President’s Convocation ceremony hosted virtually, but centered on community

Lipscomb University President L. Randolph Lowry and Student Government Association President Mimi Vance express how Lipscomb students are uniquely qualified to rise to the challenges of this academic year

Cate Zenzen  |  09/02/2020

The President’s Convocation marks the beginning of an academic school year, and traditionally is celebrated with a gathering of Lipscomb University and Lipscomb Academy students, faculty and staff. Despite not being able to physically come together to usher in the 130th year of education at Lipscomb, the speakers and presenters at this year’s virtual President’s Convocation emphasized the strength of the Lipscomb community. 

President of the Student Government Association Mimi Vance shared her experience of processing the events of this year. She shared that in April, after being sent home unexpectedly, she felt lonely despite being with her family. Vance wanted to be with the friends, mentors and faculty she left at Lipscomb. This time of distress led her to read Ecclesiastes 3, when King Solomon writes about the seasons of life.

Vance was comforted by the idea of seasons and the challenge of living full in each of them. She shared that for her, there is no place she’d rather be during this time of sickness and uncertainty. While students, faculty and staff cannot physically gather together, there is still a strong community of love and support at Lipscomb. 

“This fall, we’ve all chosen to be here, whether in person or virtually, so even though we know it will not look normal and we know it will not likely be easy, we’ve still chosen to be Lipscomb students. If the Bible says there will always be seasons of brokenness in this world, then I’ve decided to go through them with the best people I know around me,” said Vance. 

In his address, President L. Randolph Lowry spoke along the same vein. He expressed that while this season of life has brought about many changes, it will not define the experience of being a Lipscomb University or Academy student. Lowry recalled the many ways in which students rise to challenges each year, as first-generation students, veterans, and volunteers with service organizations throughout Nashville and the world. 

“When you see those kinds of students and that kind of experience, you really ask ‘Will they wash their hands? Will they social distance? Will they wear a mask?’ The answer for our community during this very critical moment is to be a community and to do whatever is necessary.”

Lowry declared that tough times never last, but tough people do. He encouraged the students, faculty and staff of both Lipscomb University and Academy to rise to the challenge facing them this academic year. And to take on the responsibility of keeping themselves and others healthy, while also continuing to foster a community of love, growth and faith. 

“Together we recognize that these are tough times that will not last, and together we are tough people who will kill it,” said Lowry.

View the 2020 President’s Convocation here.