Commencement | Lipscomb University

Commencement • May 2021

With a year of coronavirus pandemic twists and turns, Lipscomb University graduates were able to physically walk across the stage of Allen Arena for the first time since December 2019 during spring commencement May 7-8.

More than 900 students participated in the series of four in-person graduation ceremonies that featured groupings of colleges at each one, limited family and friends in attendance and the traditional fanfare that includes a faculty processional led by bagpipes. It also marked the final commencement for Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry, who is retiring this summer after a 16-year tenure.

Traditionally in May two commencements take place on the second Saturday of the month with one for graduate and doctoral students in the morning and one for undergraduate students in the afternoon. But offering four smaller ceremonies allowed organizers to adhere to the institution’s COVID-19 protocols and to allow a limited number of guests in the arena in addition to the graduates and faculty.

Each ceremony featured a faculty charge, a message from the president and conferral of degrees among other activities. To view each ceremony, please click the link below.

Baccalaureate • May 6, 2021

View Baccalaureate 2021

The annual Baccalaureate Service, a time of worship for the Undergraduate Class of 2021 and their families, took place in Allen Arena with a brief reception following in the Allen Arena Mall.

Spring Commencement • May 7-8, 2021

Friday, May 7

Morning Commencement featuring graduates from the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts and College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

View ceremony.

Afternoon Commencement featuring graduates from the College of Business, College of Computing & Technology and the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering.

View ceremony.

Saturday, May 8

Morning Commencement featuring graduates from the College of Education, the College of Leadership & Public Service and the College of Professional Studies.

View ceremony.

Afternoon Commencement featuring graduates from the College of Bible & Ministry and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

View ceremony.

Congratulations to all of our May 2021 graduates!

Graduation Events

Baccalaureate Service and Reception

Baccalaureate worship service marks the spiritual formation of the students. Undergraduates were welcomed to the Lipscomb community during Initium, a devotional and torch-passing ceremony, and are released into the world during this gathering.

Ceremony

The formal conferring of degrees occurs during the commencement ceremony. Graduates and their families will hear words of encouragement from various speakers and can celebrate this significant milestone in their lives.

Celebration In the Student Activities Center

College and Department Celebrations

In place of the usual dinners and celebrations on campus, graduates can continue the virtual festivities by celebrating with peers and faculty during events hosted by various colleges, schools and departments across the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my regalia? Do I have to return it?

Should I wear my regalia?

How will I receive my diploma?

You will receive a request from the Registrar's office asking you to confirm the address we have on file or provide a correct one. Please respond promptly to this request when you receive it. Using this information, we will send a graduation box after commencement, containing your diploma and diploma cover, three copies of the commencement program, and for graduate and doctoral students, your hood.

How do I watch the live stream? Can I view it on my phone?

Can I invite my friends and extended family to watch?

Will I have the opportunity to participate in commencement activities on campus?

Yes! Once the university returns to normal operations, you will have the opportunity to participate in an on-campus ceremony complete with cap and gown and a celebration for you and your entire family. You are invited now to make plans to participate in the December commencement tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, and to enjoy this celebration and walk across the stage to be recognized for your academic achievements. We know that many of you will have moved on to jobs, graduate school and life in locations across the nation, but we hope that you will make plans to return to campus to be a part of this very special day.