IDEAL commencement celebrates graduation of 11th cohort
Kim Chaudoin |
The graduation season officially began at Lipscomb University on Wednesday, April 30, with a ceremony celebrating the academic accomplishments of nine students who completed the requirements for certificates in career exploration this spring.
The students are members of the 11th cohort in Lipscomb’s IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access) program to earn these certificates. They were met with cheers and applause from their families, peers, friends, faculty, staff, administrators and friends who came to celebrate their achievements at the ceremony held in the George Shinn Center.
Students receiving their certificates in career exploration this spring include Emma Kate Barton, Clay Griffith Booker, Carter Eller Cottrell, Emily Renee Czap, Hope Meng Francis, Graham Edward Hobbs, Sarah Rose Orlinsky, Kaitlyn Parks and Landon Christopher Tate. Francis also received the Savannah Miller Award.
Senior Kendall Mullen, a senior special education major who has served as a peer mentor for IDEAL students offered a message to the graduates on behalf of all of the program’s peer mentors.
“I came ready to cheer like your number one fan with a giant foam finger! But the truth is, I’m just one of many,” said Mullen. “Everyone in this room is a proud fan of the graduates we’re celebrating today. Each one of you has brought something unique and meaningful to this community, and we’ve all been better for it. You’ve inspired us with your joy, resilience, kindness and determination. Today, we don’t just celebrate your achievements — we celebrate who you are and the difference you’ve made at Lipscomb.”
Alan Griggs, associate professor in the School of Communication, shared a faculty message with the graduates.
“It has been a joy and an honor to teach and learn alongside these remarkable graduates. Each student brought a unique perspective, a bold sense of self, and an unmistakable spark to our classrooms. They didn’t just complete assignments — they challenged expectations and taught the rest of us to see the world in new ways,” said Griggs. “Whether they were giving speeches about their favorite sport or sharing about the people and places they love most, their voices rang clear, strong and true. These students didn’t conform to a mold — they brought their own shape and made our community better because of it. Today, we celebrate not just their accomplishments, but their courage, humor and heart. We are proud, inspired, and cheering them on as they step into what’s next.”
Lipscomb President Candice McQueen shared with the graduates the impact they have made on the Lipscomb community.
“While at Lipscomb, our graduates have grown in knowledge, obtained job experience, learned life lessons, developed independence and gained confidence as part of their college experience,” said McQueen. “But even as important as what these graduates have received while a student what they have given to the Lipscomb community is far greater.”
“At Lipscomb we have a set of core values that guide how we act, our daily walk and our interactions with others. The students in the IDEAL program so beautifully reflect these values,” she continued. “Graduates, as you have embodied these values, you have provided an example to every member of the Lipscomb community of who we want to be.”
The students received a final charge from Laura Morrow, senior director of the Center for Teaching and Learning.
“I'm honored to stand before you today to celebrate this incredible milestone and give you your last faculty instructions as Lipscomb students, as I look at each of you, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude to be a small part of your very big journey,” said Morrow.
“My final faculty instruction for you is this, keep being exactly who you are. Keep bringing your unique gifts to the world. Keep sharing your infectious smiles, your determination and your beautiful hearts wherever you go next,” she continued. “Remember that you will always be part of our family, and we couldn't be more proud of you. Congratulations, class of 2025 you truly are world changers, and we can't wait to see where your next chapter takes you.”