Student-driven SGA event brings renowned marriage and dating experts to campus
Lacey Klotz |
Jamie Keiser, a senior family science major from Saginaw, Texas, is heavily involved with student activities on campus.
A member of the Lipscomb’s Student Activities Board, Quest Team, Pi Delta Social Club and secretary of Lipscomb’s Student Government Association, Keiser is often coordinating events to help enhance the student experience at Lipscomb.
One event that she recently organized brought renowned marriage and dating experts’ Andy and Amanda Savage to campus.
On March 22, nearly 300 students came to listen to the couple discuss dating, marriage and sex, in the context of a God-centered relationship.
Andy Savage is the teaching pastor at High Point Church in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as a national speaker, author of multiple books and host of the Andy Savage Radio Show and podcast.
His personal mission statement is, “Making God make sense, starting at home then everywhere else,” and whether he is teaching, writing or relationship coaching, Savage strives to live out his life’s passion of creatively communicating God’s truth in a way that connects with people where they are.
His wife, Amanda, also has a blog titled, “Amanda Savage: Life. Love. Motherhood.” where she encourages women and their relationships with the Lord.
After speaking on campus a year ago, SGA decided to bring Savage back out to campus, and this time with his wife.
“Andy spoke this past year and ended up staying two hours past the time he was originally supposed to because students had so many questions for him and were so engaged,” said Keiser. “And so we thought bringing him back again would be a great opportunity both for students, and for them.”
The couple shared what it looks like to be in a God-centered relationship, common mistakes made while dating and how to be a better person, in and out of a relationship.
Josh Roberts, dean of student development, said SGA anticipated to have around 50 students at the event, and ended up having nearly 300 students attend.
“The event was sponsored by SGA and totally student-driven, and they were so overwhelmed by the turn out that members of SGA had to go to Donut Den and literally buy every donut and muffin they had left,” said Roberts. “Then SGA ordered 50 pizzas for all the late-night attendees.”
More than 100 students stayed after the event talking with the couple until 11 p.m.
“The first two sessions of the event were mandatory for chapel credit, the last was not,” said Keiser. “We figured a lot of people would leave, but we had a great attendance stay to listen for another few hours.”
The Student Government Association serves as an organized voice for the student body of Lipscomb University, sustain the spirit and moral of students; serve as an advocate for the concerns of those students, and serve as a catalyst for students' academic, social, and spiritual growth, while promoting the Christian values and principles of the university.
To learn more about Lipscomb’s SGA visit: www.lipscomb.edu/sga.