In the act of serving, Lipscomb and its community of alumni can have the greatest impact

Over the past school year, my first as president of Lipscomb, I have discovered a lot about who we are. Through 11 visits with alumni across the country in the Be A Light Tour , I met people at every stop who made it clear to me that Lipscomb is a community of shining lights reflecting the glory of God in their communities around the globe.

The Lipscomb community of more than 40,000 alumni is engaged in almost every field of work across the country and the world. We are educators, accountants, entrepreneurs, artists, engineers, public servants, health care providers, counselors, church leaders and much more. While our professions, talents and physical locations are diversified, we are united and identified by our values and impact.

So it was such a joy to meet alumni through the Be A Light Tour, and at the same time work with the entire campus community on the university’s Impact 360 Strategic Plan: a vision, mission statement, list of values and plan that begins by identifying who we are. (See details on pages 12-15). You can learn more about how this strategic plan impacted the 2021-2022 school year, in the 2022 President’s Report available at lipscomb.edu/prez22

Our mission statement boldly states that Lipscomb University is a Christ-centered community, just as our Bison alumni community is as well. Over the next seven years, we will work together on a focused plan and take both immediate and long-term action in order to move closer to our personal, and our institutional, impact. As one of the six main priorities of that work, we will expand our engagement, influence and impact by forging deep connections with communities, organizations and alumni.

There is tremendous power in collaboration. Every person, including our alumni, has a role in uplifting our mission, reaching our vision and defining our culture.

Throughout the past year, the university has honored alumni who demonstrate Lipscomb values by exemplifying lives of service and character, and living their faith in action. As I traveled along the Be A Light Tour, we presented Shining Light Awards (see page 43) to recognize those whose lives—and lights—shine brightly in their communities and in their service to others. Among this year’s recipients were:

• Dr. Larry (’63) and Florrye Grant (’64), who have overseen the marriage ministry, teaching classes and activities to nurture strong marriages for nearly 20 years at Clear Creek Church of Christ in Chattanooga.

• Dr. Keith Ray (’75), a pediatric dentist, who has served in free local dental clinics for adults and children and participated in medical mission work in Guatemala.

• Ben Page (’08), a former professional soccer player for the Charlotte Eagles who founded the Urban Eagles ministry and later the I AM 24/7 ministry, both nonprofit organizations that use the vehicle of sport to disciple youth to become leaders of the next generation.

The pages of this piece include other inspiring stories of alumni whose values led them to vocations that are making a difference in the lives of those they serve. There are reports about the significant impact made over the past year, from welcoming new leadership and academic programs to developing partnerships and academic and spiritual milestones, while also focusing on delivering our best through customer service.

There is no one way to have an impact. It requires using a personal sphere of influence, the gifts and talents God provides, and time and energy to make a difference in the lives of others. In the act of serving, Lipscomb alumni have the greatest impact.

The beauty is that we have only just begun the work that will define our future. I hope you are encouraged by where we are and where we are going, and that you want to further your engagement with the Lipscomb community as we continue to move forward.

Please stay connected by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Follow us on LinkedIn and be sure your education profile includes Lipscomb University. Sign up for our monthly Lipscomb Now e-newsletter at lipscomb.edu/ newsletter-signup, if you are not currently receiving it. For more alumni information, visit lipscomb.edu/alumni.

Blessings,

Dr. Candice McQueen (’96) President, Lipscomb University