Lipscomb Legacy Luncheon: Celebrating alumni who make Lipscomb a family tradition

Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491  |  04/10/2024

About 20 legacy families, representing more than 100 alumni, returned to campus Saturday, April 6, to attend the Lipscomb Legacy Luncheon that recognized families with four or more generations who have attended Lipscomb University and Lipscomb Academy, with some families reaching as many as six and seven generations.

Alumni enjoyed viewing the curated exhibit of photographs, archives and even a calcified biscuit reportedly found in the pocket of someone who took it from the first pan of bread baked in the school’s inaugural kitchen on what was then the new campus on Eighth Avenue in 1893.

The university’s premier a cappella-style vocal group, Sanctuary, led by Randy Gill, associate professor and assistant dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts, encouraged everyone to sing along to favorite worship songs. And, as a special highlight of the event, guests were entertained by the retelling of the Lipscomb story through the eyes of David and Margaret Lipscomb, portrayed by Henry "Chip" Arnold and alumna Wesley Paine (’70).

The history they shared included the names of a few families who are well recognized by generations of students for their names on campus buildings: Ward, Crisman, Collins, Allen, Elam, Sewell, Burton, Ezell, Brewer and according to the David Lipscomb character, someone named High Rise!

At the luncheon, Mary Nelle Chumley, (LA ’49) was surprised with a cake, gift and singing of the Happy Birthday song in recognition of her 95th birthday. She has been a cherished member of the Lipscomb community, volunteer and supporter of the school for about 80 years. Her introduction to volunteering for the school, then David Lipscomb College, occurred in childhood when her grandfather was named to the board of trustees. She met her future husband, the late John C. Hutcheson Jr., when they were students in Lipscomb’s high school. After graduation they both enrolled in Lipscomb University as art majors and he later served as chair of the art department.

There were 17 members of the extended Ward/Brewer/Hale family in attendance, with multiple generations represented. Neika Brewer Stephens, (LA ’52), has a lifelong affiliation with Lipscomb that began with her great-grandfather, J. R. Ward. A three-term member of the Lipscomb Board of Trustees, Stephens has been an avid supporter of the Associated Women for Lipscomb among numerous other events, programs and initiatives at the institution.

Recent graduates from a seven-generation family, Caleb Rogers (’22) and Will Welch (’23), attended with their grandparents Fletcher Srygley (’60) and Gail Gregory Srygley (LA ’62), whose grandmother and parents attended Lipscomb before her. Her connection to Lipscomb goes back prior to the school’s founding in 1891 through her grandmother, Louis Lipscomb Neely, who was the daughter of Granville Neely, a half-brother of David Lipscomb. Fletcher Srygley is a popular former mathematics and physics professor who taught at the university from 1956-1960 and again from 2006-2021.

Jane Dennison Kittrell (’77), accompanied by her husband Marty Kittrell (’77) and members of their family, recognized the many excellent educational opportunities available to students. She shared the significance of Lipscomb to her family over multiple generations.

“My grandparents, great aunts and uncles went to Lipscomb at a time when college education was not the norm and certainly not for women,” she said, adding that when she was growing up, the idea that education has intrinsic value permeated her family. “It was something no one ever talked to me about or pushed me to do, it was more of an attitude toward education. There was an understanding that Christian education is something of value.” 

Generations of alumni left the luncheon with renewed connections to their alma mater and to each other. It is clear that the legacy of Lipscomb University and Academy continues to thrive, nurtured by the dedication and love of its extended family.