Bid Night, best night: Lipscomb’s social clubs continue to grow

Lipscomb’s Student Center was a little busier than usual on Friday night.

After a month of rush events, almost eighty students lined up to receive an envelope holding their bid. The air was thick with excitement as the new members waited for an invitation to join one of Lipscomb’s twelve social clubs.

“It’s a mix of nerves and excitement, but mostly, I just feel really grateful to get to be a part of it,” said sophomore Madilyn Muse. “It feels like the beginning of a new chapter.” 

Lipscomb has both a fall and spring rush season. While spring is usually for freshmen, fall rush is exclusively for transfer and returning students. It is a smaller group, which gives prospective new members (PNM’s) the chance to form a tight-knit community.

Savannah Jones transferred to Lipscomb this year from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She says rushing helped her form new friendships.

“During the rush process, I met so many girls that are so nice,” Jones said. “I didn’t even realize I had so many classes with them. Now, I have so many friendships outside of the club and inside.”

The rush process at Lipscomb lends itself to new friendships because it lasts almost a month. 

Before receiving a bid, PNM’s attend an open rush event for each club. Open rush gives clubs the opportunity to share their philanthropy, social events and values.

After learning about each club, PNM’s have the chance to rank them. Rankings begin stage two of the process: closed rush. Closed rush is similar to open, but it is invite only, with a smaller group of girls.

Parker Brooks, Vice President of Delta Omega, says closed rush is when her club can connect with PNM’s on a deeper level.

“For me, closed rush feels like a family reunion,” Brooks smiled. “You get to catch up with other actives that you don’t always see, and start to form relationships with the potential new additions to our club family.”

After so many nights of rush events, the PNM’s are excited for Bid Night. And the clubs are excited, too.

“I can confidently say that Bid Night is one of my favorite nights of the year,” says Brooks. “It is when we get to watch our club grow, and when we all get to be excited about the blessing it is to be a part of the sisterhood.”

For social clubs, Bid Night is the last step in the rush process. It is a night to celebrate and welcome new members. But for new members, bid night is just the beginning.

PNM’s can look forward to a week of New Member Orientation, where they will grow closer to their own class. Then, they will join the larger social club community they spent so much time choosing. 

“I’m looking forward to all the friendships, memories and experiences that will come from being part of a group that feels like family,” says Muse. “I know Bid Night is going to be a night I’ll never forget!”

Feature image of students waiting for their bids on September 19, 2025 courtesy of Lipscomb Student Life.