Gospel Music’s return to the mainstream
Gospel Music’s return to the mainstream
Lipscomb Softball rebuilds team bond
Lipscomb Softball rebuilds team bond
Graduate Spotlight: Trey Phillips reflects on four years of ‘breaking out of my shell’
Graduate Spotlight: Trey Phillips reflects on four years of ‘breaking out of my shell’
Therapy dogs boost spirits amidst finals
Therapy dogs boost spirits amidst finals
The impact of on-campus jobs
The impact of on-campus jobs
Lipscomb’s LIFE Program: what is it?
Lipscomb’s LIFE Program: what is it?
President McQueen sets out to envision Lipscomb’s future
At the beginning of her tenure as Lipscomb’s President, Dr. Candice McQueen mapped out three goals for her first semester: Get to know the community, discover where gaps lie in the university and start dreaming about what’s possible. “I will tell you when I started, I began a listening process,” McQueen told Lumination. “I learned some things that I didn’t already know. And then some things were affirmed that I felt like were areas that we needed to focus on or have a strategic attention to. What I have loved is hearing feedback that does now create patterns or themes that you can act on.” In tackling her initial goals, McQueen said she has discovered a few patterns in comments from the Lipscomb community. “In terms of what I’ve heard, there are things that are student-life focused,” she said. “I’ve heard some things that are focused on academics, things are focused on how we work with our community and external folks outside of the institution. “So all of those have created things that we can start executing on now. And then many will be built into a longer-term strategic plan process.” The Lipscomb Impact 360 planning process was launched in the fall, and McQueen said she plans to complete and distribute a visioning document in May 2022. The process is being conducted by a planning committee of around 50 key university leaders, faculty of various ranks, students and other key constituencies such as alumni, according to the university website. “We are beginning on that work built on the [faculty, staff and student] survey, focus group listening sessions that I’ve had and now we’re...
Rocket cars race as Lipscomb Engineering department closes out Day of Giving
Lipscomb’s engineering college ended its Day of Giving with the second annual Rocket Car Rally. The first rally was in 2007, but the event took an extended hiatus, before reemerging last year. The tournament consisted of nine teams with 18 students participating. The event was put on by the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering and was spearheaded by Dr. Fort Gwinn Jr., associate dean. It was Gwinn who revitalized the event last year. “This year worked great,” Gwinn said, after this year’s Feb. 22 event, held in a parking garage. “It usually works better outside, but it was still good!” Originally meant to take place out front of the Fields Engineering Center, the event was moved under the cover of the nearby parking garage because of inclement weather. “The timing device made a big difference,” he said. “It eliminates any disputes, and it really made all the difference in the world.” Teams were instructed to pick team names and then begin making and decorating small cars to race during the rally that was a part of the Day of Giving celebration. The tournament worked through a bracket system until one car was awarded the grand prize. The event started strong as the eight teams went up against each other, and a surprising underdog arose in the form of Team Vector. Katie Kirby and Emilia Hook, both mechanical engineering majors, came out on top, winning their first bracket. “Well, we won our first round and we were not expecting to,” Hook said. “Usually the lighter car wins and ours is pretty heavy, but luckily that was not the deciding...Students react to end of mask mandate
Since the pandemic began in early 2020, masks have been commonplace. Though they’ve come and gone, the imagery of masks have been in the back of our minds since the first signs of the pandemic. Masks have been a part of Lipscomb students’ lives for nearly two years at this point in time, and it’s fair to say that we all want this to end very soon. In the span of a week, the amount of people wearing masks in Allen Arena for the Gathering as well as in my classes decreased substantially. The reason for this, of course, was February 8 marking the end of the indoor mask mandate on campus. Though it remains highly recommended that one wears a mask indoors, it is no longer enforced, and because of this a large number of students and professors have stopped wearing masks during class. Even prior to February 8 when the mask mandate was still intact – there was a decently sized number of individuals who didn’t wear masks indoors. After observing the general population on campus and mentally taking notes on how many students and faculty members wore masks for a brief period of time after the mandate officially ended, a conclusion was reached. The ratio of mask wearing students and students without masks for one day of regular classes was found to show that roughly eight percent of the students encountered that day were wearing masks after the mandate had been lifted. In speaking with some Lipscomb students enjoying dinner together at the honors house, some interesting student opinions on the subject were gathered. “…When it...
COLUMN: Who will be next on the Supreme Court?
We return to another round of seeing who will become the newest member of the highest court, the Supreme Court of the United States. I use the words “another round” because, more often than not, the nominating process is literally like a prizefight. Nine justices make up the court, one being the chief justice, with eight associate justices. Their job is to ensure equal justice for all and to protect the constitutional rights of each citizen. Federal justices have no mandatory retirement and are chosen by the president of the United States, with confirmation up to the Senate. The reason for this “prizefight” is because Associate Justice Stephen Breyer announced he will retire this year after serving for 28 years. He was nominated by President Bill Clinton and is generally associated with the more liberal justices. The sitting president selects the nominee, beginning the Senate debate and confirmation or rejection. This is one of the most important jobs of the president, and it can affect theway we live for generations to come. Former President Donald Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices during his administration: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Cooney Barrett. Trump appointed more Supreme Court justices than any other sitting president since Ronald Regan, who appointed four. Trump’s confirmed nominations flipped the court to have a conservative majority, now outnumbering the liberal-leaning justices, six to three. Justice Breyer’s retirement offers President Joe Biden the opportunity to nominate a liberal-leaning justice who will help balance out the court. This also gives the Democrats the chance to claim a much-needed victory before the 2022 midterms and will help to...
Court of Criminal Appeals held on campus
On Wednesday, Tennesse’s Court of Criminal Appeals came to campus to hold three separate appeals cases. Collins Alumni Auditorium transformed into a real courtroom for a few hours while cases were heard. The clerk opened by telling the audience that the Court was grateful for the opportunity to hold court at Lipscomb University. Although the Court of Appeals usually hears cases in specific courtrooms in Jackson, Knoxville and Nashville, they also travel in order to be more accessible to other members of the communities. The Court of Appeals differs from the court dealings one usually sees on television. Whereas typically both sides present their full case, call witnesses, and present evidence, none of that happens in a court of appeals. In fact, there is not even a decision made at the conclusion. A case goes to the Court of Appeals after it has already received a ruling from a trial court. Instead of seeking a ruling, the appellant, or the person bringing the case, is asking for something to be corrected. Most of the lawyers on Wednesday were seeking a new trial for their client, proposing that something went wrong the first time. The Court of Appeals also differs by instead of having just one judge, there are several, who have all been appointed to their position. Judges John Everett Williams, Timothy L. Easter and Jill Bartee Ayers presided over the court. It began promptly at 9 am with the clerk announcing the judges and stating the common “Oyez, oyez, oyez.” The first case, State Of Tennessee V. Vana Mustafa, dealt with a 17-year-old convicted of first-degree murder that...
Women’s tennis undone by UNF
NASHVILLE – The Lipscomb women’s tennis team lost 5-2 to the North Florida Ospreys at Huston-Marsh-Griffith Tennis Center Sunday morning. With the win, UNF continues a perfect all-time record against the Bisons. Despite the loss, senior Kate Popova had a fine day at the office with a momentous singles win against ITA-ranked Kit Guliher. Ranked as high as 32nd in the ITA singles ranking and as high as ninth in doubles in her career, Guliher was unable to keep up with Lipscomb’s number one. “Kate’s been a great player,” Lipscomb head coach Jamie Aid said. “She’s played at the national level. So honestly, it was nice to see Kate today being in Kate’s element where she was stepping on the line, she wasn’t afraid to go to balls. It was nice to see Kate being out there and enjoying it and hitting it like she was today.” The morning started with a difficult doubles stretch, though, with the Bisons consistently losing momentum in key moments across all three matches. The top pairing, made up of Popova and Sasha Dobranos, going up against strong opposition, were held scoreless in a 6-0 loss. On court two, seniors Maddox Bandy and Eleanor Chapman lost 6-2 just moments after. Senior Liza Diachenko and junior Anja Trbeznik fought back from an early 3-0 deficit to keep their game alive the longest at 5-2. In singles, Lipscomb battled and kept things much more competitive. Popova found herself locked into the best match of the day, one that flip-flopped but saw the Ukrainian take a 6-4 win in set one. Court two saw an early lead...
Women’s soccer takes on Dores in offseason matchup
NASHVILLE – The Lipscomb women’s soccer team participated in a friendly match Thursday afternoon, drawing with the Vanderbilt Commodores 1-1. The result was an improvement on last year’s meeting between the cross-town rivals, with Vanderbilt taking the most recent contest 2-0 on September 9, 2021. A ragtag referee crew of assistant coaches wearing neon pinnies officiated the first 25 minutes of the match before a licensed center official arrived at Lipscomb Soccer Complex. The contest was played in a modified format with two 30-minute halves. The lineup that took the field was familiar in terms of personnel for the Purple and Gold, as head coach Kevin O’Brien started his best lineup for the offseason tilt. It did feature a new formation, though, mainly looking like a 3-5-2 with a defensive midfielder. “In the first period, I loved [the 3-5-2 formation],” O’Brien said. “Against Vanderbilt’s 3-5-2 we looked really, really dangerous and created a lot of great chances. When they advanced their full backs higher, it caused us trouble,” O’Brien said. While a few poor touches and missed passes were present, the game largely resembled the caution and precision of a regular-season match. Neither side could gain much traction offensively in the first frame, but Vanderbilt did manage three shots, all of which were off target. In the 22nd minute, the Commodores had their best chance early on with a cutback from the right flank finding an awaiting striker in the box. The first-time effort went well over the bar to keep the scores level. The Bisons took one shot in the first period which came on a header inside...
Baseball beaten soundly by top-ten Commodores
NASHVILLE – The Lipscomb baseball team lost 7-1 to ninth-ranked Vanderbilt Tuesday evening at First Horizon Park, the home of the MiLB’s Nashville Sounds. It was a difficult day at the office for the Bisons’ bullpen, but it didn’t begin that way. Sophomore pitcher Connor Witzke had a dream start for Lipscomb, forcing the Commodores to go three up, three down with two strikeouts in the top of the first. The Aurora, Illinois-born transfer from Kalamazoo Valley Community College finished with three strikeouts in 1.1 innings but owned a 5.06 ERA and gave up four runs on two hits. It would be Lipscomb to take the first lead of the outing, though, when leadoff hitter David Coppedge scored on a sacrifice fly from designated hitter Mason Lundgrin. “To hit a double in the first, it’s exciting,” Coppedge, a transfer from Virginia, said. “It sets a tone. Unfortunately we didn’t get the win, but it was fun.” Lundgrin, a sophomore from Salina, Kansas, entered the game with a .307 batting average and 15 RBIs, both good for third-best on the team. He ended the day at 0-3 but earned Lipscomb’s only RBI. Vanderbilt came right back to score two in the top of the second, taking advantage of two walks from Witzke. After Witzke hit a player by a pitch right after to load the bases, he was replaced by fellow sophomore Kaleb Kantola. A native of Monmouth, Oregon, Kantola also struggled to close out the second frame. Kantola walked two of his three batters faced before he was also retired in the same inning. Sophomore Patrick Williams was able...
Lipscomb softball claims series against Eagles, evens up ASUN record
NASHVILLE- The Lipscomb softball team defeated the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 6-1 on Sunday after splitting the two-game doubleheader against the Eagles on Saturday. Freshman pitcher Kate Peters pitched for the entire game, earning two strikeouts and only allowing three hits on the day. Despite an Eagles’ home run in the third inning to cut the Bisons’ lead to one run, Peters’ performance did not falter as she did not allow another run in the game and improved her record to 2-0 on the season. The team trusted Peters to finish the game and Peters expressed her gratitude for the team to continue her play. “I think [the team] having confidence in me going out there is a really big thing that helps me get ready,” Peters said. “I always have confidence in myself.” Kamrie Rich, a redshirt junior catcher, had an outstanding performance at the plate, tallying two home runs and four RBIs. Lipscomb took the first lead of the game after Rich’s two-run homer in the first inning. Rich extended her mark to five home runs on the season to lead the Bisons on the year. Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, Elise Shewmaker converted two RBIs off a double in the third inning when a hit to right field resulted in an error for an Eagles’ outfielder. The Bisons’ double would extend the lead to 4-1. Amy Vetula, a senior from Canton, Georgia, recorded one hit and two runs in the game. A day after suffering a threatening injury, Vetula’s presence was met by cheers from the crowd every time she stepped up to the plate. “I definitely...
Softball splits with Eagles in Saturday doubleheader
NASHVILLE – The Lipscomb softball team split the first two games of a series with Florida Gulf Coast Saturday afternoon, registering a 6-4 win and a 5-16 loss at Draper Diamond. The pair of results brings Lipscomb to 12-18 overall and 2-3 in the conference, putting them third in the ASUN West Division. GAME 1 – Lipscomb 6, FGCU 4 Redshirt freshman Laine Barefoot was the first to enter the circle for the Bisons. The Louisburg, North Carolina, native gave up five hits and a walk while collecting one strikeout in her 3.2 innings pitched. After a hard-fought first few innings, the Eagles were able to get two runs across and that ended Barefoot’s day. Offensively, the duo of Maci Cunconan and Presley Leebrick stepped up with two RBIs and a double each. Leebrick went 2 for 3 with one run of her own. Cunconan capitalized on the Bisons’ team rally to put up her hit, going 1-3 for the game. The first three innings were quiet with only two hits by FGCU and none by the Bisons. Both teams played lock-down defense, but neither side was able to capitalize because of good pitching at key points. The fourth inning blew the door wide open for the Eagles with Cana Davis looking down a four-pitch walk. A sacrifice bunt to move the runner followed by a flyout in foul territory threatened to shut down what seemed to be an explosive Eagles offensive attack. A scary moment came for Lipscomb fans as FGCU batter Emily Estroff hit a hotshot through the six-hole. The ball slid between outstretched gloves from Kaitlynn...
Gallery: Red Carpet dazzles at 52nd Dove Awards
Before the 52nd annual Dove Awards began Tuesday night, performers and nominees arrived at Lipscomb’s own McQuiddy Gym. The artists arrived with their guests, wearing their best attire, as hundreds of students and other onlookers gathered to watch. After checking in, the artists were guided inside McQuiddy to the red carpet. Cameras flashed and questions were directed to artists such as LeCrae, Lauren Daigle and for KING & COUNTRY. Read Camryn Given’s Story for more Photos by Hannah Cron, Kathryn Farris. Edited by Abigail...
GALLERY: Students celebrate Salsa en el Square
Students gathered Friday night in Bison Square for Salsa en el Square, a lively celebration of salsa dancing during Hispanic Heritage Month. A student instructor taught the groups several basic techniques. After the lesson, students got to show off their new skills with different partners. “I really enjoyed that there was enough structure there to show us what we were doing so we didn’t have to just … figure it out ourselves. … [The instructor] gave us ample amount of time to practice what she had taught us,” said JoAnna McCutcheon, a sophomore nutrition major from Southside, Alabama. Sarah Small, an IDEAL student from Zionsville, Indiana, added that the best part of the night was “learning new things.” Events like Salsa en el Square provide the opportunity for students to appreciate diverse cultural traditions and meet new friends in the Herd. “Everyone was there to have fun, everyone was there to dance, so … I liked going around and seeing who else didn’t have a partner and being like, ‘Hey! Let’s dance!’” said Anna Adams, a junior English major from Rogersville. “I think that was kind of always in my personality … but I think that the experience here [at Lipscomb] has kind of opened me up and opened that side of me.” Salsa en el Square was hosted by the Student Activities Board and Office of Intercultural Development and served as a continuation of events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Photo Gallery by Cora Coletti Hayden Smith and Annie Duda...
GALLERY: Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival returns for 2021
The Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival returned to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee on September 25 and 26 after a yearlong hiatus. The festival, founded by Better Than Ezra frontman Kevin Griffin, hosted performances from artists such as local favorites Katie Pruitt and Cage the Elephant as well as bands such as Khruangbin and Dave Matthews Band. Check out the gallery below shot by Hannah Cron and read a recap of the weekend here. Katie Pruitt « ‹ of 23 › »...
Gallery: Campus community memorializes 9/11
The Lipscomb Community gathered early Monday morning to memorialize lives lost on September 11, 2001. Students, faculty and new President Candice McQueen placed flags 2,977 flags (one for each life lost in the 9/11 attack) throughout Bison Square. Gallery by Abigail Kopp and Jack Roper. Memorial flags on campus. Photo by Jack...
GALLERY: Presidential Convocation in photos
The Presidential convocation was held at the Gathering on Aug. 31. It was full of Lipscomb traditions such as the bagpipe quartet and traditional outfits for faculty. This year was different than usual since it the convocation included the transfer of presidents. Click through the photos below to see photos from the event. Photos courtesy of Cora Coletti and Jack...
Sydney Brown puts a new spin on country
She may not have the accent, but that doesn’t mean she ain’t country. Sydney Brown, a commercial music major from Parker, Colorado, took to the Black River Stage at The Well to perform 12 original songs. “I have a lot of country influence in my writing,” Brown said, explaining the inspiration. “That’s what I grew up with, and that’s what I love. “I don’t have the Southern accent, of course. So it doesn’t always sound the most country at first. But that’s definitely a major influence.” Brown’s musical tales of young love, heartbreak, and growing up quickly commanded the attention of the crowd. This was especially true during her performances of “I Got You” a story about love, “Vienna” which shared her hope to see the world, and “Walking Through a Memory,” which is one of Brown’s favorites. “It’s about going back to your hometown, like, after you’ve graduated and left and moved on, and just go into the same places that used to be, like, your stomping grounds and it just doesn’t feel quite the same,” Brown said. “Like, it’s still that special place, but you don’t quite fit in there anymore. It is one of my favorites I’ve ever written.” Jay Meng, a student who attended the event, said she was pleasantly surprised by Brown’s performance. “It was very sweet and calming to hear her voice,” Meng said. “All of her songs were so soothing, but I especially loved the one about her hometown.” For Brown, who has been singing all her life, it was clear what she would pursue when she made her way to Lipscomb....
Singarama: Fairytales wins Blocking & Staging on second night
Team Fairytale enchanted the second night of Singarama. The third and final mini musical Fairytale, which follows the plot of two siblings transported into a magical new world, won the Blocking & Staging Award last night. The co-directors are Erin Bell, a senior Psychology major from Nashville, and Nate Pearson, a Senior Elementary education major from St. Charles, IL. Bell and Pearson were both a part of The Wonders Years show of Singarama 2019 and working together again before Graduation has been a “full-circle moment” for the duo. “I think we were able to able to use that energy from doing it freshman year to make this such a fun, good show this year,” Bell said. “I just love the community it brings,” Pearson said ” Singarama is my favorite my favorite thing about Lipscomb [and] It’s literally something I’m going to miss so much” “It’s tough practicing a month and a half before [the show] but once it comes to show week, you’re altogether [and] just so excited. You just can’t wait to perform!” Singarama has two more performances today before closing out at 2 pm and 7 pm. Photo by Kathryn...
Lumination staff’s Academy Award picks
On Sunday night the 94th Academy Awards will take place from 8 to 11 p.m EST. Three of Lumiantion’s staff members, Jayme, Drew and Camryn, have made their picks below. Check back next week to see how they did. Actor in a Leading Role Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”) Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”) Andrew Garfield (“tick, tick…BOOM!”) Will Smith (“King Richard”) Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”) Jayme: Will Smith The five nominees for this category are strong contenders for Best Actor, but Will Smith is the frontrunner for this year’s award show for his role in “King Richard.” Smith takes the screen as Richard Williams with a mesmerizing performance that has already won him multiple awards. Drew: Andrew Garfield I’ve heard non-stop about how accurately Jonathan Larson’s mannerisms are mimicked by Garfield, and that’s an impressive feat. A lot of people say this role solidified their opinion of him as an actor, so I could definitely see him winning this. Camryn: Will Smith Will Smith will likely take this one for “King Richard”. Smith’s performance was remarkable and reminded viewers of why he is such a beloved actor. Actor in a Supporting Role Ciarán Hinds (“Belfast”) Troy Kotsur (“CODA”) Jesse Plemons (“The Power of the Dog”) J. K. Simmons (“Being the Ricardos”) Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) Jayme: Troy Kotsur Kotsur has already swept multiple awards for his role in “CODA.” I predict he’ll be taking home the award for this category once again. Drew: Troy Kotsur Kotsur delivers an extremely emotional performance, and these are the types of performances that win awards....
Singarama: opening night marks first in-person show since COVID
Singarama has returned to campus live and in-person for its 59th annual production following the cancellation of the event in 2020 and recording of the event in 2021. To inaugurate the momentous return of a beloved Lipscomb tradition, SGA invited students to enjoy the show with free tickets that were valid for opening night only. This year’s Singarama theme is Storytime with a show made up of three groups and containing more than 200 students. Erin Bell, senior and co-director of Fairytale, is looking forward to the chance to perform in front of an audience. “With the audience, people are a lot more motivated to just have fun and put everything they have into it because people are watching and it’s the first normal one [show] in two years.” Co-directors and friends, Ellie Miller and Shelby Bratcher decided to take on the directing role together for Mystery. “We didn’t really think that we were going to have a whole lot of participation because of Covid, but we hoped that maybe we could bring it back to what it had been before,” Bratcher said. “I think we succeeded.” History, a story of two women looking to go from rags to riches by pulling off the ultimate museum heist is directed by Mallory Nunley. Fairytale, the story of a boy who gets transported to a fairytale land alongside his sister is directed by Nate Pearce. Finally, in Mystery directed by Shelby Bratcher, a detective is looking for whodunnit at a dinner party filled with colorful characters. The show also featured performances by this year’s hosts, Lydia Jernigan, Shawna Mann, Kendall Patton,...