IDEAL commencement celebrates accomplishments of seventh cohort

Kim Chaudoin  | 05/12/2021

As the eight students who were Lipscomb’s latest to complete the requirements for certificates in career exploration studies entered the George Shinn Center on the afternoon of Thursday, May 6, there was no shortage of joy, happiness, pride and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

The students are members of the seventh cohort in Lipscomb’s IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access) program to earn these certificates. They were met with cheers and applause from their families, peers, friends, faculty, staff, administrators and friends who came to celebrate the achievements of these eight students.

Students receiving their certificates in career exploration studies this May are Preston Ryan Batts, Robert Brant Bousquet Jr., Walker Ryan Frist, Riley Kay Hoag, Alicia Grace Johnson, Julio Ceasar Madrazo, Grant Hassell Mayhugh and Lee A. Uhles Jr. Not present on this day was the ninth member of this cohort, Savannah Jacqueline Miller, who received her recognition posthumously. Miller died June 13, following complications related to a medical procedure. 

Misty Parsley, IDEAL faculty advisor and director of special education programs in Lipscomb’s College of Education, told the graduates that they were a class like none other noting the loss of their classmate and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their college experience. 

“A lot of it was challenging, but this group is special. You have worked so hard and we are so proud of you,” Parsley told the graduates. Experiencing college this way has built character. And when I think about this group of students I think of words like perseveres, hard working, supportive, encouraging, positive. You will be ready for anything after this last year.”

This was the first in-person IDEAL ceremony since May 2019. The May 2020 graduation ceremony was held virtually due the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“This is a special moment. We are here together in person. This ceremony is so important to each one of you here in this room and each person watching online, this moment of us being able to be together,” said Parsley. “I want to thank the president, the provost and everyone on this campus who made this graduation weekend happen so that we can enjoy this time together.”

IDEAL is a two-year certificate program that provides education and workplace training to students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. It is housed in Lipscomb’s College of Education and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Launched in January 2014, the IDEAL program includes academic and skill-building classes, exercise sessions, daily internships, leisure time and a daily study period. 

Senior Dylan Johnson, a biology and philosophy major who graduated this spring, presented a message on behalf of the program’s peer mentors for this school year. He worked with this year’s graduates from the time they participated in the IDEAL Summer Academy prior to enrolling at the university through the completion of the two-year program. 

“This is a very special class to me, because I've been able to see them throughout the whole process of the program, and it's an amazing experience to see how much you all have progressed over the course of this program,” said Johnson. “I tried to think of a word that really describes what this class is and the word that kept coming back to me was resilience. This class has had so many unforeseen obstacles that they've had to endure. And you all have just picked yourself up and moved forward.”

“Being around you all and getting to know you all has been such a pleasure and an honor,” he continued. “I also want to thank everyone in this room for all the support you give these students. I know all the students are appreciative of all the support you give them. I also want to thank the students themselves. I'm so thankful to get to know each and every one of you. You've had a tremendous impact on my college experience. I learned from you, and thank you for being who you are. Continue to be who you are and to remember what you've learned throughout this program.”

William Vantrease, assistant professor of nutrition and kinesiology, gave the faculty charge to the graduating class. 

“Keep that passion and dedication and that smile. I hope you will remember all that you accomplished here and the impact that each of you have left on this university … the thousands of lives that you have affected here on this campus these past few years,” said Vantreese. “You’ve shown perseverance and joy. You have been a light on this campus and just brighten my day and everyone else's. You guys are awesome. May God bless you and guide you as you leave here.”

Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry told graduates that he is “so very, very proud of you.” 

“Proud of your courage, your tenacity, proud of your character and the way you have completed this program,” he continued. “Our greatest satisfaction is looking forward and anticipating what will happen in your lives, because of your graduation, how you’ll work, how you will serve, how you will love and how you will be a part of all that God has created. And we are very, very blessed to have been a part of that.” 

To remember their fallen classmate, IDEAL program leaders instituted the Savannah Miller Award in memory of Miller. 

“Savannah’s spirit will never be forgotten. She was inclusive and welcoming to all,” said Parsley. She brightened every room she rolled into and brought joy even at challenging times. Back in the fall, the university held a memorial service, planted a tree and started a scholarship in her name. We are so grateful for those things. The family also donated a bench that’s outside of Johnson dorm where she lived.”

“This spring we decided to add the Savannah Miller Award and we will award this each year to someone from the graduating class,” she continued. “This award recipient has been chosen by the graduating class, the peer mentors and the IDEAL staff and they were asked to vote for someone who embodies Savannah’s joy, perseverance and inclusive nature. The first Savannah Miller Award recipient is Grant Mayhugh.”

According to Parsley the ultimate goal of the IDEAL program and its career exploration studies program is to equip students for employment options. Lipscomb has many community partners that provide a variety of internships and job training opportunities for IDEAL students. Students begin in their first semester with on-campus internships. These placements are sought once the career goals are identified for each student.

Students are placed in off-campus internships in their second year of the program. The students' job interests and abilities are matched with available openings. Students complete at least four work experiences to include on their resumes upon completion of the program as a result of these on-campus and off-campus internships.