The Lipscomb News...

Final publication of the alumni publication, Lipscomb News, was in October 2003. It was replaced by the current publication The Alumni Magazine (Then it was named The Torch Magazine). Publications from April 2002 to July 2003 are available on this website for archival purposes. If you need reference to a specific Lipscomb News that is not on the website, please contact the Office of Communications and Creative Services at (615) 966-1786.

Johnston receives first honorary doctorate
     The most excited "graduate" may not have left Commencement at Allen Arena May 10 with a bachelor's or master's degree.
     Instead, the most excited degree recipient among the 330-plus participating in the ceremony may have been John H. Johnston, who left with Lipscomb University's first-ever honorary doctorate.
     Johnston, a former member of the university's Board of Trustees, was presented the "Doctor of Humane Letters" degree by Lipscomb President Steve Flatt.
     "He is the eternal optimist. He is nicknamed 'Mr. Encouragement' by those who know him best, frequently referring parallels to Barnabas, the son of encouragement in the Book of Acts," Flatt said.
     "It's incredible to see how he has been involved in so many ministries at the churches he has attended and provided energy, vision and hands-on leadership," Flatt said.
     Johnston said he deeply appreciated the honor because of his love for Lipscomb, what the university stands for, and how it prepares graduates for career, family, and service to God.
     "I love Lipscomb. As was said, I was on the board for several years, and what this university is and does and stands for is so great," Johnston said. "I thank those who selected me, and I am so appreciative." Full story

Revitalizing general education
New first-year program for freshmen established
--G. David England
  Lipscomb University will replace its required freshman composition courses this fall with a new seminar designed to help students learn university-level study skills and engage their minds in courses of specific interest as they begin their college careers.
  The "Lipscomb Seminar" will feature 27 new writing- and reading-intensive courses focused on "big questions" students have as they enter Lipscomb within a course structure that appeals to students' specific interests, said Dr. Autumn Marshall, director of the program and assistant professor of nutrition.
  "The main idea is to have students truly engaged in learning on the front end of their university experience," Marshall said.
  "Most students have two years of general education courses to take before they declare a major and get to the classes that are really interesting to them. By putting a class at the beginning that addresses their specific interests while meeting the goals of general education, we hope to engage them as learners and show them that we, as faculty, are still learners as well," Marshall said.
  All freshmen students will be required to choose one of the academically rigorous, three-credit-hour courses. One of the main goals of the seminar is to teach students how to study for college. Full story

Summer Celebration!
Many Lipscomb alumni, employees, students, neighbors and Summer Celebration guests celebrated July 4 on campus at One Nation Under God, which featured the Nashville Wind Ensemble, above, a barbecue dinner, violinist Ruth McGinnis, patriotic music and fireworks.   
--G. David England
Full story