#ThisIsEndicott – Chris Lipscomb ’17, M’18

Written by RJ Nealon
- ECGulls.com Contributor

ENDICOTT SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM | ENDICOTT MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) PROGRAMS

BEVERLY, Mass. – A few years ago, Chris Lipscomb '17, M'18 made his presence felt in the classroom, on the basketball court and on the gridiron at Endicott College. Lipscomb starred in both sports for the Gulls, and also in the classroom as a sport management major. But now, Lipscomb is making an impact at the college in a different way, in a different arena, but an equally important one.

"I'm helping young kids with their growth, their academics, and helping them become better individuals as a member of the Endicott College Admissions Office," said Lipscomb. "I travel to different high schools and help share information with prospective college students about Endicott. My job is to help prospective college students make an informed decision about attending Endicott or guide them in the right direction about their future college choice."

As for Lipscomb himself, there were several aspects to the Endicott College experience that drew him to the oceanside campus when he was in a similar position as a high school junior/senior.

"The internship program at Endicott College is what got my attention when I was looking at schools. I knew it would prepare me for life after graduation," said Lipscomb. "It [the internship program] really sets you up for the future, but obviously football and basketball played a huge factor in my decision to attend Endicott as well."

THE RIGHT DECISION

In life, many children dream of playing sports at the highest level, including at the college ranks. However, not everyone gets to see that come true. Lipscomb not only lived it, but also experienced all sides of it.

As a member of the football team, Lipscomb caught 112 passes for 1,622 yards and 11 touchdowns in 36 career games played for the Gulls. His receptions and receiving yards rank fourth all-time in program history, while his 11 TDs are seventh all-time. He also earned NEFC All-Conference Second Team honors as a wide receiver and claimed three NEFC Academic All-Conference awards.

Meanwhile, throughout his basketball career, which featured two CCC Championship titles, and a Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Tournament, he totaled 100 games played, 443 points, and 1702 minutes. He also shot 48-percent from the field, 32-percent from beyond the arc, and played multiple positions defensively, and well, for that matter. Academically, he was a three-time CCC Academic All-Conference honoree.

For his efforts academically and his merits in both sports, Lipscomb capped his career in 2016-17 with two prestigious honors – the Endicott College President's Award and the Endicott Male Athlete of the Year award.

"It was awesome playing two sports, two groups of great guys," said Lipscomb. "The experience grew relationships that will last for life."

The experience of excelling academically and playing two sports meant long but rewarding days. There's no doubt he was busier than most; however, he wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

"There was a time at the end of football during my senior season where the two sports [football and basketball] had overlapped each other," said Lipscomb. "So, Coach Bettencourt pushed back the start of our basketball season one week to make sure I could play in all the games on the schedule with the rest of my senior class. It was really special for me."

A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TWO-SPORT SEASON

Nowadays, he's not playing anymore. As mentioned, Lipscomb works in the admissions office at Endicott College. He's now helping the younger generation make that big step in their future by making all the right choices when it comes to the colleges they will attend. He travels to different locations throughout each week – even each day – interacting with all kinds of prospective students.

Despite not playing, he will be back on the court soon, but in a different role. Lipscomb will be doing what a lot of former student-athletes and college stars do, go from playing to coaching.

"After my travel season calms down, I will be joining the basketball team at practice a lot more frequently," said Lipscomb.

Sounds like a busy schedule for Lipscomb. However, that's nothing new for the man from West Springfield, Massachusetts who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management in four years, while also playing two demanding sports. Then, he obtained his MBA over the next two years and quickly transitioned that into a role in the Endicott Admissions Office.

It's crazy to think that just a few short years ago, he'd be found on any given weekend playing a sport. If he weren't, he'd be training. He attended Endicott not only for his athletic talents but also to grow as a student. Aside from the beautiful campus, he looked at the resources Endicott offered up for him to be successful. He looked at the opportunities the college gave him as a student. While it is many student-athletes dream to play one sport in college, he played two. He was busy, had no time to spare but said: "I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything."

Now, he is just as busy but in a position to pass all of his knowledge he learned over the last four-six years to others that will come after him. He is now in a place where he can impact others in ways he could have never imagined. Just like Endicott did for him. 

THE ENDICOTT INTERNSHIP MODEL

Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. A philosophy of "learning by doing" permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies.

Through their experiences in internships students will be prepared to:

• Apply, integrate, and evaluate knowledge within a particular academic discipline
• Develop competencies for careers and community service
• Explore career options and gain field experience
• Foster personal growth through increased self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and others, and a heightened awareness of ethical standards
• Improve the ability to learn in a self-directed manner

"The Endicott internship model allows students to have multiple opportunities throughout their college experience to discover their passions, bolster career confidence, and develop a marketable skill set while creating a professional network that will serve them well after graduation," said Endicott's Dean of the Internship and Career Center Eric Hall. "Endicott students leave with the career-readiness competencies and passion needed to excel in today's workforce." 

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)