Liberty Journal Winter/Spring 2025

WORK-BASED LEARNING

JUMP-STARTING CAREERS BEFORE GRADUATION

BOOTS on the GROUND

HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF TEAMS LEND THEIR HANDS & HEARTS

‘GOOD DAY’ AT LIBERTY

FORREST FRANK & OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS

CAMPUS COMMUNITY

GROWING TOGETHER IN THE FAITH

RUNS IN THE FAMILY

SIBLING SPRINTERS WITH OLYMPIC DREAMS

SENIOR

GRAPHIC

Carrie

CONTRIBUTING

Matt

Kendall

PUBLISHING

Rebecca Beem

Ashley Chamberland

Quinn

Kerry

Leslie

Dawn

Brian

ON THE COVER Student volunteers stand in the doorway of a home near Boone, N.C., in October that was ravaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene. The team was the first to deploy from Liberty after the hurricane as part of the LU Serve Now disaster relief initiative. Since August, students have also volunteered for hurricane relief in other areas of North Carolina and in Texas, Georgia, and Florida. Read more on Page 18.

PHOTO BY CHASE REED

Contact the Liberty Journal at news@liberty.edu, (434) 592-4955, or:

Liberty University Office of Communications & Public Engagement

1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, Va. 24515

Liberty remains one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the nation and the largest university in Virginia. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains on more than 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty utilizes its world-class infrastructure and Christian faculty to offer more than 700 unique programs of study from the certificate to the doctoral level. Over 600 programs are offered online.

For information on Liberty’s academic programs, the admission process, alumni, or athletics, call (434) 582-2000.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FEATURES

3| STRATEGIC PLAN

Liberty presses forward with a clear, bold vision for the future.

6| WHY LIBERTY?

Enrollment is at an all-time high. New students share why they chose LU.

8| ICYMI

(In case you missed it): Forrest Frank, Vivek Ramaswamy, Cole Hocker, and more special guests visited campus in the fall.

12| WORK-BASED LEARNING

Students embrace opportunities to learn on the job and get a jump-start on their careers.

16| CAMPCOM

Wednesday night Bible study and discipleship program helps students grow in their faith together.

18| BOOTS ON THE GROUND

Students put their faith into action to aid hurricane victims and bring hope to communities.

20| RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Two sets of sibling sprinters from Trinidad and Tobago take their marks at Liberty.

22| HERITAGE OF FAITH

Helms School of Government honors its namesake and celebrates 20 years of Training Champions for Christ

24| FUN ON THE SLOPES

One-of-a-kind Snowflex Centre remains a hot spot for year-round recreation.

NEWS & VIEWS

28| MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR

A look at Liberty’s unique legacy of love

30| SCHOLAR’S VIEWPOINT

Dr. Alexander Mason writes on preserving human worth and moral compass in the age of AI.

32| FAITH IN FOCUS

Center for Entrepreneurship Director

Kristin Boyce shares a lesson in trusting in God’s good for us.

33| REASON TO CELEBRATE

Faculty, staff, students, and alumni join for the School of Law’s 20th anniversary events.

ATHLETICS

36| FAME FOR THE FLAMES

Meet the newest Hall of Fame members for Liberty Athletics and Club Sports.

37| WELCOME TO LIBERTY

New head coaches take the reins for baseball, women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball.

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

38| CLASS NOTES

Alumni news from around the globe

41| FEEDING THE HUNGRY

Alumnus makes a difference in his Florida community.

47| PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE 2024

Our faithful supporters who make the mission possible

IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY

(But not really, just at home at the LaHaye Ice Center!)

Liberty’s ACHA Division I Men’s Hockey team suited up for its annual Star Wars Night on Jan. 18. In R2-D2themed uniforms, the team took on Calvin University for its first series to kick off spring semester play. Fans joined in the fun by dressing like their favorite Star Wars characters and taking pictures with costumed guests and a replica R2-D2. After the series, the team auctioned their jerseys to raise money for Club Sports mission trips.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

In recording Scripture’s oldest psalm, Moses asked God to “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). While everybody wants to rack up the years, Moses’ point was more qualitative than quantitative as he encourages us to make the most of the days we have rather than do simple birthday math. In God’s economy, every day is an opportunity to remember that life is short and eternity is long. Why we live and how we live are far more consequential than how long we live.

Even though religiosity fell off the cliff in the Western world during the first quarter of this century, it seems Moses’ ancient words may be striking a chord once again as America begins to show signs of spiritual renewal. The 2024 year ended with Bible sales up by more than 22% for first-time buyers as a new generation seeks real answers to life’s most significant challenges. Young men have taken an even greater interest in the Christian faith, flipping the script on a longtime pattern dominated by women. And despite the negativity apparent on America’s college campuses, we are witnessing a rise in salvations and baptisms as young people turn to Christ. The great harvest of which Jesus spoke is still plentiful.

I have been incredibly encouraged by the large number of Liberty University students who have committed themselves to seek God’s face in prayer, worship, Bible study, and Christian service. They are pursuing the Lord on Liberty Mountain with passion as they diligently prepare to serve as Champions for Christ Our Campus Community events on Wednesday nights reveal record numbers as students regularly set aside time to meet with God despite their academic load and extracurricular activities. (Read more about Campus Community on Page 16.)

Our students also quickly mobilized in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida in the last few months (see Page 18). Even during natural disasters, human tragedy, extreme loss, and heartache, our students put their faith into action by showing and sharing the

Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. By championing Christ so faithfully, these students demonstrate what it means to number their days. As representatives of the distinctively and unapologetically Christian university envisioned by our

“Our ultimate goal is for every Liberty graduate to impact the world, advance the Gospel, shape culture, and stand for truth.”

founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, they show the world that doing our part to fulfill the Great Commission is why we exist. Our first calling ensures that every graduate is equipped with the values, knowledge, and skills to succeed professionally while embracing the spiritual conviction and embodying the moral character required to impact the world for Christ.

Today, Liberty University stands as a beacon of truth and hope for a world that is desperate for answers. Our greatest opportunity is right in front of us. God is by no means finished as He continues to use us for His glory and others’ good. We pray that He is just getting started.

To continue our trailblazing vision, we have completed our comprehensive strategic plan and look forward to what’s ahead (see accompanying article). Our focus on academic excellence, graduation and student success, spiritual formation, athletics, community engagement, and authentic Christian culture is the means we employ to produce Champions for Christ. Our strategic plan was the result of thousands of hours of extensive research, development, and bottom-up collaboration that extended to every corner of the

university and included the efforts of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. By enhancing the quality and quantity of our programs, adopting new learning models, and remaining on the cutting edge of innovative technology, we will meet 21st century needs while staying firmly planted on the truth of God’s Word.

In organizational terms, this strategic plan is Liberty University’s mechanism to make the most of our days. As we steward God’s many gracious gifts, we are committed to excellence, service, accessibility, and affordability for every student. We know that each decision we make as a university impacts our local community and reaches across the nation and around the globe. Strengthening our residential student experience, online programs, strategic partnerships, and alumni network will build momentum on this mountain and beyond.

Our ultimate goal is for every Liberty graduate to impact the world, advance the Gospel, shape culture, and stand for truth. As we continue this journey together, let me thank you for being a part of the Liberty family and for your dedication to this shared mission of Training Champions for Christ. Whether you are a student, an alum, a faculty member, a staff colleague, an administrator, a financial supporter, or a prayer warrior, your partnership is crucial. We cannot do it without you.

Please join me in praying for God’s provision and guidance as we boldly step into the future. Following Moses’ lead, please ask the Lord to “teach us to number our days, that we might gain a heart of wisdom.” We know that “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Maybe that’s why Moses concluded his psalm with these words: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).

To God be the glory. Great things He has done.

Dondi E. Costin | President

On Mission

THE 2024-29 STRATEGIC PLAN

Champions for Christ.

In Fall 2023, Liberty embarked on a university-wide strategic plan, a comprehensive roadmap to advance the mission and vision for the next five years. The plan will affirm that all areas of the institution are well-equipped to navigate the rapidly changing cultural and higher education landscapes while adhering to the original mission.

Following a period of extensive discussion, examination, and research across all departments, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 202429 Strategic Plan in September 2024.

“As stewards of Liberty’s mission, we are excited to see this Strategic Plan come to life,” said Board Chairman Tim Lee. “It represents a clear and bold vision for the future, one that builds on our strong foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the vision of (Liberty founder) Dr. Jerry Falwell. This plan will not only shape the next five years for Liberty in a competitive environment but will also ensure that our mission of Training Champions for Christ thrives for generations to come.”

As the process continues, university leadership will remain focused on the mission, guided by GRACE, which represents five key areas of the Strategic Plan: Graduation and Student Success — recognizing that the ultimate measure of Liberty’s mission is the success of the students and the impact they make on others;

educational environment;

Academic Enrollment — expanding Liberty’s reach and impact;

Christian Culture — fostering an environment where faith is integrated into every aspect of university life; and

Endowment — protecting and building endowment that is crucial to Liberty’s longterm sustainability and growth.

Under the direction of President Dondi E. Costin, the strategic planning process is a collaborative, bottom-up approach that fosters shared ownership. Insight has been gathered from the entire Liberty community (9,796 survey responses across over 50 departments) so the plan can reflect the needs and feedback of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Over 6,900 working hours have been spent ensuring that the plan aligns with the university’s values.

With a dedication to data-informed progress, collaboration, and missiondriven excellence, the plan includes mechanisms for regular evaluation and flexibility to respond to changing circumstances so the university can maintain its relevance and impact in an ever-evolving world.

The Strategic Plan is now in the goals and objectives implementation phase. Seventeen teams of administrative leaders across the university have defined, refined, and assigned over 1,300 key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones to departments and colleges/schools across the

plan’s progress and success.

To centralize these efforts, Liberty’s Analytics and Decision Support (ADS) team has developed an innovative platform to document and track all goals, objectives, shared measures, KPIs, and milestones. The platform promotes transparency and accountability and enables leadership to monitor progress, align efforts, and stay focused on the Strategic Plan priorities.

Liberty’s mission and vision to Train Champions for Christ follows the Great Commission as all members of the Liberty community use their God-given callings to impact the world. This mission shapes how Liberty builds community, designs educational programs, and inspires students. Keeping the focus on the mission drives a bold commitment to spiritual growth, moral integrity, and a deep sense of service to others. Liberty’s goal is to foster an environment where everyone is motivated to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives while remaining steadfast in their faith.

In 1974, the student body, inspired by Liberty’s motto, “Knowledge Aflame,” voted to be called the “Flames.” Thus, it is appropriate that the Strategic Plan is encapsulated and guided by the same word, FLAMES, which stands for: Faith First, Lifelong Learning, Authentic Christian Culture, Mission-Driven Excellence, Engaged Community, and Stewardship and Service. >>

WITH

ENROLLMENT

AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH, NEW STUDENTS SHARE WHY

LIBERTY WAS THEIR TOP CHOICE

In the fall, Liberty University surpassed 16,000 residential students for the first time. Over 4,400 new incoming undergraduates arrived on campus, and with the opening of the new high-rise Commons IV residence hall, more students are now living on Liberty’s campus than ever before — over 8,400. The current residential population includes students from all 50 states and 77 countries. Here’s what some of our new students had to say about making Liberty their new home away from home.

NICOLAS CHISM

Freshman youth ministry student Nicolas Chism from Hollidaysburg, Pa., chose Liberty for its Christian values despite not having grown up in a Christian household. He began his faith journey in high school when he was invited to a Bible study. Desiring to explore the Christian faith deeper, he researched Christian universities and talked with friends who attended Liberty. During the first Campus Community service in August, Chism surrendered his life to Christ after an altar call from Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, and he was baptized in November.

CALEB HAMMETT

Caleb Hammett, originally from Hanover, Mass., and known as The Drip King (@dripking) to his combined 4 million followers on various social media platforms, joined the men’s lacrosse team as a premier faceoff specialist last semester. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Hammett enrolled at Liberty to pursue a graduate certificate in business. He said he chose Liberty because of its faith-based foundation and community.

“All the other schools I was looking at didn’t even compare whatsoever in that way. I spoke to (a coach and a captain) over the phone, and they just had so many great things to offer on the spiritual side outside

of the sport that I was really attracted to.”

Hammett said he felt welcomed when he came on campus, despite being the farthest away from home he had ever been. He said the team community has spurred him on in his faith through Bible studies, a team chaplain, and even going on a retreat where many of the players were saved and baptized.

“I think community was one of the things that I was lacking the last few years in school. Now I’m just so grateful for how different (Liberty) is, where it’s like everywhere you go, you have so much community of people who really want to help your walk with the Lord.”

“Everyone around me (at Campus Community) was putting a hand on me, and when I walked down there, I was very supported, and it was incredible.”

He found additional support from his community group leader, whom he said has been a “big inspiration” in his life. When Chism went home on Thanksgiving Break, he said his family noticed a change.

“Liberty is changing me, and it’s for the better too. I wouldn’t say I was a bad person when I came here, but I wasn’t like who I am now. It’s just a blessing. It’s amazing.”

Freshman Kacy Smith of Ashburn, Va., came to Liberty to pursue a degree in business administration with a focus in sales. She wanted to attend a school that would challenge her academically but also teach her how to study Scripture and serve others.

“Service and evangelism are something that I personally feel called to, and I definitely want to get out in the community and help others. Liberty has a lot of opportunities to do that.”

During her first semester, Smith was selected to serve on a student-led servant evangelism team, where she was involved in

Caroline Meehan, a freshman aviation student from Wilmington, N.C., looked at 13 universities before deciding that Liberty was the best fit for her goals. She was interested in commercial flight training through the School of Aeronautics and was impressed by the school’s use of high-tech simulators and the way professors integrate biblical principles into their teaching.

Meehan said college was a big transition, and she is grateful for the multitude of welcome events Liberty held during her first few weeks that kept her busy and helped her integrate into the Liberty community quickly.

“The culture here is so edifying to the Lord. I have lunch with two of my friends

every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and we just talk about the Lord the whole time. Just knowing that all my friends are also really trying to glorify the Lord through their academics is so fun.”

One of Meehan’s favorite campus activities is Convocation every Wednesday and Friday. She said it is a great way to start her day.

“I love the worship, and you get to hear from all different perspectives. It widens your horizons, which I really like because there are a lot of points of view to hear from.”

Her favorite speaker last semester was Cliffe Knechtle, a Christian apologist, author, and evangelist.

outreach opportunities on and off campus and made connections with other students who have become her friends.

Having been homeschooled, Smith said it was hard to be away from home for the first time and adjust to a college schedule, but her professors have helped her along the way.

“I’ve been able to meet with my advisor, and she helped me set classes and just figure that out. I’ve also gotten to meet with my professors one-on-one. I had a great group of professors my freshman semester, so communicating with them has made a big difference.”

Freshman Alexandra Knight from Purcellville, Va., is studying molecular biology and biochemistry with minors in violin performance and mathematics. As a National Merit Scholarship recipient, she wanted a Christian university with academic excellence.

“I love the integration of Christianity into the classes. My parents and I both agreed that for undergrad, at least, I really wanted to be in a Christian environment and have an education, especially when it comes to science, from a Christian perspective.”

Knight said she worried about making the leap from high school, but that changed as soon as she stepped on campus.

“Transitioning to college life was so much

easier than I thought it would be. I came and right away from move-in everyone was helping get my stuff up to my room. My parents really liked it too, and they really felt comfortable with Liberty. I loved it from the very first day.”

Knight said she found deep and intentional community within her residence hall, Commons I. As a member of Liberty’s Honors College, she lives on the Honors floor, where she has the opportunity to socialize and connect with peers who have similar goals and ambitions.

“There’s a lot of activities as a whole, like hall dinners, to participate in and put yourself out there. It’s been really nice to meet the people (and have) like-minded community.”

While enrollment at many colleges nationwide continues to trend downward, Liberty has experienced steady increases for six straight years. Founded in 1971, Liberty remains one of the youngest universities to experience rapid enrollment growth in the last 10 years — up 13.1% from 13,685 residential students in Fall 2014 and up 33.2% from 67,612 online students the same year (Liberty hit a record 124,000 online students in the 2023-24 academic year).

Overall enrollment for 2024-25 has surpassed 140,000 students.

CAROLINE MEEHAN

KACY SMITH

ALEXANDRA KNIGHT

ICYMI, ICYMI,

here’s who visited campus in the fall (in case you missed it)

Christian Music Artist

Forrest Frank

It was a “Good Day” — actually a couple good days — when singer/songwriter Forrest Frank made his first trip to campus in August. Just a month before winning his first GMA Dove Awards for New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year (for “Good Day”), Frank spoke at Convocation on Aug. 23 and helped Liberty kick off a new school year by performing some of his hit songs from his Child of God tour at Block Party. In Convocation, Frank, who grew up in a Christian family, told his story of living a life of secrecy and searching for fulfillment until his sophomore year of college when he surrendered his life to Christ. “In that moment, I was full, I was complete, I had found my home in Jesus,” he said. “All the insecurity left me, the depression left me, because I knew my identity. I’m a child of God.” Two years ago, after leaving pop music, he turned to releasing Christian worship music that he said God led him to write.

Olympic Gold Medalist

Cole Hocker

When Cole Hocker crossed the finish line of the men’s 1500-meter at the 2024 Paris Olympics to take the gold, he said it was evidence of what happens when he gives his career and God 100 percent. Hocker was welcomed to the Convocation stage on Sept. 20 to cheers of “U-S-A” before recounting the upset as it was shown on the videoboard. “I said it in my post-race interview that I felt like God carried me through the line. I feel like, in watching (the race), it’s so obvious because that doesn’t happen very often that you get to reset and recharge at that pace. That was not just me on the home stretch.” He encouraged students to “give their all” toward achieving what God has for them. “For (every) Olympian, the paths are all different, but everyone is giving their sport 100 percent. I would encourage everyone to give something their 100 percent. ... You don’t know what doors that will open up and what opportunities that will lead to.” Hocker set an Olympic record of 3:27.65 in Paris, becoming the fourth American in Olympic history to win gold in the 1500.

Entrepreneur, Author

Vivek Ramaswamy

At 37 years old, Vivek Ramaswamy became the youngest Republican to ever run for the nation’s highest office. He suspended his campaign last January, but with a month to go before the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, Ramaswamy visited Liberty on Oct. 2 to inspire students to embrace America’s history, restore curiosity and self-confidence, and adopt the patriotic vision of our nation’s Founding Fathers. He received multiple ovations as he urged students to revive America’s founding principles and emphasized speaking the truth with conviction and respect, fighting for conservative issues like the gender binary, securing national borders, protecting the nuclear family, strengthening capitalism to lift others from poverty, and embracing the U.S. Constitution as the strongest and greatest supporter of freedom. “We fight for the truth. We stand up for the truth. That is what won us the American Revolution. That is what reunited us after the Civil War. That is what won us two world wars and the Cold War. That is what still gives hope to the free world. And if we can revive that dream over group identity, victimhood, and grievance, then nobody in the world … is going to defeat us. That is what American exceptionalism is all about, and that is what we will revive to save this great nation.”

Shannon Bream (’93) Anchor, “FOX News Sunday”

Danielle Cekanor Paralympian Swimmer

Jonathan Pokluda Lead Pastor, Harris Creek Baptist Church, Waco, Texas

LU NASCAR Driver

William Byron

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, is still on the fast track to success. When he visited campus for the Oct. 9 Convocation, he was the NASCAR Cup Series overall points leader with three checkered flags under his belt in 2024, including the Daytona 500. In a sit-down interview with Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, Byron talked about his unconventional route into professional racing, which started with iRacing simulators as a teen. When asked how students can be Champions for Christ wherever God may lead them, he said, “It’s just (about) not forgetting your purpose — why do you wake up in the morning? What motivates you to do what you do? How does your faith incorporate into that and what do you use from your faith to motivate you? I knew (racing) was my calling. I knew it was what I wanted to do, and then there were a lot of things that lined up for me to do it. Nothing else in my life has had that effect, and I owe a lot of that to God and His purpose for me.” Byron grew up in a Presbyterian church but said his faith “really took off” when he started racing. “I got out on my own and it was kind of my faith journey. God was always guiding my decisions, and whether I was winning or losing races, I always had the grace of God to be able to go through experiences and learn from it.” At the end of Convocation, Byron took a seat alongside members of Liberty leadership for an animated Mario Kart video game race.

The Liberty Journal congratulates William for a third-place finish at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship and ending the season third in points!

Vance Pitman Founding Pastor, Hope Church, Las Vegas

Naftali Bennett 13th Prime Minister of Israel

Katherine Wolf Founder, Hope Heals

Anne Wilson Christian Musician and Songwriter

WORK-BASED LEARNING

Students grasp opportunities to jump-start careers before graduation

BY ABIGAIL DEGNAN & LIBERTY JOURNAL STAFF

When Hayley Yukihiro (’22) became a roller coaster design intern at Disney Imagineering in Florida during her junior year at Liberty University, she hoped the experience would lead to a full-time position. Her dream came true. She is now a control engineer in Disney’s global engineering technology group at Disneyland Resort in California, where she works on hardware and software for roller coaster design and refurbishment.

Like Yukihiro, many Liberty students are gaining work-based learning opportunities while pursuing their degree and fostering valuable connections for their future careers. Liberty values traditional course instruction but also focuses on early career preparation across all degree programs, encouraging students to engage in the age-old apprenticeship model outside the classroom. Many degree programs require an internship or work-based project so students can cultivate professional growth and network while building confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.

According to a national study by the Strada Education Foundation, 80 percent of undergraduate seniors who participated in an internship reported increased confidence when talking to potential employers. Students who had completed a paid internship during their undergraduate studies were earning $3,000 more a year after graduation than those who had not, and graduates from the past 20 years who completed internships reported higher overall income and more satisfaction in their careers and in their education.

“Work-based learning and internships take our students from qualified candidates to competitive candidates as they learn practical skills,” said Sarah Fendrich, assistant director of career coaching for Liberty’s Career Services office. She cited the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Job Outlook survey, which shows that the top deciding factor for an employer when considering two equally qualified candidates for the same job was whether they had completed an internship or other work-based learning experience in their field.

“When a student has an opportunity to learn alongside seasoned workers, either through an internship or practicum, they shorten the time period of theory to practice because they are able to observe others, applying lessons learned over years of experience,” Fendrich said. “Internships, practical experiences, and shadowing provide our students with opportunities to augment excellent academics with practical application of theory.”

Yukihiro, who studied electrical engineering and computer science software engineering at Liberty, worked as a control systems hardware engineer intern on the TRON Lightcycle Power Run roller coaster attraction in the Magic Kingdom. The experience helped her realize the skills she had — and the skills she needed.

“(Disney staff) were able to help me learn while I was working, so it was really nice to have an internship where they knew I had the base skills but also knew I knew nothing,” she said. “It was great being able to own my work but also learn as I’m working.”

Realizing the job search in itself can be a

roller coaster ride, Yukihiro sought assistance from Liberty’s Career Services to fine-tune her résumé and application.

“They had someone who helped out with engineering résumés who was able to help me simplify it down and make it show my work better.”

Out and About

The university has developed unique programs to help students find valuable work-based learning opportunities. Through the Washington Fellowship, which partners with multiple organizations across Washington, D.C., students live in historical downtown housing as they work and experience life in the nation’s capital. Last semester, students worked for congressional offices, the Religious Freedom Institute, House Committee on Administration, National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Assuaged Foundation, The McKeon Group, the U.S. Marshals Service, and more.

Braeden Boerger, a sophomore studying electrical engineering and pre-law, was a legislative intern for the office of Alaska Sen.

Hayley Yukihiro (’22) Disneyland Resort

Dan Sullivan. During his time in Washington, he networked with a variety of individuals.

“I ran into the lobbyists for ConocoPhillips and was able to discuss an internship opportunity next summer,” he said. “This experience prepared me for a career by helping me dive into the thick of being in D.C. and understanding what my future could look like.”

The School of Health Sciences’ Department of Allied Health Professions and Department of Public Health offer trips for students to gain hands-on clinical experience abroad along with mission opportunities. Last year, they traveled to Spain, Guatemala, and Honduras. In the U.S., a partnership between the School of Health Sciences and Johns Hopkins University is allowing Master of Public Health students to apply for a competitive fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to conduct research on healthcare policy.

Undergraduate students from the Department of Biology & Chemistry can

spend their summers learning the practices of a research lab environment. At Uniformed Services University, senior Ethan Carlile investigated microglial cells, crucial players in the brain’s immune response and overall neurological health. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, senior Brooke Chapple contributed to a pivotal study examining the influence of endocannabinoid receptors on the clinical progression of HIV infections. And at Johns Hopkins, senior Oluwakonyinsola Adebayo participated in studies on neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Alzheimer’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Sometimes, internships not only take students around the nation but to other continents as well. Grace Love (’24), who graduated in the fall with a bachelor’s degree in zoo and wildlife biology, traveled deep into the forests near the Magaliesberg mountain range of South Africa last summer for an internship with Running Wild Cheetah Conservation. She worked with cheetahs, servals, meerkats, lions, and

other local wildlife. The experience not only helped narrow her career focus and develop her passion for working with large cats, but it also increased her confidence in approaching future employers.

“When I go to interview for future fulltime jobs, I’ll actually be prepared as to what the animals are like, what they’re going to do around me, and how to act around them, which is very helpful,” Love said.

Also last summer, Sarah Robosky, a senior studying hospitality management under the School of Business, learned the Forbes requirements for the food and beverage industry while interning at the prestigious Biltmore mansion’s four-star hotel, The Inn on Biltmore Estate, in Asheville, N.C. She worked on corporate and wedding events.

“I’m very grateful that I had this experience to learn and realize the very difficult and insane detail and coordination that goes into (this industry), and how influential food is and how it can completely change the atmosphere or culture of an event,” she said. >>

Grace Love (’24) Running Wild Cheetah Conservation

Sarah Robosky Biltmore Estate

Braeden Boerger Capitol Hill

Ethan Carlile Uniformed Services University

Engineering Their Futures

Partnerships between Liberty and leading companies have been key to student success. School of Engineering seniors are working with well-known companies and organizations for their Capstone course. This year, sponsors include BWXT, Framatome, Centra Health, Delta Star, Textron, NAVAIR (Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East), McKee Foods Corporation, and more. Four senior mechanical engineering students are helping Framatome, an international leader in nuclear energy whose North America headquarters is based in Lynchburg, to develop a scaled educational model of a Sodium Fast Reactor’s Fuel Handling Machine.

Josh Clayton, a mechanical engineering graduate student, is also working with Framatome, conducting fatigue testing to enhance reliability of nuclear subsystems. His work is supported by the National Science Foundation’s Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) program that gives students industrial experience before they graduate.

Meanwhile, engineering Ph.D. students are working under the supervision of Wayne Strasser, Ph.D., P.E. in his research group F.L.U.I.D. (Flow at Liberty University for Innovation & Design). Their work is fully funded by research grants through outside companies. Elijah Yoder (’22) is under contract with Tasnee, a Saudi Arabian company doing chemical reactor design; Ryan Learn (’24) is working on a different reactor design for Westlake; and Robert Kacinski (’21) is working with medical device manufacturer Vapotherm on a nasal cannula that eliminates CO2 from a patient’s airway.

“It is very important for our students to learn real-world engineering problems and how to find solutions to those problems before they go out and get into the industry as engineers,” said Department Chair of

Mechanical Engineering Dr. Howie Fang. “Then, they are prepared and comfortable applying what they have learned in the classroom to real-life engineering challenges in their new jobs.”

Engineering students also completed internships last year with various companies and laboratories. Senior Cameron Zuverink was an intern with the Michigan Department of Transportation.

“I was able to work on my own and go into work each morning knowing exactly what I had to do. I was given responsibility, and it wasn’t just me shadowing and assisting a full-time employee,” he said. “I was able to meaningfully contribute to the project and feel useful, which made for a great experience.”

Senior Emma Detwiler, a member of Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Dr. Kalehiwot Nega Manahiloh’s research group, conducted research on amending clay with Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced naturally by wildfires, that could enhance the engineering properties of weak soil and offer environmental benefits.

“Before securing this internship, I had no clear plans for the summer or my career path post-graduation,” she said. “Through this opportunity, I discovered a genuine interest in geotechnical work, which has helped clarify my career goals and direction.

Grateful for God’s provisions and guidance, I’ve grown confident with my marketable hands-on skills and plan to pursue a future in geotechnical engineering.”

Called to Create

Liberty encourages its students to use their creative talents and interests to secure paid professional opportunities that will launch their careers.

Junior graphic design student Caroline Danforth completed a fashion design internship with Ivy City Co., a fashion retailer in Utah. The company valued her work so much that they offered her a position before she even graduated, and Danforth now works there as a full-time fashion designer while finishing her degree online.

“I’ve been given a lot of responsibility at the company, and that’s really pushed me both professionally and personally,” she said.

Several School of Music students worked last summer in Speculator, N.Y., where they led worship and performed concerts, chamber music, and weekly recitals for over 8,000 campers at CAMP-of-the-WOODS.

Students with Liberty Broadcast Experience (LBX) also worked as paid professionals during their Spring Break at the 2024 CUSA Men’s Basketball Championships in Huntsville, Ala., by

Mechanical engineering graduate student Josh Clayton works on a project for Framatome, a leader in nuclear energy, with a grant provided by the National Science Foundation.

Emily Hahn works with the LBX crew to broadcast the 2024 CUSA Basketball Championships in Huntsville, Ala., last March.

CHASE GYLES

KJ JUGAR

running cameras, sound, and graphics as the TV packager for ESPN+.

“I enjoyed working the tournament and learning some new things,” said camera operator Christopher Kirby, a senior studying video production. “It was a marathon and not a sprint with 12 games, but it was a lot of fun, and I’d definitely say we sharpened our skills as the week went on.”

Last year, LBX produced 224 sports broadcasts, from hockey games to NCAA Division I football, and over 1,000 other on-campus events with the help of its 2,200 student crew members.

Additionally, students in Liberty’s sport management programs completed internships for sports teams and companies, including the Washington Nationals, Durham Bulls (minor league baseball), Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Jackals (Major League Rugby), NASCAR, and more.

“It’s a stepping stone for players trying to get into the elite and professional levels,” senior Andrea Marcella said about her internship with the Office of the President of the United Shore Professional Baseball League in Utica, Mich. “I had a really great experience. My role was helping out with game-day functions. I love the daily operations and event management interacting with fans of all ages.”

Local to Global Connections

The John W. Rawlings School of Divinity connects its students with professional opportunities in ministry through the Pulpit Supply Program, which currently works with over 20 area churches and over 40 studentpastors. Churches can contact the School of Divinity to set up a rotating schedule of student-pastors who visit the congregations and preach for Sunday services.

Through a new partnership with the School of Education and Lynchburg City Schools, Liberty education students are taking part in the LCS “All-In” Tutoring

Initiative for third through eighth graders, gaining early experience in the classroom prior to their required student-teaching assignments. Students can assist with recess monitoring, act as lunch buddies, aid special education students, and lend faculty/staff support as needed.

“More than anything else, it’s a way for them to use the skills and get into those buildings and see what it’s like if they haven’t had much experience (in a school),” said School of Education Dean Dr. Don Raleigh. “They can give back and use the skills they have in their learning and apply them in one-on-one tutoring.”

In the Helms School of Government’s new Jack Brewer Foundation (JBF) Fellowship Program on Biblical Justice, criminal justice students are performing a secondary analysis of JBF’s case management systems to show how faithbased reentry programs (services that help inmates transition from jail or prison to life in the community) have a higher success rate than their secular counterparts. Students are collecting and analyzing data on the criminal and family history of inmates in Florida and surrounding southern states. They examine inmates’ education levels, drug use, and other statistics before creating a comprehensive report demonstrating that faith-based approaches to inmate reentry result in lower recidivism rates. The students also participate in field research missions and visit prisons and inmates in Florida.

Under the Liberty University Analytical Support Initiative (LASI), other students are gaining skills on major national security projects in an ongoing collaboration with NATO and national agencies. In December 2023, the team traveled to Lithuania to meet with U.S. diplomats and present in front of NATO officials, and this past December, students visited Rome to brief the NATO Centre of Excellence for Security Force Assistance on projects

designed to enhance the capacity of NATO Security Force Assistance advisors and facilitate peaceful resolution of conflicts in the regions of the world where they are deployed.

Meeting and Greeting

To ensure students have ample opportunities to network with potential employers, Liberty Career Services hosts 14 industry-based career fairs each academic year, where well-known companies — like Mayo Clinic, Coca-Cola, Boeing, Ernst & Young, Samaritan’s Purse, Cleveland Clinic, Hendrick Motorsports, Geico, American Airlines, and more — can recruit Liberty students for internships and jobs. During the Fall 2024 semester, 542 companies and organizations attended career fairs at Liberty. Already this semester, Liberty has held a Business & Engineering Career Fair and Nursing & Healthcare Career Fair. An Education Career Fair is planned for Feb. 18, followed by the LU Expo on March 4, Law Enforcement & Government Career Fair on March 25, Virtual Career Fair on April 8, and an Aeronautics Career Fair on April 15.

Career Services staff provide tailored resources for online students and work with residential students in refining résumés, conducting mock interviews, and identifying volunteer, job shadowing, and internship opportunities to help them meet their career goals. The staff manages Liberty’s job board, Handshake, which currently has over 35,000 potential internship and job listings for students to browse. Students can also find micro-internships and short-term work experiences on the Parker Dewey platform, which features opportunities across the U.S., from Fortune 100 companies to emerging startups.

Through the office’s Career Discovery program, students can take a career assessment to narrow their focus and develop a strategic plan with career coaches, trained individuals who carry a depth of industry experience and stand ready to help students navigate the process and identify God-given strengths.

“We always ask ourselves, ‘Where are these students going, and what do they want to do?’ so we can tailor their strategy to the kinds of internships that will set them up for their careers,” Fendrich said. “It’s all about helping our students think strategically and start networking to foster the right connections. That’s how we build Champions for Christ through work-based learning.”

The Aeronautics Career Fair in October was one of 14 career fairs planned at Liberty for the 202425 academic year.

BROOKE MCDUFFEE

Camp Com

All Campus Community services are streamed live at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesdays on the Liberty University Facebook page and YouTube channel. Past services can be viewed online on both platforms.

Weekly service and discipleship program helps students grow in their faith together

BY CHRISTIAN SHIELDS

Every week on campus, Liberty University students have the chance to attend exciting events offered by the Office of Spiritual Development, including the longstanding tradition of Campus Community, or “CampCom” as students like to call it. On Wednesday nights in the Vines Center, students receive consistent encouragement from university leaders to grow in their faith and then follow that up with a community group in their residence hall where they discuss the night’s message, delve into God’s Word, and focus on applying it to their daily lives. These groups are a core form of fellowship and discipleship on campus, as students can open up to each other for prayer and advice.

An entirely optional event for students, Campus Community continues to grow in popularity. At the first event of the school year on Aug. 21, nearly 8,000 students attended — the largest of any Campus Community in Liberty history.

“I think the best way to understand Campus Community and its significance at Liberty is to see it as the sort of fountainhead of spiritual development,” said Vice President of Spiritual Development Josh Rutledge. “From that Wednesday night gathering flows community group involvement, outreach, and truthfully all the rest that is entailed in the spiritual development of a student here at LU. It’s not to say that Campus Community is more important than any of the rest, but it is that central, wide gathering place. If you show up on Wednesday night, it’s almost impossible to miss all the rest.”

Community Groups are facilitated by Community Group Leaders, or CGLs, who must apply for the position through the Office of Spiritual Development and receive training through the LU Shepherd

Office. Liberty currently has 905 CGLs. All students are provided workbooks that supplement the teaching from the services.

“Having a structured time to walk through a specific passage of Scripture with other students is a really unique opportunity; you don’t really get to this level other places,” said senior Peter Schumacher, a CGL in Residential Commons IV. “You open opportunities for discussion that you otherwise wouldn’t have.”

“Campus Community is a beautiful thing because we can really see the students who have a heart for the Lord and a heart for community outside of what is required,” said junior Elizabeth Law, who leads a community group in Residential Commons I. “We all love Convocation, but there’s something special about choosing to be surrounded by a group of people worshipping and listening to speakers on a Wednesday night when it’s not required.”

The theme of the fall semester’s study was “Witness,” offering students an in-depth look at the book of Acts and the work of the Holy Spirit in the early church. Speakers included Rutledge, Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, President Dondi E. Costin, Associate Athletic Director for Spiritual Development P.J. Preston, evangelism professor Dr. David Wheeler, John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Dean Dr. Troy Temple, LU Serve Executive Director Wes Franklin, and Liberty Worship Collective Executive Director Kevin Huguley.

Preaching from Acts 1 on Aug. 21, Falwell expressed his longing for every student in attendance to have confidence in their salvation. He noted that Jesus left the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide Christians after He ascended into Heaven, and the Holy Spirit continues to work in believers by providing them with biblical understanding and discernment for their daily lives. Falwell also exhorted the students to continue the work outlined in the Great Commission, as Christians are called to be witnesses in every part of the world, to those open to or hostile to the Gospel.

Some messages during the semester centered on the incredible healing power Jesus has over every circumstance, “from sniffles to Stage 4,” according to

Preston. Reading from the story of Peter healing the lame man in Acts 3, Preston argued that God continues to heal just as He did in the Bible. And once that man was healed, everyone present became witnesses of God’s power.

“They recognize him as ‘the one who sat’ — past tense,” he said. “The one who sat sits no more but stands. The one who used to beg has become a blessing now. They were amazed at his healing. Don’t be amazed when God does what He says He is going to do.”

Preston noted, however, that this healing is not always seen this side of eternity. Sometimes God’s answer to prayers for healing is that the suffering individual is welcomed into paradise free from the bondage of pain.

Speakers often share from their own personal experience, as Preston testified to seeing both his father and mother miraculously overcome serious medical situations because of God’s grace.

“We have to trust that healing still happens, and we have to have the faith that God will make it happen,” he said. “And even if He doesn’t, we have the hope of Heaven.”

On Sept. 18, Wheeler encouraged students to serve daily as witnesses for Christ, noting that every one of Jesus’ disciples suffered tremendous hardship for their faith.

“A faith you’re not willing to die for is a faith you will never be willing to live for,” he said. “From the very beginning of Acts, when Jesus used that phrase, He knew He was giving His disciples a death sentence. He knew there was no way the Gospel could get to the world unless they were willing to die for it.”

Comparing modern-day Christians to biblical prophets, Wheeler said every believer is capable of bringing the Gospel to those who have not heard it.

“We need to understand that we have been given the power of the Holy Spirit. He wants to fill us up and use us. If we are willing to pick up the prophet’s mantle and speak truth, God will protect us and walk with us. And if it means that we must give our life for the service of that, we’re going to get to go to Heaven. It’s going to be even better there.”

This spring, students are studying from the book of Colossians in a series titled, “He Is.”

BOOTS ON THE GROUND

STUDENTS BRING DISASTER RELIEF TO HURRICANE-RAVAGED COMMUNITIES

On an unusually cold day in October, a team of Liberty students woke up early and piled into vans outside a small church where they had slept the night before. They wove their way through the high hills near Boone, N.C., spotting the first snowflakes of the season, and arrived in a rural neighborhood that had suffered severe flooding from Hurricane Helene a few weeks before. Their assignment: clean debris from an elderly woman’s house that had been rocked by the storm.

As they stepped inside the structure, they noticed the home had been mostly gutted by volunteers before them, barely resembling a home. The walls were reduced to studs. No appliances in the kitchen, no furniture in the living room. Just a damp smell that permeated the space. The students put on gloves and grabbed shovels, hammers, and trash bags and went to work.

They were far from the comforts of campus, but these student volunteers, part of Liberty’s LU Serve Now initiative, had signed up to trade their laptops

for tools so they could faithfully serve hurting families and share the love of Christ. With smiles on their faces, they carted off debris, removed nails, sprayed areas for mold, and swept floors, because they understood the important role they were playing in restoring hope to this community.

After finishing the work, the students assisted a neighbor by carting away moldcovered items from his basement, which had been completely submerged by the floodwaters.

Hurricane Helene’s destruction displaced more than 375,000 households across the South, leaving many communities devastated and in need of support. Since the tragedy, Liberty University has sent multiple disaster relief teams to North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, collected donations, and shipped supplies to areas in need.

The team in Boone was the first team to deploy from Liberty after Hurricane Helene. From Oct. 13-19, the eight students and two team leaders joined

Samaritan’s Purse volunteers at different job sites each day. Although they woke up each morning not knowing where they would go or what their exact tasks would be that day, the students knew it was a chance to minister to families.

“Serving is a great way to give back to the community,” said sophomore Yanci Sanchez. “Seeing all the hurt that’s been caused through these natural disasters, it’s a great way for us to serve one another and be able to share the Gospel as well. Having your heart ready to serve and being able to give up that time is really important. I prayed about it to see if this is what God really wanted me to do, and thankfully He gave me the opportunity. I worked ahead (on classwork), tried to communicate with my professors as well, and here I am.”

On Oct. 9, a week before the team left campus, Liberty President Dondi E. Costin joined senior Caleb Pallekonda, an LU Serve Now volunteer, for an ABC News interview on “GMA3” about Liberty’s plan to send disaster relief teams.

Costin announced that the university set up a giving portal to fund supplies and send teams and would match up to $1 million raised.

On Oct. 20, Liberty deployed two more teams to Valdosta, Ga., and Perry, Fla., for six days of service and sent a trailer with 22 pallets of bottled water to Valdosta. On Oct. 24, another team was sent to Boone for a one-day cleanup blitz. From Nov. 11-15, a team partnered with Operation Blessing in Asheville, N.C., where they assisted with cleanup initiatives and

food distribution. Over Winter Break, the week before the spring semester started, two more teams aided in hurricane relief in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla. (with Samaritan’s Purse) and in Asheville (with Operation Blessing).

Liberty has a longstanding reputation for community service, consistently partnering with humanitarian aid organizations during times of need. Teams have been deployed to Poland and Romania to assist Ukrainian refugees; to Lahaina, in Maui, Hawaii, to sift through

ashes and build temporary housing after wildfires devastated the island; to Florida for cleanup after Hurricanes Idalia and Ian; to Texas after Hurricane Beryl; and to Kentucky for flooding and tornado cleanup.

LU Serve Now provides multiple opportunities for students to respond to natural disasters alongside partner organizations that embrace and support Liberty’s mission and purpose.

Aviation students fly hurricane relief aid to cut-off cities

Although aeronautics senior James Quarberg’s hometown of Johnson City, Tenn., was not severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, he witnessed the devastation of massive flooding just miles away. When he returned to Liberty after a visit home, Quarberg and fellow students and pilots Ty Burch, Ethan Seeler, Jacob Fordyce, Brian Hernandez, and Stephen Dayton devised a plan to support towns and neighborhoods in hard-to-reach areas. They partnered with nonprofits Gleaning For the World and Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center to provide supplies for those in need.

Using private aircraft, the students flew three planes, carrying 1,500 pounds of supplies from Gleaning For the World and

other donations of food, clothes, cleaning items, blankets, cots, feminine products, diapers, and more, from Lynchburg and Brookneal, Va., to Tennessee and North Carolina in early October. They paid for the fuel out of pocket at a cost of over $1,000 per plane each day. They continued to make

Learn more at Liberty.edu/Serve-Now more flights throughout the week.

“It’s just been a very interesting experience to see how God works in mysterious ways, and how He is providing for all of us,” Quarberg said. “He gave us pilots, He gave us strength, courage, all of that. It’s something that we’re all very grateful for.”

BY TED ALLEN

The most popular sports in Trinidad and Tobago, the southernmost Caribbean Island nation, are cricket, soccer, and track & field. But not far behind is the lesser-known sport of dragon boat racing, a favorite of Liberty University sprinter Akilah Lewis, who transferred from the University of Mississippi in the fall to join her younger brother, Omari, a senior on the Flames Track & Field team.

The crew-like competition, which dates back 2,500 years to China and was in the original Olympiad in Greece, involves rowing a boat decorated like a dragon at ramming speed, with upwards of 20 team members paddling to the beat of a coxswain stationed near the prow drumming on a steelpan, Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument.

Just as fast and furiously as rowers paddle through the water, the Lewis siblings have

churned their fleet feet with explosive energy on Liberty’s indoor and outdoor tracks.

Akilah, who is pursuing her MBA in Human Resources, helped the Ole Miss 4x100-meter outdoor women’s relay team sprint to the NCAA Division I national championship before representing Trinidad and Tobago in that event at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Omari helped spur the Flames to two team Conference USA titles last year, and he won two individual CUSA titles. He bettered his Liberty program-record time by winning the 60-meter dash in 6.67 seconds at the 2024 CUSA Indoor Championships last February at the Liberty Indoor Track Complex, where he will try to defend his title on March 1. He won the men’s 100-meter with a wind-aided time of 9.88 — the fastest in the world at that point in 2024 — at the

CUSA Outdoor Championships May 12 at the University of Texas El Paso. He helped Trinidad and Tobago place 12th in the World Athletics Championships 4x100 relay in 2023 in Budapest and also ran the 4x100 for his country at the World Athletics Relays last year. He was an Olympic hopeful for the Paris Games but injured his hamstring at an Olympic trials sprint in Guyana.

“Not making it to the Olympics this year was a hard pill to swallow for me to be honest, but I know that God doesn’t make any mistakes, and He has a plan,” Omari said in November. “I’m going to use all that I’ve been through to fuel me toward the blessings He has for me in the future.”

Omari is pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration & Data Analysis – Economics and is a tremendously well-rounded studentathlete. He was presented the 2023-24

TWO SETS OF SIBLING SPRINTERS FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TAKE THEIR MARKS AT LIBERTY

Akilah Lewis

OMARI Lewis

REESE WEBSTER

REVELL WEBSTER

JOEL COLEMAN

DID YOU KNOW?

Conference USA Winter Spirit of Service Award, given to student-athletes with exceptional community service, academic standing, and participation in their sport. He represents Flames Track & Field on Liberty’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was also named to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic team for 2023-24.

The Lewises aren’t the only sibling pair at Liberty from Trinidad and Tobago with an Olympic connection. Senior Reese Webster and her brother, Revell, a sophomore, grew up competing in the same Concorde Athletics Trinidad Track Club as the Lewises.

Reese is finishing her B.S. in Business Administration: Finance and was supposed to be on Trinidad and Tobago’s 4x100 relay team for the Summer Games after qualifying for that event at the 2024 World Athletics Relays. But like Omari, her road to Paris was derailed by injury.

At Liberty, she established nine new standards in the 60- and 200-meter dashes during the 2023-24 indoor season, concluding with her fastest time of 7.31 seconds in a CUSA 60-meter preliminary heat en route to winning that event and a record 23.27 seconds to finish runner-up in the CUSA 200 final.

“I saw some of the best PRs (personal record times) I’ve seen in my life (last year) in both indoor and outdoor, and I hope they continue to gradually decrease so I can eventually move on to the professional leagues,” she said. “That was not a calling that came to me at first, but eventually, when I saw how far my talent could take me … I was about to be in the Olympics, and that was not even me at my peak yet.”

Her brother Revell, who is pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science, is coming off a

solid freshman season for the Flames and has also enjoyed international success. He finished sixth in both the 60 and 200 at the CUSA Indoor Championships and was a member of his country’s 4x100 relay team, alongside his teammate Omari, in the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Assistant Coach Kristian “KD” Dillard, who works with the Flames and Lady Flames sprinters, said the Websters have become an important part of the Liberty family and his own family as big siblings to his daughter.

“The good thing about Revell and Reese is what you see is what you get,” Dillard said. “They are open, they are loving, they are caring. They’re great for recruiting. You add Omari and Akilah and you kind of have a full atmosphere of both fun and working hard, and it’s great.”

Both sets of siblings have their sights set on the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles and beyond.

“I definitely have a shot at making it next time,” Revell said. “Los Angeles is a huge goal that I will achieve. Omari and I try to push each other and get each other ready for that big world stage.”

With her eligibility expired for indoor track, Akilah Lewis hopes to carry her success into her final collegiate outdoor season this spring.

“Post-college, I want to get a contract so that I can continue running track at the professional level,” she said. “In 2028, I plan to be in Los Angeles, and in between (that and the Olympic

Trials) I will compete in the World Championships and Pan Am Games.”

All four will rely on their faith, leaning on God’s promises and His will as they take their marks on the collegiate and world stages.

“In every race, there is only one champion, but at the end of the day, if you view it as worship toward God and you give your all, you’ll be satisfied with the result that you get once you put your best foot forward,” Omari said.

“With the season that I had, that actually helped strengthen my faith,” Revell said. “In that sense, faith is now a huge part of track & field for me. So now we don’t just race for ourselves, or race for a medal, or race for a coach, or race because we’re on scholarship. We truly race for the glory of God and to worship Him and to show every person who watches us that this is where you can go when you put everything in God, and this is where you can reach when your focus is solely on Him.”

Two members of Liberty’s Track & Field team were at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Senior Akilah Lewis ran the 4x100 relay for Trinidad and Tobago. Teammate Shania Adderley, from the Bahamas, qualified in the mixed 4x400 relay; she didn’t get to compete but was part of the Bahamas delegation.

JOEL COLEMAN

Heritage of Faith

Since 2004, the Helms School of Government has remained true to its mission of Training Champions for Christ as a vital component of the Liberty University community. In celebration of the school’s 20th anniversary, it is fitting to reflect on the legacy of its namesake, former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms.

In the latter portion of the 20th century, the senator from North Carolina and Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty’s founder, both grew increasingly popular for their biblical Christian worldviews in the political sphere. Falwell’s decision in 1979 to help transform the silent majority into the Moral Majority was the catalyst

bringing these giants together.

Falwell exemplified his Christian worldview by rallying, encouraging, and motivating Christians to engage in the political realm. He called the masses to action through voting, promoting biblical Christian ethics in the public sphere, and emulating Christ’s example of service. Helms provided legislative support for biblical policies. Their collaboration formed the influential Moral Majority as they stood together on positions that included numerous moral and cultural issues, such as school prayer, abortion, due process of law, and more.

Similar to our modern era, the secular world rejected several of Helms’ policies, mischaracterizing them as uncaring and ultra-radical. Regardless, the Moral Majority remained resolute to its Christian principles. Helms famously stated, “I answer first to my Creator, then to my conscience. If they brought conflict or created some pressure, that was the price of doing business the way I thought was right.”

Helms developed his strong conservative views as a young man growing up in rural North Carolina during the Great Depression. During World War II, he served God and his country in the United States Navy, later becoming a radio and newspaper commentator. His upbringing and service to our great nation led him to believe that “being an American is the greatest fortune that can befall a human being.”

In October 2004, the School of Government was established and named in Helms’ honor and charged with training and educating Champions for Christ in the governmental arena. During the naming ceremony, Helms shared a word of caution with faculty, staff, and students.

“There’s an effort to silence those who practice their Christian faith in the public arena,” he said. “But, contrary to many modern voices, biblical truths have never threatened America. They have, instead, helped to make this nation great.”

The senator followed this warning with a call to action: “It is up to each generation to step into this arena. The victories of yesterday will not last long. Evil is always on the march. But as we know, God is greater than the evil forces of this world.”

Helms’ words are just as true today as they were when spoken on our campus 20 years ago.

The senator entered into glory in 2008 at the age of 86. However, his legacy lives on at Liberty and through the Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, N.C. The workspaces, classrooms, and hearts and minds of the countless graduates of the Helms School of Government have been shaped by his faithfulness.

Before his passing, Sen. Helms left us with one parting thought that his good friend Dr. Falwell would no doubt have agreed with: “Young men and women, don’t ever miss an opportunity to stand up for what is right in the sight of God.”

Helms School of Government preserves namesake’s vision, marks 20 years of Training Champions for Christ

U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms from North Carolina speaks at the dedication of the Helms School of Government during Convocation on Oct. 6, 2004.

Sen. Jesse Helms with Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell in 1983

Building Servant Leaders

In the last 20 years, the Helms School of Government has trained over 20,000 Christ-centered men and women with the principles, values, knowledge, and skills to positively impact their communities as servant leaders.

The school currently enrolls nearly 1,000 residential students and 12,000 online students, which includes over 3,000 doctoral students.

Degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with dual degrees in government and public administration, international relations, intelligence and national security, pre-law, criminal justice, and more.

About half of the school’s programs are in criminal justice. The Helms School maintains close working relationships and is actively collaborating with several local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies. Projects include supporting the FBI and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s fusion cell with analytical support, internships, simulation and exercises, partnerships on human trafficking in Latin America, and more.

The school has plans to launch a Center of Excellence for Criminal Justice dedicated to the education, training, and professional development of law enforcement and other public safety personnel, criminal justice students, and

U.S. Marine Corps

Maj. Gen. Jason Q. Bohm started as dean of the Helms School of Government on July 1, 2024, after retiring from over 34 years of service to our country. He previously served as Inspector General of the Marine Corps, Chief of Staff for the Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, and as Commanding General

civilians interested in the field. The center will encompass three core programs: a Command College for executive leadership and mid-level management, a training program for undergraduate students, and a professional services training program for civilians.

“The wisdom I have gained in my education within criminal justice is unmatched,” said Harrison Shanton, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security. “Most people see law enforcement as simply picking up a gun and a badge, but Liberty University’s program has taught me how much more there is to Criminal Justice in being an honorable leader who reflects Christ by helping others.”

The Helms School faculty represent a balance of academic scholars and practitioners who provide students with an enriching and fulfilling experience inside and outside the classroom.

“Our faculty are committed to equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to prudently but relentlessly advance biblical principles in all levels of government,” said Dr. Rebecca Munson, an associate professor and department chair.

The Helms School continues to host student trips to offices and embassies in Washington, D.C., establish internships with government organizations, and

MEET THE DEAN

of the Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Marine Corps Training Command. He has also served as a strategic planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Director of the Marine Corps Legislative Liaison Office for the U.S. House of Representatives, and Director of the Expeditionary Warfare School. Bohm participated in Operations Restore Hope, Uphold Democracy, Fairwinds, Sea Signal, Unified Assistance, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, as well as an antiterrorism

strengthen its partnerships with federal agencies through the Liberty Analytical Support Initiative. In December, the initiative sent a team to Rome, where students briefed a NATO office on their research regarding national security matters. Government students also publish the school’s peer-review professional journal, the “Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy.” This fall, the school’s Center for Law & Government will recognize America’s upcoming 250th anniversary year during a “Liberty and Justice for All” conference on Constitution Day, Sept. 17.

Over the years, these offerings have prepared Helms School graduates well to assume positions of importance and influence at all levels of government, making a difference today in Congress as House and Senate staff members or in the State Department, Defense Intelligence Agency, FBI, or other government organizations. Still, others’ voices are being heard through national and religious organizations like the Alexander Hamilton Society, The Institute for Religion and Democracy, Christians United for Israel, and more. Many graduates have answered the call to don a uniform, whether as a member of the armed forces or as law enforcement officials serving and protecting their communities.

Inspired by a strong Christian worldview developed and strengthened while at Liberty, these Champions for Christ do not seek positions of influence for power or vain ambition but selflessly serve their communities all for the glory of God.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” - 1 Peter 4:10

mission to Bahrain and a deployment in support of U.S. Support Group Haiti.

A native of Ithaca, N.Y., Bohm holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration –Marketing from Illinois Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College at the National Defense University.

FUN ON THE

AFTER 15 YEARS, LIBERTY’S SNOWFLEX CENTRE REMAINS A HOTSPOT FOR YEAR-ROUND

RECREATION

BY TED ALLEN

The Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, which turned 15 at the start of the fall semester, continues to offer unique recreational opportunities for the community and the area’s most breathtaking sunset views of Liberty University’s thriving campus below.

The innovative year-round slopes — covered with Snowflex, a synthetic turf that simulates the slip and grip of snow with the help of a sub-surface misting system — attract area ski, snowboard, and tubing enthusiasts.

Besides riding on its terrain park features and jumps, students and visitors enjoy relaxing and studying in the BarrickFalwell Lodge, surrounded by a variety of taxidermy donated by its namesake, Dr.

Alan Barrick, mounted on its walls. The facility opened two years after the death of its other namesake, Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell.

Snowflex has become a premier meeting location for the community, hosting everything from birthday parties to student events, camps, and competitions.

“We get a lot of traction and a lot of lodge reservations,” Director Derek Woods said. “As soon as the semester starts, we’ll be booked up in the upper lodge almost every day, whether that’s for a dorm activity, an academic class, or a department having an event.”

Woods learned to ski and snowboard on the Snowflex slopes as a student under the instruction of former Head Coach Isaac Gibson.

“It’s cool because a lot of freshmen will show up and hang out and watch people ride and get introduced to Snowflex,” he said. “I started as a student worker, flipping tubes, and I’ve rolled through just about every position here.”

Woods is looking to more effectively engage the Lynchburg community and Liberty’s student body this school year and throughout the summer months.

He said the facility remains open during large campus events like College For A Weekend (CFAW), which has drawn close to 500 prospective students and their families, with many taking advantage of group lessons and $10 two-hour passes.

“We’re always trying to get more students up here,” he said, noting on Mondays, the Snowflex staff offers free lessons for students as an informal way for them to learn how to ski and snowboard in a small group setting. “We see a lot of freshman use and a lot of novelty use among students.”

For the community, Snowflex has promotional packages that include $10 combo passes on Tuesdays and $25 any other day of the week, allowing visitors to use the slopes and tubing runs with rentals included for two hours.

“We really just want to make it costaffordable and an enjoyable experience where you can participate in skiing and snowboarding with a minimal fare to enter,” Woods said.

Over the summer, the facility hosts its Next Level Day and Overnight Camps, drawing talented riders from all over the country, and has offered Family Fun Nights, attracting more than 1,000 people with passes offered for only $5.

In the fall, the Snowflex turf on the entire beginner’s slope in front of the lodge was replaced.

“The bunny hill is our most highly trafficked area, so it is very exciting to have fresh Snowflex material out there,” Woods said, noting that the slopes are on a 10-year lifecycle maintenance plan, rotating through the various sections. “We do a replacement every year, but this year is one of our largest.”

While many students and the general public are introduced to snow sports at Snowflex, the year-round nature of the facility gives members of Liberty’s ski & snowboard teams, part of the university’s Club Sports program, a leg up on their competition. They are thankful to have a consistent home base to train on throughout the school year. Most collegiate programs must wait until Thanksgiving or even Christmas to begin training for the new season that starts in January. By contrast, the Flames and Lady Flames can hit the slopes when they arrive on campus in August.

“It’s been amazing,” said Josie Rich, a senior skier pursuing a B.S. in Digital Media. “A lot of what I’ve learned trickwise, I learned at Snowflex. We definitely have an advantage over a lot of other teams because they don’t get to practice in the fall like we do, so it’s a huge blessing to be able to have that opportunity to keep riding in 90-degree heat.”

Rich, who won silver medals in Rail Jam and Slopestyle at the USCSA National Championships in Lake Placid, N.Y., last March, enjoys the fellowship among her teammates as much as the riding time.

“I’ve definitely grown a lot and met a lot of my closest friends here, and we definitely sharpen each other in our faith,” Rich said.

Over Homecoming Weekend, Sept. 13-14, former and current team members and coaches attended the first alumni

event at Snowflex. The facility also hosted the second annual Mountain Mayhem competition, drawing a crowd of 400. Former Liberty snowboarder and secondyear Head Coach Tyler Sherbine (’22) served as emcee. Tim Steltzer (’14) won the men’s skiing division of the Big Air event.

“Snowflex took my freestyle riding to the next level,” said Ian Rosario, who rode for the Flames from 2019-22 and is in his third season serving as an assistant coach. “When you’re riding every day for a couple months solid, you progress really, really fast, especially with everyone around. It’s just an environment that creates a lot of friend groups when you’re practicing four days a week up here, and you get close to people fast. It creates a lot of camaraderie, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s awesome, a real blessing.”

Liberty’s teams are coming off their most successful seasons in program history, with the men’s snowboarders landing atop the Slopestyle and Rail Jam podiums as individuals and as a team for the first time at the USCSA Nationals. The women’s ski & snowboard teams have experienced even more gold medal success in recent seasons, with snowboarders and skiers also posting individual and team first-place finishes at Lake Placid.

Snowflex hosted the USCSA Southeast Conference Rail Jam and Big Air competitions on Feb. 8-9, and Liberty’s teams are now preparing for the USCSA Mid-Atlantic/Southeast Regionals on Feb. 22 at Wintergreen Resort in nearby Nelson County, Va. The event serves as the qualifier for the March 10-15 USCSA Nationals at Mt. Batchelor in Oregon.

Changed Lives

Liberty University celebrates with its students and alumni around the globe who make the most important decision of their life — to follow Jesus Christ and live a life transformed for His glory.

Blessed Hope: Alumnus overcomes drug addiction, starts recovery training program for churches

During the intense darkness of his drug addiction, Liberty University alumnus Matthias “Matty” Ponce-de-leon never thought he would one day assemble and lead a recovery ministry.

His drug addiction started early. At age 14, Ponce-de-leon began drinking alcohol and shortly later started using cocaine and heroin. After high school, he earned the prestigious Peabody Scholarship at Johns Hopkins University, but he turned it down to attend a school in north Philadelphia, in a region that housed the largest open-air heroin market on the eastern seaboard.

He had checked into and failed 15 recovery programs, and when he attended his 16th in North Carolina in 2006, he hit rock bottom. After attempting to find drugs during his stay and being caught, the director didn’t scold or kick him out but encouraged him to pray. As Ponce-de-leon sat in his room, he remembered the many people who had shared Christ with him over the years. He then experienced what he called a “movement of God’s sovereign symphony.”

“I knew my hopelessness, and I knew who I needed to cry out to,” he said. “I prayed what I might describe today as a ‘theologically unsound’ prayer of salvation, but God knew my heart, and I’m grateful that it’s not dependent on me but dependent on Him and His grace.”

He was 29 years old and only five days sober when he gave his life to Christ.

“I didn’t have one of the miraculous events where my desire to do (drugs and alcohol) went away and never came back ever again,” he said. “When I got up from my knees in front of that bed, I was

still dope sick. But, the Spirit of God had entered in my heart, and my desire to not do (drugs and alcohol) was stronger than the desire to do it.”

Ponce-de-leon joined Friendship Baptist Church in Elkin, N.C., where he found unconditional love, support, and guidance during his recovery journey. After hearing the messages at Friendship, he quickly discovered his calling to preach.

From 2012 to 2020, he pastored at two other churches in western North Carolina then returned “home” to pastor Friendship in 2023.

It was through this pastoral calling that he decided to enroll in Liberty University Online Programs, earning a B.S. in Religion: Christian Ministries in 2018, an M.A. in Christian Ministries (2020), an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling: Addictions and Recovery (2021), and a D.Min. in Spiritual Formation (2023).

While at Liberty, in 2019, Ponce-deleon launched Blessed Hope Ministries to provide free training and resources to pastors and church leaders who are dealing with addiction crises in their congregations. He instructs leaders on effectively guiding individuals through alcohol and drug addiction recovery, finding rehabilitation centers, and understanding the world of addiction through a biblical lens.

“The more prepared we are to be meaningfully helpful in the front end of an addiction crisis, the more chances we’re going to have to disciple people through their recovery journey and be part of that long-term recovery process,” he said. “The recovery place is the body of Christ.”

Ponce-de-leon said Liberty gave him the education and support necessary to pastor and start BHM, since he began his journey with limited knowledge of running a church and starting a ministry.

“When I started at Liberty, I had sent five emails in my life. I had no use for computers. (Liberty) walked me through the whole process of getting started online and just helped me navigate the different things that I had to navigate. … I always had professors who were so encouraging, and I felt support every step of the way.”

Ponce-de-leon has now been sober for 18 years, and he is excited to be using what he learned at Liberty to guide others to recovery in Christ.

“Through my journey at Liberty, I felt so prepared for what God has called me to do. I know it’s God working through the university, the teachers, the professors, the material, the curriculum, the history — all of those things,” he said. “From the time I started, it was my dream to come all the way through the process and be equipped to help the church minister to addicts. I know I’ve got more growing to do, but man, it has been a blessing.”

From the

Ring to

the

King: Former WWE TV star finds her worth in God alone

After years of searching for her life’s purpose in circles of wealth and popularity, including stints in the WWE, TV, and modeling, Milena Roucka said she now stands confident in her worth as a child of God.

Roucka did not grow up in a Christian home. Entering her high school years in Vancouver, she felt a constant emptiness in her heart and desperately attempted to fill it any way she could. Dealing with her parents’ divorce, her wayward search for happiness led her to seek the company of unfavorable individuals. She entered an abusive relationship with a notorious gang member and dropped out of high school in 10th grade.

Six years later, the gang member was murdered, and she moved to Costa Rica. While there, she won a beauty contest and was featured in local newspapers but slunk into depression and a life of alcohol abuse. She attempted to take her own life once in Costa Rica and twice more after moving back to Vancouver. Her last attempt, on the Burrard Street Bridge, broke her from the cycle.

“I wanted to be done with my life,” Roucka said. “And while I was on the bridge, it was nighttime, and I was ready to jump. This guy on a bike comes, and he grabs me. He was waving down cars and calling for help. I went to the hospital, and that was the last straw. I wasn’t going to take my life anymore.”

She moved to Las Vegas to pursue modeling and in 2006 was selected to compete in WWE’s “Diva Search” reality TV show, where she finished fourth and received a lucrative contract to train with the WWE. Two years later, she was officially called up to the WWE under the stage name Rosa Mendes and became a permanent member on WWE’s “Total Divas.” While on the show, she became pregnant and moved with her boyfriend to a large house in Pittsburgh. Despite all her material wealth, she was still

unhappy. When her daughter was born in 2016, her perspective changed.

“My daughter is what did it for me,” she said. “When she was born, and the doctor put her on my chest and I looked into her eyes, I felt true love for the first time. A few months after she was born, I was thinking about if she would be feeling the way I’m feeling. She’s born into money and basically on TV. And I could not bear the thought of her living a life with all this stuff and not feeling fulfilled.”

Roucka opened her Bible to John 16:7, in which Jesus promises His disciples the gift of an Advocate — the Holy Spirit.

“Right then was the first time; I didn’t know what Advocate meant, but I felt what the disciples were feeling,” she said. “I started crying. Now, as a more mature Christian, (I know) that was the Holy Spirit. I finally read Scripture without a veil and without being blind. I actually saw and felt what it meant.”

She left her fiancé, broke ties with the WWE, and began attending a small Baptist church in Pittsburgh. She started a wellness company and a protein bar company, but as the companies succeeded, she again felt the emptiness of her materialism. One night in 2019, she looked in the mirror and finally confronted her brokenness. Remembering the Bible story of how God allowed Job to lose all his possessions, she prayed for Him to take away her wealth.

“I fell on my knees and started crying and screaming to God, ‘If you exist, and it means taking this pain away, take everything — the fame, the money, the house — but don’t take away my daughter.’”

The next morning, Roucka’s Instagram was hacked, ruining her businesses. Shortly after, she received a foreclosure notice from the IRS. Taking all this as a sign from God, she got rid of all her designer clothes, cut ties with her ungodly friends, and fully committed to serving God with her life.

“I had everything everyone thinks will bring you joy, happiness, and fulfillment, but I was miserable,” she said. “My adolescence was a turning point for that, and I wanted people to know that money and status is nothing. Jesus is the answer. I felt this yearning that I needed to know more, and I wanted to be educated.”

Even though she left high school early and had a GED certificate, Roucka decided to attend college and chose Liberty University Online Programs because of its focus on biblical teaching.

While taking classes, she began serving with her church’s youth group. After sharing her testimony at a Youth for Christ Campus Life event outside of Pittsburgh, she was asked to do the same for other sites in the area. She started serving with Campus Life in Washington, Pa., and completed an internship there last summer.

“I felt that I had discovered my calling,” she said. “I love teaching. I love studying, but most of all just speaking to these kids. I felt His Holy Spirit speaking through me. Every time that I taught, I knew this is what I needed to do. Looking back in WWE, I never thought I would be teaching or in this position. A lot of people who aren’t believers would look at it and say I should be honored that I was in WWE, but the biggest honor is teaching kids and being used by God.”

Last summer, through Roucka’s internship and other Campus Life volunteers, 14 students accepted Christ and were baptized.

“I think they connect with my story,” she said. “When you come from a socioeconomic background where you have no hope and no money for college, they feel like life is hopeless, especially when the world is telling them they need success, money, clothes, and cars to be important. But here I am telling them that the money is not going to do anything for you. There is hope that doesn’t cost anything.”

Roucka is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministries. She said she is learning to grow in her faith and share the love of Christ with the youth she serves.

“At Liberty, we are studying very deeply, and I’m able to translate real life to these kids by knowing and understanding Scripture in a very realistic way for them,” she said. “The way I can now interpret the Bible is night and day prior to being at Liberty.”

“The professors are always checking on me,” Roucka added. “My work is often late because of my daughter, as I am a single parent. They have been praying for me because there have been so many obstacles, almost like the enemy is trying to stop me from continuing these studies. (Their prayers) have been helping me so much. I wouldn’t be able to help these kids if I didn’t have what I’m learning at Liberty. And these kids are being saved. Seeing what God is doing for these youth with the knowledge I’m gaining at Liberty is incredible and humbling.”

Legacy of Love

As devout followers of Christ, it is our collective responsibility to adhere to the teachings of Jesus, particularly the commandment to love. As stated in Matthew 22:37-39, “Jesus said to him,

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it:

‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Jesus made it clear we have a responsibility to cultivate an attitude of love in our lives. However, as we survey the landscape of culture, it seems as if division has become the order of the day rather than love. Anger and even hatred seem to dominate the discourse in various aspects of our daily lives, including the cultural landscape of numerous college campuses across the nation.

From its inception, Liberty University has maintained a distinct focus. LU has consistently prioritized love for others within its DNA. I recall during the early days of the institution how my dad would emphasize the significance of loving others as Christ loves us. He exemplified this principle for the early students and

staff, and it has since become an integral part of our institutional culture. I believe this is the reason why parents and grandparents frequently express their profound admiration for LU, calling it a special place. Some parents have even expressed their willingness to financially support their children if they choose to attend LU but not if they were to pursue their education elsewhere.

While some may say this in a somewhat humorous tone, I believe there is some truth to their words. Why? Because Liberty University possesses a unique quality that sets it apart. This is a place where students experience what it means to obtain an excellent education from faculty members who possess extensive knowledge in their respective fields but also have a profound desire to love God and love others. They demonstrate that love and care to the students in a way that is not often seen in our culture, and this makes a major difference in the lives of our students. I’ve been told by many individuals from earlier days at LU that they feel a special connection to this place because it is unique in a way which

is hard to describe.

I believe it is simply a natural consequence of following the words of Jesus. He made it clear we are to love. Our founder modeled the spirit of unconditional love to others, and it continues to guide our faculty and staff today. Jesus’ words emphasize the importance of truly comprehending the value of the love described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. By adhering to this commandment, our lives can undergo a transformative change. This principle distinguishes Liberty University and holds the potential to positively impact all aspects of our lives. In an increasingly divided world, it should be our aspiration to leave a legacy of love that can change the world.

Jonathan Falwell has spent his lifetime associated with the ministries of Liberty University and Thomas Road Baptist Church. He has served as Liberty’s chancellor since March 2023 and as senior pastor at TRBC since 2007.

Members of Liberty leadership gather with students for Serve Lynchburg on April 27, 2024. The annual event joins students, faculty, staff, and Lynchburg residents with community partners. This year’s event is scheduled for April 26. Over 1,400 people will serve at nearly 100 community service projects in the greater Lynchburg area.

2024 CEO SUMMIT

The 2024 CEO Summit on Sept. 23-25 provided opportunities for C-Suite executives and national leaders to network and share insights and global opportunities with fellow Christian leaders.

Guest speakers focused on a variety of topics, such as national defense and emerging threats, corporate America, law and policy, healthcare, finance, technology and artificial intelligence, workforce challenges, entertainment, finance, global competition and foreign policy with China, criminal justice, the financial markets, the electricity crisis, and more. Among the distinguished speakers were Samaritan’s Purse Chief Operating Officer Edward Graham, COO of Toyota North America Jack Hollis, and former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii).

Students heard from several highranking business and government leaders during the Future CEO Dinner on the first night of the summit, featuring Hobby Lobby President and Museum of the Bible Chairman of the Board Steve Green, former

U.S. Representative and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, and Chris Carneal, CEO of Booster Enterprises, a leading school fundraising company.

Michele Bachmann, dean of Robertson School of Government at Regent University and former U.S. representative from Minnesota, gave the keynote address at the Women’s Leadership Forum. A panel included CEO of World Help Noel Yeatts (’93); Mayor of Lynchburg Stephanie Reed; T’Neil Walea, Microsoft’s director for strategic missions and technologies; Solmaz Chadwell, wife of Liberty Head Football Coach Jamey Chadwell; and Shari Falwell, wife of Liberty Chancellor Jonathan Falwell.

Liberty School of Law held a panel discussion, “Navigating the Legal Landscape,” with panelists Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Tom Parker, former U.S. Representative and David Horowitz Freedom Center Senior Fellow Louie Gohmert, Of Counsel Matt Krause

(’07) of the First Liberty Institute, and McGuireWoods, LLP Partner Abram Pafford.

A Dialogue with the World panel featured ambassadors, diplomats, and trade representatives from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, The Olu of Warri Kingdom (in South Nigeria), and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, participated in the Africa We See panel discussion.

As part of the summit, David Malpass, the 13th president of the World Bank (2019-23), was the main speaker at Convocation.

On the last night, Dave Jaworski, principal product manager at Microsoft Teams, and Walea joined Liberty Senior Vice President of Business Relations Dr. Dave Brat to discuss incorporating one’s faith into a secular workforce. Dave Rivers, head of Enthusiast Brand Management at Ford Motor Company, shared his personal testimony of coming to Christ and reuniting with his family and friends after developing an unhealthy drive for success at his job. Andy Puzder, former CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., spoke on the current dangers threatening America in the form of stakeholder capitalism.

STANDING FOR FREEDOM CENTER HONORS ISRAEL ON ANNIVERSARY OF DEADLY HAMAS ATTACKS

Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center hosted a “Why Christians Should Support Israel” event on the one-year anniversary of the deadly Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, to commemorate the nation of Israel as it courageously defends itself against evil.

Members of the Liberty community and local area heard from Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries and a leading authority on Christian worldview. His presentation, “One Year Later: Honoring Courage in the Face of Terror,” addressed how Christians must approach the ongoing conflict through a biblical lens in a culture hostile to the Jewish nation.

Contrary to the pro-Palestine demonstrations on college campuses across America, Myers said Liberty was one of the only campuses that boldly proclaimed its support for Israel as it combats Islamic extremism from all geographical angles.

Myers provided reasons why younger generations lean pro-Palestine, how the atrocities committed by Hamas are justified by their worldview, and why Israel’s calculated military responses, although criticized, are in defense of its people.

The event ended in a Q&A, and audience members received Myers’ book “Should Christians Support Israel? Seeking a Biblical Worldview in an Impossible Situation.”

Later in October, the Standing for Freedom Center hosted “Freedom Uncensored: Winning Next Gen,” an event that motivated a sold-out audience to embrace God-given freedoms and to influence the next generation of Christians amid a growing cultural divide. Speakers included Daily Wire personality Michael Knowles, Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon, bestselling author Allie Beth Stuckey, Virginia State Del. Nick Freitas, author Isabel Brown, and Pastor John Amanchukwu. Their speeches covered a variety of hot-topic issues including protecting the nuclear family and fighting against progressive ideologies like gender confusion, abortion, open borders, and indoctrinating the next generation to hate America.

Edward Graham Warri Kingdom (Nigeria) leaders Tulsi Gabbard

BROOKE MCDUFFEE

BEYOND THE ALGORITHM Preserving Human Worth and Moral Compass in the AI Era

All around us, technology is evolving at breakneck speed — yesterday’s science fiction has become today’s daily routine, and today’s impossibilities will be tomorrow’s conveniences. In the span of only 70 years, humanity has progressed from room-sized computers performing basic arithmetic to artificial intelligence systems that can diagnose diseases, compose text, and process vast amounts of information within seconds. But anyone who’s paying attention sees that AI isn’t merely a shiny new toy; it’s a portent of paradigm shifts to come.

For Christians, there are at least two challenges presented by AI: preserving human worth and dignity in the face of machines that can mimic and sometimes exceed human capacities and guarding Christian moral clarity in a world increasingly guided by algorithmic decision-making.

The foundation for human worth is found in Scripture, where the very first book tells us that God created humans in His own image and tasked us with taking dominion of the created order. But as artificial intelligence increasingly assumes tasks once reserved for human endeavor, the temptation arises to conflate human worth and productivity. Our worth stems not from our output or efficiency but from being image-bearers of God — a privilege and a birthright which AI can never attain, no matter how advanced it becomes. Now more than ever, Christians have a responsibility to enunciate this core distinction. We must declare that human beings reflect a divine worth not subject to technological revision. This conviction compels us to advocate for AI applications that serve human thriving rather than undermine it. When innovative AI tools tempt us to elevate function above essence, the historic Christian vision of the unparalleled worth of humanity stands as a

BY DR. ALEXANDER MASON

vital counterbalance.

AI’s rapid advancement also requires Christians to defend moral clarity in a future where algorithms — and the humans behind them — will seek to arbitrate our understanding of right and wrong. These supposedly objective algorithms are never truly neutral precisely because humans cannot be neutral. AI systems are not abstract mechanisms of pure logic; they are frameworks built by moral creatures who encode them with their own biases, assumptions, and priorities. Because AI training requires massive datasets, specific quality metrics, and carefully curated variety in training examples, the “moral parameters” of any AI system are actually just weighted connections or probability distributions in a neural network. The AI approach to ethical decision-making remains purely computational, lacking the essential qualities of moral deliberation that uniquely characterize human ethical reasoning. Even quantum computing cannot resolve these limitations. Christians must refuse to accept the myth of algorithmic impartiality. We must bring biblical ethics into the lab, the boardroom, and the legislative chamber, insisting that technology’s moral compass be aligned with natural law and God’s revealed Word. It is vitally important that we learn to evaluate AI not just as users or beneficiaries but as thoughtful and discerning Christians in a rapidly changing world. We need knowledge and understanding of these AI technologies, but we also need wisdom to navigate and influence them ethically. The Church must equip believers to engage thoughtfully with developers, policymakers, and educators, ensuring that AI’s growth respects human worth and moral truth. Similarly, Christian universities and seminaries are uniquely

positioned to forge theological wisdom with technical understanding. At Liberty University, professors and administrators are developing AI initiatives and programs designed to integrate sound theology, moral discernment, and hands-on technical education, all of which will serve to shape future leaders who apply biblical principles and sophisticated understanding in every vocational field.

Artificial Intelligence is a world-historic phenomenon that compels Christians to uphold our deepest ethical and moral convictions as we engage its possibilities. When believers approach AI with intellectual rigor and spiritual discernment, we provide the much-needed principled framework that should shape its growth and application. The time for engagement is now. Every moment of hesitation creates space for ideologies hostile to biblical truth to shape AI’s development. If Christians choose passivity over proactivity, the future of AI will be determined by those who see human worth as negotiable and moral truth as malleable. By seeking to steward AI wisely, we can ensure its promise reflects our God-given worth and aligns with His transcendent moral order.

Dr. Alexander Mason is the Associate Dean of Residential Programs for the College of Arts & Sciences. His research interests span political ethics, technological ethics, biomedical ethics, and 16th century history. He developed and teaches a course on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and is a 2024 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

ON THE MIC

CATCH THESE PODCASTS DIRECT FROM

FLAMES CENTRAL PODCAST

More than just wins and losses, the weekly “Flames Central” podcast goes in-depth on Liberty Flames Athletics. Hosts Emily Austen, Matt Warner, and Joe Jauch dive into the hot topics, key stats, and bold predictions surrounding the Flames. Guests have included Head Men’s Basketball Coach Ritchie McKay, All-American safety Brylan Green, Head Football Coach Jamey Chadwell, Lady Flames guard Emma Hess, Flames forward Zach Cleveland, and more.

Available at LibertyFlames.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

THE JOURNEY

Liberty’s radio station The Journey hosts several different podcasts on the topics of Christian life and growth, including The Morning Journey Rewind (a recap of The Journey’s morning show), The Hometown Journal (interviews with community and organization representatives), The Diary of the Mom Squad (monthly), and The Hope Podcast (Journey afternoon host Laura Chase).

Available at MyJourneyFM.com

ROCK THE RINK

This podcast keeps fans up to date with an inside look into Liberty’s hockey programs with previews and game recaps for Liberty’s DI, DII, and DIII men’s hockey and DI and DII women’s teams. It is hosted by Rett McGibbon, Patrick Strawn, Chris Kerr, and Annie Cory, and regularly features guests from Liberty’s hockey teams.

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music

UNIVERSITY OVERWHELM

This podcast from Liberty’s Student Affairs Office provides advice for current students as it explores the common issues that can make college students feel overwhelmed. Hosted by Center for Student Thriving Assistant Director Sophia Payne and Senior Associate Director Scott Busby, the podcast teaches students how to set boundaries, create and accomplish goals, grow in their relationship with the Lord, study their Bible, and build Christian community. The weekly podcast comes out on Wednesdays. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music

GIVE ME LIBERTY

This podcast from Liberty’s Standing for Freedom Center aims to equip and inspire Christians to engage the most pressing political and cultural issues, matters of religious freedom to free markets and foreign policy, from a distinctly biblical perspective. It is hosted by the center’s executive director, Ryan Helfenbein, who conducts interviews with the nation’s leading politicians, pastors, and cultural figures. Guests have included former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Sens. Marco Rubio and Rand Paul, Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church, and Dr. Albert Mohler Jr., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President.

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify

MODERN MINISTRY

This podcast discusses key issues in ministry today and aims to come alongside the local church to fulfill the Great Commission. It is hosted by the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity and features faculty and university leadership.

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify

IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE: Teaching in Christian Higher Education

This weekly podcast features educators who are recognized for their exemplary, innovative, and inspirational teaching. Targeted toward the university’s faculty, it hopes to inspire and empower teachers in the quest for excellence as they for Christ. The podcast is hosted by the Liberty University Center for Teaching Excellence.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

TRUSTING IN GOD’S GOOD FOR US

BY KRISTIN BOYCE

Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He has called each of us to a specific purpose. Sometimes it’s hard to decipher what we think is good versus how He is working things together for our good. God’s good for us will always outweigh our good for us.

It was a cold winter day as I sat at my father’s bedside having a heartfelt conversation. He was dying of cancer at the age of 52. I was in college and was not raised in a Christian home. My dad had received Christ just a few years prior after attending a Promise Keepers march in Washington, D.C. He asked me to grab his Bible off the windowsill, and he turned directly to Romans 8:28. He read it out loud to me and then shared with me that even though things didn’t seem good at the time, he promised that good was going to come from this unfathomable situation.

Through his death, I found life. New life in Christ. I had to leave the “old me” behind and begin to unpack what it looked like to be a Christ follower. I went from “hood to good” — God’s good for me. I met my husband at my dad’s church and began a faith-filled journey, one with many twists and turns.

My dad left a note behind stating that he hoped he had made an impact for Jesus during his time on earth. He hoped that he had done justice in sharing the Gospel and leading people to Christ. Just as a farmer plants seeds and waits for the harvest, we may never know the full breadth of the impact we can make on generations to come when we walk in obedience with

Jesus. On this side of Heaven, my dad didn’t realize that reading that verse to me that day was life-changing. It had generational impacts, as those generational curses were broken. I have now been able to step into those purposes that Jesus already had for me and raise up three daughters to know and serve the Lord.

If Jesus can take this poor little girl from the hood and rescue me from some dark things and put His light in me to shine so brightly for Him, then He can do it for any of you. He uses the least of these. I would never have dreamed of being a professor, but He has worked all things together for the good and has called me according to His purposes. I am grateful for open doors and grateful for closed doors. It’s part of His plan. I went to school with hopes of being a news anchor. That didn’t happen. Instead, I ended up in banking and climbing the corporate ladder, learning about what it takes to be a faith-filled woman in business while thriving in a secular environment. I grieved when that door was closed after 10 years, but the Lord had Christian radio and ministry for me next. All part of His plan. His plans for good were way better than mine.

When we prayed about an open door and professor opportunity here at Liberty, we knew we would be leaving comfort, familiarity, family, friends and more. But Jesus doesn’t call us to be comfortable or complacent. As I was driving in Delaware and praying one day about the decision to move to Lynchburg and join the Liberty family, a car in front of me tapped the brakes and there was a Liberty sticker. Prayer is such an integral part of our

lives, being in tune with the Holy Spirit, bringing everything before Him, both big and small. Our founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, often said, “Nothing of eternal significance ever happens apart from prayer.” I want to encourage you today with these thoughts:

• Our lives here are but a blink of an eye compared with eternity — are you making eternal impacts?

• Let’s continue planting Gospel seeds everywhere we go and pray for the harvest, even if it’s years later.

• Trust that His plans for our good are always better than our own plans for what we believe is our good.

• Let’s live with open hands and open hearts, trusting that Jesus is working all things together for our good as we love Him and others well.

Kristin Boyce is an assistant professor in the School of Business, where she teaches courses in business management, ethics, and nonprofit sectors. She is the director of Liberty’s Center for Entrepreneurship and the faculty advisor for the Women in Business Club. During her career, she has held leadership roles in banking, donor development, and Christian radio, where she worked with many top Christian artists. She also serves as a guest speaker at women’s retreats and events. She moved to the area in 2021 with her husband and three daughters, two of whom are current Liberty students.

SCHOOL OF LAW CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

Since its founding in 2004 with 60 students, Liberty University School of Law has trained over 1,200 professionals to enter their fields practice-ready with a biblical foundation. Graduates are serving in private practice, government service, and business and corporate settings as prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and in elected office.

Today, the law school enrolls over 275 students and offers 12 areas of study, fulfilling the vision of Liberty’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, in sending professionals into the world to impact their workplaces and communities as Champions for Christ.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Liberty Law hosted Founder’s Day Weekend Aug. 30-31, kicking off with Liberty’s Convocation featuring 1993 alumna Shannon Bream, a former attorney and anchor of “Fox News Sunday.” Later in the day, the school held a symposium, “The Vision and Importance of Liberty Law and Christian Legal Education,” and also hosted several activities, including a tailgate and Founder’s Day Alumni Dinner.

The school opened its doors on Aug. 3, 2004, to 60 pioneering law students. Liberty Law received provisional approval in 2006, and full accreditation was granted by the American Bar Association (ABA) in 2010.

During the symposium, alumni and faculty discussed the many ways Liberty Law has impacted lives all around the nation. Dean Timothy Todd introduced the theme of the symposium, emphasizing Falwell’s vision for Liberty Law and future impacts. He was followed by Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, who spoke about his father’s legacy and dreams.

“When my dad had a vision and heart to start this place, he had this in mind: there was going to come a day when he wanted to raise up thousands of attorneys who would be in multiple places all across the country, who might just be the last line of protection for a country that, for today, has the statement ‘one nation under God’ that we hold dear,” Falwell said. “My dad didn’t start a law school so he could send out a lot of lawyers to get rich. He started this school so that you would be able to go out and stand in the trenches and stand in the gap in ways that many others could not because of your training … to stand up for truth, be able to trumpet that at the highest levels, and protect the America we grew up in, what’s in the past, and what’s in the future.”

In this milestone academic

TOP IN CLASS

year, Liberty Law has continued to amass more recognitions and trophies for its excellent legal education. Liberty 3Ls Hannah Noeske and Brooke Santayo represented the United States on the world stage at the International Negotiation Competition in Amazonas, Brazil, in July after winning the National Negotiations Competition in Chicago last February.

In October, 3Ls Gavyn Webb, Annaclare Censoni, Izzy McNally, and 2L Caleb Moody were victorious against 10 other teams at the ABA Regional Arbitration Competition hosted by the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. The team beat New York Law School, Drexel University, University of Chicago, and Michigan State University to place first in the region and advance to National Finals at the ABA Headquarters in Chicago in January.

Also in October, 3Ls Carter Leverette and Stephen Nast won the Elon (N.C.) University School of Law’s 15th Billings, Exum, and Frye National Moot Court Competition. They faced William & Mary Law School in the final round, where Leverette earned Best Oralist. Nast was awarded Best Oralist in the preliminary rounds. The team was also awarded Best Brief honors.

Later in the semester, 3L Joanna Boyer was named Best Oralist at the Brigadier General Wayne E. Alley Military Law Moot Court Competition, and 3L Ethan Payne was named Best Oralist at the Leroy R. Hassell Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition. Liberty Law’s Moot Court program finished the fall semester ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Liberty Law graduates earned the highest passage rate on the July 2024 Virginia Bar Exam out of all law schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia, for both firsttime Virginia takers and in overall pass rate. According to the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners, 90.63 percent of Liberty Law first-time Virginia test takers passed the exam, over 15 percentage points higher than the overall average pass rate in Virginia.

On Dec. 4, Liberty Law 2024 graduates

were invited to an Admissions and Orientation Ceremony at the Supreme Court of Virginia, where they were sworn in and took the oath of office. Gov. Glenn Youngkin

took time to meet with the graduates. The ceremony is sponsored by the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Young Lawyers Conference of the Virginia State Bar.

Magazine named Liberty Law the Most Devout Law School for 2024 and one of the nation’s 2024-25 Moot Court Leaders.

Liberty University School of Law alumni Brandon (’08) and Kelly (’07) Osterbind participated in a symposium during Founder’s Day Weekend.

RYAN ANDERSON

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STUDENT-ATHLETES GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY

Liberty University NCAA Division I student-athletes have been making a positive impact through several community service initiatives.

On Oct. 31, student-athletes participated in Trick Or Treat So Others Can Eat, visiting neighborhoods with their teammates and collecting canned goods and nonperishable food items for local food pantries. Overall, they collected 8,769 items, shattering the original goal of 7,000. Liberty Football led the way with 1,413. Food was distributed to The Fillin’ Station at Timberlake Church, Feed the Need at New London Church, The Lynchburg Daily Bread, the Liberty Commuter Food Pantry, and Robert S. Payne Elementary

School to be used as Thanksgiving meals for their students and families.

In December, student-athletes performed a talent show for residents of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities and participated in A Day at the North Pole, hosted in partnership with Hope Out

Loud ministry, to provide a fun day for children with disabilities and their families to celebrate the Christmas season. Liberty Athletics also partnered with local ministry Hope is Everything, Inc. to do Christmas shopping for foster children, and Liberty Football served at a local Salvation Army.

NATALIE

OLSON

CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS SWEEP 2024 CUSA TITLES

Liberty University swept the men’s and women’s cross country conference titles on Nov. 2 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Ala. The Lady Flames enjoyed the largest margin of victory (66 points) in CUSA Cross Country Championships history, while the Flames pulled out their first conference championship in 11 years.

Led by the duo of Adelyn Fairley (second place) and Allie Zealand (third), Liberty put seven runners inside the top 14 women’s 6K finishers. The Lady Flames notched a dominating 28-94 victory over defending champion Middle Tennessee. Liberty’s last conference crown came in 2021 (ASUN).

The men’s squad halted a run of 10 consecutive runner-up finishes spanning

three conferences (Big South, ASUN, and CUSA) to claim its first title since the 2013 Big South Championships. Paced by Tristian Merchant (third place), six Flames crossed the line within the top 20 finishers as Liberty edged defending

champion Middle Tennessee, 46-48.

Fairley was honored as CUSA Women’s Outstanding Senior, and Head Coach Isaac Wendland (men’s) and Assistant Coach Heather Zealand (women’s) swept the CUSA Coach of the Year trophies.

LIBERTY ATHLETICS GSR CLIMBS TO ALL-TIME HIGH

Liberty Athletics is graduating studentathletes at an all-time record rate. In November, the NCAA released its latest graduation success rate (GSR) information, which revealed Liberty’s student-athletes graduated at a 92 percent rate for the 202324 academic year. The number bests the athletics department’s previous all-time record high of 90 percent set last year.

Five Liberty programs posted a 100 percent GSR: men’s basketball, men’s soccer, volleyball, women’s tennis, and women’s basketball.

This year’s NCAA overall national GSR rate was 91 percent.

FLAMES TENNIS PAIR MAKES HISTORY

Senior Joaquim Almeida (right) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and freshman Siwanat Auytayakul (left) from Bangkok, Thailand, made Flames Tennis history in November when they became the first doubles duo to compete at the NCAA Men’s Tennis Individual Championships in Waco, Texas, and the first Liberty players to win a round at nationals.

They beat California’s No. 25 duo of Carl Emil Overbeck and Theo Dean before falling in the second round to Florida State’s No. 41 team of Alex Bulte and Youcef Rihane.

Only two other Flames, Nicaise Muamba (in 2019) and Sam Matheson (2016), have ever qualified for the NCAA Individual

Championships; they qualified for the singles championship but were unable to earn a victory.

Almeida and Auytayakul went 5-0 at the

ITA Atlantic Regional in Norfolk, Va., to earn the title and automatic bid to the NCAA Individual Championships. They posted an 8-3 record playing together in the fall.

The new members of the Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame were inducted in a special ceremony on Sept. 13 and recognized during the Homecoming Weekend football game against UTEP on Sept. 14. The new class is the largest since the inaugural class in 2009. The Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame honors those who helped shape the face of Liberty Athletics.

Dre Barnes (’04, football)

Barnes was one of the most dominant running backs in program history and, despite missing five games in 2004 due to injury, still holds the program’s gold standard for career rushing yards (4,063). The Georgia native recorded 20 100-yard rushing games and surpassed the 200-yard mark four times. He was a three-time Big South All-Conference honoree and the program’s first-ever Big South Offensive Player of the Year in 2003.

Kristal (Tharp) Bechtold (’05, women’s basketball)

Bechtold played a key role on the Lady Flames’ 2005 NCAA Sweet 16 team, culminating a career that included four consecutive Big South Conference championships and a 100-26 team record. She earned Big South Freshman of the Year honors in 2002 and was a two-time First-Team All-Big South Conference honoree in 2003 and 2005. She was the Lady Flames’ first-ever CoSIDA Academic All-America® selection as a senior in 2005.

Chuck Burch (Athletics administrator/ Director of Athletics)

After joining the Liberty Athletics staff in 1982 as an Assistant Sports Information Director, Burch was promoted to Assistant and Associate Athletics Director and eventually served as Director of Athletics (1990-97). He played a vital role in Liberty Athletics’ move to

the NCAA Division I ranks in 1988 and secured conference affiliation for the program in the Big South, starting with the 1991-92 season.

Keith Butler (baseball)

The Marietta, Ga., native exploded onto the collegiate baseball scene with a .406 batting average, 56 runs scored, 16 doubles, six home runs, 49 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases. His immediate success helped Liberty capture the 2000 Big South Baseball Championship title and the program’s first-ever win at an NCAA Regional. He was named Big South Conference Freshman and Player of the Year. After his junior season, he was chosen by the Chicago Cubs in the 10th round of the 2002 MLB Draft.

Bill Gillespie (’83, men’s track & field/ football/strength coach)

Gillespie’s impact on Liberty Athletics spans four different decades. He was the 1980 and 1981 NCCAA shot put national champion, helping the track & field program capture the NCCAA team national title in 1981, and was a two-time letterwinner for Flames Football (1978-79). He served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach from 1983-91, an assistant track & field coach (1983-85 and 1987-91), and the head track & field coach in 1986. He returned to Liberty after an 11-year stint at the University of Washington to serve as head football strength and conditioning coach from 2005-18, helping Liberty move from winning FCS conference titles to the FBS ranks.

Gillespie is also a world-renowned weightlifter as a 133-time world record holder, including setting the all-time mark with a 1,129-pound bench press at age 62.

Jennifer (Klugh) Margraff (’13, women’s cross country/track & field)

A 10-time Big South Conference individual event champion (three cross country, four indoor track, three outdoor track), Margraff is one of only five runners in program history to qualify for the NCAA Cross Country National Championship as an individual (in 2012). She is one of only two three-time cross country All-Region performers from Liberty and the program’s only three-time Big South women’s cross country individual champion. In indoor track, Margraff won back-to-back Big South Most Outstanding Track Performer awards in 2011 and 2012, helping Liberty capture consecutive conference titles.

Holly Van Noord (’16, women’s soccer)

Van Noord’s stellar career resulted in three Big South Conference championships and trips to the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship. She entered the Hall of Fame as the program’s all-time career leader in shutouts (41) and goals-against average (0.80). She also ranks second in career games played (86) and career saves (407). The Michigan native was recognized nationally on the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team in 2014 and 2016 and Third Team in 2013 and 2015.

Chantal (Lischynski) Kerr (’15, ’18, Division I women’s hockey)

Kerr started in goal for the Lady Flames’ first two ACHA Division I national championship wins (2015 and 2018). She was named Tournament Most Valuable Player both times, earned All-ACHA DI All-America honors, and was selected as the Club Sports Female Athlete of the Year in 2015.

Brett Bernardo (’16, ’19, men’s lacrosse)

Bernardo was a two-year captain at midfielder, a two-time MCLA Division I AllAmerican, and threetime All-SouthEastern Lacrosse Conference team member. He was named SELC Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. He led the Flames to their first two DI nationals as assistant coach before going on to assistant coaching stints at Grove City (Pa.) College, Messiah (Pa.) University, and Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) University, where he now serves as head coach.

Ian Rigney (’19, archery)

A three-time U.S. Collegiate Archery 3D outdoor national champion, Rigney was part of Liberty’s first archery trio to capture an outdoor national title in 2012. He also took home the trophy in the men’s bowhunter division at the 45th annual USCA Indoor National Championships in Lancaster, Pa. Rigney served as a graduate assistant for three semesters before taking the reins as head coach from 2017-19. He serves as senior pastor of Hitesburg Baptist Church in Virgilina, Va.

LIBERTY CLUB SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Dre Barnes Kristal (Tharp) Bechtold

Keith Butler

Bill Gillespie

Jennifer (Klugh) Margraff Holly Van Noord

Chuck Burch

WELCOME TO LIBERTY

NEW HEAD COACHES TAKE THE REINS

BRADLEY LECROY, BASEBALL

A new face is in the dugout this spring as Bradley LeCroy joins the Flames as the eighth head coach in program history. He brings an impressive résumé to the mountain, having guided Virginia Commonwealth University to the Atlantic 10 Championship in his second season at the helm last spring, with wins over No. 13 North Carolina State to start the season and No. 22 Wake Forest, 1-0, in the NCAA Greenville (S.C.) Regional. Previously, LeCroy spent more than two decades as an assistant coach, including 15 seasons at his alma mater, Clemson (’01, B.Ed.), helping it to nine consecutive NCAA Regional appearances from 2011-19. He played for the Tigers from 1997-2000 and was the starting shortstop on the 1999 team

that nearly advanced to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., in 2000.

LeCroy also had coaching stints at Tennessee, Western Carolina, and Anderson. He was ranked the No. 9 assistant coach in the nation by Baseball America prior to the 2013 season. D1Baseball named him the No. 10 recruiter in the country in 2017. He and his wife, Meredith, have two sons, Crew and Cooper.

“My family is my No. 1 priority, and I thought it was a great opportunity for us from a university standpoint, a community standpoint, then the resources and facilities we have here at Liberty, to be able to compete on a high level,” LeCroy told Athletics Audio Coordinator Nick Pierce after he was hired in July. “I am excited about playing in Conference USA and to continue to play a tremendously tough nonconference schedule because our ultimate goal is to win

DASH CONNELL, WOMEN’S TENNIS

Following a highly successful head coaching career at Tyler Junior College, which included 11 national championships (six women’s and five men’s), Dash Connell became Liberty’s new head women’s tennis coach for the 2024-25 season.

Connell was recently named the 2024 Wilson ITA Men’s National Coach of the Year after leading Tyler to its 18th JUCO national championship and a No. 1 ITA ranking. Its women’s tennis team completed the 2023-24 season ranked No. 3 in the final ITA national rankings after finishing in third

Jeremy White was welcomed to Liberty Mountain in early December, becoming the Lady Flames’ 11th head coach in program history.

White has spent the last six seasons leading Southeastern Louisiana University to unprecedented success, including back-to-back Southland Conference titles in 2022 and 2023 and appearances in the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championships. Over the last three seasons, SLU has posted a 79-18 overall

place at the spring national championships.

Connell served as the NJCAA Women’s Tennis Coaches’ Association President from 2015-17 and is still the NJCAA Men’s Tennis Coaches’ Association President, a position he has held since 2018.

Connell coached former Lady Flames standout Kalani Soli (’22) who transferred to Liberty following two seasons at Tyler Junior College and finished her NCAA Division I career with a 45-15 singles record and a 35-20 doubles mark for the Lady Flames.

Connell received the Donnelly Award from Billie Jean King in 2003 and later the ITA Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship Award for the junior college level. A native of Katy,

record and a 46-6 mark in conference play.

The Lady Lions boasted the nation’s longest win streak with 24 consecutive victories in the 2024 season, when it posted a perfect 16-0 record in conference play.

White was named the Southland Conference Coach of the Year in 2020, 2023, and 2024 and the LSWA Louisiana Coach of the Year in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

White earned a B.S. in Health and Human Performance in 2008 and an M.S. in Exercise Physiology in 2016 from McNeese State University. He and his wife, Sarah, have two children, son Karter James and

championships, play in the postseason, and hopefully one day get to Omaha.”

Liberty opens its 2025 season with a home series against St. John’s Feb. 14-16, the first three of 31 home games at Worthington Field at Liberty Baseball Stadium. The Flames are set to host the Conference USA Championships, featuring the top eight of 10 CUSA teams, May 21-25.

The Flames will play 21 games against teams that participated in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The challenging regularseason schedule includes midweek home dates against ACC opponents Wake Forest (March 18), Virginia (March 25), Virginia Tech (May 7), and Duke (May 13) with additional road games at North Carolina State (Feb. 18), Duke (Feb. 26), Clemson (March 11-12), Wake Forest (April 22), and Virginia Tech (April 29).

Texas, he and his wife, Shae, have three sons: Mason, Emerson, and Elijah.

“My family and I are absolutely thrilled to join the Liberty University family (and have) the opportunity to contribute to the already outstanding culture and environment,” Connell said. “I am eager to elevate the women’s tennis program to new heights.”

Liberty has an exciting spring schedule on tap, capped by hosting the CUSA Women’s Tennis Championships from April 16-19 at the Liberty Tennis Complex. Nonconference home matches include JMU (Feb. 14) and Michigan State (Feb. 16) before the CUSA slate features visits from Middle Tennessee (March 21), University of Texas El Paso (March 23), and Western Kentucky (April 5).

daughter Maggie Cate.

“I know God has great plans for us as new members of the Flames family,” White said, “and I can’t wait to share His plan for us with our student-athletes, administration, and the community of Lynchburg. We are so ready to take Liberty Volleyball to newer and newer heights both on and off the court through excellence in the classroom, the community, and competition, as well as our ever-developing relationships with Christ.”

In January, White named Ryan Wills, who spent nine seasons as the head coach at NCAA Division I Tulsa University, as his assistant.

JEREMY WHITE, WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

CLASS NOTES

1980s

’80 RANDY DEVAUL, of Davenport, Fla., is the Senior Adults Director/Pastor and a chair/ professor of Spiritual Life at Cornerstone Bible Institute. He was a Rapid Response Team Chaplain with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse and the author of “Super Fruit: Your Guide to Spiritual Fitness” and several other books. He and his wife, Lori (Barclay, ’81), celebrated 32 years of marriage last Christmas Eve.

’81 DEBBIE BALFOUR BUONOCORE, of South Brunswick, N.J., retired after teaching an inclusion class for fourth and fifth grades for 25 years and teaching online in her last year. In retirement, she will be leading a small group in Bible Study Fellowship in Princeton, N.J., traveling domestically and internationally, and crafting.

’89 DR. GABRIEL LOVE, of Leesburg, Va., is a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. His organization Ghana Deaf Ed Mission seeks to provide better education for deaf students in Ghana.

1990s

’90, ’93, ’15 DIANE TUTTLE ZIMMERMAN, of Cincinnati, Ohio, is a licensed therapist and seminary graduate. She recently started Restoration Ministries. The first program, Beauty From Ashes, is focused on leading women who have experienced sexual abuse to Jesus as the ultimate healer and provider.

’96 JOSH COOLEY, of Durham, N.C., is a Liberty graduate and former sports editor of the “Liberty Champion.” His latest book, “I

MAKING HEADLINES

READ THESE STORIES AND MORE AT LIBERTY.EDU/NEWS/ALUMNI

Can’t Believe My Eyes,” was released on Aug. 1 and tells a story to help young children believe in a God they can’t see. He also contributed to Tyndale House Publishers’ “Go Bible for Kids.”

2000s

’01 DARREN ADAMS, of Indian Trail, N.C., received the Charlotte area Coach of the Year Award by the “Charlotte Observer” for leading his Metrolina Christian Academy varsity baseball team to its first-ever state championship on May 19, 2024. Darren played baseball at Liberty from 1999-01 under Coach Dave Pastors. His wife, Wava (’01), earned a nursing degree from Liberty.

’09 VASTILLE EDMA, of Montreal, Quebec, has fulfilled roles with the United Nations and a Big Four company. She is the author of “7-Day Prayer and Devotional for the Grieving Heart.”

2010s

’10 JENNIFER TANKARD, of Durham, N.C., started Teen, Tween, and Child Counseling & Consulting, where she serves as Clinical Director and Group Facilitator. She created the program for children who struggle with learning, behavior, and other challenges.

’11 ADAM PATE, of Clio, S.C., was elected Mayor of Clio in October 2022. Adam has spearheaded downtown revitalization efforts, recently broke ground on a new playground, was voted to the Pee Dee region’s Twenty Under Forty list of young professionals, and hosts a monthly prayer meeting with the town’s leaders and citizens.

’11 EVELYN DUNBAR WEBB, of Concord, Va., was awarded the Reader’s House Editor’s Choice Award of Literary Excellence. An interview with her and a review of her novel, “Foothills of the Gods (Aresti: Planet of the Red God Volume I),” were published online in Reader’s House Magazine (UK).

’12 MICHAEL JOHANSEN, of Oakland, Fla., won a 2023 Sports Emmy for Outstanding

HENRIQUE KRIGNER (’24)

Henrique came to Liberty from Sao Paolo, Brazil, and is using his Master in Public Policy to affect change for the homeless and build the first Christian university in his home country. He attended the Hoover Institution Policy Boot Camp, where he won an award for his proposal to combat poverty and homelessness and met with former Secretary of State and Hoover Institution Director Condoleezza Rice.

Live Special for his video editing as part of the Production Team with NBC Sports for the XXIV Olympic Winter Games. He also worked in Stamford, Conn., as a video editor for the Olympic Summer Games.

’14, ’17 GABE HENDERSON, of Minneapolis, Minn., received an Emmy at the 25th annual Upper Midwest Emmy Awards on Oct. 24. He won the award in the Interview/Discussion category as host of “Vikings Circle: Best of 2023,” a production of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings Entertainment Network. He is a former Flames Football wide receiver.

’15 JAMES BAUMANN, of Roy, Wash., recently published his book, “Hope For Parents With Addicted Loved Ones.”

’15 SHERI DEAN PARMELEE, of Forest, Va., released her first two novels, “Though I Walk” and “From the Valley to the Mountaintop,” in 2024. They are part of the Prescott Family Chronicles trilogy and were written with the goal of opening conversations between the saved and unsaved and leading people to Christ.

’17, ’21 ROBIN BROWN, of Bowie, Md., is the new District 5 School Board Member for Prince George’s County Public Schools.

’17 JOE MIXIE, of Albany, N.Y., recently concluded six years as an Athletic Communications Assistant at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. He now works as a Communications and Events Specialist at Ed Lewi Associates, a public relations firm in New York’s Capital Region.

’18 DANIEL DEGNER, of Van Dyne, Wis., was appointed Interim President of Wisconsin Family Action & Wisconsin Family Council, which partners with Focus on the Family and Family Research Council.

2020s

’21 NORBERTA GHANSAH, of Alexandria, Va., joined the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) as a security officer in the security branch of the Information Technology Directorate,

DOMINIQUE DOVE (’15)

Capt. Dove is a Liberty Law graduate and Government Appellate Attorney for the U.S. Army JAG Corps. She received the American Bar Association’s 2024 On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers Award and has been an advocate for female service members, veterans, and survivors of sexual trauma. She contributed to an Army directive that modified deployment policies for new mothers and increased family care plan flexibility.

located at IDA’s Alexandria headquarters. Norberta earned her bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from Liberty.

’21 SARAH HICKS, of Sterling, Va., released a children’s fiction book, “The Magdala League: Mystery on Maple Street” (Kharis Publishing).

’21 AMANDA RUNKEL, of Sugar Hill, Ga., was selected as the 2023 Gwen Hutcheson Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year for the Georgia Council for the Social Studies. She was also selected to participate in the Bill of Rights Institute’s Teacher Fellowship program in 2024.

’21 DORIS SWIFT, of Edgewater, Fla., won second place in the Christian Indie Awards with her Bible study, “Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You” (Elk Lake Publishers Inc.).

’22 TIA PORTERFIELD, of Fayetteville, N.C., was featured in an article, “Working With Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families,” in the May 2024 issue of “NBCC Visions,” the newsletter of the National Board for Certified Counselors. She was recognized for her work with military-connected clients.

’24 JAMES AUSTIN, of Avondale, Ariz., has been blessed with a new opportunity to serve while his 1st Class Airmen’s Medical is under Final Review.

’24 DR. KEN BLAIR, of Macon, Ga., advanced to Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Wesleyan College, where he continues to lead strategic operations and oversee recruitment for the college’s graduate and online programs.

’24 HOPE HERSCHMAN, of Bethlehem, Pa., started work as a paraprofessional in February 2024 serving in a co-teacher role.

’24 MISTI KRUMPELMAN, of Rhome, Texas, is a middle school special education teacher. She received a full scholarship from University of Texas at Arlington to complete her graduate degree in special education.

KATHERINE HASCHIG (’21)

Katherine connects teachers and support staff with educational opportunities around the globe through her work with TeachBeyond, an international Christian education organization. She has provided Gospel-centered teaching strategies to schools throughout Western Africa and South Africa.

LEE ARMBRUST (’21)

Lee used her degree in film scoring to create the music and design sound for “JESUS,” the first film to depict Jesus’ life through American Sign Language. The film, which features a cast and crew who are deaf, was released in June 2024 and is available to stream at JesusDeafFilm.com.

ALUMNI

JOAN BAIR (’13), of Ephrata, Pa., died Sept 27.

ASHLEIGH BOWLING (’14), of Chester, Va., died Sept. 28.

SARAH CARTER (’12), of Orlando, Fla., died Sept. 21.

JEFFREY DREHER (’12), of Williston, Fla., died Aug. 26.

LEEANN EVANS (’24), of Wilmington, N.C., died Aug. 23.

KEVIN GAHAGAN (’12), of Charlotte, N.C., died Sept. 4.

IN MEMORIAM

THOMAS GIRANI (’16), of Roanoke, Va., died Oct. 30.

JOHN MARSHALL (’10), of Vale, Ore., died Sept. 22.

KATHLEEN MCCARTHY, of Mansfield, Pa., died Sept. 17.

MICHAEL MCNAIR (’12), of Jacksonville, Fla., died Sept 8.

CAROLANN MCNEIL (’16), of Moriarty, N.M., died July 13.

MARK MOORE (’12), of Athens, Ga., died Sept. 19.

PAUL RUTIGLIANO (1955-2024)

Rutigliano died Aug. 21 at the age of 68. He faithfully served Liberty University for over three decades. In his most recent position as Assistant Athletic Director for Football Administration, he oversaw all operations for Flames Football. He first joined the Flames’ football coaching staff in 1989 under his father, former Head Coach Sam Rutigliano. Paul served as a wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator (1989-93) and director of football operations (1994-99). He also served as a radio and television color commentator for the Flames Sports Network and Director for the Letterwinners Association.

SAMUEL NEELY (’11), of Lillington, N.C., died Sept 9.

APRIL NIX (’81), of Athens, Ga., died Sept. 21.

RUDY PAULEY (’93), of Alum Creek, W.Va., died Oct. 9.

MELISSA RAMIREZ (’99), of Albuquerque, N.M., died Aug. 28.

DR. MARK SOTO (’89), of Warsaw, Ind., died Oct. 21.

JAY STONE (’82), of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, died Sept. 28.

BRENDA SNYDER (1953-2024)

Snyder died on Aug. 11. A member of Liberty’s inaugural class in 1971, Brenda designed the original seal for the university, which is still on display in the Hancock Welcome Center and other areas of campus. She entered her design into a contest held by Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell. After leaving Liberty, she worked at Calvary Christian Schools in Santa Ana, Calif. In her work with children, one of her biggest joys was being a part of their lives and seeing them grow up.

MARGARET TERTEL (’99), of Park Place, Pa., died Oct. 2. BRADLEY TRUESDELL (’16), of Clayton, N.C., died Aug. 14. ADAM WILLIAMS (’09), of Landisburg, Pa., died Sept. 10.

FACULTY

DR. AMOS WIPF, of Cleveland, Ga., died Nov. 19 at age 100. He was one of Liberty’s first faculty members and helped establish the science and nursing programs. DID YOU KNOW?

The Official University Seal was created in 1971 and updated in 2016. Many elements of the original seal, including the Bible and the flame, were retained as an emblem of commitment to our rich heritage and original mission. The new elements were carefully chosen and incorporated to reflect Liberty’s character. The Official University Seal is reserved for use by the president, chancellor, and formal university functions, such as Commencement. To read more about the seal, visit Liberty.edu/ About/Official-University-Seal

MARJORIE “SUE” WILLMINGTON (1939-2024)

Willmington, a former professor and leader for deaf ministries, died on Oct. 13 at the age of 85. Sue was an advocate for deaf education, teaching children and college students for over 40 years. She was the original sign language interpreter on “The Old Time Gospel Hour” TV program from Thomas Road Baptist Church. In the 17 years she interpreted for the program, it was said that her face and hands were seen more than any other television personality nationwide. Sue helped establish a department structured to meet the needs of deaf people in the church and its related ministries and taught classes on signing and oral interpreting as well as classes for deaf adults and children. She started a program for the deaf at Liberty Christian Academy in the early 1980s — long before state-implemented programs were in place — in which she aided in hiring qualified teachers and assistants for deaf education. Through her work as an interpreter and educating and mentoring future interpreters, Willmington reached countless people with the Gospel.

She was the wife of the late Harold Willmington, a longtime faculty member at Liberty and globally recognized scholar.

MINISTRY MINDED

FLORIDA PASTOR TAKES INSPIRATION FROM TIME AT LIBERTY TO SERVE LOCALLY AND ABROAD

While a student at Liberty University, Tim Neptune (’92) witnessed a fervor for evangelism and outreach exhibited by Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell and countless others. Today, as a pastor in Naples, Fla., Neptune has carried that spirit of helping others into his local community and countries around the world.

“When I look back, some of the best takeaways from my time at Liberty are the chapels, especially when Dr. Falwell would speak,” Neptune said. “His vision

and his faith were so inspiring, as well as his leadership. There are so many phrases Dr. Falwell used to say that have just been ingrained in my mind. The words of being a ‘Champion for Christ’ were built into the psyche of the students, and I’ve carried it out in my life. I think back many times to Dr. Falwell and what he did and how it influenced me.”

When Neptune was deciding between studying business or religion at Liberty, his pastor (a Liberty alumnus) encouraged him to learn the business skills that would aid him in church operations should God call him into ministry. For the last 32 years, he said his business management degree has allowed him to effectively serve his neighbors with ministry in mind.

As the pastor of Venture Church, one of multiple churches he has planted, Neptune leads Venture Cares, a ministry created to tackle food insecurity.

“There are a lot of people here who are struggling; they are what we call the ‘under-resourced and the overburdened.’ We were looking for ways for us to be an externally focused church, to get out into the community and to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and we found that food insecurity is a big issue. Yes, some people are struggling to put food on their table, but food insecurity

isn’t just the fact that somebody doesn’t have food; it’s the fact that they’re having to eat (cheap and unhealthy) food that they wouldn’t want to feed their family.”

The church’s answer to this problem was creating a mobile food pantry, what Neptune calls a “beautiful 40-foot, single-aisle grocery store on wheels” with wood floors and name-brand foods. Visitors can take one of any item, two full baskets of food, and then extra items depending on the situation. Families typically walk out with $100-$120 worth of food, and the ministry serves 200250 families per week.

“We made the decision that we were going to address food insecurity, but we wanted to do it in a way that people didn’t have to lose their dignity or be embarrassed to come shop,” he said. “We always have milk and eggs and butter and fresh vegetables and fresh fruit, the things that the families really want to feed their kids, and then also have all the staples like rice, beans, pasta, and so on.”

Neptune drew a comparison between Venture Cares and Urban Outreach, a ministry he volunteered with at Liberty where students would bring bags of groceries to Lynchburg residents in need.

“That was part of our evangelism. By being at Liberty, I was exposed to all kinds of different missions and ways to reach people,” he said. “Now, 30-some years later, I’m still doing that, just in a slightly different way.”

Speakers Neptune heard at Liberty like Vernon Brewer, founder of World Help and Liberty’s first graduate, stirred him to think globally with his outreach. This international ministry mindset was put into action with Leadership Outreach, a nonprofit Neptune founded in 2013 that trains pastors and church leaders in difficult-to-reach places of the world.

“I loved Vernon Brewer, and he was kind of an inspiration in how he evangelized and what he was doing around the world,” Neptune said. “We chose to focus on theological training, leadership development, and church planting as the three main things that we do. I would say Liberty exposed us to those kinds of concepts, and we just adapted them into our own style.”

The organization has graduated close to 500 students, with 2,300 currently enrolled across 22 countries. Graduates of Leadership Outreach have planted over 40 churches, and Neptune said they hope to see thousands of churches started in the next five to 10 years.

Neptune’s wife, Karen (Leary) Neptune, is also a 1992 Liberty graduate, and the next generation of the Neptune family has also been impacted by the university’s mission, as two of their sons and two foster daughters have attended Liberty. While he hasn’t visited campus in recent years, Neptune said he has been amazed by the flourishing campus and continued mission that he remembers from his time as a student.

“The last time I was on the campus, I was blown away by the growth and how nice it was,” he said. “When my wife and I attended, we were walking through the red mud as Liberty built the Vines Center (completed in 1990). It’s incredible to see how the university has matured, and what inspires me is how Dr. Falwell’s vision for the university has come to fruition.”

MAKE CONNECTIONS RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE

Six new chapters held launch events in 2024, and more are being added this year! Find a chapter near you or learn how to start your own chapter.

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jan. 1, 2024, Phoenix Zoo

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas –March 23, 2024, Dallas Cowboys Headquarters Tour & Lunch

Philadelphia, Pa. – April 27, 2024, Philadelphia Bus

Columbus, Ohio – Aug. 24, 2024, Top Golf

Richmond, Va. – Aug. 10, 2024, Historic

Wilmington, N.C. – Oct. 26, 2024, Battleship Tour &

Tour & Lunch

River Cruise & Lunch

Lunch

ALL in the FAMILY

MEET THE GAITONDES

When Liberty University students are challenged to be Champions for Christ, they are told to do so wherever their careers take them, whether at their workplace or in mission across the world. By serving others and being a Christian witness, they are serving God and His Kingdom.

Emily Gaitonde (’01) and her family have turned these philosophies she learned as a Liberty student into actions both locally in northern Virginia and in multiple countries. Her son, Evan, is now receiving that same charge as a freshman at Liberty.

Emily earned a Family & Consumer Sciences degree from Liberty and said she had always wanted to enter a field where she could impact lives. This led her to volunteer for three years at the Liberty Godparent Home, a program for young, single, pregnant women who may face emotional, financial, or relational challenges, while she was attending Liberty. She also completed an internship at the home’s Family Life Services adoption agency. She said the experiences revealed her desire to help mothers and children and led her to fulfilling roles in social work, pregnancy centers, and teaching.

“I think Liberty really helped me learn that you can serve people in a public environment but still serve Jesus first,” she said. “Some of the classes I took really prepared me for that. When you look at everything you do as a ministry, you are

making it an opportunity to be able to reach others for Jesus, no matter what the setting is.”

At least once a year since Emily married her husband, Michael, the Gaitonde family has gone on an international mission trip together, even when Evan was as young as 2 years old. Over the years, they have visited England, Thailand, Mexico, and Honduras through their nonprofit, Lighthouse World Missions, based out of Michael’s chiropractic practice, Lighthouse Chiropractic in Gainesville, Va. Locally, they have worked with crisis pregnancy centers, Cru Military (the military ministry for Campus Crusade), a single mothers organization, a prison ministry, and more.

The Gaitonde family has made regular trips to Liberty’s campus over the years, often to see theatre productions and visit friends who live in Lynchburg. As Evan grew older, Emily said, he saw himself attending Liberty as well, and a visit during College For a Weekend (CFAW) confirmed that the university was where God wanted him to be. It was the only university he considered.

While Evan is now following in his mother’s footsteps at Liberty, he is also following his father’s as he pursues a degree in exercise science with the goal of practicing chiropractic care. Emily’s 15-yearold daughter, Caroline, was also inspired to attend Liberty after she helped Evan move into his residence hall in the fall.

Emily said she herself had the advantage of hearing Liberty’s late founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, speak about his vision for the university during her time as a student, and she said that mission is alive and thriving today.

“Training men and women to serve the Lord was Jerry’s vision from day one, and that is still active today,” Emily said. “The legacy of Jerry Falwell is in every person who is serving the Lord, whether that’s on the mission field or in the mission field of their workplace. Liberty University is still seeking the Lord, even after all these years, and that is where we wanted our kids to go.”

The Gaitondes are one of many LU families who span generations. Share your family’s Liberty story at news@liberty.edu

CHAMPION of FREEDOM

During the halftime show of its annual Military Appreciation football game on Nov. 23, Liberty University presented the 2024 George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award to local veteran retired Army Maj. Gen. Bob Dees, founder of the National Center for Healthy Veterans at Valor Farm.

The award is given annually to a man or woman who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and went above the call of duty, displaying extraordinary heroism while in the service and continuing to serve as an outstanding ambassador in their community. The honor is named after the late WWII veteran George Rogers, who narrowly survived the Bataan Death March after being held captive as a prisoner of war by the Japanese. Rogers worked for Liberty in various roles, including CEO for the “Old Time Gospel Hour” and as vice president of finance and administration before retiring in 1999.

Dees served 31 years in the U.S. Army, culminating in senior positions as Assistant Division Commander, 101st Airborne Division; Commander, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S Forces Korea; and Commander,

U.S.-Israeli Combined Task for Missile Defense. He has been featured as one of 30 “Master Leaders” in America by noted author George Barna, recognized by the National Association of Evangelicals with the Centurion Award for commander support to military chaplains, and awarded the Council for National Policy George Washington Military Leadership Award.

Dees has continued to make a difference since retirement. He was an executive for Microsoft, led Campus Crusade Military Ministry, authored “The Resilience Trilogy (Resilient Warriors, Resilient Leaders, and Resilient Nations),” and served as Liberty’s Associate Vice President for Military Outreach, establishing the university’s Institute for Military Resilience, a faithdriven program that provides education to service members, their families, pastors, and caregivers on the various challenges linked to the invisible scars of war.

Dees left Liberty in 2016 to serve as Ben Carson’s national security advisor for his presidential campaign and then as Carson’s campaign chairman. In 2020, he founded the

National Center for Healthy Veterans about 20 miles south of campus.

“America’s veterans are an untapped national treasure,” Dees said. “We are trying to help their full God-given potential resurface, get them healthy, and get them back out and do good things for America.”

Dees founded the center because he recognized the foreboding struggles many veterans face following service, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and a swarm of financial, marital, and addiction struggles. The nonprofit houses patriots for nine months while providing communal living to defeat feelings of isolation. The program offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy (which produces better circulation to the brain), dignified farm work, and a variety of faith-based programs that help veterans rediscover their God-given purpose.

The center is staffed with counselors, coaches, chaplains, and case managers as well as a dedicated team of volunteers who drive its mission forward. All staff members are required to meet a faith-based standard to maintain the center’s strong Christian culture.

“The at-risk veterans who come here may not have any faith; (they) may be agnostic or atheist. But the climate and environment are winsome and catching,” Dees said, noting that four patriots were baptized in 2024.

“It was a privilege to serve the sons and daughters of America and to see their selfless sacrifices in so many ways,” Dees said. “It’s only our privilege to lead them in uniform and beyond and to do everything possible to honor their service, help them heal, and get them back out and doing good things for America.”

CHAMPIONS SUPPORTING CHAMPIONS

As a recipient of the Alumni Association Scholarship, junior Leanna Maclone has experienced firsthand the generosity and support of Liberty’s everexpanding community of alumni — Champions for Christ who are making it possible for young people to attend Liberty and blossom into champions themselves.

Maclone is a double major in psychology and studio art and the daughter of two alumni.

“I decided to come (to Liberty) partially because my parents and brother went here, but also because I think it’s really important to have a Christian education,” she said. “I wanted to grow in my faith and grow with other Christian college students. I have met so many amazing people, I’ve met some of my best friends, and I’ve grown so much stronger in my faith.”

In order to send their children to college, Leanna’s parents both took on second jobs. Her mother was transporting patients between hospitals, and her father was driving Uber

through the night, sometimes coming home at 3 a.m. following the busy weekend rush. Thanks to the scholarship, the family’s sacrifices have been significantly aided. Maclone is grateful to God providing for her family through the generosity of those who give to the scholarship fund.

The Alumni Association Scholarship Fund is 100 percent funded by Liberty alumni to support students in financial need.

To give to the fund, or join The Champion Club and support more alumni initiatives, visit Liberty.edu/Alumni/Giving

Dees was presented the 2024 George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award alongside his wife, Kathleen.

RYAN ANDERSON

LOOKING BACK

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS THROUGH THE AGES

Christmas events have brought thousands from the university and local community together on campus to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Christmas in Lights, organized by Student Activities, was first held in 2010 and has become one of the university’s most spectacular — and brightest — holiday traditions. Students fill the Academic Lawn for the lighting of the main Christmas tree, musical performances, festive treats, and a live nativity. Every night through Christmas, visitors can drive through campus and take in the beautiful light displays as holiday tunes play on speakers.

The Campus Recreation Department also lights up the holidays at the Hydaway

Outdoor Center on Liberty Mountain. For three nights, families can find the perfect way to enjoy the season at Christmas at Hydaway, a winter wonderland filled with magical light displays, a cozy hot chocolate bar, food trucks, festive music, and plenty of fun photo opportunities.

The School of Music has captivated audiences for 14 years with its two Christmas on the Boulevard concerts, featuring Christmas carols, festive favorites, and powerful orchestral performances in a dazzling array of classic to contemporary tunes at its Pops and Classic concerts held in its state-of-the-art concert hall.

Christmas Coffeehouse, taking place in the Vines Center and organized by Student

Activities, remains one of the largest student events of the year. The late-night showcase of Liberty’s top student talent includes music, dancing, poetry, films, and other artistic performances.

Alumni dating back to the first year, 1971, have fond memories of joining Thomas Road Baptist Church’s annual Living Christmas Tree (now part of the church’s Virginia Christmas Spectacular). The church’s signature tradition in the show is a huge “tree” adorned with lights and serving as a stage for choir members. Throughout the years, the event has expanded to feature hundreds of singers, musicians, and performers, making it one of the largest Christmas performances of its kind in Central Virginia.

A new tradition this year was the ‘Christmas Snap and Share’ event at the Office of Alumni Relations, where students took photos in front of an LU-themed tree to send to their families back home.

2024 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Mark Roberts (’79), who was recognized at the Office of Alumni Relations’ Alumni Breakfast during Homecoming in September. Roberts received the distinction for his longstanding dedication to celebrating the school’s history and cultivating relationships with fellow alumni in his local area and around the country.

Christmas Coffeehouse 2011

Christmas on the Boulevard 2024

Christmas in Lights 2017

Academic Lawn 2021

Living Christmas Tree 1985

Mark Roberts (left) with Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Dr. Greg Tilley at the Alumni Breakfast during Homecoming on Sept. 14, 2024

At 103, Kansas woman remains one of Liberty’s most faithful

Barbara Stunz and her late husband, Winston, believed in the vision of Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, and their gifts have helped the school carry out its original mission, Training Champions for Christ, for over 50 years.

The couple met in 1946 in Centralia, Ill., when they were both at the post office picking up mail for their jobs. They dated for two and a half months before marrying. They eventually moved to Wichita, Kan., to the home where Barbara still lives after 70 years. They have one daughter, three granddaughters, and seven greatgrandchildren. Winston retired after a 37-year career with Gulf Oil. The Stunzes had been married for 63 years when Winston passed away in 2010. At 103, Barbara still drives herself short distances and enjoys being an active member of her community through a prayer ministry that she started with a friend.

Barbara said it was her husband who first heard about Liberty in the early 1970s through a TV broadcast from Thomas Road Baptist Church, where Falwell was the pastor. During the church service, Falwell spoke about his vision for a Christian university that would raise up Champions for Christ. Excited, Winston told her about Falwell’s message.

“His vision for the school was so great,” Barbara said. “We just felt that God was leading us to this, and we should be part of it.”

The couple started donating to Liberty after that — and they never stopped. They had seen Falwell preach at some churches in Wichita, but in 1981, they were traveling in a motorhome visiting historical battlefields when they decided to visit campus. They met Falwell after attending a service at TRBC.

“The service ended, and afterward we got to shake hands with Jerry Falwell.

We attended a film there and got to tour where they did the television filming,” she said. “(Falwell) was wonderful. We were so impressed with him. That was a wonderful, wonderful day to be able to attend the church service.”

Barbara still has Falwell’s autograph from that day.

In 1983, the Stunzes visited Liberty again, but the campsite they had stayed at previously was closed. Liberty’s administration allowed them to park their motorhome on campus and enjoy some of the campus activities and events.

While Barbara and Winston never visited Liberty again, she keeps up with the school by reading the “Liberty Journal” and having regular phone calls and visits with Wyatt Wilson, Liberty’s director of planned giving. Wilson noted the immense trust in God that Barbara and Winston had in the very beginning, believing that He would fulfill Falwell’s vision on Liberty Mountain before there were any buildings on campus.

“For someone to step out and support something that does not even exist, that’s faith,” Wilson said. “It’s important for our

supporters

students to realize this school didn’t just happen. There’s value, especially for the younger generation, to see that this goes back many, many years ago of people sowing into a vision.”

Barbara said prayer is one of the most important aspects of her life, and she started a prayer ministry in her hometown with her friend, Dorothy Bryan, who has since passed away.

“We all have a purpose in life, and I think my purpose is to be a prayer warrior,” Barbara said. “I pray for Liberty, and I pray for President Costin and Chancellor Falwell every day.”

Barbara has included Liberty University in her estate plans so she and her late husband’s legacy will continue at Liberty and more students can receive a Christian education and go out into the world to impact their communities for the Gospel.

“When we went there in 1981, we drove around to see the dorms they had at the time and the classrooms. Now, when I get the ‘Liberty Journal,’ I just can’t hardly imagine what it must look like,” she said. “The Lord has blessed (Liberty) in such a great way; Jerry Falwell had such a vision, and the Lord had such a vision for the university. It’s been great for us to have interest in that and to see all that has been going on.”

Giving Day 2024 on Oct. 16 was marked by the largest amount of donations in the history of the 24-hour event — $5,659,806 from 6,976 gifts — due to an overwhelming outflow of generosity and support from the Liberty University community of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends.

Giving Day brings together friends of Liberty on campus, in Lynchburg, and throughout the world to make an impact on Champions for Christ by donating any amount directly to the campaigns of their choice, from academic departments to athletic programs, scholarship funds, ministry, and special initiatives to help those in need.

Five academic departments were named winners of the Dean’s Excellence Challenge for receiving the highest donations on Giving Day: College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), School of Music, School of Law, School of Communication and the Arts, and College of Arts and Sciences. An anonymous donor funded the challenge, with winners receiving a portion of the $21,000 gift.

The Rise With Us Challenge allocated $27,500 among the top-earning athletics campaigns: cheerleading, women’s lacrosse, football, softball, and track & field/cross country.

For more opportunities to partner with Liberty University in its mission, visit LIBERTY.EDU/GIVING.

THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE 2024

The President’s Circle celebrates the generous donors who make it possible for us to carry out our mission of Training Champions for Christ. This list includes those who gave in 2024. For an up-to-date list of donors and to view past years, visit Liberty.edu/Presidents-Circle.

$1 Million and Above

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

Charles R. Stone*

Birdie Yager*

$500,000 - $999,999

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

Mark W. Steinhoff*

Organizations

Hendrick Family Foundation

$100,000 - $499,999

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

Melvin W. Buster*

Mary Chilcote*

Dondi & Vickey Costin

Chris Cottone

Barbara A. Engstrom*

Juanita P. Holt*

Kathryn M. Jackson*

Jon & Janis Lienemann

Todd & Rachelle Sorensen

Marian D. Sullivan*

Glen & Teresa Thomas

Greg & Fay Wyatt

Organizations

Anonymous Donor

Ray Smith Irrevocable Trust

The Coca-Cola Consolidated

Charitable Giving Fund

$50,000 - $99,999

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

Frank & Christine Crist

John Ewins

Cindy Ann Goodrich

Troy Henderson

Thomas Morris

Dennis & Susan Richards*

Marlene Senner

Richard & Linda Smith

Tim & Lauren Stephan

Dustin & Wendy Stiefel

Doris M Stiteler*

Martin J. Sullivan Trust*

Joyce Webster

Organizations

The Bolick Foundation

Hurt & Proffitt, Inc.

Nutramax Family Foundation

Nutramax Laboratories

Consumer Care, Inc.

The Stiefel Family Charitable Fund

$25,000 - $49,999

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

Billy & Jane Belcher

Sheldon & Shannon Bream

Jasen & Brandi Cassady

Jamey & Solmaz Chadwell

Tim & Julie Clinton

Chris & Cindy Cruz

Tim & Talita Dantas

David & Kristi Dolan

Brad & Amy Epps

Jonathan & Shari Falwell

Dennis & Sonya Fields

Scott & Melanie Hicks

Mark & Michelle Hiepler

Carroll & Nancy Hudson

Andy & Ivy Maddox

Jonathan T. McClure

Mark & Susan McClure

Edwin & Kimberly Miller

Tim & Karen Pederson

Gregory & Holly Petroff

Jack Poche

Alta R. Rex*

Hiram M. Royer*

Karl C. Salz

Jesse & Heather Stephens

Jimmy & Rhonda Thomas

Brian Wesbury

Barry & Robyn Woodard

Walter D. Yeaman*

Organizations

Anderson Construction, Inc.

dba Virginia Siteworks

Community Bible Church

Foster Fuels, Inc.

Jostens, Inc.

PermCap

Pompeo Foundation

Runk & Pratt

Runk & Pratt Health Care

Enterprises, Inc.

$10,000 - $24,999

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

Gerard & Ahimee Amaro

Jeff & Lynne Baker

Jerry James Batchelder*

Jeff & Gaye Benson

Anthony J. Blosenski, Sr.

Tony & Polly Byrd

Ralph & Joan Campbell

Wes Christian

Micheal & Lynn Claiborne

Barry & Pam Clarkson

Bill & Susan Cofer

David & Gina Coss

Leonard & Carla D’Addesi

Dennis & Mary Ann Deer

Chris & Mindy Eaves

David Farner

Watt & Jennifer Foster

Ray & Cherie Fricks

Shirley A. Goehring

Todd & Gillian Granger

John & Lisa Hackney

Steve Hildebrand

Dr. Mark & Toy Hine

Norman K.A. Hoffer

Rick & Debbie Huff

Adam & Alyssa Huffines

Glenn & Kelly Inverso

Kevin & Mary Jones

Roy & Melinda Jones

David & Kay Keim

Reynold F. Keller

Deborah Kimble

John & Fran Koleznar

Janice L. Kulp

Louis & Joan LaMay

Bernard Lane

Meredith Lewis

Nathan Lowmaster

Ian & Heather McCaw

Christopher Metcalfe

Wallace & Mayme Miller*

Gene & Ann Mims

James & Susan Nagy

Perry & Roberta Nelson

Michael & Sarah Nichols

Thomas & Misty Nolen,

Nolen Real Estate

Richard & Karin Osborne

Scott & Kelli Overton

Todd & Missy Owen

Matthew & Caryn Pack

Matt Pantana

Clifton Pemble

Arthur & Beth Picciano

Olukayode Adekunle Pitan

Steven Reese

Bill & Wanda Robertson

David Robinson*

Howard & Sallie Schaeffer

Jerome & Cheri Sehlke

Lamar & Connie Skarda

Bob & Teresa Smith

William D. & Sylvia S. Stevens*

Clinton W. Thomas

Zach & Lisa Tran

Charles & Claudia Wigglesworth

Organizations

Anonymous Donor

Awakening Events, Inc.

Beacon Credit Union

Byrd Enterprises Unlimited, Inc.

Carter Bank & Trust

Collaborative Health Partners, LLC

Energy & Automation

Equity Enterprise 1984, LLC

First Baptist Church-Opelika

Freedom Defense Group

Freedom First Federal Credit Union

Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Inc.

Help and Caring Ministries Trust

Hill City Pharmacy

James R. Vannoy & Sons

Construction Co., Inc.

John & Linda Muckel Foundation

Mabry Automotive Group

National Board for Respiratory Care

On a Mission Communications

Patel & Dalrymple Attorneys at Law

Peter & John Radio Fellowship, Inc.

dba Peter & John Ministries

PWD Window & Door

Ramsey Auto Group

SET, Inc. dba Caterpillar Clubhouse

Sodexo, Inc. & Affiliates

Superior Paving Corporation

T. Sherwin Cook Foundation

Talon Medical Construction Services, LLC

The Fricks Family Charitable Fund

The Master’s Inn Ministries, Inc.

Thomas Road Baptist Church

United Bank

Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, LLC

$5,000 - $9,999

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

David & Kari Adams

Anna Alajajian

Jim & Shannae Anderson

Brian & Kimberly Baker

Robert Bangs

David & Elisabeth Banks

Elizabeth Barrett

Dr. Glenn T. Bass, Jr.

Gregory & Jesseka Bettenhausen

Charles & Shae Billingsley

Lance & Kelly Bingham

Tim & Veronica Bratton

Steve & Patty Brooks

Harry & Sherry Bruno

Elvin & Pam Burford

Cole & Beth Candler

Ernest & Amber Carter

Mark Castiglione

Hal & Nicole Cockerham

John Couric

Breck & Kirby Cox

C. Lloyd Cox*

Johnny & Anne Crist

William T. Curd, III

Jason Dandridge

William & Ruth Darr

Bob & Sandra Day

Barbara Dickerson

Martin G. Donovan

Marianne R. Dutt

Jonathan & Denise Ebersole

Olive M. Eckmann*

John & Amy Edwards

Tom & Nancy Eppes

John & Sarah Gauger

William Gehman

Cynthia Goss

Mervyn L. Gray

Carey & Denise Green

Gary Hall

Chris Haluck

Kirk & Jannie Handy

Matthew & Rhonda Hankins

Joel & Theresa Hesch

Bernard Holder

Mark & Karen Humrichouser

Todd & Amber Humrichouser

Dennis & Dana Ingersoll

Jeffrey & Tracey Jamerson

David & Cami Jeremiah

Kevin & Susan Jessee

Paul & Jacquelyn Johnson

Ron & Rachel Justice

Samuel & Angela Kelly

John & Andrea Kenney

Craig & Jodi King

Eric & Rachel Klinger

Glen & Amanda Koch

Richard B. Kreider

Thomas D. Larkin*

Suzanne Leebrick*

Kevin & Stephanie Letchworth

Ben Lovvorn

Brandon Lowkaran

Doug Masi

Herbert E. Maxey, Jr.

Joel & Elisabeth Maxwell

Ritchie & Julie McKay

Larry McKee

Brad McNeill

David & Loni Metter

Barbara J. Metzler

Stephen & Tricia Mock

Mitch & Elizabeth Morrison

Kyle Myers

Kevin L. Newport

Brett M. O’Donnell

Ryan O’Rourke

Linwood & Trudy Parker

Ken & Geodi Parsons

Gary & Christine Pearson

John Petrozelli

Stacey Polito

Robyn Porter

Douglas Powers

Bob Pinto & Dot Richardson

David Rockabrand

James Roupe

John Sars

David & Virginia Savitz

Ryan Saylor

Brandon Scott

Mark Scott

Emanuel Seewald

Gil & Suzanne Sentell

William Shafer

Brian Shepler

Darrell D. Smith

John Smith

Reagan J. Starner

Scott & Jennifer Stonebreaker

Brian Summers

Tichomir Tenev

Paige Terrell

David Tolle

Roy Unsin*

Michael & Randi Venema

Steven Welsh

Kyle & Ravin Werthman

Pam Westgate

Carey Wrenn

Paul & Laurie Young

Organizations

Anonymous Donor

Alison Strange & Associates, LLC

Bank of the James Mortgage

Benchmark Benefits

Blue Ridge Apothecary

C12 Virginia, LLC

Lee & Tonja Hall-Chick-fil-A at Wards Road & River Ridge Mall

Chick-fil-A Timberlake

CMDA - Christian Medical & Dental Associations

Computer Exchange

Edward H. Lane Foundation

First Class Restoration, Inc.

dba SERVPRO

Go Tell Ministries, Inc.

Great Bridge Auto Service

Hopewell Baptist Church

HSC Wealth Advisors

K & J Enterprises, Inc.

dba McDonald’s

Lynchburg Ready Mix Concrete Co, Inc.

Motor World

Musser Lumber Company, Inc.

Parkwood Baptist Church, Inc.

Powell’s Truck & Equipment, Inc.

Princeton Center Planning & Investments, LLC

Redeemer Church

Resolute Private Wealth

Shadow Mountain Community Church

Southern Air, Inc.

Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, Inc.

The Boyd & Joan Kelley

Charitable Foundation

The First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls

The Minnie and Bernard B.

Lane Foundation

The Tenev Family Charitable Fund

RLJ Thompson Trucking

Tinney Automotive Corp

Westgate Ventures, Inc.

$2,500 - $4,999

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

Margaret Ackerman

John M. Nix

Dan & Jodi Leja

Trevor Brown

Mark Russell

Dr. & Mrs. Gregg Albers

Carla Allen

Delene Andrews

Rob & Susan Andrews

Keith Ashley

Christine Avery Castillo

Tim & Kathy Baldree

Reggie & Karen Berry

Brandon & Ida Blankinship

Jason Q. Bohm

Andy & Linda Bowling

Eldon & Dixie Brammer

Dave Brat

Jeff & Teri Brezee

David & Pamela Brown

W. Michael Bryant

Eliza Bushn

Brad G. Butler

Dwayne & Donita Carson

Brandon Carter

Daniel Caskie

Melvin & Cyndi Chamblee

Alvin & Christine Chun

Vincent Ciarlante

Andrew Clancy

Frank & Jessica Corley

John & Felicia Cox

Amanda Craddock

Janine Crowe

Rod & Rotonda Culbreth

Barry & Melody Dahllof

Robert Daniel

Dana Daoud

Gregg & Dana Davidson

Jacob Davis

Rick & Angie DeBoard

Preston R. Dembowiak

Thomas J. Diedrich

Jarrett Dodd

Lois M. Duggan*

James Dumminger, Jr.

Jeffrey D. Dushaw

Mark Edwards

Robb & Paula Egel

James Elliott

Philip Engle

Tim Engle

Charlie & Barbara Falwell

Shannon Filer

Jim & Tracy Fisher

Luke Fortner

Tina Friar

Kirk Fritz

Richard & Frances Garvey

Max & Judy Gasser

Bob & Tracey Good

Caroline Goode

Brad D. Gunnink

Mike & Erin Hagen

Bryan & Roberta Hahn

Richard & Betty Halstead

Jo-Ann Harkleroad

Gwenn Harth

Darrell & Margaret Hartline

Stephen M. Hawk

Kevin Hefner

Michael & Barbara Heidt

Jeff & Allison Helgeson

Brent & Nicole Helmick

Roger & Susan Hill

Tim & Christy Hill

Rodney & Melissa Hizy

Donald & Sandra Holdridge

Matt & Christina Holley

Charles & Shelvie Holmes

Michael D. Horne

Daniel & Sarah Hull

Alan & Myra Hutchinson

Pete & Robin Jewett

Ben & Michelle Johnson

Eric & Betsy Johnson

Linda F. Kay

Derek Keeney

Michael & Linda Keever

Ira Stephen Kennedy

Thomas S. Kimmel

Harry & Mary King

Brian Kirschner

Allen & Gladys Kissinger

Robert S. Landon

Stewart Langley

Todd & Julie Ann Lechner

Stevie & Jessica Lloyd

Steve & Kathy Lloyd

Lance & Stephanie MacKenzie

Kim Magnano

Jon Manson

Dave & Amy Mapes

Lucas M. Marine

David & Linda Martin

Ben & Megan Mason

S. Patrick McCool

Todd R. McDowell

William D. Meeks

Brian & Amy Mentzer

Rob Merchant

Steven & Lili Miles

Mike & Lisa Misjuns

P.H. Mitchell, Jr.

J. Arthur Moore*

Dr. & Mrs. Stephen W. Müller

Kelly A. Nangle

Gary & Karen Nelson

Arthur Nicholson*

Timothy & Heather Norton

Jeff Novak

Benjamin Nunn

Sean and Cheryl Owen

Royce & Heather Palau

Bill & Vida Parker

Pamela Patterson

Jay L. Phipps

Jason & Rachael Porter

Michael Poulos

Ronald Prater

Mark Priest

James C. Prince

William J. Rankin, Jr.

Charles Reninger

Sarah E. Rexrode

Brandon & Kelly Reyers

Jesus Reyes

Daniel R. Rodriguez

Lloyd Sanderlin

Bob & Pam Schmidt

Jonathan B. Schubert

David & Doreen Sexton

Amy Skelton

Ben Spell

Bartel L. Spinelli

W. Jesse Sprinkle, IV

Jeff & Galene Staley

Samuel M. Stewart

Michael & Barbara Stone

Doug & Amy Strohmeier

Cody & Taylor Stuenzi

Jessica Tannehill

Troy & Karla Temple

Jamie L. Trent

Edgar & Allison Tuck

Anthony VanDyke

Dr. Jerry Vines

Dan & Rachel Vollmer

Gene & Debbie Walker

Richard & Ruth Waning

Roy L. Ward

Lori Watkins

Tom & Tamara Watson

David & Debbie Wheeler

Will Wilcoxson

Scott & Shelly Wolf

Donna Woodson

Rupert Wright

Mike Zumpano

Organizations

48 Live Productions

701 Korean Church

A.G. Jefferson Opticians

AEG Presents, LLC

JG Wentworth Home Lending

Aluminum Fences Direct

AstroTurf Corporation

Beacon Wealth Consultants, Inc.

Doyle’s Florist, Inc.

Blue Ridge Bagels & More, Inc.

C12 Mid-Atlantic, LLC

Charlotte Christian School

English Construction Company, Inc.

Faith Harvest

First Bank & Trust Company

First Baptist Church Of Woodbridge, Inc.

Florida Baptist Convention, Inc.

GMS, Inc.

Life Community Church

LifeHouse Church, Inc.

London Bridge Baptist Church

MH Masonry & Associates, Inc.

McLean Bible Church

Op Source Staffing Unlimited Fund

Orrstown United Brethren Church

OrthoVirginia, Inc.

Phoenix Counseling & Consulting, LLC

Premier Sports Management, Inc.

dba Premier Donor Strategies

Raymond James Charitable

Rehab Associates of Central Virginia

Residence Inn Lynchburg

Garber-Lowe Fence, Inc.

Schwab Charitable

Sonny Merryman, Inc.

Srong Rock Christian School

Storehouse Wellness, LLC

Suffolk Christian Academy

That’s Too Cute Boutique

The Blackbaud Giving Fund

The Good Fund A Multicandidate Committee

The H.T. Hackney Company, Inc.

The Harold and Dorothy Albert Trust

The Rick Lane Fund

The Tom & Tamara Watson

Charitable Gift Fund

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Violet Baptist Church

Virginia Academy of Science

Wallace Foundation

Wilgus Automotive, LLC

dba Ed’s Automotive

Wright Choice Construction, Inc.

Your Fancy, LLC

Zaki Gordon Memorial

Charitable Gift Fund

$1,000 - $2,499

Individuals

Anonymous Donor

Alton A. Absher

James R. Absher, Jr.

Paige Ake

John & Alisa Albers

Jeff & Lori Alder

David R. Allen

Duane Amos

Warren & Ann Andersen

Steve Andrews

Jill Arnestad

Doward F. Austin

Christie Bailey

Joshua Bain

Blake & Kelly Baker

Terry Baker

William Baker

Janine Banghart

Richard Bansley, III

Mark M. Barber

Elva Barham

Stephanie Barnes

Kevin & Susan Barringer

John Baumgardner

Mason Beard

Todd Beauchamp

Rodney & Marlee Beckom

Janice Belvin

Michael Belzer

Jenice N. Bennett

Stephen & Barbara Bennett

Samantha Benson

Shawn & Jennifer Bielicki

Jeanie Biggs

Seth & Katie Bigham

Al & Lisa Billingsly

Dale & Tina Birdsall

Keith & Kris Boan

Deborah Boardman

Christopher Bolton

Dr. David W. & Tara R. Bolton

Jon & Cathryn Bonar

Bob Bonheim

Roger Boring

Frederick D. Bornman*

Donald W. Bosch

Michelle Bourne

Glenn R. Bowman

David & Angela Boykin

Dr. John Brackett

Travis H. Bradshaw

Leroy & Joan Bream

Richard & Deborah Britton

Mark Brooks

Reese Brooks

Aaron D. Brown

David & Tammy Brown

Lance Brunton

Elizabeth L. Brusig

David Lee Bryant

Cley & Renae Bullock

Kathy Toca Bunn

William Burchett

Rob & Kristina Burdeaux

R. E. Burnette, Jr.

Blake Burress

Devon Byers

Michelle Byrne

Terry & Sheri Calonge

Rev. Larry & Carol Campbell

Tina C. Campbell

Bob & Teresa Caplinger

Diane E. Carkhuff

Sue Carroll

Eric & Ginny Cashion

Nancy Chamblee

Jefferey W. Chandler

Jerry & Cynthia Chandler

Janice Chaplin

Craig Smith & Holly Chapman-Smith

William & Tara Cheatwood

Glenn & Debbie Clary

Bradford & Sandra Clemmons

Tom Clemmons

Rolland & Carolyn Coburn

Dawn Coder

Jess & Julie Coleman

Amanda Collette

Larry & Barbara Compter

Deborah E. Compton

Kristin L. Conrad

Trey Cooley

Ryan Cooper

Kurt & Nancy Cornfield

David & Suzanne Corry

Trent Covel

Andy & Becky Covington

Josh & Carrie Cox

Keith Cox

Richard A. Craig

Chuck & Amber Cramer

Paul J. Crandall

Susan T. Crane

Tom F. Craven, Jr.

Gordon R. Crawford

Joshua Cress

Heather Croushorn

Emmy Czarny

Brian E. Daenzer

Leora Elizabeth Daniel*

Diane S. Davis

Katrina Davis

Wendy M. DeFrees

Victoria Delaney

Claudia Eayres Dempsey

Loren S. Denard, Sr.

Dr. Paul & Mrs. Dianne Deutsch

Mark & Donna Diehl

Michael DiGrazia

Keith W. Dishman

David & Buffy Donahoo

Gregory V. Donovan

Robert Doyle

David Dudley

Deanna D. Dungan

Andrew Dyk

Mary C. East

Gary & Barbara Eastman

Herschel L. Elder, III

Bradley W. Ellison

Glenn C. Enderud

Tracie M. England

Lydia V. Epps

Gary Ericks

Frances Eskridge

Dave Estes

Craig Evans

Ed & Michelle Evans

David & Veronica Evans

Beth E. Fallin

Tim Fancher

Sandra H. Farmer

Linda L. Farver

Leeanne Faunce

Michael W. Fay

Ireremena E. Felix-Otuorimuo

Edwin Fenimore

Vicky M. Fenimore

Jennifer C Ferguson

Miriam Fields

Kristine Fitzgerald

Christopher E. Fogal

Jeanette V Foster

Everett & Dianne Foutz

Ellen K. Franklin

Stafford Frederick

Leigh A. Gaddis

Christopher Gallarello

Judith Gallion

Carl & Deavin Garland

John A. Garner

T. Scott Garrett, MD

Terry Gentry

Christin Anderson

Jean W. Anderson

Jenny Andes

Mike Coder

James Coffey

Cary & Karen Coleman

Teresa George

Frank Gibb

Lee & Donna Gibson

Jason Gilbert

Christa Gilder

David P. Gilmore

Jose & Carrie Gomez

Robert & Kristyn Goodman

Dave & Lisa Graf

Wannie Graft

Roy & Donna Graham

J.R. & Karen Graybill

Cris & Theresa Green

Sterling Greni

Toni Gryder

Thomas E. Guess

Clyde & Donna Gurley

Robert D. Hagan, Jr.

Constance Halleen

Thomas & Susan Hamblen

Bob Handwerker

Roger Hantke

Christopher & Amy Hara

James Harris

Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Harris

Cora W. Harvey

Hubbard Harvey

Fred Hayes

Scott & Sarah Hayes

Bill & Tracie Hayes

Connie Hecker

Ryan L. Helfenbein

Cheryl B. Hemric

Randy & LeAnn Henderson

Melinda Herbst

Aaron & Emily Herwig

Nick J. Heyland

James D. Hildebrand

Tracy Hite

David R. Hixson

Pat Hodge

Heather S. Hodsden

Julie Honeycutt

Dai Hong

Scott Hooks

Benita Hopkins

Tim Houghton

Tim & Angela Howdershelt

Tonja Huenefeld

Gary G. Hughes

James & Mary Hughes

Mary Hughes

Kenneth Humbert & Suzanne Caruso

Kevin D. Humphries

J. Todd Hunt

Gregory S. Huntsman

Matt Hurdle

Matthew Irby

Nanci Jackson

Justin L. Jennings

William G. Jennings, Jr.

Robert Johnson

Carolee Jones

Darryl Jones

Eric & Susan Jones

Todd & Amy Jones

Mark Journell

Pamela R. Judd

Jesse Julian

Jane Kaebel

Gretchen Keeter

Roy J. Kelley

Richard Kelly

Todd A. Kemery

Ron & Jennifer Kennedy

Kevin & Lori Keys

Graham King

Marcia Kresge

Katherine Kwan

Ron & Kelly Lance

Darwin Larrison

Andrew Law

Rodney & Donna Lawson

William & Jennifer Leake

Michael & Katie Lee

Sang G. Lee

Tate & Holly Lenderink

Blane & Terrie Lewis

Sandra Lewis

Paul M. Lilly

Randal & Debbie Linville

Brooke Livingston

James & Deborah Livingston

William & Susann Livingston

Toni Labdell

Abe Loper

Jennifer Lotts

Tom Lougheed

Robert & Kathleen Loughery

Sarah D. Lloyd

Mike & Karen Luck

Owen Lugowski

George Lutz

Bradley Madison

Lesley Maggard

Phyllis Maire

Brock & Ronda Malcolm

Sylvia Maness

Tim & Christy Manzewitsch

Joyce F. Martin

Michael J. Martin

Jason R. Marton

Linda Mathis

Jason & Kim Mattox

Perry & Laurie Maze

Deanna McClintic

Carl & Ethel McCutcheon

Charlotte R. McGhee

Denny & Jane McHaney

Matt McKee

Catherine McKinley

James & Arlene McLellan

Pamela McPherson

Andrew W. Meadows

Denise Merritt

Beverly Mewborn

Daniel W. Miles, III

Mark G. Minar

Stacey R. Moerman

Doug & Debbie Monahan

Constance Moneyhan

Lisa Montgomery

Andy & Amy Moore

Angela Moore

Caralynn Moore

Scott & Tara Morgan

Billy Morris, Jr.

Laura Morris

Phillip & Stephanie Morris

Candee Moss

Daniel & Donna Mouliot

Michelle Mullin

Gene & Joyce Myers

Martha Nash

Jim & Molly Nelson

Herbert Nettey

Thomas E. Neuberger

David E. Newcomb

Chris Nocito

Clay & Sharon Nordquist

Ben Novak

Stacy Obaugh

Timothy O’Brien

Jacqueline Olcott

Sabra Oliver

Shelley O’Neal

Judy Orbke

Alison Orme

David & Tammy Orrender

Leonard W. Overman, Jr.

Mark Overman

Abram & Allison Pafford

Nathan Parcarella

Debra Patsel

Kevin & Meagan Patterson

David Peterson

John & Alison Pettit

Wesley Wayne Pettway

Brett Phillips

Lloyd & Claudia Pickell

Christopher J. Pitera

Pam H. Poff

Kevin Poole

Frank & Sherri Popa

Andrew & Miriam Prantner

Jerry & Carol Prevo

Charles & Sandy Prowant

Bradley Queen

Tom Ragland

Donald R. Raleigh, Jr.

Scott Randles

Michael Rankin

David P. Rasmussen

Jeffrey D. Raub

Larry H. Rauppius, Jr.

Michael J. Renfrew

Harry & Susan Repstad

John Rhoades

Daniel B. Rice

Dr. Janet S. Richards

Melanie Rickett

Amanda M. Rider

Steve & Rachel Ridout

Jack Rieser

Brett M. Riley

Phillip & Debbie Rine

Robert & Deborah Ritz

Clinton H. Robbins

Mark & Lauri Robinson

Anthony Rodgers

Dr. William & Amy Roller

Roger J. Rome

Roger Roulette

Guy C. Ruble

Jonathan Russell

Kenny Russell

Teresa Russell

Dr. Dean C. Rust, DDS

Neva Sales

Rafael Sanchez

Mary Ann Saunders

Mark & Patsy Schandorff

William J. Schnarr

Austin Schubert

Matt & Johanna Schubert

Roger Schultz

Roger & Ann Schultz

Matthew & Rebecca Schwartz

Sig & Gwen Seiler

E. Earl Semple*

Harold W. Shepley

Randy Shick

Heidi Shields

Barbara Shipe

Robin Shivell

Charles Shotmeyer

David & Carla Silva

Shelah Simpson

Steven M. Slater

Mike Slayton

David B. Smith

Dave & Kim Smith

Gary Smith

Rebecca Smith

Michael & Cynthia Sobiesiak

Jim & Michelle Sorenson

Joe Sorrer

Joseph Sprankle

Scott R Stalcup

John & Allison Stein

Mitch D. Stevens, III

John P. Stobbs

Leana Stoltz

John W. Strother

Barbara G. Stunz

Crystal Swain

Michael W. Szczepankiewicz

Beth Tate

Douglas Taylor

Eric & Lesa Taylor

Geoffrey L. Taylor

Gary & Jackie Tedder

Jeff & Heidi Thomas

John & Anne Thompson

Susan Thompson

Brant & Nancy Tolsma

Sabrina Tomlin

Melanie Traber

Scott & Kathy Traylor

James & Elaine Treadwell

Sarah K. Truslow

Edna C. Udobong

Bill & Kim Underwood

Louise Underwood

Michael Varner

Rodney M. Varney

Catherine Vidal

Peggy Wadlington

Scott Wagner

Adriene R. Walker

Deborah Walker

John Walton

Thomas Wang

Eleanore J. Warner

Derek Webb

Lew & Cheryl Weider

Charles E. Whetzel, Jr.

Jenny Rhea Whichard

John & Margaret Whitlock

Alan R. Whitlow

Beverly Wiley

Carla R. Wiley

Jeb Wilkinson

David G. Williams

Jim & Kathy Williams

George & Peggy Wilson

Walter A. Wilson, III

Wendell O. Wilson

Wyatt & Gwen Wilson

Bruce & Melissa Wimberley

Chrystal Winn

Jeffrey Withers

Faye P. Witt

Jennifer Wold

William & Noelle Woolf

Cynthia Wright

Judy A. Wright

Tyler L. Wright

Dr. Lian-Tuu & Mrs. Arlene Yeh

George Young

Bob & Melissa Young

Stephen Zimmerman

Katherine Zinnecker

Organizations

Altamahaw Baptist Church, Inc.

American Eagle USA

The Bank of America

Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Baron Championship Rings

Bates Family Orthodontics

Becoming Foundation, Inc.

Beyer Family Charitable Fund

Calvary Chapel of Central Bucks

Camp Blue Ridge

CASA of Central Virginia, Inc.

Chowan Baptist Association

Christ Community Naples

Church of the Highlands

Clair Parker Foundation

Commonwealth of Virginia

Dorothy Richardson DRSS, LLC

Faith Fellowship Church, Inc.

Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders

FIVE18 Family Services

Foundations Church

Franklin Heights Baptist Church

Good’s Garden Shed

Grace in the Shadows, LLC

Halesford Baptist Church

Hello Hope, LLC

Holman Masonry, Inc.

Iglesia De Dios Nueva Vida, Inc.

Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co.

Kadesh Foundation

Lakeside Baptist Ministries

Leadership Institute

LifeGuide Financial Advisors, LLC

Lifesong Health

Lions Den LLC

Longs Farm Supply, Inc.

McNaughton Service, Inc.

Miss Lilly’s Trading Post, LLC

National Christian Foundation Wisconsin

New Song Ministries, Inc.

North Main Baptist Church

Novak Capital

Priority One Properties

R & S Jernigan dba Duck Donuts

Robert S. and Mildred M. Baynard

Charitable Trust

S&R Cleaning & Floor Services of Roanoke

Savannah Brass Company

Second Baptist Church

Shelley McGhee Life Anchor Agency

Smith Family Gift Fund

Smith Memorial Baptist Church

Stephanie Lambert, LLC

Stewart Langley Properties, LLC

Sweet Indulgence Bakery & Wholesale, LLC

Tarkington Family Trust

The Alliance Group

The Edwards Groups, LLC

The Jeremiah Project

The Lance Family Fund

The Medical Society of Virginia

The Nunn Family Giving Fund

Thomas Road Outpost

Tickets for Less, LLC

Turner Creek Farm, LLC

USLive Rush, LLC

Venema Associates, LLC

Village Church

Vision Marketing, Inc.

WACH Marketing, Inc.

West Lynchburg Baptist Church

William & Pamela Malinchak Foundation

WoodSpring Suites Lynchburg

Yugo Collins, PLLC

* Estate Gift

Unpaid pledges from donors are not factored into the giving amounts for this list.

If we have omitted, misspelled, or misplaced your name, please accept our apologies and notify our office by calling toll-free (866) 602-7983.

For more information on planned giving to Liberty University, visit Liberty.edu/Giving or call (800) 543-5309.

Amber Parker

F. M. Stevenson

Racquetball Association, Inc.