by Hailey Bryant | Oct 23, 2012 | News Slider
It was a bison painted differently than most students had ever seen. Decked out in full-on rainbow colors with an equal symbol on the base, the Lipscomb bison statue became a four-legged, thick-maned symbol of equality. Desiring to show their support for “National Coming Out Day” on Oct. 11, Lipscomb students Jeremiah DeVore and Seth Lykins transformed the bison into an image of colorful celebration and support. The bison usually is awash in different colors and phrases to promote school events, so the rainbow-fashioned political statement had many students asking questions and expressing support. “We did it to show support for members of the Lipscomb community who may feel uncomfortable with showing that part of themselves,” said DeVore, by way of simple explanation. While he knew the paint job had the potential to cause controversy, he said in no way did he intend the message to be anything but positive, and he “did not intend any disrespect for the university.” Seth Lykins was quick to jump on board with DeVore’s idea of painting the bison. “We wanted to use the symbol of Lipscomb to celebrate the day. It was merely our way of expressing positivity and support for everyone,” he said. Lykins said that he heard of only positive reactions and “the Facebook picture got a lot of likes,” he said. Students in general seemed to agree with the sentiment. “The bison is a forum for students to express themselves,” said sophomore Neely Baugh. “As long as what is painted doesn’t degrade others, the school should allow students to express their messages.” Like all Lipscomb bison paintings, eventually this one...
by Michael Fox | Aug 27, 2012 | News Slider, Sports
Track and field standout Matt Deery was remembered Thursday, Aug. 23, as a good teammate and friend who had an infectious smile and impacted the lives of everyone around him. Teammate and roommate Nelson Scott said Deery enjoyed brightening the lives of others.The Lipscomb community gathered in Collins Alumni Auditorium to celebrate the life of Deery, who died Aug. 1 as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Upper Nazareth Township, Pa. He was honored by his teammates, coaches and university administrators during the service. “With his heartfelt smile and his kind words, Matt could make anyone’s day. He loved doing that,” said Scott. President L. Randolph Lowry told the friends, teammates, family members and others gathered for the service that they will not be alone in their time of need. “This is about a community. We will walk this journey with you,” he said. Deery, who would have been a sophomore this fall, was the ideal teammate. “He was loved and respected by everyone on the team. He pursued excellence with a passion. But he was humble and as concerned with his teammates as he was with himself,” said Bill Taylor, Lipscomb’s track and field head coach. “And, he was as tough as they come. He represented the type of athlete that we try to recruit and the people who make up this team.” The Phillipsburg, N.J., native became the first track and field athlete in Lipscomb history to earn second-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference honors at the conference indoor championship this past season with a second-place pole vault of 4.55m (14’11”). He also won a...
by Emily Snell | Mar 8, 2012 | News Slider
Soulforce, a group that promotes equality for LGBTQ people, will visit Lipscomb on Monday, March 12. The Soulforce visit was announced briefly at the end of The Gathering on Feb. 28. A March 1 email from SGA President Daniel Wakefield further clarified the event. The email stated that students were invited to attend one of three morning discussion sessions in Ezell chapel, involving panel discussions with representatives from Soulforce and university professors. The email reminded students that seating would be limited. “[Soulforce’s] mission is to bring attention to what they believe are unfair attitudes and policies within religious organizations,” Wakefield’s email said. “As a gracious and loving Christian community, Lipscomb seeks to be open to conversation about issues that may be difficult or sensitive,” the email contintued. “In this spirit, we look forward to meaningful dialogue with the Soulforce visitors and hope they feel that they have been graciously, thoughtfully, and faithfully received.” In a two-part panel discussion led by Dr. Steve Joiner, Lipscomb’s director for the Institute for Conflict Management, Soulforce will explore the justice and ethical issues surrounding the subject of homosexual orientation and homosexual practice. On Monday, the university will have panel discussions at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. for the limited number of students who were able to sign up in the SGA office. The justice issues that the panel will likely discuss include bullying and equal and fair treatment under the law. Lipscomb panelists include Dr. Ken Durham, Dr. Randy Spivey and Dr. Norma Burgess. A second panel will include Dr. Lee Camp, Dr. John Mark Hicks and Dr. Charla Long. Soulforce will supply...
by Erica Aburto | Oct 16, 2011 | News Slider
Commuting students don’t have the option of their dorm-dwelling comrades: they have no dorm bed to go slip into if there’s dead time between classes. To answer that problem, the university last week opened The Commuters’ Lounge. Up until the lounge opened, commuting students were forced to spend their “down time” in public spaces, which generally are congested and raucous. Now there’s a home away from home for communters in the lounge that comes fully equipped with an ample sectional sofa for big study sessions, a futon (for students who are wanting to squeeze a nap in between classes), a refrigerator, microwave, lockers for storage and a plasma television with cable. It is located behind Elam Hall, adjacent to Lipscomb Security for added convenience in case of an emergency. For questions or comments, visit the Campus Life office located at the bottom of the Student Center. Scott McDowell, vice president for student development, was instrumental in the construction of The Commuters’ Lounge. Last week, he invited commuting students to take a tour of the lounge and also asked them for questions or suggestions about how it can better serve their needs. Sophomore Denise de la Torre, who is studying biology, suggested that “the hours be extended, since there are many commuters who have evening classes or...
