Allen Arena was packed full with friends and family of the more than 630 students who crossed the stage to receive their diplomas Saturday, May 5 at the spring commencement, which was marked by several notable events.
The arena was so full of graduates and guests that many members of the audience were left standing, and others overflowed into Collins Alumni Auditorium where the ceremony was broadcast live.
Tennessee Speaker of the House, Beth Harwell, named Lipscomb’s 2012 Alumnus of the Year, shared a few words at the ceremony. She graduated from Lipscomb in 1978.
Harwell said she could remember feeling both happy and nervous at her own graduation and wanted to offer words of affirmation to the students.
“I will just give you this assurance,” she said, “David Lipscomb University has prepared you well for leadership—leadership in your homes, in your church, in business, in professions and in the community at large. So, I urge you to remember the principles that you’ve learned here at David Lipscomb University because they will serve you well in life.”
University President Randy Lowry spoke briefly after the presentation of hoods and diplomas. He said he had four things he hoped for those in the graduating class.
“I hope that you take a love of learning with you,” he said. “I hope that you’ll have forever a sense of belonging here… I hope you will be committed to service… It wouldn’t surprise you that we hope you take with you a sense of faith.
“We love you,” he concluded. “We thank you for all you have done for us. We look forward now, as you go, to what you will do for the world. May God bless you.”
The commencement included a handful of historic events:
A group of 26 students from Madagascar, who came to Lipscomb through a government sponsorship, graduated. The students faced an uncertain financial future after a 2009 coup in their home country. Several representatives from the Malagasy government were present at the commencement, which was broadcast live over the internet for the families in Madagascar who weren’t able to attend. Near the ceremony’s close, Lowry had the Malagasy students stand and be recognized.
“We want you from Madagascar to know how honored we have been to have you in our community,” Lowry said. “You have blessed us; you have inspired us. Your smiles every day in spite of some of your challenges have encouraged us, and we have been made better because you came.”
The first graduates from the Master of Professional Studies in Aging Services Leadership were recognized.
Lipscomb’s first College of Pharmacy class awarded the first doctorate degrees ever given at Lipscomb.
Fifty nursing students, the highest number to date, received their diplomas.
Thirty-six SALT Scholars were honored. During their senior year, these students completed a semester-long service project, fulfilling the last of several specific service requirements performed throughout their time in college.
Yellow Ribbon students were also honored and received a standing ovation from the audience, graduates, faculty and administration.
The ceremony included a special awards presentation that recognized honor graduates, SALT scholars, three Outstanding Teacher Awards and the Stephen Lee Marsh Christian Example Award.
Third photo courtesy of Hunter Patterson.