by Tia Calvin | Apr 7, 2020 | COVID-19, News Slider, Travel
Junior Savannah Rolston searches for words to describe her disappointment when the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of Lipscomb mission trips, including her own anticipated return to Equador. “Disappointed is not a strong enough word. I was devastated. All this time and energy our team has invested into this trip and these kids over there, for it to be gone just like that,” said Rolston. She said she was looking forward to returning to Ecuador during her second year with Lipscomb missions to serve a local children’s home, Hacienda of Hope. Now, like many other Lipscomb students, she is met with the fact that her mission work has been halted indefinitely. “At first, I was in shock. There’s no way they can just cancel our trip like this,” says Rolston. “But then borders were closing, countries were being locked down, big events were being canceled and I realized it was for the best that they just called it off.” In early March, Lipscomb’s missions and the Office of the President canceled all school-sponsored and non-essential travel due to the spread of the coronavirus. These restrictions ended more than eight international mission trips that were scheduled for spring break, including travel to Japan, Honduras, and El Salvador. The university noted its decision to cancel was based on guidelines provided by the CDC. Out of an abundance of caution, the university asked that anyone arriving from countries on the CDC’s Level 2 and 3 health warning lists or from a country that restricts travel, must self-quarantine. “On campus, we are working on a continuous basis to proactively anticipate whatever might...
by Erika Plunkett | Feb 28, 2020 | BREAKING NEWS, News Slider
Lipscomb students studying abroad are feeling the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as it approaches pandemic levels. After the virus reached areas of Northern Italy, which is reporting 400 confirmed cases, with only three of those cases coming as a result of travels to China, Lipscomb elected to evacuate the study abroad group staying in Florence. These students were moved to the Vienna campus for at least the next month, and then the situation will be reevaluated. President Randy Lowry said in an email to the Lipscomb community that the university has been monitoring the situation for weeks, and one option would have been to return the students to the U.S. and have them continue their spring classes in an online format. “Unfortunately, this option would also likely be the end of their study abroad experience,” Lowry said in the email. So the university decided upon Vienna. “This option is only possible because, fortunately, none of the Florence students have visited an area or region impacted by the COVID-19 virus,” Lowry said. “Because our students’ safety and well-being are of utmost importance, we would not make this decision if it put our Vienna students at risk by introducing another student population that could be impacted by the virus.” Students affected by this situation expressed gratitude that they are not being sent home, but the abrupt move is causing stress and disrupted plans that had been in place for months. As of right now the Vienna campus, as well as the country of Austria, remains safe with only two cases reported in the entire nation. However, Lipscomb will continue to...
by Janice Ng | Mar 27, 2015 | News Slider
This week on Lumination News, Carly Bergthold and Sarah McGee give you the latest updates on local and Lipscomb news from the anchor’s desk. See what’s going on in world news with reporter Mignonne Bryant, and get caught up on Hollywood’s latest drama with Brittnay Estes. Also, Charlie Bateman gives you a look into the world of Lipscomb sports. The Allen Bell Tower has been a landmark on Lipscomb’s campus since 1999, but lately it has been much quieter than usual. Lumination’s Colleen Casner finds out why. This spring break, Lipscomb missions mobilized over 400 students to 21 trips to different parts of the world. The longest running spring break trip travels to the City of Children, an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico. Reporter Erin King reflects with team members on the experience. Radnor Lake with all its natural beauty is very much an iconic part of Nashville among locals and Lipscomb students. Reporter Mignonne Bryant explores the history, land and animals that make it so unique. Do you have any story ideas or events you would like to see covered? E-mail our News Director at...
by Olivia Waldorf | Mar 16, 2015 | News Slider
For some, balancing work and hobbies may be a lot to handle, but for one Lipscomb student, selling the products of two hobbies is her job. Freshman Jamie Pratt got her first taste of photography when she was young and quickly developed a love for being behind the camera. She eventually reached out to assist other Nashville photographers, which lead to photographing weddings. While this was something entirely new to Pratt, she realized she had uncovered a new passion. “[Wedding photography] wasn’t my end goal, but they are probably one of my favorite things to shoot,” Pratt said. “It’s just such a fun atmosphere and there’s so many different aspects to take pictures of.” Pratt’s photography business took off from there, as she built her client base and sold more of her work. She decided to put her photographic talent on display by building a website. Aside from photographing weddings and snapping candids, Pratt said she also enjoys landscape photography. “Capturing that moment with nature or something and getting that split second, where, if you’d waited a little longer, the picture wouldn’t have turned out,” she said. Since Pratt launched her website, more photos having been selling and business is picking up. Pratt’s talent doesn’t stop with photography, though. She also sells paintings and hand-painted shoes. Pratt said that she did not know she could paint until her senior year in high school. She said her paintings are usually inspired by photos she has taken or places she has been. “I just like the things that have little details,” she said. “It’s always humbling when I can never get them...
by Janice Ng | Mar 13, 2015 | News Slider
Chad Johnson and Brianna Langley lead this week’s Lumination News, giving the latest Lipscomb news. Safety for students is a top priority at Lipscomb. Recently, a call box located in the west garage of Allen Arena was found to be out of order. Mignonne Bryant has more on how campus security is continuing to ensure safety for students. In this week’s show, reporter Thomas Jones also provides a recap for Singarama, a strong Lipscomb tradition. Watch for weather updates in your spring break mission trip destination with Leslie Newman. Mignonne Bryant provides a mix of world news headlines and Colleen Casner delivers recent Hollywood buzz. Do you have story ideas? An event you want us to cover? Email our News Director at...
