Hello, Lumination readers!
As we celebrate the beginning of 2014, it’s time to take a look back at some of the biggest stories at Lipscomb during the year that was – 2013.
Before we take a look at the year’s top stories, we take a moment to pause and remember those we lost in the past year.
Former Lipscomb professors Axel Swang, Patty Dugger, Oliver Yates, and Bill Collins all passed, as did Lipscomb student Isaac Phillips and Bisons super fan Chuck Ross. We continue to pray for their families and friends.
A few stories right on the heels of our top 10 list involved some special visitors to campus and two major, annual Lipscomb events, as well as a few people in new positions of leadership.
U.S. women’s soccer team practiced at university field in February, drawing a large crowd of soccer fans and inquisitive Lipscomb students. In March, YouTube sensations Walk Off the Earth headlined the spring concert at Alumni Auditorium.
In April, Singarama celebrated its 50th anniversary, and, in December, Lighting of the Green held its 9th installment.
In 2013, we also welcomed Steve Davidson as a new campus minister and Jim Humphrey as the new director of security. And, in April, Andrew Hunt was elected to be the new SGA president. Drew Watson was elected as his VP.
10. Titans QBs Jake Locker, Matt Hasselbeck and Rusty Smith speak in The Gathering
In March, the three quarterbacks for the resident Tennessee Titans appeared in The Gathering to shed light on each player’s faith. It was a rare occurrence to have such high-profile guests for a Thursday chapel, but it was the group’s message that resonated with Lipscomb students. Since March, Hasselbeck has moved on to the Indianapolis Colts, but he and the other’s message stays firmly in the minds of those who attended.
An event that truly is one of campus’ best kept secrets, men’s social club Delta Tau rents out a real-life boxing ring, places it on the gym floor of the Student Activity Center and pits various guys against each other in the ring, all benefiting Youth Encouragement Services.
8. Miss Kay, Phil and Si from Duck Dynasty headline 2013’s Don Meyer Evening of Excellence
A chorus of duck calls flowed from Allen Arena in late April as Miss Kay, Phil and Si from TV’s Duck Dynasty arrived on campus to headline the Don Meyer Evening of Excellence. The trio shared stories from the show, and Phil even shared a few thoughts from the Bible as the show concluded. Lipscomb had record crowds attend the three weekend shows.
7. Dove Awards
In October, Allen Arena hosted the 2013 Dove Awards. These set of awards honor the best of Christian entertainment, and at least for one night, Lipscomb felt like Hollywood – complete with a red carpet, plenty of stars and unforgettable moments that could only happen at an awards show.
6. Academic updates
The world of academia received a few shake-ups over the course of 2013. In September, the university announced that minors would now be optional for students to graduate. Also, the English and Foreign Language departments merged into one department, leaving a flurry of reactions among those the move affects.
5. The addition of Osman Fountain
Perhaps the biggest campus addition in 2013 was Osman Fountain, the bubbling centerpiece of Bison Square. Named after fallen Harding student Ty Osman II, the fountain is accompanied by a baptistry that has been put to good use since the water started flowing.
4. Dining updates
Lipscomb dining saw some significant changes over the past year, including the expansion of hours at the cafeteria and the addition of off-campus dining. Some changes to the on-campus locations were also made, with planned renovations to Starbucks on the horizon.
3. 2013’s Charlie Daniels Scholarship for Heroes Tour
The annual Charlie Daniels Scholarship for Heroes Tour was held in Allen Arena once more, honoring campus’ Yellow Ribbon students with a night of free music and fun. Alongside the legendary fiddler, country superstar Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Lee Greenwood and many others performed. A host of the evening’s acts shared their gratitude with the Yellow Ribbon students.
2. Men’s basketball welcomes Casey Alexander
In 2013, Lipscomb bid farewell to former men’s basketball coach Scott Sanderson and said hello to new coach Casey Alexander. Since his hiring, Alexander has found success with wins over Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State and Austin Peay.
1. Lipscomb drops use of the acronym “LU”
In October, it was announced that Virginia-based Liberty University had contacted Lipscomb about the use of the acronym “LU,” claiming that they held the trademark over the phrase. Lipscomb chose to comply with Liberty’s request to end usage of the phrase and is still in the process of removing the abbreviation from all official school use. The case sparked instant reaction from Lipscomb students and became a hotly discussed topic on Twitter.
Well, that’s all for 2013’s top stories!
Lumination Network thanks you for your readership over the past year, and we encourage you to continue following us into 2014.