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11.27 Groundbreaking & Naming

Falcon families, 

We have so much to celebrate at Ben Lippen School. Those who have driven on the Monticello Road campus since Thanksgiving Break were greeted by steel rising above the construction fencing. It is certainly exciting to watch. Allow me to share two important milestones worth celebrating. 

First, we officially broke ground on our newest building project, the Center for Life Impact. The 10,000 square foot facility boasts:

  • eight high school classrooms which will also allow middle school students to move further into the existing building
  • eight offices which will make student and parent resources easily accessible
  • large flex space for classes, meetings, and events

Like most capital projects, this project is giving-driven. Please pray that construction continues to move forward on schedule for the 2024/25 school year.

Second, we announced that the building will be named the Blackwell Center for Life Impact after the late Michael Duane Blackwell. 

Mike had a distinguished career in telecommunications, authored several books, owned Christian bookstores, and served as a Vice President of Columbia International University. Mike’s godly influence was felt both here and around the world. He was devoted to his family, a leader in the local church, and a chief supporter of Delaine’s Bible Study ministries and Israel Study Tours.

Mike and Delaine played a pivotal role by praying for a school like Ben Lippen to open in Columbia and were one of the first families to enroll. Mike actively engaged with the Parent Teacher Fellowship, leading the LINK Campaign to raise financial support for the “new school in town.” The Blackwell home became a hub for fostering connections between the faculty and students from Asheville and the Columbia community. 

Mike’s legacy lies in the enduring influence he wielded through a lifetime committed to serving others. The new name, the Blackwell Center for Life Impact, is a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to Christian service and the profound impact one life can have on eternity.

View the pictures from the Groundbreaking Ceremony here and read more about the legacy of Mike Blackwell here. 

Join us in praying not only for construction progress but that this building will be a blessing for every student who enters this facility for generations to come.

 

To God be all glory,

 

 

 

Kelly Davis

Development Director

Ben Lippen School

(803) 807-4114 Office

  • Center for Life Impact
  • press release