by Emily Snell | May 6, 2012 | News Slider
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,...
