by Hunter Patterson | Aug 1, 2011 | News Slider
On the day after an agreement has finally been reached to extend the federal debt ceiling, both Republicans and Democrats can rejoice the government has avoided a possible default. While congressional approval is still required, America has seen bipartisanship win once again. And bipartisanship is exactly what Thomas Whisenant wants on Lipscomb’s campus. Resurrecting the Lipscomb Democrats club, Whisenant is ready to give democratic students a louder voice on campus. “I felt like there was an absence on campus for students with a more democratic political view,” Whisenant said. “Being a student who is a democrat, it is nice to have a group of people there to get your voice heard.” It’s not just about promoting democratic views for Whisenant, though. While that is high on the list, there are more important things. “We want to present to people that politics are not a bad thing,” he said. “Politics is something that we need to be involved in. Just because Washington seems hostile and difficult doesn’t mean they have to be here [on campus].” As far as the group’s formation goes, this is not something new. For those that are seniors this year, you may remember the 2008 election. During that time and during the campaign, there were groups for Republicans and Democrats. However, since then, both groups have disappeared. With the reformation of Lipscomb Dems, Whisenant hopes to reach out to different groups and help the community at the same time. “I think that it’s important that we make sure that Lipscomb comes before the Democrats,” Whisenant said. “We want to be a group that gives back and...
by despotmj | Jul 28, 2011 | News Slider
As part of an effort to recruit more students from David Lipscomb High School to Lipscomb University, the university offered a trip to London for any DLHS senior who chose to attend college at Lipscomb. The eight-day trip departed July 23 and will return July 31. Students are staying in the dormitories of the century-old Imperial College London, and as part of the trip, each new Bison will receive a three-hour humanities credit. This first-time program is part of an ever-expanding international curriculum Lipscomb has put together in order to broaden the cultural, communication, arts and business minds of students. Led by Randy Lowry, president of Lipscomb University; and Mike Fernandez, chair of theatre Department; students will be immersed into British culture through theatrical performances, religious services and local cuisine, among other activities. Students will witness the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, a trip to Oxford University, a workshop at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and a visit to the Houses of Parliament. Students will even have the opportunity to experience a local worship service with the All Soul’s Church and will be greeted each morning with a full English breakfast. Near the end of the week, students will have a chance to travel in groups to either Windsor Castle, the Natural History Museum, Tate’s Modern Art Museum or Cotswolds – the birthplace of Shakespeare. “We are having a great time in London,” said Mike Fernandez via email. “We have been many places and talked with some great people.Among them Dr. Michael Ward, considered to be a preeminent C.S. Lewis scholar.” “British people have been very receptive,” Fernandez said....
by despotmj | Jul 20, 2011 | News Slider
Lipscomb’s Student Activity Center is about to receive a much anticipated renovation. Over the next two years, several million dollars will be invested into the SAC, offering vastly improved fitness opportunities for students and faculty. This fall, visitors will notice many changes throughout the building, beginning with an improved reception area and lounge that will include not only a smoothie bar, but also well as new furniture. New floors will be installed for the basketball and racquetball courts, with a new branding effort also to be emphasized. Fear no more the Freshman 15, as Lipscomb has purchased all new equipment from Life Fitness for the weight room. For those not looking to bulk-up for spring break, a spinning studio will be built, and the SAC will even offer a larger aerobics room. “Campus Recreation is driven to provide many opportunities for students to become fit and active,” said Emily Harris, director of campus recreation. “We believe that fitness is a matter of stewardship and when we become balanced we can be the best God intended us to be.” As part of an increased focus on student health, Lipscomb will also provide free group fitness classes to students. These will be instructor-led exercise classes offering skill levels for those both beginners and the advanced. Additionally, students will have the option to take nutrition classes on campus and will even be able to hire a personal trainer for the new weight and fitness rooms. Increased operating hours will be another addition to the SAC’s improvement; these extra hours are aimed to help students avoid having to pay pricey gym memberships in...
by Lacy Pack | Jul 20, 2011 | News Slider
With the second session of Advance coming to an end on Tuesday, incoming freshmen are looking toward the upcoming school year with more confidence than ever before. Designed to ease the transition to college life, Advance helps take the awkwardness out of meeting new people and getting used to a new living situation. For Edward Campos, a freshman biology major from Nashville, Tenn., Advance has accomplished just that. “You get a taste of what college is like” said Campos. “I’ve already made a lot of friends and I’ll recognize faces when my classes start.” Campos’ fellow biology major and newfound friend Paige Murphy from Huntsville, Ala., said she also felt more prepared for the upcoming semester. “Academically, Advance helps a lot because I’ve found there are several helpful resources and advisers here to help me,” said Murphy. Freshmen aren’t the only ones getting something out of Advance, either. Quest Team member T.J. Cantrell from McMinnville, Tenn. has enjoyed the two days as much as anyone else. “Last night we had a devotional led by Jason Parker, Nocturnal Madness where we played all kinds of fun games and then all the incoming freshman hung out in Shamblin and played around for awhile,” Cantrell said. “Advance has been a blast.” The Quest Team has been working tirelessly to prepare good food and entertaining activities for the freshmen, and their hard work is paying off – many incoming students said Lipscomb feels like home. “Everyone already seems to know me. I have had so much fun,” said Inett Branch, a freshman business major from Lavergne, Tenn. “The Lord has opened the...
by Tara Knott | Jul 16, 2011 | News Slider
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. Invisibilty cloaks. Butterbeer. These are the images most people conjure up in their minds when they think about Harry Potter. But as Neville Longbottom says in the eighth and final installment of the film series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” Hogwarts has changed. Before the title appears on the screen, the camera zooms in on Voldemort thrusting his wand into the air and casting the Warner Brothers logo into the sky, letting the audience know from the beginning that the tone of this movie is much more sinister. Most of the film takes place at night or on overcast, gloomy days, and the darkness hangs like a pall over the theater as Harry, Ron and Hermione hunt down Voldemort. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson turn in their strongest performances of the series in this film. At one point, Ron and Hermione share a passionate, relief-fueled kiss after a brush with death in the Chamber of Secrets. Grint and Watson’s comedic timing is so spot on, the audience can’t help but smile. And when Harry realizes he’s ready to die if that’s what it takes to save his friends, Daniel Radcliffe looks like he’s aged a decade in three minutes. But the trio can’t carry this movie alone, and the supporting cast complements them perfectly. Maggie Smith absolutely kills it as Professor Minerva McGonagall, adding some levity to the heavy film with her subtle, knowing smirk. As she works her magic to bring some stone guards to life and they begin leaping over her head, she says, “I’ve always wanted...
