by Cory Woodroof | Nov 17, 2014 | News Slider
A few familiar faces will be joining show host Amy Grant at this year’s Lighting of the Green. The tenth annual show will feature American Idol finalist and Christian artist Danny Gokey, Dove-winning gospel singer and actress Tamela Mann, singer/songwriter Jon Guerra, multi-talented family The Willis Clan, Brother Parker, Lipscomb student choruses and others. Walt Leaver, vice president for university relations, spoke to the impact Grant has had on the show. “Lighting of the Green has become a beloved tradition in Nashville, and we couldn’t have made that happen without the support and generosity of Amy Grant, who gives of her time and talent to perform and to schedule an exciting slate of artists each year,” Leaver said. The free. rain-or-shine concert starts at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, on the Allen Arena Mall. Festivities will begin at 4, including the Merry Marketplace at the arena. Free photos with Santa Claus are also available. Food or cash donations will be accepted for the Second Harvest Food Bank at the event. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blanket or lawn chair. For more information on this year’s Lighting of the Green, visit the event page on Lipscomb’s website. Photo credit: Erin...
by Cory Woodroof | May 8, 2014 | News Slider
The friends and family of the Anastasia Sloan gathered to celebrate her immensely impactful life in the Ezell Center’s Swang Chapel Wednesday night. “She was such a ray of sunshine,” Walt Leaver, vice president for university relations, said. Ms. Sloan, a 2013 graduate of Lipscomb University, lost her life in an auto accident late Monday night. “As we have all mourned greatly in the past couple of days and will continue to do so over the days and weeks ahead, the purpose of tonight is to bring a message of hope,” said Mark Jent, the director of missions outreach for Lipscomb. Jent and his wife Beth were Ms. Sloan’s team leaders on two mission trips to Australia in 2010 and 2011. “She has been a blessing and joy in our life,” Jent said. During the service, those in attendance joined in worship, prayer and reflections of Ms. Sloan’s life and impact. “I think the greatest blessing for me is knowing her heart,” friend Kaylynn Allen said. “She loved people.” Shuen Lim, of Brisbane, Australia, came to know Ms. Sloan during one of Lipscomb’s mission trips. “I was just blown away by her adventurous spirit,” Lim said. “She was so brave to go and bless the world.” Dean Scott McDowell, senior vice president for student life, recounted reading some of Ms. Sloan’s blog posts on the website for the World Race, a mission trip she was planning on going on later this year. He recommended that everyone in attendance go back and read Ms. Sloan’s powerful words. “You will be blessed by doing that,” McDowell said. Various memories were shared from the...
by Hunter Patterson | Jul 2, 2011 | News Slider
Kicked off with an awakening period of worship, the finale of Lipscomb’s Summer Celebration was capped off by an inspiring message from Jeff Walling. First, though, there were a few areas of business that had to be taken care of. Randy Lowry introduced a familiar face to Nashville residents during the beginning of the evening, Daron Hall, sheriff of Davidson County. It was after that, when Hall introduced another man, Lytle Thomas. Thomas has a history of dealing with inner-city children all around the Nashville area. So, it was more than fitting to have all of those kids present at the event. And were they ever present. The children emerged from one of the Tunnels in Allen Arena in a school bus. Yes, a school bus. Almost overwhelmed, Lionel was then the proud recipient of the Kopio Award for his many years of service to the community. “I don’t want to say a whole lot, because I am afraid to say the wrong thing,” Thomas said. “On behalf of all of the people I’ve worked with and all the children, this is your award. Thank you all so much.” President Lowry then introduced someone that “has lead through his vision and his tremendous love for his church.” A coworker of Lowry’s at Pepperdine, Lynn Anderson was present to give an award that was originally supposed to given away at the Pepperdine Bible Lectures in May. How convenient that the recipients be none other than member’s of the Lipscomb family. A beautiful plaque with the words “Distinguished Christian Service Award” was then presented to Walt and Karen Leaver. Leaver is...
by Dale Lipscomb | Apr 11, 2010 | News Slider
In 1970, Robert Greenleaf forever developed the idea of a leader as a servant in his essay “The Servant as Leader.” Greenleaf’s ideas that leaders should meet the needs of others before their own thrive today at Lipscomb University through Walt Leaver, Vice President for University Relations. “Humility is something he brings into virtually everything he does,” said Dr. Randy Lowry, President of Lipscomb University. “He has this ability to make sure everyone is featured and spotlighted.” Leaver is a Lipscomb graduate who has worked in the administration since 1994. His position includes responsibilities ranging from faith outreaches to arena management. “Without Leaver, outreach wouldn’t be happening to the degree its happening,” said David Hughes, Lipscomb University’s Veteran’s Liaison. “Walt gives and gives.” For Leaver, being Vice President of Relations means working hard on numerous projects. He has been a key figure for Lipscomb events such as Lighting of the Green, Summer Celebration, Impact summer youth camp, the Maybelle Carter Memorial Stage dedication concert, and the recent Operation Yellow Ribbon event. Office hours for Leaver can vary depending on what meetings he has on his agenda, but he spends a bulk of the day at Lipscomb. His commitment, however, is a 24-hour job. “Walt is very creative and works hard,” said Joe Ivey, Senior Vice President for Advancement. “Leaver’s work ethic is apparent, but often goes unnoticed to the public.” Leaver’s work goes beyond Lipscomb to serve others in the Nashville community. Apart from Lipscomb, Leaver is the minister at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, is on the Nashville Inner City Ministry board of directors, and serves on the...
