The Marni:

Lipscomb recently opened a new pavilion located between Collins Auditorium and Fanning Hall. Since its debut, the space has quickly become a popular spot for students to meet, eat, and study.

“We have a new pavilion open for our students,” said President Candice McQueen. “The vision was really to have a place where students could study together, build relationships, and actually see our mission represented in the space.”

The pavilion was funded by board chair Dick Cowart and his wife, Becky, and is officially named The Marni, a nickname honoring Becky Cowart’s role as a grandmother. 

“They just really wanted to do something nice for students,” said Kim Chaudoin, Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “They are so passionate about serving our students. They had the vision, and we were just glad we were able to carry it out.”

While the space has become popular, one feature has drawn unexpected attention: the Hebrew inscription carved into the center of the cross. The inscription is meant to say “Marni,” but the translation isn’t fully clear.

“The Hebrew is upside down, but if it were right side up, it would say Marni,” said Dr. Phillip Camp, professor in the Bible department.

Still, the department has been unable to determine the exact meaning. Dr. Camp searched online for possible connections. “Most places I Googled suggest that it means to rejoice,” he said. “But again, I can’t find a Hebrew word that actually has that as ‘rejoice.’”

It’s not just professors noticing the confusion. Caleb Hinkle, a Pastoral Leadership major, says the inscription has come up in his Greek class, with classmates asking about its meaning.

“On Wikipedia, it tells you that the word for rejoice is what it says on the right side of that cross,” Hinkle said. “Except it’s flipped upside down and backwards. It’s interesting, but I do think the intent behind it is pretty cool.”

As students continue gathering in the pavilion, questions about the inscription remain.