The smiles of IDEAL students, friends and family lit up Stowe Hall Friday afternoon when Lipscomb awarded eight students in Lipscomb’s IDEAL program with career exploration study certificates.
IDEAL is a two-year certificate program for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Students in the program attend academic and skill-building classes, work daily internships and hang out with peer mentors and the student body.
“We often talk about what makes Lipscomb such a wonderful place, and there are so many things that we can talk about when listing things that make this a community we’re proud to be a part of,” said Rob Touchstone, Director of Missional Entrepreneurship. “At the top of that list, is what makes Lipscomb such a wonderful place, is what we get to experience everyday both inside the classroom and outside the classroom with our IDEAL students.”
IDEAL started out as a fairly small program when it was launched in January of 2014. In December, IDEAL’s first cohort of just three students received certificates. On Friday, the following eight students received their certificates: Joshua Ahlberg, Matthew Branch, Alanna Johnson, Taegan Martin, Conner Mirt, Shayla Osbourne, Jenna Staehling and Zachary Sutton.
Senior social work major and IDEAL peer mentor Andrew Jordan had the opportunity to know each graduate.
“All of you have played a big part in my life here at Lipscomb,” Jordan said. “Y’all have made Lipscomb a better place.”
Jordan was first involved in the Best Buddies program and soon knew he wanted to be a part of the IDEAL program.
He started going to the IDEAL chapel every Thursday, where he first met Ahlberg, IDEAL chapel worship leader. During his senior year, he completed an internship with the program.
“For the past two years, as you all have grown, I have been able to grow with you,” Jordan said. “IDEAL will always have a special place in my heart.”
The IDEAL program is also special for Candice McQueen, Tennessee Commissioner of Education.
“The IDEAL program is certainly close to my heart,” McQueen said. “Helping start this program as the Dean of the College of Education at the time was actually one of the best things we did.
“I’m so glad there is space today, for the students sitting right before me, to continue to reach their fullest potential and to become lifelong learners and leaders in all areas that they impact.”
McQueen said one of her biggest goals is to make college within reach for every single person. McQueen highlighted IDEAL graduate Osbourne, who has completed 15 academic credit hours and will soon pursue a bachelor degree in social work at Austin Peay State University.
“She utilizes all the resources around her and she plans and takes steps toward her future,” McQueen said. “She’s a great friend, a dedicated student and has overcome odds to be where she is today.”
McQueen said that she is just as proud of all the IDEAL students.
Photos by author