Two Lipscomb graduates to attend Princeton grad school in fall

This fall two Lipscomb graduates are headed to Princeton University to pursue a Master’s of Divinity degree. Lauren Calvin and John Paul Cooke both graduated valedictorian from Lipscomb in May of 2014. Because of the influence of Lipscomb professors, both Calvin and Cooke decided that attending a graduate school was in their futures. During her undergraduate career, Calvin discovered her many gifts in ministry. “My psychology professor, Dr. Chris Gonzalez, was the first person who made me believe I was capable of doing well in grad school,” said Calvin. Not only was Calvin’s calling affirmed by Dr. Gonzalez, but also Dean Barham. “My Intro to Ministry professor, Dean Barham, had enough faith in me to ask me to speak at Woodmont Hills Church of Christ in the spring of 2013,” said Calvin, “He believed I was ‘called to preach.’” Because of the strong encouragement from her professors, Calvin decided on the possibility of an independent career in ministry as a writer and public speaker. After speaking at Woodmont Hills and carving a path for her future, Calvin began seriously looking at graduate schools. Meanwhile, Cooke also affirmed his graduate school potential at an apprenticeship with Otter Creek Church of Christ. “Dr. Walter Surdacki placed me in a youth ministry apprenticeship my second year that lasted until I graduated,” said Cooke, “This was a great opportunity for me to learn and practice skills that I learned in the classroom.” In December, Calvin and Cooke began the application process, applying to Duke, Princeton, Emory and Yale. “Princeton’s application process was probably the most thorough, requiring a personal statement, resume, academic writing...