Faraj, Shannon selected by peers for ideal student titles

Per traditional homecoming festivities, Lipscomb’s student body honored two seniors as exemplary representatives of the University

Cate Zenzen  |  12/04/2020

Despite the unusual circumstances of the 2020 fall semester, Lipscomb University celebrated two senior students as part of traditional homecoming festivities with the titles of Miss Lipscomb and Bachelor of Ugliness. 

Bana Faraj and Corey Shannon were selected by the student body as this year’s “ideal” students due to their involvement in on-campus organizations and the ways in which they embody the ideals of the Lipscomb community. 

A secondary English education major from Nashville, Faraj held an officer position in the Diverse Student Coalition, is a member of the Black Student Union and has led MASK chapels on substantial topics including the benefits of self-affirmation and what domestic violence looks like on a global scale. She loves the unique sense of community present at Lipscomb University and the hospitality displayed by both students and professors. 

Within her time as a student at Lipscomb, Faraj credits many students, faculty and staff for the ways they inspired and influenced her in her faith, career aspirations, view of both herself and the world as a Kurdish-American, and her capacity for love and growth. She says she cherishes the memories of when the stress of school was made easier by time with friends.

“Some of the best memories I have are those that came with stress and laughter intertwined. The late nights on campus with my friends, all struggling through finals, are my favorite. There  is just something about being surrounded by friends all struggling together that makes even the hard times a bit sweeter,” said Faraj. 

As a Muslim student at a faith-based university centered on Christianity, Faraj admits she was surprised to have been chosen as a representative of Lipscomb. Yet the title is further confirmation to Faraj that, when staying true to herself, others will love, welcome and respect her for who she is.  

“To think there are people in my class, at the university, that find me to be a good representation  of  my class is an unmatched feeling. Receiving the title means it wasn’t about being the ideal  student. I showed up every day just being myself and, somehow, that was award-worthy, Christian or not,” said Faraj. 

A double major in marketing and vocational ministry, Shannon is from Cincinnati, Ohio and actively involved on campus. Through his time at Lipscomb he has served on the Student Activities Board, been both a member and director of the Quest Team new student orientation program, visited Jamaica and Moldova through Lipscomb Missions, mentored students through the Joshua Project, and participated in the annual performance event, Singarama. 

Like Faraj, Shannon has developed a deep appreciation for the community at Lipscomb. He says the time he has spent with friends, faculty and professors have strengthened and transformed him as a greater disciple of Christ and a more humble and capable leader.

“The friends I call family have loved me greater than I knew friends could love. The Office of Student Life has been a sacred space for me because of the friendship and leadership of two individuals -- Dean of Student Wellbeing Dannie Woods and Director of Vocational Formation Brent Roe-Hall. They took Corey as a freshman with limited confidence and experience, and walked faithfully and graciously alongside me to the point I find myself today,” said Shannon. 

For Shannon, being selected by his peers to hold the honorary title of Bachelor of Ugliness is a testament to the faithfulness of God. He reflects on his journey from being intimidated to start at Lipscomb without knowing anyone, to preparing to graduate with an overwhelming number of names and memories close to his heart. To him, the award is a reminder of how he has impacted others and the infinite ways in which he has been impacted by the friends, faculty and staff who embody the peaceful, kind, creative and bold character of Jesus.