by Dale Lipscomb | Apr 11, 2010 | News Slider
In 1970, Robert Greenleaf forever developed the idea of a leader as a servant in his essay “The Servant as Leader.” Greenleaf’s ideas that leaders should meet the needs of others before their own thrive today at Lipscomb University through Walt Leaver, Vice President for University Relations. “Humility is something he brings into virtually everything he does,” said Dr. Randy Lowry, President of Lipscomb University. “He has this ability to make sure everyone is featured and spotlighted.” Leaver is a Lipscomb graduate who has worked in the administration since 1994. His position includes responsibilities ranging from faith outreaches to arena management. “Without Leaver, outreach wouldn’t be happening to the degree its happening,” said David Hughes, Lipscomb University’s Veteran’s Liaison. “Walt gives and gives.” For Leaver, being Vice President of Relations means working hard on numerous projects. He has been a key figure for Lipscomb events such as Lighting of the Green, Summer Celebration, Impact summer youth camp, the Maybelle Carter Memorial Stage dedication concert, and the recent Operation Yellow Ribbon event. Office hours for Leaver can vary depending on what meetings he has on his agenda, but he spends a bulk of the day at Lipscomb. His commitment, however, is a 24-hour job. “Walt is very creative and works hard,” said Joe Ivey, Senior Vice President for Advancement. “Leaver’s work ethic is apparent, but often goes unnoticed to the public.” Leaver’s work goes beyond Lipscomb to serve others in the Nashville community. Apart from Lipscomb, Leaver is the minister at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, is on the Nashville Inner City Ministry board of directors, and serves on the...
by Clay Smith | Apr 1, 2010 | News Slider
Cries of “God bless America” and “God bless our troops” rang out loud and clear in Allen Arena during Operation Yellow Ribbon recently. Lipscomb presented recording artists and some special military guests for a fundraising event for the Yellow Ribbon Program on March 23. The G.I. Bill was passed after Sept. 11, 2001, to ensure that people leaving the military could pursue a college education at any state university at no cost. Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Program pays the difference between Lipscomb tuition and what a state university education costs in Tennessee, about $7,000. The evening was not short on entertainment. Among the artists who performed were Larry Gatlin, Gretchen Wilson, Amy Grant, Kix Brooks (of Brooks & Dunn), Charlie Daniels and Lipscomb’s A Cappella choir. Each artist made a point to mention his/her great appreciation for members of the military. “It just feels good to love on people who have served you,” Grant said. Brooks spoke on how emotional it was to play a concert the day after Sept. 11, 2001, near Shanksville, Pa., where United Airlines Flight 93 went down. He also spoke of his own personal visits to the Middle East. “I wish every American had the opportunity to see the good work that’s been done,” Brooks said. Daniels also commented on Americans’ attitudes today versus in years past. “Back during the ‘hippie days’ we had a lot of disrespect for the flag, the country, and all things American,” Daniels said. “But, the spirit of patriotism has always been there.” Thirty Lipscomb students are enrolled through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Each of them made contact first with...
