Lipscomb celebrated a record number of graduates, a Fulbright scholar, 29 SALT Scholars and three outstanding professors Saturday afternoon in Allen Arena.
Over 500 students graduated making it the largest number of students in the university’s history.
Chemistry professor C. Kent Clinger gave the invocation. Education professor Carrie R. Abood gave the faculty charge.
Abood told the students that she, too, was a graduate 10 years ago. Reflecting upon her own graduation, the professor gave the students advice she said she wished someone had told her.
“Embrace this season of your life and enjoy it,” Abood said. “Trade anxiety for adventure. Replace the doubts of the unknown with the excitement of opportunity. Celebrate your accomplishments. Embrace all the changing seasons with joy.”
Exercise Science professor Ruth Henry recognized the 29 SALT scholars from six different academic areas, who invested in the community significantly and completed a capstone project.
The students in the senior class of 2016 were then awarded their diplomas.
The following three outstanding professors were also recognized: Bonny B Millimaki, Assistant Professor of Biology, Theodore H. Parks, Associate Professor of Spanish and Joshua M. Strahan, Assistant Professor of Bible.
President Randy Lowry concluded the program, charging the students to have gratitude and appreciation for all that has been given to them to help them get to this point in their lives.
“This day is the result of your vision, your courage, in many cases overcoming substantial obstacles to share this moment, the result of your tenacity and your steadfastness,” Lowry said.
He then asked the graduates the question, “What do you have that has not been given to you? In addition to the celebration, the excitement and the glory of this day, you will have a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, and that should be part of this day as well.”
Lowry also recognized graduating students for their special achievements to Lipscomb. One of those students was Law, Justice and Society and German double major and Honors College Fellow Nicole Amanda Marton, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA and is a Fulbright Scholar.
To conclude the program, the arena joined in song to the recently updated Alma Mater by Pat Boone. The bells then tolled 12 times, with one toll each representing a decade of Lipscomb history, to signify the end of the commencement ceremony and the graduates college years but also the beginning of new studies or careers for the students.
Photo courtesy of Ben Davis