SGA debates offer insight into 2014 candidates

The second annual SGA debates were held in Shamblin Theatre Monday night with SGA and Lumination Network once again co-sponsoring the event. The centerpiece of the evening was the debate between presidential candidates Taylor Cao and Drew Watson. The candidates expressed their opinions on a number of oft-discussed topics on Lipscomb’s campus such as academics, students dealing with the various events held on campus, Lipscomb’s alcohol policy and the school’s parking issues. Watson, the incumbent SGA vice president, touched on his previous experience with SGA, as well what he hopes to implement if elected president. “I think that experience is something that I have, and that is very valuable, especially for the president position,” Watson said. “I think that leading an organization requires you to be knowledgeable about it, be knowledgeable about its functions and about its responsibilities. “I’ve learned a lot this year as vice president, so I definitely think I would be able to hit the ground running this summer.” Watson says he hopes to use the role to be a servant for the Lipscomb community. “I think that the president role should be a means of service, and I believe that I will do a great job serving the student body,” Watson said. “I’m not doing this for the title. I’m not doing this because it will look good on a resume. I’m doing this because I truly believe I could serve the student body in this role.” Cao, who served as an active SGA member for the first time this semester, also expressed the plans he has for his potential presidency, along with why he...

Lipscomb International Students brings culture and diversity to campus

LIS is officially known as “Lambda Iota Sigma,” but group president Shilpa Naruka tells us that the organization prefers to be called by LIS’ more descriptive and fitting name, “Lipscomb International Students.” “Anyone can be a member,” Naruka said. “Basically, it’s a cultural awareness group and more of an open group. I would not say it’s just a social group.” People  of all backgrounds, ethnicity, gender and religions can become a part of LIS without having to go through the pledging process that most service and social clubs require. “We do have some rules,” Naruka said. “But, we do not have any pledging, and we do not have any restrictions on who can enter the group.” When a few of the international students on campus came up with the idea of doing an international fashion show last year, they also decided to create a more solid, organized culturally-aware group within Lipscomb before attempting such a large undertaking of a show. “The fashion show was the first big event we really thought of,” Naruka recalled. “But, before doing that event, we wanted to start the group, so we did quite a few little events like movie nights.” And so, LIS began. As a Lipscomb University club, the numbers reveal it’s not-so-humble beginnings. Over 25 members joined LIS during its first year, which is more than most social clubs achieve after their first several years. LIS has adopted the week of the upcoming and much-anticipated Stomp Fest as International Education Week. This means that, aside from the club being showcased as a part of Tuesday’s Stomp Fest, they will be hosting...