Chuck Ross’ life celebrated through memorial service

by | Sep 30, 2013 | News Slider, Sports

By Sophie Kellerman and Aaron Schmelzer Memories filled Allen Arena on Sunday afternoon as the Lipscomb community celebrated the life of fan Chuck Ross. Ross passed away earlier this month at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of support for local sports. Through his fandom, Ross impacted the lives of the many, with a large group of local journalists, sporting figures and former Bisons lending their time to share a funny story and kind word about Ross. “Chuck was the roots that connected so many people and communities,” said Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson as he opened up the memorial. Orioles manager Buck Showalter, ESPN analyst Buster Olney and Voice for the Nashville Predators Pete Weber were among the multitude of people who recorded short anecdotes and well wishes that were shown throughout the service. Jonathan Seamon interviewed former Bisons basketball players Alan Banks, Richard Taylor, Chris Martello, Greg Glenn and Keith Edwards about their experiences with Ross. “I thought Chuck was somebody that we were doing something for,” Taylor said. “The reality is, as time passed, it was exactly the opposite. Chuck was such a role model for all of us.” “Describe Chuck in one word,” Seamon asked the former Bisons. None of them had to think about their answers very long. Laughter, compassion and unconditional love were just a few of the words that came to mind. Ross was not only a fan of the university sports. He also loved going to the Lipscomb Academy high school games and helping out any way he could. “For high school football games, Chuck’s job was to call and...

Lumination Newscast, Sept. 26, 2013

by | Sep 27, 2013 | News Slider, Sports

In the sixth week of the 2013-2014 school year, Madeline Smith and Joe Sanderson are behind the news desk to update you about what is happening on campus and around the Nashville community. Brianna Langley fills you in on the week’s top world news headlines, Janice Ng give the scoop on all things with Nashville entertainment, Kelly Dean gives you the weather forecast and Carter Sanderson brings you up to speed with sports. This week’s newscast sheds light on the merging of the English and Foreign Language Departments, offers a look into what the Lipscomb community thinks of Obamacare, takes a look at the new change of optional minors on graduation plans, shows highlights of the Lady Bisons’ volleyball match against Kentucky, gives an update on the shuttle service and features a recap of the 31st annual African Street Festival. Also featured this week are a look at Almost Golf, some insight into the upcoming Nashville Choreographer’s Canvas and an array of student opinions of the new Apple software update. Be sure to stay tuned for future newscasts published every Friday here on...

Google’s 15th birthday celebrated on campus

by | Sep 25, 2013 | News Slider

For 15 years now, the words “Google it!”  have been on the mouths of people searching for a quick answer. Google has been playing a huge role on the Internet and in the lives of people who use it. In honor of Google’s 15th birthday, Google Student Ambassador Karla Chavez will be throwing a party on Friday, Sept. 27. Chavez is a Public Relations major and the first and only Google Student Ambassador on Lipscomb’s campus. She became involved with the Google Student Ambassador program through a mentor. “I applied for their program and was accepted in July,” Chavez said. During the Google birthday celebration, Chavez will have a few Google products for students to test out, including the Nexus 7 and the Chromebook. “This will be the first event I’ve done on campus. I really want to build a Google culture on campus,” Chavez said. “I want to make sure that students are aware of the Apps that we have through Google for Lipscomb. “I want them to learn how to use the products and also show them the right tools on how they could apply for the Ambassador program one day, too. I want students to be able to have the same opportunities as I have had. “Ultimately, the goal of the event is for students to meet their Google Student Ambassador,” Chavez said. “And for students and their clubs to learn how they can benefit from using Google products.” Chavez said that the Nexus 7 is her favorite Google product. “I can get books through Google Play and they are less expensive than going to the...

Lipscomb alum Scott Pieper helps former inmates merge back into society

by | Sep 19, 2013 | News Slider

Working with inmates is a natural fit for Lipscomb alum Scott Pieper. After graduating in 2012 with a degree in social work, Pieper is now working to help former inmates integrate back into society. “Dismas is family.” This is the slogan residents, staff members and volunteers live by at the Dismas House. The Dismas House is a transitional housing program on a mission to facilitate the reconciliation of former prisoners to society through supportive communities. That community consists of students and former prisoners living together in a family setting. Pieper interned with the Dismas House while attending Lipscomb University. After graduation, Pieper became the Executive Director. “Former inmates were one of the populations that I had identified with wanting to work with,” Pieper said. “It was a natural fit.” “My most important job is keeping everything we do focused on accomplishing the mission – organizing volunteer opportunities, arranging in-house programming and developing partnerships or fundraising efforts,” he said. “Everything is in the spirit of working towards the Dismas House mission.” The name “Dismas” comes from the “repentant” or “good thief” who was crucified with Christ on Calvary in the Christian tradition. The late Father Jack Hickey and a group of Vanderbilt students founded the Dismas House in 1974. Student residents are still a big part of the Dismas community today. “Father Hickey recognized the similarities between college students and individuals exiting incarceration as sort of being in the same transitional period of entering into society,” Pieper said. “Student residents present a constant presence of the supportive community in our mission.” “Student residents are living in the house – they...