave their final closing remarks, asking their supporters to vote for them on Nov. 6.  Bob Schieffer closed the debate by quoting his mother, “Go vote. It makes you feel big and strong.” Closing this Pizza and Politics series, Dr. Jimmy McCollum asked a few final polling questions, and Griggs asked the panelists their last thoughts on the debate. The floor was opened for questions or statements from the...