Commencement marks a new journey for more than 400 graduates on Dec. 15
Lipscomb University will be hosting its annual fall commencement on Saturday Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. in Allen Arena.
Anna Moseley |
Watch Saturday commencement ceremonies beginning at 2 p.m. at live.lipscomb.edu.
As fall semester comes to an end, Lipscomb University invites you to join in honoring the December 2018 graduates. More than 400 students are expected to receive their degrees at fall commencement on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. in Allen Arena.
Among the students graduating on Saturday, are at least three who have unusual stories about their time--some brief and some lengthy--here at Lipscomb.
For one graduate, her last day in college will be one of the very few times she stepped on Lipscomb’s campus, as Lipscomb will award diplomas to the first three students in university history to finish their degrees completely online.
Abby King, a Minnesota native who now lives in Nashville, is among the three who will be awarded a Bachelor of Professional Studies in organizational leadership during commencement. She said Lipscomb had the tools to show her how to use the gifts the Lord has given her, and finishing her degree was the best decision she has made.
Graduating alongside the online students is Delaney Daves and Isaiah Summer, Lipscomb’s first contemporary music production graduates who will receive their Bachelor of Music degrees during commencement. They were among the first students to enroll is Lipscomb’s contemporary music program established in fall 2015.
For another student, graduation symbolizes more than just leaving college; it symbolizes leaving home. Disabilities studies major Taylor Sain moved onto Lipscomb’s campus to live in Fanning Hall as an 8-year-old when her mother, Laurie Sain, was appointed residence hall director.
As a graduate, Sain will no longer think of Fanning lobby as her basement or feel like campus is her backyard. During the summer, she would blast music in the dorm lobby and dance around in the open space, she said. Now, Lipscomb will no longer be personal playground.
When psychology major Jocelyn Hernandez walks the stage to receive her degree, her entire family will be walking with her in spirit, she said.
“My degree isn’t just my degree. It’s my family’s degree," said Hernandez. “It’s not just my hard work that earned this degree, it’s their hard work too.”
Festivities will begin on Friday, Dec. 14, and will continue on Saturday, Dec. 15, with a series of activities to honor the graduates.
Friday, Dec. 14, Activities
A baccalaureate service for undergraduate students receiving their degrees will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday in Collins Alumni Auditorium, following a reception in the Burton Health Sciences Center’s Flex Space beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 15, Activities
The Lipscomb community will gather in Allen Arena at 2 p.m. to honor significant milestones in the educational journeys of over 400 students receiving their degrees.
During the commencement ceremony, the university will honor 418 graduates – 171 bachelor’s degrees and 274 graduate and doctoral, which includes August and December graduates.
This year, Lipscomb will award 44 doctoral degrees and 21 education specialist degrees (a post-master’s education leadership degree) – the most the university has ever awarded.
All candidates receiving their bachelor’s degree are invited to the Provost’s breakfast in the Paul Rogers board room. Those attending the breakfast are required to RSVP here.
A reception honoring all graduates will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Activities Center located adjacent to Allen Arena. Families and friends of all graduates are invited to attend the celebration honoring their graduate.
Commencement for all graduates will begin at 2 p.m. in Allen Arena. Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry will give the professional charge to doctoral, graduate and undergraduate students. Randall L. Gill, assistant dean for the college of entertainment & the arts will lead the singing of the alma mater.
Want more information about fall commencement? Visit https://www.lipscomb.edu/registrar/commencement
