Lumination’s Top 10 Stories of 2013

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...

Longtime Lipscomb favorite Pizza Perfect Kebob closes

Pizza Perfect Kebob, a favorite pizza shop for many in the Lipscomb community, closed its doors last Saturday after 30 years of business. In a note to patrons, the restaurant announced that the shop owners will be retiring from Pizza Perfect Kebob. “Since opening, we have served a lot of Pizza’s and made many friends,” the note read. “Many of our customers and employees have become like family to us and we love you all!!! “After much consideration and prayers, we are announcing our retirement from Pizza Perfect Kebob.” Below is the full note distributed to vendors. Pizza Perfect Granny White Pike Only!! When Pizza Perfect opened in April of 1983 we had no idea of the changes that would take place through the years. Since opening, we have served a lot of Pizza’s and made many friends. Many of our customers and employees have become like family to us and we love you all!!! After much consideration and prayers, we are announcing our retirement from Pizza Perfect Kebob. Our last day to be open will be December 21, 2013. We appreciate your business for the past 30 years but more importantly, your friendship. As we move out of the building, we may be closing Pizza Perfect but we take many memories with us of the people we have met and incidents that have happened such as, Raouf throwing a pizza dough on top of the old vent hood when he was trying to toss it really high for a kid. They both laughed and Robert thought that was the greatest thing!! Many memories of love, support and kindness...

Students share Christmas break plans

Finals week has come to an end, which can only mean one thing.  Christmas is here! Lipscomb students have spent countless hours over the last week studying for finals.  Now, they can take some much needed time off to recuperate. “I am so glad finals are over,” said sophomore Cory Sanders. “I can’t wait to go home and be with my family.  I will probably get some duck hunting in, too.” This is a special time of year when Lipscomb students get an extended break to relax and be with family, as home is a long way from Nashville for many students. “I am from Pennsylvania, so it is important for me to be at home for Christmas,” said senior Micah Fleming. “I will be spending a lot of time with my family, which will be nice since I don’t see them much anymore.” Christmas is viewed in many different ways.  Some see it as the time they get to open presents and be with family. This Christmas, however, will not include presents for one Lipscomb student. “This year my family has decided not to give each other presents,” said senior Karley Harris. “We have decided to take a family trip instead. “I think this is a great way to spend Christmas, because it allows us to relax and be surrounded with the people we love.” What would Christmas be without traditions? A lot of families will put up the tree and string Christmas lights on their houses, but some students have unique traditions. “My mom started this tradition when I was young. We make a birthday cake and sing...

December commencement honors record number of fall graduates

As another semester came to a close this week, another group of Lipscomb students walked across the stage in Allen Arena Saturday afternoon to receive their diplomas. Lipscomb University’s December commencement ceremony honored the 414 students earning their undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. The number of honorees at Saturday’s commencement is a fall record for the university. University president Randy Lowry mentioned the special feeling that accompanies graduation day. “There was a day, two, three, four, five, six years ago that was a day of great anticipation, and today, we have the end of that experience – a day of great celebration,” Lowry said. Areas of degree study ranged from a doctoral degree in Learning Organization and Strategic Change to a bachelor’s degree of Social Work. During the ceremony, Lipscomb alum David J. Clayton was honored as the Young Alumnus of the Year, while history professor Richard Goode was honored with the Kopio Award. Associate professor and academic chair of the nutrition department Autumn Marshall led the university’s Alma Mater. Lumination Photo Editor Whitney Jarreld and regular contributors Ariel Jones and Monaih Sam were among those to receive diplomas. Visit the university’s website for stories about three of Saturday’s...

Jessie Jerkins’ love of horses stems from family tradition

1, 2, 3. That’s the countdown all babies hear as their parents stand them up and let go of them for the first time to start walking. For Jessie Jerkins, the countdown was not for the same reason as most small toddlers. Jerkins first heard this as her parents let her ride her first horse. Jerkins is a junior studying geriatric social work and minoring in psychology. When she’s not busy doing school work, you can find her at home taking care of her 24 horses. For as long as she can remember, horses have always been a part of her life. “I have been taking care of horses and riding horses since I was born,” Jerkins said. “My grandfather Gigi owned draft horses, and it just started from there with my family and horses. My mom and dad said my sister and I were riding before we were walking. So I have been riding horses for 21 years.” With school work and commuting, life can get pretty stressful for just about anyone. For Jerkins, stress is something she knows how to deal with. With help from her horses, she is always ready to face the next thing life throws her way. “My favorite part about having horses is how calming they are,” Jerkins said. “I go out any time I am stressed out, and they will just let me ride them or sit next to them. It’s more calming than most people think. “There is nothing better than having a horse give you a big old kiss when you are stressed out.” Jerkins also noted a horse’s ability to...