Lee University’s “Celebration 2024” To Host Nine Seminars

As part of Lee University’s “Celebration 2024” on Friday, the school will host nine seminars simultaneously at 9 a.m. in various locations across campus. These seminars, which are free and open to the public, feature alumni and other distinguished guests sharing insights on diverse topics, including Christian filmmaking, serving at the Pentagon, and winning an Olympic gold medal, as well as starting a business, overseeing a denomination, and returning from war.

“This has been such a great part of Celebration through the years, we are very happy with the speakers we’ve lined up for Friday. They are all so impressive, we think folks might have trouble choosing which one to attend,” said Lee President Paul Conn. “It’s just the kind of lineup we are proud to present.”

Clark Beckham, a Lee alum from Nashville and former Campus Choir member, will present a seminar titled “From Campus Choir to American Idol.” Mr. Beckham, who was a runner-up on American Idol in 2015, will perform pop/rock songs, share video clips, and discuss his experience on the show.

Lee alumna Dr. Sarah Colonna will lead the seminar “Decoding the Mysteries of Cancer.” After graduating from Lee, Dr. Colonna went on to complete medical school at ETSU and hematology/oncology fellowships at Vanderbilt and the University of Utah. Now a respected specialist in Utah, she continues to research cancer risk and make significant contributions to the field.

Dr. Gary Lewis will speak on “Where the Church of God is Going, and Why You Should Care.” Lewis, General Overseer of the Church of God—a global denomination with 8 million members in nearly 200 countries—will discuss the future of the church. He has previously directed youth and discipleship ministries and collaborated with Lee University and the church’s educational agencies.

Alex Kendrick, one of America’s most successful movie producers and creator of hits like "Facing the Giants," "Fireproof," and "The War Room,” has successfully shared Christian truths while also entertaining audiences globally. This Christian filmmaker will present "Making Movies that Send a Message.”

Wade Lombard’s seminar, “The Life of an Entrepreneur: Building from the Ground Up,” will explore his experience in starting a successful business. A 2002 Lee alum, Mr. Lombard co-founded “Square Cow Moovers” in Austin, Texas, with fellow Lee grad Derek Mills. The company has grown significantly, won awards, and is noted for its ethical and innovative business model.

Patricia Nichols returns to her alma mater to speak on “Women in the Army: A Place of Ministry,” in which she will discuss her journey as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She currently serves in Strategic Communications at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Olivia Reeves, a 21-year-old sociology student at UT-Chattanooga, won a gold medal in weightlifting at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the first American to do so in 24 years. In her seminar, “Going for the Gold at the Paris Olympics,” Ms. Reeves will share her inspiring journey.

Andrew Smith will present “First Lee, then Afghanistan, then Back Again.” After graduating from Lee, Smith joined the U.S. Army and survived a deadly explosive device while deployed in Afghanistan, returning home as a double amputee. His story of recovery has made him a frequent guest at Lee.

Mitchell Tolle will give a lecture titled “The Unlikely Journey of a Professional Artist,” which will recount his journey from a rural Kentucky “holler” to a beloved artist and public speaker. Mr. Tolle's life story and depictions of his childhood teachers make him a popular guest in educational settings.

Following the seminars, a Service of Celebration will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center, featuring a 300-voice choir and orchestra, a keynote address by Lee President Paul Conn, and a processional with faculty, Board of Directors, and an alumnus representing each of the last 60 class years.

A gourmet lunch will be held for all attendees following the ceremony. Morning classes at Lee will be cancelled to allow students to participate in the festivities.

For more information about “Celebration 2024,” contact Director of Community Engagement Kristen Grisham at kgrisham@leeuniversity.edu or by calling 614-8598.