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Lipscomb community to celebrate the academic accomplishments of more than 950 students at spring commencement

A series of activities highlighting May graduates is planned leading up to commencement on Saturday, May 4

Office of Public Relations & Communications | 

Students in the tunnel at commencement.

Watch commencement live at www.lipscomb.edu/live.

Saturday, May 4, will be a day of celebration and excitement as more than 950 students will receive their degrees from Lipscomb University at commencement. Reaching the completion of a degree is the milestone students work toward from the first day they come to Lipscomb. While it marks the end of a journey, in the truest meaning of the word “commencement” it is also a season to celebrate beginnings. 

Commencement for graduate students begins at 10:30 a.m. and for undergraduate students at 3:30 p.m. in Allen Arena on Saturday, May 4. Several ceremonies and activities occur in the days leading up to Saturday’s conferring of degrees. The undergraduate provost’s breakfast, various college awards luncheons and dinners as well as the traditional nursing pinning ceremony are among the activities. Below is a list of activities. Some are by invitation only and other college and program events are taking place and students will be contacted directly with more information. 

Student in line at graduation

Wednesday, May 1

Master of Science-Dietetic Internship Pinning Ceremony
The first cohort of students to graduate from Lipscomb’s Master of Science-Dietetic Internship program will receive their pins in a ceremony that begins at 11 a.m. in the Bennett Campus Center. 

IDEAL graduates

Thursday, May 2

IDEAL graduation
On Thursday, May 2, nine students who are part of Lipscomb’s IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access) program, will receive their certificates in career exploration studies. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the George Shinn Center.

IDEAL is a two-year certificate program that provides education and workplace training to students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. It is housed in the College of Education and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Launched in January 2014, the IDEAL program includes academic and skill-building classes, exercise sessions, daily internships, leisure time and a daily study period.

Veterans Dinner
This dinner honors the graduating class of student veterans. During the ceremony, the Office of Veteran Services will present student veterans with their SALUTE National Veterans Honor Society cord to wear during graduation. This takes place at 6 p.m. in Bennett Campus Center. Invitation only. 

Nursing Pinning

Friday, May 3

Pharmacy Recognition Ceremony
The College of Pharmacy hosts an annual recognition ceremony to honor students who are graduating with their Doctor of Pharmacy. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. in Collins Alumni Auditorium.

Provost’s Breakfast
Undergraduate students are invited to the Provost’s Breakfast at 10 a.m. Faculty will serve graduates breakfast in this special event held in the George Shinn Center. 

Nursing Pinning Ceremony
The May Class of 2024 Bachelor of Science in Nursing candidates will receive their nursing pins in the traditional pinning ceremony. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in Collins Alumni Auditorium. 

Baccalaureate
A baccalaureate worship service for graduating undergraduate students will be held at 5 p.m. in Collins Alumni Auditorium. Following the service, a reception will be held in Bison Square.

President McQueen at commencement recessional.

Saturday, May 4

The Lipscomb community will gather Saturday, May 4, to celebrate the official end of the 2023-24 academic year and significant milestones in the educational journeys of more than 950 undergraduate and graduate students, which includes May and August graduates.

Rehearsals
Students who are walking in the graduate or undergraduate ceremony are to participate in a rehearsal prior to commencement. Graduates will be given seat assignments and will review the ceremony components. Rehearsals will take place in the Student Activities Center adjacent to Allen Arena. Graduate commencement rehearsal is at 9 a.m. and undergraduate commencement rehearsal is at 2 p.m.

Commencement
Graduation ceremonies begin in Allen Arena at 10:30 a.m. with the doctoral and graduate commencement. Undergraduate degrees will be conferred at a commencement beginning at 3:30 p.m. Families and friends of the graduates are invited to attend the ceremonies. 

Find more information about commencement here. 

Watch commencement live at www.lipscomb.edu/live.