Volume 64 • Issue 2 • Summer 2024
![](/fileadmin/user_upload/McDowell_Silo.png)
Celebrating Tradition and Community at LCU
A Note from the President
As we reflect on the rich history and vibrant community at Lubbock Christian University, it is evident that our legacy is built on the foundation of cherished traditions, enduring relationships, and a shared commitment to walk with our students through every step of their journey.
STUDENT
experience
![Alexis Wright standing outsite the CDC Entrance](/fileadmin/2024/summer/Thumbnail_01_Alexis.jpg)
A Journey of Determination and Graduation
For most students, the start of a college semester is a time filled with emotions—excitement, relief, and maybe a little bit of anxiety. For the family of recent Lubbock Christian University graduate Alexis Wright (‘24), however, the start of her senior year felt a little bit different than it normally would, filled instead with a healthy dose of fear and uncertainty—but also, perhaps surprisingly, with peace.
read more about the story, a journey of determination and graduation
![Blured background of people with focus on hand giving the chap sign](/fileadmin/2024/summer/Thumbnail_02_Chapel.jpg)
Chapel: A Constant Invitation
Since September 24, 1957, daily chapel has been a staple of spiritual life at Lubbock Christian University. Throughout the many years since that first meeting, leaders and teachers have come and gone, and meeting times and places have shifted, but the eternal purpose of chapel has remained the same.
FACULTY
feature
![Dr. Mark Sneed smiling for camera in meeting room](/fileadmin/2024/summer/Thumbnail_04_MichaelMartin.jpg)
Scholarship and Compassion
Dr. Michael Martin (‘93) serves as Professor of New Testament in the Alfred and Patricia Smith College of Biblical Studies. He is one of the most prodigious publishers at Lubbock Christian University, and his publications have been produced by the most prestigious presses and journals. To date, he has published three books with two more forthcoming, 16 journal articles with several forthcoming, and one article in an edited volume. He has also co-authored both books and journal articles, often in collaboration with his friend and former classmate, Dr. Jason Whitlark, from Baylor University.
![A LCU professor being handed a plaque but President McDowell](/fileadmin/2024/summer/Thumbnail_03_WilsonTeachingAwards.jpg)
Wilson Excellence in Teaching Awardees
Lubbock Christian University takes pride in honoring exceptional faculty members who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and excellence in teaching. The L.R., Sr. and Ruth Wilson Excellence in Teaching Award stands out for its prestigious recognition of outstanding educators. Established by former LCU trustee Dr. Ray Wilson in tribute to his parents, this award symbolizes a legacy of commitment to Christian education.
ALUMNI
spotlight
![President McDowell talking with an Alumni Awardee in the baker conference center](/fileadmin/2024/summer/Thumbnail_05_AlumniAwards.jpg)
2024 Alumni Awards
Lubbock Christian University’s Office of Alumni Relations recognized recipients of the 2024 Alumni Awards at a luncheon in May on the LCU Campus.
The awards are presented each year to recognize the significant success and service of distinguished LCU alumni in their professions and communities, as well as to LCU. These individuals are making significant impacts in their immediate circles of influence and throughout the larger Kingdom of God.
Know of an interesting alumni story you’d like to share with us?
Campus
community
![Two retirees posing with their retirement plaques](/fileadmin/user_upload/06-CampusAndCommunity_RetireeEmployeeAwards.jpg)
Honoring LCU's Retirees and Service Award Recipients
Reflecting on the dedication and countless years of service our employees devote to LCU, we celebrate their retirements alongside the milestones of service years recognized.
![Brian and Marissa Melakian form Play It Again Sports accepting a framed award for being community newcomer](/fileadmin/2024/summer/Thumbnail_07_CPofTheYear.jpg)
LCU Presents Community Awards
Lubbock Christian University named Prosperity Bank the 2024 LCU Community Partner of the Year for their outstanding support of LCU and the greater Lubbock community. Additionally, Play It Again Sports has been named the Newcomer of the Year. The winners were announced at an appreciation luncheon hosted by Johnsonville and United Supermarkets on the LCU campus.
CAMPUS
news
The City of Lubbock and the Chamber Forge Path to Degree Completion with LCU Partnership
May 7, 2024
![Image of the Press Conference announcing the LCU Elevate initiative](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/b/csm_csm_24-MC-ElevatePressConference_05.07-20_6e73a0a0da_58350e09e4.png)
In a move towards fostering educational advancement and professional growth, the City of Lubbock and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce have inked an agreement with Lubbock Christian University (LCU). Under this partnership, employees of the City and Chamber-affiliated businesses now have access to a tuition discount through the new LCU Elevate initiative.
LCU Esports Claims Victory in National Championship
April 29, 2024
![5 esports players at computers during a competition](/fileadmin/_processed_/d/6/csm_csm_EsportsHeader_036b1f489a_c25ebcafc7.png)
In an exhilarating display of skill and strategy, Lubbock Christian University’s (LCU) Esports team has clinched the national title in the game Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU). This prestigious event took place in Orlando, FL on April 27, against the nation’s top collegiate teams in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Starleague Spring 2024 SSBU National Championship.
read more about the esports victory in the national championship
LCU Recognizes Distinguished Educators
April 18, 2024
![6 educators receiving an award bell at the front of a stage](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/f/csm_csm_24-SOE-DistinguishedEducators_04.16-01_copy_8b2994faa0_a11bf24a1a.png)
LCU's School of Education in partnership with The Knowledge Center, Inc. are honored to make their yearly recognition of distinguished educators from Lubbock County. This year, seven outstanding educators were recognized, and two of the individuals received the LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching at a reception on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, on LCU campus.
“Taste the Nations” Celebrates Global Community at LCU
April 8, 2024
![2 students being served in a line of variety of foods](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/2/csm_csm_Taste_the_Nations_Header_a580dd72c4_74674b22af.png)
“Taste the Nations,” a student- and staff-led event on the campus of LCU, brought together students from across the globe to celebrate the various cultures represented in the LCU student body.
LCU for LBK – Fourth Annual Day of Service
March 22, 2024
![9 lcu staff and students packing food in boxes in a warehouse](/fileadmin/_processed_/f/e/csm_csm_24-SL-03.21_LCUforLBK-119_b9d747c531_eaa1234a33.png)
LCU held LCU for LBK, its fourth annual day of service, as LCU students, faculty, and staff spent the afternoon spread out across the city in a community-wide day of service. The event was made possible through a partnership with the Volunteer Center of Lubbock and sponsored by United Supermarkets for the fourth consecutive year.
LCU Friends of the Arts Hosts Red Carpet Affair
February 1, 2024
![Keegan Peck singing in front a small band on a red stage](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/8/csm_csm_RedCarpetAffair_1920x1080_NoDetails_80262f4b2d_f7db10f224.png)
Guests are invited to dress for the red carpet for this special dinner and show led by LCU alumnus and popular entertainer Keegan Peck. From a red-carpet photo op to begin the evening, to a delicious meal, to being serenaded by fantastic music, the evening promises to be a night to remember.
Alumni News and Updates
There is a new alumni site to share life updates such as moves, career changes, marriages and future Chap baby photos. Stay connected to LCU and fellow alumni by engaging in that site