Missions-minded Samantha Gwinn tells of her passion for ministry

The opportunity to take mission trips as a Lipscomb student fits right into freshman Samantha Gwinn’s plans to travel the world and help others. Gwinn is studying elementary education, but her dream is to be a missionary. Already, Gwinn has quite a bit of experience in mission work. A few places she already has visited are Mexico, Honduras, South Africa and Swaziland, as well as many places in the United States. “The summer before my senior year of high school, I knew I was being called to do something more than just a week of mission work,” Gwinn said. “I’ve wanted to be a missionary since seventh grade, and I just wanted more of it.  So, I spent a summer in Swaziland two summers ago with a group of people I had only known for four days.” Gwinn mentioned the joy that she has encountered through the people she has spent time with during her journeys. “I enjoy seeing people from other cultures worshiping God. Sometimes we think that we are the only ones who love God, and that we are such good people for going out and spreading Christ’s love. Well, the love is already there,” Gwinn said. “Often times, it is more there than it is here. The kids seem joyful so much of the time, no matter if they’re wearing ratty, dirty clothes and only eat one meal a day. They have the joy of the Lord inside of them.” Gwinn says that she hopes her mission trip travels continue. “Madagascar is high on my list,” Gwinn said. “I’ve learned about it during a project, and God...

Spring semester postponed until Wednesday due to weather conditions

Rare inclement weather has put a halt to the Lipscomb University spring semester until Wednesday. The university notified students late Saturday night of the postponement, citing safety as a primary motive behind the decision. “This is to notify the Lipscomb University community that in light of history-making weather over much of the country this weekend and into Tuesday, with temperatures in Nashville expected to drop to near zero, the beginning of the spring semester will be delayed until Wednesday as a precaution to protect the safety of our students,” the notification read. “In addition, local officials have apprised us as a precaution that demand on utilities could result in unscheduled shut downs for undetermined periods of time. While we do not at this time expect weather-related issues, the university feels it is best judgment to wait a few days to begin the new semester.” The school is asking local students, whether they are boarding or commuter students, to stay at or return to their homes until possibly late Tuesday, though the university recommends waiting for a solid return time that will be announced. For students who cannot change travel arrangements or have already returned to Nashville, the university says that they have made plans for safe, comfortable conditions in the event of any weather-related utilities limitations. Planned events such as Sunday’s new student express orientation and Monday’s 5 p.m. men’s basketball game against Jacksonville will still go on as scheduled. University offices and support services will be also be on a normal schedule, including the food court in the Bennett Campus Center. Continue to follow Lumination for all weather-related...

Lumination’s Top 10 Stories of 2013

Hello, Lumination readers! As we celebrate the beginning of 2014, it’s time to take a look back at some of the biggest stories at Lipscomb during the year that was – 2013.  Before we take a look at the year’s top stories, we take a moment to pause and remember those we lost in the past year. Former Lipscomb professors Axel Swang, Patty Dugger, Oliver Yates, and Bill Collins all passed, as did Lipscomb student Isaac Phillips and Bisons super fan Chuck Ross. We continue to pray for their families and friends. A few stories right on the heels of our top 10 list involved some special visitors to campus and two major, annual Lipscomb events, as well as a few people in new positions of leadership. U.S. women’s soccer team practiced at university field in February, drawing a large crowd of soccer fans and inquisitive Lipscomb students. In March, YouTube sensations Walk Off the Earth headlined the spring concert at Alumni Auditorium. In April, Singarama celebrated its 50th anniversary, and, in December, Lighting of the Green held its 9th installment. In 2013, we also welcomed Steve Davidson as a new campus minister and Jim Humphrey as the new director of security. And, in April, Andrew Hunt was elected to be the new SGA president. Drew Watson was elected as his VP. 10. Titans QBs Jake Locker, Matt Hasselbeck and Rusty Smith speak in The Gathering  In March, the three quarterbacks for the resident Tennessee Titans appeared in The Gathering to shed light on each player’s faith. It was a rare occurrence to have such high-profile guests for a Thursday chapel, but...

Longtime Lipscomb favorite Pizza Perfect Kebob closes

Pizza Perfect Kebob, a favorite pizza shop for many in the Lipscomb community, closed its doors last Saturday after 30 years of business. In a note to patrons, the restaurant announced that the shop owners will be retiring from Pizza Perfect Kebob. “Since opening, we have served a lot of Pizza’s and made many friends,” the note read. “Many of our customers and employees have become like family to us and we love you all!!! “After much consideration and prayers, we are announcing our retirement from Pizza Perfect Kebob.” Below is the full note distributed to vendors. Pizza Perfect Granny White Pike Only!! When Pizza Perfect opened in April of 1983 we had no idea of the changes that would take place through the years. Since opening, we have served a lot of Pizza’s and made many friends. Many of our customers and employees have become like family to us and we love you all!!! After much consideration and prayers, we are announcing our retirement from Pizza Perfect Kebob. Our last day to be open will be December 21, 2013. We appreciate your business for the past 30 years but more importantly, your friendship. As we move out of the building, we may be closing Pizza Perfect but we take many memories with us of the people we have met and incidents that have happened such as, Raouf throwing a pizza dough on top of the old vent hood when he was trying to toss it really high for a kid. They both laughed and Robert thought that was the greatest thing!! Many memories of love, support and kindness...

Freshman class of men’s golf team ranked number one in nation by GolfStat

The Lipscomb men’s golf team has been given quite the honor.  The Bisons were recently ranked number one in the nation for its’ freshmen class by GolfStat, which is the leading ranking system for all college golf. “For GolfStat, they take all of our scores in every tournament as freshmen, and they average those scores together. It’s incredible the difference one person can make for your golf team,” said freshman golfer Dowling Armstrong. “It was a great accomplishment to have within our first season,” Armstrong said. “Coach Brewer really stacked our team with a great freshmen class. We are really strong. We can all play, and play well.” There are five freshmen on this year’s team: Armstrong, Mikey Feher, Stoney Crouch, Sydney Chung and Joshua Enderle. Four of the five are playing. Due to an injury, Enderle is redshirting this season. “There’s a lot of competition on our team, healthy competition,” Armstrong said. “We are all working hard to get the top five spots to travel.” Armstrong credits head coach Will Brewer as a driving force behind the young golfer’s success. “Coach Brewer has done a lot for our freshmen class and the upperclassmen,” Armstrong said. “He has made us fearless, given us a great desire to win and made us competitors.” Brewer is going on his second year as head Men’s Golf coach and Director of Golf at Lipscomb. “I think Coach really pushes all of us, especially with our new short game facility at NGAC [Nashville Golf and Athletic Club]. It’s really making us into better players,” Armstrong said. Armstrong said he hopes the fall’s success continues into...