The annual Bisons Weekend offers you a weekend of fun—and the schedule is ready for you!
Online registration closed Oct. 25. However, you may still register in person starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6 at Bisons Weekend Check-in, located in Bison Lounge across from Starbucks in Bennett Campus Center.
All guests registered for Bisons Weekend by Oct. 25 will automatically be entered to win a Bisons Weekend Prize Package.* Prize package will include (4) Lipscomb T-shirts; (4) lunch tickets for Bison Square Fair; (4) tickets to the Battle of the Boulevard game; (4) tickets to "Shrek the Musical" production and a Lipscomb Eats gift card package.
Click the + sign in the purple bar below to see each day's events.
Thursday, Nov. 5
Don R. Elliott Presidential Lecture Series: An Evening with Greg McKeown
5 PM | Reception – George Shinn Center Lobby
6-8 PM | Lecture and Interview – George Shinn Center Ballroom
This year, Lipscomb is excited to feature Greg McKeown, author of two New York Times bestsellers, "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" and "Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most," as the keynote speaker of the annual Elliott Lecture. The evening will explore how to do less, but better, and learn the systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter.
McKeown is the host of the popular self-improvement podcast, The Greg McKeown Podcast. In this podcast, he engages in weekly conversations about prioritizing what truly matters and advocates for doing less but doing it better. Additionally, he leads the Essentialism Academy, where he trains professionals from over 100 countries to live more deliberately.
The annual lecture series features best-selling authors and thought leaders at the intersection of psychology, leadership and business.
The Don R. Elliott Distinguished Presidential Lecture Series is designed to expose the Lipscomb University campus and the surrounding community to individuals of influence on one or more contemporary issues. Recent speakers have included Jonathan Haidt, Daniel Pink and Dan Heath. An endowment established at Lipscomb by the Don R. Elliott Foundation provides primary funding for the Elliott Distinguished Presidential Lecture.
The lecture series is named in memory of Don R. Elliott, a native of Kerr, Arkansas, who was a professor of economics and political science at Little Rock University, Randolph-Macon College and Vanderbilt University. He founded Don Elliott and Associates, a fundraising consulting firm that directed campaigns for Lipscomb University and a host of other universities, colleges and private schools.
This event is hosted by the College of Leadership and Public Service and in partnership with the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service.
No cost to attend, but registration is requested.
Neon Pickleball Tournament
6-9 PM | Student Activities Center
Lace up and light up for a night of doubles pickleball like you've never seen! Students, alumni and parents are invited to join the fun as teams compete under blacklight and neon glow, complete with glow-in-the-dark gear and a whole lot of Bison spirit. Teams will battle their way through pool play and into the championship — with a prize awaiting the winning team.
Wear your brightest whites and neon to glow your best. No pickleball experience required; just bring your competitive spirit!
Cost: $10 per player. Players must register separately!
Each player will need to register separately. Don't have a partner yet? No problem, we'll help pair you up.
Friday, Nov. 6
Parent Council Breakfast and Meeting (by invitation only)
8 AM | Paul Rogers Board Room, Ezell Center
Bisons Weekend Visit Day - Admission Friday
9 AM | Admissions Welcome Center, George Shinn Center
Bisons Weekend Visit Day is a special visit experience for prospective students during Bisons Weekend that is all about seeing what Lipscomb has to offer. Click here to register!
Bisons Weekend Check-in Open
9 AM - 6 PM | Bison Lounge (across from Starbucks in Bennett Campus Center)
Class of 1976 Get Reacquainted Coffee
10 AM | Longview Mansion, 811 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN
Members of the Class of 1976 are invited to a coffee at Longview Mansion to kick off their reunion weekend and get reacquainted!
No cost to attend, but registration is requested. Registered guests will receive information and directions to Longview Mansion.
Parent Lunch & Learn: Still Yours (The Friendship Nobody Warns You About)
11:30 AM | Faculty Club 1891, Bennett Campus Center
Presenter: Taft Ayers, Director of the Center for Vocational Discovery
You spent 18 years being the answer. Then they leave, the group chat gets quiet from time to time and the first time they walk back in the door you have to decide whether to hover or sit down. The bridge from child to friend is built out of questions you are finally allowed to ask instead of rules you used to enforce.
Everyone prepares you for college decisions. Almost no one prepares you for college and young adult life. They WILL look like yours and sound like someone who has been living a life you only get in fragments. That gap isn’t failure. It is the start of knowing them as a person, not only as your project.
Cost is $18 per person. Registration is required.
Bisons Weekend Parade
1:30 PM | Bison Square
The Bisons Weekend Parade features students, faculty and staff to kick off a weekend filled with fun, friends and memories. It’s an afternoon you don't want to miss! The parade route will travel throughout the Lipscomb campus with a fun stop in Bison Square. Everyone is welcome! Join us in the Bison Square and show your Bison spirit!
Parent Council Interest Coffee
3 - 4 PM | Paul Rogers Board Room, Ezell Center
Parents, are you interested in learning more about the Parent Leadership Council? This parent event is a great opportunity to understand the level of engagement and financial commitment required. Join us for coffee and meet our Parent Leadership Council members.
Cost: No charge to attend, but registration is requested.
Class of 1976 50th Reunion
4:30 PM | Class of 1976 50th Reunion Reception – George Shinn Center Lobby
5 PM | Class of 1976 50th Reunion Group Photo – George Shinn Center Lobby
5:30 PM | Class of 1976 50th Reunion Dinner – George Shinn Center Ballroom
Class of 1976 members – You’re invited to join this special opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate with classmates and friends. What a true blessing it will be to gather once again in a place we all love. Whether you have stayed closely connected or have not been back in many years, we hope you will feel warmly welcomed as part of this milestone celebration. The Class of 1976 will be inducted into the Golden Circle at the breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 9 a.m., and recognized at halftime of the 4 p.m. men's basketball game against SIUE. Classmates will be hosted in the President’s Suite in Allen Arena. Visit the Reunions page for specific reunion-related details!
Cost: Alumni who are 1976 graduates attend at no charge; spouse and/or guest are $40. Business casual attire. Registration is required.
Fall Family Dinner hosted by Sodexo
4:30 - 8 PM | Bison Café, Bennett Campus Center
Join us for a delicious dinner service from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. the Parent Program will host Trivia Night. Dinner will feature a variety of flavorful options. The main line offers roasted turkey with gravy, whipped potatoes, roasted carrots and steamed broccoli, alongside a plant-based butternut squash and lentil entrée. The Simple Serving station presents apple cider glazed pork tenderloin, herb roasted chicken breast, roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower mixed vegetables and roasted garlic herb quinoa. As always, our pizza, grill, salad and dessert bars will be open throughout the evening to satisfy all your cravings.
Cost: Dinner is $8 per person; $5 per child ages 3-9. Current University students may use their meal plan.
Registration is requested.
The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Reunion, Writer's Night and Album Launch
6 - 9 PM | The Well Coffeehouse, 4002 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN
The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Reunion, Writer's Night and Album Launch is a Bisons Weekend event like no other. This musical event features MFT students and grads performing their original music in a classic, Nashville-style, writer's round. Proceeds from this event support the Bridge to Healing Fund which helps make high quality mental health care affordable to Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Tickets:
$500: Table (4 seats per table) - Full merch package for each (4 tables available)
$100: VIP Reserved Seated - Full Merch Package (15 available)
$50: General Admission Seated - Vinyl and t-shirt Merch (15 Available)
$25: General Admission Standing - T-Shirt (15 available)
$10: General Admission Standing or Overflow (30 available)
Shrek the Musical
7:30 PM | Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek the Musical brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears.
"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek ..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand ... and his name is Shrek.
Appropriate for all ages. Alumni receive 25% off a general admission ticket with promo code ALUMNI.
Concert
8 PM | Flatt Amphitheater
Join us at the Flatt Amphitheater for a show from student band Meadowglade! Open to students, parents and alumni, this concert is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Plus, enjoy fun mixed sodas from The Pop Stop food truck!
Saturday, Nov. 7
Bisons Weekend Check-in Open
8 AM - 7 PM | Bison Lounge (across from Starbucks in Bennett Campus Center)
IDEAL Savannah’s Boogie 5K
8 AM | University Park Drive
IDEAL’s 10th Annual Savannah’s Boogie! Sign up to participate in the 5K race happening on Saturday morning as part of Bisons Weekend! Proceeds go towards the Savannah Miller Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships to IDEAL students, helping make inclusive postsecondary education at Lipscomb more accessible for all.
- Alumni Registration: $25
- Family/Community Member Registration: $35
- University Student Registration: $20
- Hat only (pick up at race): $20
- Hat only (includes shipping): $30
Golden Circle Breakfast
9 AM | Paul Rogers Board Room, Ezell Center
Alumni who graduated from Lipscomb University 50+ years ago are automatically members of the Golden Circle. This year, the Golden Circle welcomes the Class of 1976 to its group! A special breakfast is scheduled for this prestigious group of alumni so be sure to join your fellow classmates and other Golden Circle members for this event. A specially designed commemorative gift will be available for each Golden Circle member who has not yet received one.
Reserved parking is available in the surface lot just outside the George Shinn Center.
Cost: $18 per person. Business casual attire. Registration is required.
The Dr. Harvey Floyd Memorial Lectures
9 - 11 AM | Swang Chapel, Ezell Center
Dr. Charlie Phillips of The Maclellan Foundation will present "God's Economy for a Failing Church: Making a Faithful Remnant," a session about serving future generations in Christian education.
No cost to attend; registration is requested.
Phi Sigma Alumni Brunch
9 - 11 AM l Longview Mansion, 811 Caldwell Lane
Phi Sigma Alumni, We’re excited to invite you to a memorable brunch during Bisons Weekend. Come reconnect, reminisce and share a morning of laughter, community and sisterhood with our current members. All alumni are encouraged to wear their jersey or any Phi Sigma merch — otherwise, brunch attire is welcome! We can't wait to see you there!
Cost: No cost to attend, but registration is requested.
Pancakes with the President
9:30 AM | George Shinn Center Ballroom
Current parents and students are invited to enjoy breakfast with Dr. Candice McQueen (’96), as well as other faculty and staff members.
Cost: $13 per person. Lipscomb University students may use their meal plan or dining dollars for their breakfast. Please be sure students bring their ID to the event.
Registration is required.
Bisons Weekend Chapel
11 AM | Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium
Alumni, parents, students and friends are invited to this special chapel opportunity celebrating our Christian heritage.
Join us as we hear from Dr. J.P. Conway, a beloved Bible professor who has taught at Lipscomb since 2008 and currently preaches at Acklen Avenue Church of Christ. Known for his humor, warmth and gift for making Scripture come alive, J.P. has a rare ability to make even the toughest questions of faith feel approachable.
All Bisons will also enjoy hearing from Dr. Candice McQueen ('96) as she shares a Lipscomb University update, and Lipscomb's Gospel Choir will amaze with its incredible talents. We'll also honor recipients of our Alumnus of the Year and Young Alumnus of the Year awards during chapel.
Current students will receive chapel credit for attending. Registration not required.
Bison Square Fair
Noon – 2 PM | Bison Square
All Bisons are invited to come out for Bison Square Fair — a fun-filled afternoon of connection, food and celebration! Spend time enjoying favorite activities like games, face painting, inflatables, a petting zoo and delicious bites, all while exploring tents hosted by our clubs, affinity groups, colleges, reunion classes, parents and more. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new people and celebrate the Bison community together. There is no cost to attend the fair or reunion gatherings.
Lunch will be available for $12 per person; kids age 3 and under eat free. Current Lipscomb students may use their meal plan or dining dollars, but must bring their student ID to participate.
Class of 1976 50th Reunion Bison Square Fair Lunch
Noon – 2 PM | Marni Pavilion, located next to Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium
Join your fellow classmates in the beautiful, new Marni Pavilion just off Bison Square on the north side of Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium. You can enjoy lunch together, then explore all the fun at the Bison Square Fair.
Cost: $12 per person. Registration is required.
Lanier Center for Archaeology Advisory Council Lunch (by invitation only)
Noon | East Wing of Beaman Library
Women's Basketball hosts Carolina University
1:30 PM | Allen Arena
Bison fans—come cheer for the women’s Bison basketball team as it hosts the Carolina University Bruins!
Alumni and current parents receive two (2) free general admission tickets—registration is required. Additional tickets may be purchased for $10 each. Tickets for those 12 and under are $5.
Music for Film and Television: A CEA Conversation
2 PM | George Shinn Center Ballroom
If you write songs and want them placed in film and TV, or you compose and want to score to picture, or you want to know more about the deals behind one of the most important and coveted aspects of the music business, this conversation is built for you.
Russell Zeicker, head of Global Music for Television at Lionsgate, licenses songs for a living. He'll talk about what actually gets a song synched: how placement decisions get made, what supervisors and networks are looking for, and how songwriters and their teams get in the room.
Rick DeJonge, our newest School of Music faculty member and a working film composer, will cover the other side of the screen: building a score from a blank page, collaborating with directors and editors, and what it takes to compose to picture professionally.
Moderating the conversation is John J. Thompson, director of Music Industry Studies at Lipscomb. He has worked as a music supervisor on numerous films and spent years placing songs for sync as a music publisher, serving as director of Creative and Copyright Development at Capitol CMG Publishing.
Come with questions. This is a rare chance to hear from two people working on opposite sides of the same screen, watch some clips of actual placements, and to explore just how important (and financially rewarding) it can be to find the right music for the perfect scene.
Delta Omega Alumni Reunion
2 PM | The Village Classroom
Join the current members of Delta Omega for a time of mingling and reconnecting. Get to know the active members and hear how the sisterhood has grown. Reconnect and catch up with previous members and share some of your favorite DO memories! We can’t wait to see you there!
Cost: No cost to attend, but registration is requested.
Lanier Center for Archaeology Documentary Showing
2 - 4 PM | Swang 108
Join us for a special screening of Legends of the Lost Ark, a docudrama exploring the life and legends of the lost Ark of the Covenant. Archaeologist Dr. Chris McKinny — guided by cutting-edge research from scientists, archaeologists, biblical scholars and historians — investigates three significant ancient legends surrounding the Ark's fate. This visually stunning film entertains as much as it informs, tracing the Ark's true biblical significance from its creation to its disappearance, and its relevance to both ancient Israel and the modern world.
Stick around after the film for a live panel and Q&A with Dr. McKinny and other scholars.
Cost: No cost to attend, but seats are limited, and registration is required.
Biology Alumni & Friends Reception
2:30 - 4 PM | McClure Faith and Science Center, McFarland Science Center
Join us for the Lipscomb Biology Alumni and Friends Reception. This will be an afternoon celebrating the vibrant community of Lipscomb's Biology Department. Beginning with a student research poster reception in the McClure Center for Faith and Science, you'll have the opportunity to connect with current students, fellow alumni and friends over refreshments while exploring cutting-edge undergraduate research. The afternoon continues with a formal program featuring department highlights and an alumni panel sharing their diverse journeys and career journeys beyond Lipscomb biology.
Cost: No cost to attend. Registration isn’t required, but is appreciated.
Sanctuary Concert
3 PM | Swang Chapel, Ezell Center
Sanctuary, Lipscomb’s premiere vocal group, presents the best of Christian music in a unique and exciting a cappella style. The group’s performances are meant to inspire listeners to draw closer to our God.
Men’s Basketball hosts SIUE
4 PM | Allen Arena
Bison fans—come cheer for the men's Bison basketball team as it hosts the SIUE Cougars. Members of the Class of 1976 will be hosted in the President’s Suite and recognized at halftime as part of their 50th Reunion celebration. The Vienna Reunion group will be hosted in the Business Suite.
Cost: Alumni and current parents receive two (2) free general admission tickets—registration is required. Additional tickets may be purchased for $10 each. Tickets for those age 12 and under are $5 each. Lipscomb University students may use their student ID for game admission.
Global Learning 30-Year Anniversary Dinner
6 PM | Paul Rogers Board Room, Ezell Center
Celebrate 30 years of transformative global experiences! All Global Learning alumni, family, faculty and staff are invited to reconnect, share stories and honor the journeys that have taken our community to Florence, Vienna, Santiago, London, Costa Rica and beyond. Whether you studied abroad last year or decades ago, join us for an evening of reminiscence, connection and celebration.
Cost: $20 per person; $15 for students. Registration is required.
Shrek the Musical
7:30 PM | Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek the Musical brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears.
"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek ..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand ... and his name is Shrek.
Appropriate for all ages. Alumni receive 25% off a general admission ticket with promo code ALUMNI.
Sunday, Nov. 8
Registration Check-In
10:45 AM - 12:30 PM | outside Bison Café, Bennett Campus Center
Alumni & Family Café Brunch
11 AM - 1 PM | Bison Café, Bennett Campus Center
Head to the Bison Café after church for brunch with fellow alumni, families and friends. Caf Brunch has always been a favorite for our students, and we'd love to share it with you — come grab a plate, catch up and enjoy a meal in the place where so many Lipscomb memories started!
Cost: $8 per person for adults; $5 per child ages 3-9; and free for age 3 and under
Shrek the Musical
2 PM | Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek the Musical brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears.
"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek ..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand ... and his name is Shrek.
Appropriate for all ages. Alumni receive 25% off a general admission ticket with promo code ALUMNI.
Extend Your Stay!
Monday, Nov. 9
The Promotion Gamble: A Workshop for New and Emerging Leaders
Noon - 1:30 PM | Longview Mansion, 811 Caldwell Lane, Nashville
Companies promote their best doers and hope leaders emerge. But moving from peer to boss isn't a skill gap, it's an identity change, and when that shift goes unsupported, the cost lands on the team.
The Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement is proud to host its first professional development workshop for new and emerging leaders at Longview Mansion. Join us for a luncheon featuring original content and facilitation from Dr. Rachel Goode (’07, ’14, ’24) of Great Days Leadership, who will bring her framework and expertise directly to our campus community.
Whether you're newly promoted, about to step into a leadership role, or supporting someone who is — this workshop will give you language and tools for navigating that transition well.
Cost: $20 General Admission, $10 for alumni. Alumni, use code BISONS to get $10 off.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Sippy Cups & Little Bisons
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Music Sippy Social, 4825 Trousdale Drive, Suite 235, Nashville, 37220
Calling all Lipscomb alumni moms of little ones! Join us at Music Sippy Social, owned by fellow Lipscomb alumna Lainey Webb ('17), for a morning of connection, conversation and play. While your kids explore the indoor playground, you'll have a chance to reconnect with fellow Lipscomb alumnae, meet other moms in the same season of life, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
Refreshments and Music Sippy Social's signature specialty drinks are included, and we'll have some Lipscomb swag on hand for you and your littlest Bisons.
Details:
- Cost: $5 per child; free for adults
- Capacity: Limited to 25 kids, so register early to reserve your spot
- Best for: Kids ages 7 and under
- Includes: Refreshments, specialty drinks and Lipscomb swag
- Who: Lipscomb alumni moms and their kids
Come make some new mom friends while the kids play, all while supporting a fellow Bison-owned business!
Learn more about Music Sippy Social: https://musicsippysocial.com/home
Battle of Boulevard Block Party
5 - 7 PM | Allen Arena, South Lobby
Join fellow Bisons for a fun block party before cheering on our men's basketball team in the legendary Battle of the Boulevard! Enjoy dinner, games, music and more while getting pumped up for the evening.
Cost: $20 for dinner and game ticket; $10 for dinner only.
Current Lipscomb University students may use a meal swipe for dinner. Current Lipscomb University students receive free admission to the game with their Lipscomb ID.
Lipscomb faculty and staff receive free admission to the game for themselves and their immediate family with their Lipscomb ID. Your ID is your game ticket!
National Bison Club Members will receive a discount code as part of their member benefits.
Battle of Boulevard: Men’s Basketball hosts Belmont
7 PM | Allen Arena
General Admission ticket link is coming soon!
*Terms and Conditions. Register for Bisons Weekend between Sept. 15, 2026 and Oct. 25, 2026, and be entered to win. Bisons Weekend registration and attendance is required; no purchase necessary. Current Lipscomb University employees (or members of the families or households of employees) and undergraduate students are not eligible to win. The winner for the prize will be drawn at random on Oct. 30, 2026. Return of any prize notification as undeliverable or failure to reply as specified in the notification (and within the time stated) may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Prizes are non-transferable and there is no cash alternative; one winner per household. The Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value at any time. The Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement reserves the right to amend terms and conditions at any time.