by Arden Igleheart | Jun 11, 2014 | News Slider
Editor’s note: The following stories were written by students at the 2014 Lipscomb University/Tennessee High School Press Association Journalism Camp. By Arden Igleheart, Victoria Curry and Billy Pulley Few people can say they’ve built a functional robotic arm in their lifetimes. The children aged 8-14 at the Lipscomb University and Nissan Engineering and Robotics Camp, however, will be able to say so by the end of the week. The students have four days to create a moving robotic arm that can pick up various items. They are building it entirely from over 100 individual parts, most as simple as screws and pieces of plastic. For many of the campers, this work satisfies a long interest in engineering and building. This is an especially unique experience for 12 of the campers, who come from underprivileged families living in Cayce Place, a low-income public housing facility in Nashville. They were provided tuition and transportation from Nashville free of charge. “My parents knew [this camp] was right up my alley because I like to put stuff together, take stuff apart, and program stuff,” said 12-year-old Andrew. “And so, my parents knew I’d like it.” “When I was a lot younger I used to imagine things I would want to build,” said Michael, 10. “I’ve been learning about gears and how they work.” The students are being taught about diverse aspects of robotics. “We’ve just been learning about gears and how things work and what robots are and what they’re not, and how to use tools,” Angela said. The counselors have noticed that the campers learn broader lessons, too. “[They learn to] try...
by Colleen Casner | Jun 8, 2014 | News Slider
Researchers from Abilene Christian University presented the results of a study measuring the change in church members’ opinions on gender roles Thursday morning at the Ezell Center as part of the Christian Scholars’ Conference. The study occurred before and after various churches held classes examining the role of women in ministry. The researchers, Lynette Sharp Penya, Suzanne Macaluso and Amanda Rigby, intend for congregations to use these results to aid in church-wide conversations of gender roles. The presenters emphasized how determining where a church stands on this issue can also determine how fruitful or divisive the discussions may be. One of the churches in the study was unable to complete the study because of polarization on the issue revealed in the pretest survey, among other problems. In measuring the opinions of church members of various demographics, the researchers found that women consistently have more conservative views on the issue than men.The study also found that men are more likely to change their opinions after the classes than women. Following the presentation of the study, Don McLaughlin (in the photo above), the pulpit minister at one of the churches in the study, and Naomi Walters, the minister in residence at Stamford Church of Christ, discussed ways to face the often-painful process of congregations’ transitioning to more egalitarian worship practices. Confronting the discouragement among more progressive members about the rate of change in gender roles, McLaughlin, minister at North Atlanta Church of Christ, said that people of his generation should not be deterred in their work if results are not seen in their lifetime. God’s timing may have other plans. “You...
by Cory Woodroof | Jun 1, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
To those only familiar with Don Meyer’s on-the-court accomplishments, the coaching titan will be remembered for his striking column of wins and his steadfast love of the game. But, to the members of the Lipscomb community and others who gathered to celebrate the coach’s life Sunday in Allen Arena, Meyer will be remembered for far, far more than his legacy of hoops. “[Meyer] used basketball as such a great ministry,” said Richard Taylor, a former Bison and member of the 1986 NAIA National Championship squad. “He changed the lives of thousands and thousands of people, and his life was such a great example for all of us.” Meyer died May 18 after a lengthy battle with cancer. To honor his legacy of excellence, Lipscomb hosted the Don Meyer Memorial Celebration Service, one of two major public services that celebrated the coach and his life. The first one was May 24 at the campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. During Sunday’s service at Lipscomb, G. David England led two songs, “To God Be the Glory,” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Lady Bisons basketball head coach Greg Brown, also one of Meyer’s student assistant coaches, read Meyer’s obituary and led a prayer. A video was shown that featured an interview with Meyer . Tom Kelsey, a former player of Meyer’s from 1982 to 1986 and the director of basketball operations at Louisiana State University (LSU), read a letter from the coach’s family. Martha Ann Hawkins also sang two songs, “My God and I” and “Peace, Perfect, Peace,” at the opening and close of the service, respectively. She was accompanied by Phil...
by Janice Ng | May 30, 2014 | News Slider
Originally written for Lipscomb’s website. Running for governor, county office and city mayor are just some of the many activities that high school girls from counties across the Volunteer state get to partake in at the 2014 American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State camp hosted at Lipscomb University, May 25-31. Since 2010, as many as 550 high school girls have been coming to Lipscomb’s campus for a one-week camp where they form cities and run their own government, all while crafting citizenship responsibilities and leadership skills. This year, a new record of attendance was set by 573 studious girls. Before Lipscomb, Girls State called Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) home. “Our move to Lipscomb from MTSU offered us a smaller venue which meant we could move over 500 girls more easily across campus,” said Kathy Edwards, executive counselor for Volunteer Girls State. “With additional rooms within the same vicinity, we were able to expand from a 12 city Girls State to 14 cities.” Edwards said the girls have benefitted from Lipscomb’s campus as well. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity for them to see what Lipscomb has to offer,” she said. “It feels like we’re in our own little heaven here. The security, the staff and administration have been wonderful to work with. It shows that we’re working with a school that knows hospitality.” The students had the chance to run their own city mayor elections and council meetings. Baily-Anna Teague, a rising senior from McNairy Central High School in Selmer, Tenn., was elected city mayor of Taylor City. Teague says she’s not only learned all about the elements of...
by Jesica Parsley | May 24, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
The Lipscomb baseball team advances to the 2014 Atlantic Sun Conference Championship Sunday after beating No. 1 Florida Gulf Coast University in two games Saturday. The Bisons had to play two games against Florida Gulf Coast at FGCU’s Swanson Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. Lipscomb lost the first one 10-5. Gulf Coast’s bats came out hot. They scored three in the first and four in the second. Lipscomb junior infielder Grant Massey and junior pitcher/infielder Tyson Ashcraft both had two hits in game one. Ashcraft, freshman infielder Hunter Hanks, redshirt sophomore outfielder Josh Lee, senior catcher Nick Rome and redshirt freshman catcher Tyler Bethune each had one RBI. In game two, Lipscomb’s bats came alive. The Bisons beat Gulf Coast 11-4. Lee, Massey and senior outfielder Drew Adams had three hits apiece. Rome and Adams each had three RBIs. Junior pitcher Ian Martinez-McGraw threw a compete game. He gave up four runs on 11 hits with three strikeouts. Lipscomb will need to beat No. 3 Kennesaw State twice on Sunday to take home the championship. The first game will begin at 12 and will air on ESPN3. Photo courtesy of Lipscomb...
