by Erin Franklin | May 4, 2019 | News Slider, Opinion
It’s actually here. I’m officially an alumna from Lipscomb as of Saturday, which means I’ve passed the Lumination “Editor” mantle on to a new leader. I started serving as editor the summer after my freshman year. When I got started, I remember truly not knowing what to expect, but I also remember truly being excited about what the future held. Now, Lumination Network will be getting a completely new editorial staff since Russell Vannozzi, one of our managing editors, and I have both graduated. Our second managing editor, Spencer Boehme, is a rising junior, but he will be turning to primarily focus on Lumination Radio to serve as the radio sports director. Rising junior Mckenzi Harris will be the new Editor-in-Chief, rising sophomore Kathryn Farris will be one of the managing editors and rising sophomore Erika Plunkett will also serve as a managing editor. As we passed on Lumination to this new leadership team filled with three strong women, I have written this column to offer a few words of advice and to express my gratitude for being able to serve you by bringing the news to the Lipscomb campus. Firstly, pay attention to your student news. Freedom of the press is important, no matter what scale or “level” that press is, whether it’s student news or the New York Times. As a journalism geek, I have a mug with a quote on it by Thomas Jefferson that has resonated with me as I pursue a career in journalism: “Our liberty depends on freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” In today’s political climate,...
by Charissa Ricker | May 1, 2019 | News Slider, Sports, Student Spotlight
Jordan Fortel is no stranger to overcoming obstacles in her softball career, but despite her unconventional journey to Lipscomb and her recent injuries, she continues to pull through for her team as both a hitter and pitcher. Fortel is halfway through her senior season at Lipscomb and is leading the team in multiple-hit games, hitting streaks and a reached base streak of 35. “This season has been great so far,” Fortel said. “I think we’ve gotten off to a really great start, and I’m excited to see where we go from here.” Her college softball career has been nothing shy of success. She was named 2017 TCCAA Pitcher of the Year and D1 Softball and ASUN Pitcher of the week for her no-hitter game against Ole Miss last year. She has quickly become a key player for the team, but she hasn’t always been a Bison. “Lipscomb is actually the third school that I’ve attended,” Fortel said.” I’ve only been here since last year when I transferred. I kind of had some connections here, and it just worked out. It’s been a good journey.” After attending the University of Tennessee Chattanooga for a year, Fortel moved closer to her home in Greenville to attend Walter State. “I was led by the Lord to leave UTC, and it just wasn’t working out,” Fortel said. “I’ve ended up in a lot better situations.” She grew up playing travel softball with junior Hannah Duvalt, and with only one year of eligibility at Walter State, Fortel made the move to Lipscomb. “This community is just so much different than communities I’ve been a...
by George Wong | Apr 25, 2019 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb University’s own athletic Grammy Awards, the Lippys, commenced Wednesday on its usual night before Study Day. The annual event commemorates the achievements of Lipscomb’s athletes on and off the field. It was a night of fun and glamor as every student-athlete came together dressed formally in the heart of Allen Arena. Hors d’oeuvres, fondue for dessert and refreshments were on the menu, while everyone took pictures before the award ceremony hosted by head volleyball coach Brandon Rosenthal. Students also joined in on co-hosting and pleasantries throughout the evening. The Lippys were founded by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and past track and field athlete April Terry. Over the past few years the Lippys staff, run primarily by student-athletes, has continually sought improvement of the event. “There were nomination surveys sent out to all the athletes this year,” SAAC president Ahmed Amaar said. “This form is what we are basing the voting ballot off of, so if people wanted to nominate someone for the awards listed, that was their chance. “Changing the awards system to give every single [athlete a] voice this year — besides that we are just trying to make it [a] more inclusive event. I think the day after the Lippys no one really cares or remembers about the awards — what they remember is the memories they made and the feeling of togetherness. It’s rare to have the entirety of Lipscomb Athletics together, and so sharing that moment is what makes it the best.” A feedback survey for improvements was emailed out after the event as well. “This year was a more sit-down style instead...
by Ashley Bingham | Apr 25, 2019 | News Slider
April is known for springtime, rain and Easter. It’s also known as Autism Awareness month, a time to come together and raise awareness for autism. The IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb) Program was founded by Misty Parsley in 2014. It strives to help students with special needs at Lipscomb get the most out of their college experience, including those with autism. Parsley was an autism consultant in her previous line of work, and she has been working with students with autism for most of her career. She now works as the director of special education programs and as a faculty advisor for IDEAL. Parsley said the program strives to individualize how they help students with their needs, everything from their schedule, to finding ways to motivate them to get their work done. “When working with those with autism, you have to somewhat learn as you go,” Parsley said. “You have to be willing to make changes and implement strategies as issues arise and be willing to meet the students where they are. We really just individualize based on their interests, their needs, what’s worked in the past and what we can implement here at Lipscomb.” One student with autism in the program, Cooper Everitt, said the IDEAL program has benefited him, and he enjoys being a part of it. “Lipscomb is a very nice school, and I love doing the IDEAL program,” Everitt said. “It helps me become a better person, to be more flexible and more responsible.” Parsley noted that autism is a constant struggle with social situations and sensory input, and those...
by Lumination Staff | Apr 24, 2019 | Galleries
It’s been a busy two days for Lipscomb basketball. Yesterday, Lipscomb welcomed Lauren Sumski as the new head coach for women’s basketball. And today, Lipscomb introduced Lennie Acuff as the new head coach for men’s basketball. Acuff is the winningest coach in the history of the Gulf South Conference, amassing 437 wins over 22 seasons at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. He has a total of 550 wins in 29 seasons. Acuff said he believes that encouraging those around him is crucial. “The most powerful thing you can say to someone is ‘I believe in you,’” Acuff said. Sumski is the former D-III coach at Rhodes College. She said she plans to “reset” the program, rather than “rebuild” it. “This is just a reset,” Sumski said. “This isn’t a rebuild. We’re going to take every single day, and we’re going to work to be the best people we can be, the best students we can be, the best athletes we can be.” Photos by Mckenzi Harris and Erin Franklin « ‹ of 2 › »...
