Liberty Journal Fall 2018

GAME DAY

GOALS

STADIUM UPGRADES IGNITE FANS IN FLAMES’ INAUGURAL FBS SEASON

CYBER WARRIORS

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PROGRAM TRAINS WORKERS FOR A GROWING FIELD

ON HIS MARK

OLYMPIC PENTATHLETE CHOOSES LIBERTY FOR HIS TRAINING GROUND

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

STUDENTS BUILD THEIR FAITH THROUGH CAMPUS EVENTS AND A STRONG PEER-SUPPORT SYSTEM

FA L L 2 0 1 8 PUBLISHER Jerry Falwell S E N I O R M A N AG I N G E D I TO R Mitzi Bible GRAPHIC DESIGNER Carrie Mitchell CO N T RI B U T I N G E D I TO R S Kristin Conrad Becki Falwell Ron Kennedy Wendy Kennedy Amanda Stanley STA F F Ted Allen Rebecca Beem Ron Brown Paige Counts Rachel Dugan Kerry Hogan Leslie Keeney Tobi Walsh Laukaitis Drew Menard Dawn Neal Josh Rice Jessica Short Kim Smith Len Stevens P H OTO G R A PH E R S Gabrielle Calhoun Joel Coleman Erik Flores Joel Isimeme Kevin Manguiob Leah Seavers Andrew Snyder Nathan Spencer Jessie Rogers JOE L CO LEMAN

ON THE COVER Williams Stadium greets guests for Homecoming on Oct. 20. Read more about stadium renovations and the Flames’ rise to the FBS on Page 5. View more pictures from Homecoming on Page 32.

Photo by: Elliot Miller For more information about the Liberty Journal, email news@liberty.edu, call (434) 592-4955, or write to: Liberty University External Communications Office, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg Va. 24515 View a digital version and past issues at Liberty.edu/LibertyJournal.

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

Liberty University is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any military service.

Liberty University does not engage in unlawful discrimination or harassment because of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, or military veteran status in its educational programs and activities. Liberty University maintains its Christian character and reserves its right to discriminate on the basis of religion to the extent that applicable law respects its right to act in furtherance of its religious objectives.

INSIDE this ISSUE 4 | WILLIAMS STADIUM UPGRADES

With Flames Football’s rise to the FBS, the fans have benefited, too, with a thrilling game day atmosphere.

12 | CYBER WARRIORS

Two national agencies have recognized Liberty as a leading institution for cybersecurity training.

16 | DAY IN & DAY OUT

Liberty offers multiple opportunities throughout the week to help students receive spiritual support and grow in their faith.

Students filled the seats of the Vines Center for the first Convocation of the 2018-19 school year on Aug. 29.

Renowned worship artists Kari Jobe and her husband, Cody Carnes, led worship, and Robert Morris, senior pastor of Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas, delivered the message.

Convocation remains the largest weekly gathering of Christian young people in the country. Many Convocations are streamed live at Liberty.edu/Watch and on Liberty’s Facebook page.

Are we hitting the mark?

Let us know what kind of stories around Liberty interest you. Have a story idea of your own? Share it with us. Send your feedback to the Liberty Journal staff at news@liberty.edu.

22 | THE CHAMPION TRADITION

42 | HITTING CLOSE TO HOME

28 | STANDING ON SOLID GROUND

48 | ON HIS MARK

38 | STORING THE SACRED

50 | ASUN CONFERENCE LINEUP

From pilots to ministry leaders to lawyers, alumni exemplify Liberty’s tradition of impacting the world through service.

Liberty’s mission remains unchanged, even amidst the major growth and expansion happening across campus.

Some of the earliest English Bibles are on display in the new Rawlings Scriptorium at the base of Freedom Tower.

President Jerry Falwell shares his personal experience of undergoing a breakthrough procedure to close a hole in his heart.

Guatemalan student and pentathlete Charles Fernandez has already represented his country in the Olympics.

Now, he is training for Tokyo in 2020.

Seventeen Liberty Athletics teams are competing in the ASUN Conference for the first time this year. Get a jump on the competition by learning more about the Flames’ new foes.

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KEVIN MANGUIOB

4

WILLIAMS STADIUM FLAMES NATION SEES GAME DAY EXPERIENCE RISE, TOO

5

GAB RI ELL E C ALH OU N

When Liberty University announced in February 2017 that its football program was making the move to the FBS, the Flames’ coaching staff was not the only group who knew it needed to step up its game to make sure Liberty was ready to compete at the highest level.

For the past decade, Williams Stadium — the home of Liberty’s football program

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since 1989 — developed a reputation for providing one of the top game day experiences at the FCS level, boasting top-10 attendance rankings. From concessions to family and children’s activities to fireworks and even real flames shooting from the top of the scoreboard, Williams Stadium has offered a thrilling environment to cheer

on the home team.

But between the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Liberty set out to ensure that the entire fan experience, for the students and the general public, matched the product that Head Coach Turner Gill and his staff were putting on the field.

When the gates opened for Liberty’s first home game — and its first game as an FBS

Students fill the student section below the new East Tower at the first home football game on Sept. 1. Parts of the upper portion of the tower were completed later in the season.

team on Sept. 1 against Old Dominion University, a newly expanded stadium greeted guests. The expansion increased seating capacity from 1 9,200 to 25,000, with new upper deck seating on the east side. A new colonnade entrance was constructed along University Boulevard, and more gate entrances were added to the new tower.

For students, the game day experience is a dramatic upgrade. They now enter through a new, designated student gate on the east side and are met with a wide array of concessions, from the normal fare of kettle corn, soft drinks, hot dogs, and hamburgers, to new vendors, including Dunkin Donuts, Auntie Anne s Pretzels, and House of Flames

(featuring chicken wings). There is also a new Flames Football team store at the main entrance.

Liberty s IT Department has worked hard to ensure that the stadium is equipped with the best technological capabilities. A new 3,000-square-foot Daktronics LED videoboard (three times the size of the previous one) debuted >>

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>> during the first game, as well as a new LED ribbon board stretching over 100 yards along the west side mezzanine.

Additional speakers provide better sound clarity. All across the stadium, wireless service has been boosted to support 25,000 screaming Flames fans streaming content on their mobile devices.

But the game day experience truly begins long before the football team takes the field. Two hours prior to kickoff at each home game, Liberty Athletics now hosts the ultimate fan experience with the Flames Fan Fest, presented by Food Lion, inside the Liberty University

Indoor Practice Facility. The event is free and open to all ticket holders and features music, the live LFSN Radio pregame show, and tailgate games. The area allows fans to enjoy family time before the game — rain or shine — within a climate-controlled facility. Children can have fun bouncing on inflatables or take pictures with Sparky and the Liberty cheerleaders. Flames Club members can also enjoy a pregame meal.

As Flames Nation watched Liberty secure a 52-10 win over potential new in-state rival ODU, the resounding victory made a statement to the college football world that Liberty has not only

transitioned to the FBS level, but it is ready to compete with the best — right out of the gate.

When Dr. Jerry Falwell founded Liberty (then Lynchburg Baptist College) in the fall of 1971, he painted a clear vision for its athletics department when he stated, “It is our plan to have our athletic program comparable to USC, to Notre Dame, to Alabama, to anyone — in time.”

Thanks to the tireless work of many, both on and off the field of play, Liberty University and its athletics department have taken a huge step toward making this vision a reality.

RISE WITH US

TWO MORE CHANCES TO CATCH THE FLAMES IN ACTION AT WILLIAMS STADIUM: Nov. 24 vs. New Mexico State | 2 p.m.

Dec. 1 vs. Norfolk State (rescheduled from Sept. 15) | 2 p.m.

Buy tickets at LUFootball.com

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JOE L COLE M AN

The Flames held their own against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents in their inaugural season as an FBS program, opening with an overwhelmingly successful 52-10 triumph over in-state foe Old Dominion University on Sept. 1. The second win for the Flames came at New Mexico (52-43). They staged another stunning home victory, 22-16, over Troy, the first-place team in the Sun Belt Conference. Then, the Flames tamed the Idaho State Bengals in front of a Homecoming crowd, 48-41. Liberty suffered setbacks at Army (14-38), at home against North Texas (7-47), and at New Mexico State (41-49).

President Jerry Falwell and his wife, Becki, celebrate with the Liberty cheerleaders and their own honorary cheerleader, granddaughter Virginia, at Liberty’s first home game on Sept. 1.

JO EL CO LEM AN JOE L COLE M AN

BOWL AGREEMENT NEWS

JESSIE ROGE RS

In July, Liberty Athletics announced its first bowl agreement with the AutoNation Cure Bowl for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The agreement is secondary, meaning that if teams from the Sun Belt Conference and American Athletic Conference, who are both scheduled to play in the bowl each year, don’t have enough deserving teams (six qualifying wins), Liberty may be substituted before the bowl organizers consider teams with five wins.

The agreement gives Liberty football its first bowl tie-in during the program’s inaugural FBS season. Bowl games will be announced Dec. 2.

The AutoNation Cure Bowl is played each December at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. The game is televised nationally on CBS Sports Network and broadcast live on iHeart Radio. Funds raised from the game directly benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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A VISION FULFILLED

R E F L E C T I N G O N F L A M E S F O OT B A L L’ S H I S TO R Y A N D P R O G R E S S

Liberty Board of Trustees member Jeff Benson (No. 11) played quarterback for the Flames in the early ’80s.

Richard Osborne (No. 65) plays in the 1977 Homecoming game at City Stadium.

Liberty University’s football program has made quantum leaps since fielding its first team in 1973. Back then, the school was called Lynchburg Baptist College, and players sported green and gold uniforms. They practiced on Treasure Island — in the middle of the James River — and played their games at Lynchburg’s City Stadium.

In 1975, the school was renamed Liberty Baptist College, changed its colors to red, white, and blue, and joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). In

1980, the Flames moved up to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II level, with an eagle as its official mascot. In 1985, the school became Liberty University, and in 1988, Liberty football became an official member at the NCAA I-AA level.

In 2014, after securing its seventh Big South Conference championship in eight seasons, Liberty traveled to JMU and recorded its first postseason triumph in program history, 26-21, in the FCS playoffs.

The Flames started the 2017 season — their last at the FCS level — by posting their first victory over a Power 5 school, upsetting Baylor University in Waco, Texas, 48-45. ESPN.com ranked the win the seventh-biggest upset in college football in the last 25 years.

Many Flames Football alumni have maintained close ties with the university and monitored the progress the program has made since those early years. Alumni Jeff Benson and Richard Osborne have had a front-row seat to the recent progress as current members of Liberty’s Board of Trustees.

Benson played quarterback for Liberty in the early 1980s. While watching the Flames in their inaugural season of FBS football, he was struck by how different the game day experience is from his playing days at City Stadium.

“Williams Stadium is very impressive, with the latest expansion and newest

scoreboard,” he said. “All of the improvements truly take the stadium experience to the FBS level.”

Benson said the move to the highest division of collegiate football will pay dividends for the university in multiple ways.

“Our founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, communicated his vision very clearly that it was his absolute goal to see us play football at the highest level and that it would provide a benefit not just in athletics but in all phases of the university, and I think that will prove to be true,” he said. “It will increase the platform for the university and increase student and national interest in who Liberty is and what we do.”

Osborne played defensive noseguard for the Flames through 1979, when he became the university’s first political science graduate. He called the rise to the FBS more than just another one of Falwell’s “big, hairy, audacious goals” (a term Falwell often used to encourage students to strive for success).

“It’s an answer to prayer that Dr. Falwell envisioned,” Osborne said. “It’s very exciting, and I’ve talked to Head Coach Turner Gill and Athletics Director Ian McCaw. They’re all in for our mission, Training Champions for Christ, and we’re hoping that the new facility and moving up to the next level attracts more students to the university so they can become Champions for Christ, too.”

WEST TOWER NAMED IN HONOR OF LONGTIME SUPPORTER

The Williams Stadium West Tower has been renamed Carter Tower in memory and appreciation of Worth

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Harris Carter Jr., a generous donor to the university and Liberty Flames Athletics. Carter established Carter Bank & Trust and served as CEO until he died on April 7, 2017, at the age of 79. At the time of his death, Carter Bank & Trust had become Virginia’s second largest community bank. The bank was one of Liberty Athletics’ largest corporate sponsors and the longest-tenured luxury suite holder.

Carter was one of the largest individual

annual donors to the Flames Club.

Carter Bank & Trust helped underwrite much of Liberty’s growth and operations dating back to the late 1980s. Carter was awarded an honorary doctorate of business from Liberty in 2012. The Worth Harris Carter Jr. and Katherine S. Carter Endowment Scholarship Fund was established upon his death to assist eligible students from areas of Virginia and North Carolina.

WILLIAMS STADIUM RECORDS

THROUGH THE YEARS

AT T EN DA N C E:

22,551

for Liberty’s 31-21 upset of No. 7 Montana on Sept. 20, 2015 LO NG E ST TOU C H D OW N PASS :

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yards from Ben Anderson to Courtney Freeman against Charleston Southern, 1996

The football team practiced at Treasure Island, located on the James River near downtown Lynchburg, and played games at Lynchburg’s City Stadium (pictured here) starting in 1973.

M OST TE A M P O I N T S SCO R ED :

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by Liberty against West Virginia Tech, 1995

LO NG EST F I EL D GOA L :

60

yards by John Lunsford of Liberty, 2014

Liberty’s football stadium opened on Oct. 21, 1989. A Homecoming crowd cheered on the team to a 37-18 victory over Towson State. The facility’s original seating capacity was 12,000.

Chip Smith, a four-year letterwinner and team captain (1973-76), was the football program’s first scholarship student-athlete. He scored Liberty’s first touchdown on Sept. 27, 1973. He now operates a training program where he plays a large role in launching and accelerating the careers of hundreds of professional athletes.

Watch a video about his life at GameOnLU.com.

Williams Stadium received a major facelift prior to the 2010 season, expanding seating to 19,200 and adding a five-story tower with 18 luxury suites, a full media center, and additional concessions and restrooms for the west side of the stadium. A new AstroTurf playing surface was also installed.

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CYBER

WARRIORS As the country faces a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, Liberty’s nationally recognized program is producing the right employees for the job BY

DREW

Cybersecurity is more than a hot career field; it s a raging inferno with over 300,000 current job openings and an expected 2 million in the coming years. High wages and signing bonuses are common at the entry level. While educational institutions are racing to meet the demand, the 60,000 qualified graduates around the country each year are not enough.

And the stakes are high: the security of our finances, personal information, businesses, and government all interconnected in the ever-expanding digital world are on the line.

Like most schools, Liberty University sees the importance of meeting workforce demands. But when employers come knocking in search of cybersecurity professionals, they don t just come with a list of required skills; they come seeking individuals whom they can trust with sensitive information, workers who will use their knowledge only for the good of others.

Liberty s commitment to producing world-changers who are excellent in their fields and operate from a solid ethical foundation makes it the perfect place to shop for upstanding talent.

KE VIN MANGU IOB

T H E G O L D S TA N DA R D This past summer, Liberty was formally recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security

MENARD (DHS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). The agencies joint goal in awarding the designation is to reduce the vulnerability of the national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise.

This is a very distinguished honor for Liberty and allows us to join a select community of schools with programs that demonstrate the nation s highest levels of excellence in cybersecurity, explained Dr. Allen Harper, executive director of Liberty s Center for Cyber Excellence. This designation is widely accepted as the gold standard for a cyber program.

Liberty s cybersecurity program, offered through the School of Business, underwent careful evaluation by the NSA and DHS to affirm that it meets the rigorous requirements. Earning the designation was a collaborative effort by several Liberty departments, including the Office of the Provost, Information Technology, IT Security, Registrar, Center for Academic Development, Jerry Falwell Library, Career Center, Marketing, and Creative Media, as well as the School of Nursing, Helms School of Government, and the School of Business.

The designation applies to Liberty s largest cybersecurity degree, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Data Networking and Security specialization. Liberty is working to earn the designation for its other five cybersecurity degree programs. >>

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>> While most university cybersecurity programs are general in nature and broadly focused, Liberty is doing something that other schools are not, Harper said.

“There are subspecialties within the field, and we cater our program to those subspecialties so that our graduates will be better equipped than someone who came out with a one-size-fits-all degree.”

Each program is designed to help graduates fill jobs such as security analyst or malware specialist, which have their own needed skill sets.

At the undergraduate level, in addition to the B.S. in Information Technology with Data Networking and Security, Liberty also offers a B.S. in Information Systems with Information Assurance specialization and a B.S. in Computer Science with Cybersecurity specialization. At the graduate level, it offers the M.S. in Information Systems with Information Assurance specialization, M.S. in Information Technology with Network Design and Security specialization, and M.S. in Cybersecurity. The bachelor’s degrees are available residentially, and all

cybersecurity degree programs are also available online.

Liberty’s Center for Cyber Excellence establishes the university as one of the country’s premier locations for cybersecurity study and research and as a a top destination for employers.

A board of advisors includes representatives from local and national companies that employ cybersecurity professionals. Liberty’s new Office of Outreach and Business Engagement (see story, Page 41) is also helping to build connections between students, faculty, and industry leaders.

“The driving force behind every change we implement in the School of Business is creating increasing value for our students,” said Dr. David Calland, interim dean of Liberty’s School of Business. “The needs of the employer are a priority in our curriculum. And that does a service to both our students, who are better equipped to land jobs and stand out as employees, and the employers, who can have confidence in the ability and work ethic of a candidate when they see ‘Liberty University’ on their résumé.”

NAT HAN SP E NCE R

Executive Director Dr. Allen Harper brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Liberty’s Center for Cyber Excellence.

W H Y E T H I C S M AT T E R Liberty has long distinguished itself in higher education with its unwavering Christian worldview in all areas of study. What that means to employers, however, is that at the university’s core is a commitment to instilling Christian values, including honesty and integrity, within its students. And when it comes to handling highly sensitive information or managing large assets, it is critical to be able to trust an employee.

The digital frontier is still being explored, and more and more hackers are abandoning ethics as they mine for data in an attempt to exploit, leverage, or ruin a company. Harper said that in a world of “black hat” hackers (criminals) and “white hat” hackers (the ethical ones who are hired to secure systems), it’s important to have skilled individuals who operate in the gray — people who work to understand the tools of the bad guys in order to beat them to the punch and help secure our data. He’s literally written the handbook on the topic (“Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker’s Handbook”). Harper has

CYBERSECURITY DEGREES UNDERGRADUATE Available residentially and online B.S. Information Technology Data Networking and Security B.S. Information Systems Information Assurance B.S. Computer Science Cybersecurity GRADUATE Available online M.S. Information Systems Information Assurance M.S. Information Technology Network Design and Security M.S. Cybersecurity Learn more at Liberty.edu/Cyber

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Dr. Robert Tucker, associate professor of computer science, spent 25 years in government intelligence prior to teaching.

NATHAN SP E NC E R

assisted companies that have almost been destroyed by the work of a black hat hacker.

CEOs say over and over that they need more ethical hackers with a strong moral compass, Harper said.

Too few people care about ethics in our field. Liberty is at the forefront of ethical security practices, and the result of that is students who go out and impact the world.

Liberty s cyber students are being trained by world-class faculty, most of whom came to academia from years in the industry. Many continue to work in the field.

Our faculty have decades upon decades of combined experience securing both public and private organizations, from Wall Street to Main Street and from the White House to the Department of Defense, Harper said.

On average, Liberty graduates gain security clearance for jobs in the FBI s Cyber Division faster than those from other institutions. And Liberty s outstanding record with companies that have hired graduates (including Google

and IBM) sets an expectation for future graduates who are trustworthy and operate with a strong moral code. That s an invaluable reputation.

When someone goes from student to graduate and then on to employee, the name Liberty University goes with them, said Scott Hicks, interim provost.

That s why we tailor cutting-edge programs to not only where companies are now but where they expect to be in the future.

B U I L D I N G CO M M U N I T Y Junior Charity Barker dabbled in cybersecurity before coming to Liberty, but she was not planning to major in it. As she got involved in the Cyber Defense Club which trains students in computer and network security and allows them to put their skills to the test in competitions she fell in love with the community. For the past two years, she s served as the team president.

The club has given me an opportunity to practice leadership skills that I otherwise would have only developed much later in life, she said.

I ve also gained a wealth of technical knowledge from members of the club; everyone brings a niche of technical knowledge to the table. My favorite part of the club is that it provides a safe learning environment to try new things, ask questions, and develop technical skills.

She also mentors area high schoolers in the CyberPatriot program.

Liberty is committed to attracting the best talent for the frontlines of digital warfare. This fall, the university hosted its first annual Cyberspark Hackathon, a digital capture-the-flag event for high schoolers to compete for a $1 0,000 Liberty scholarship.

Barker appreciates that Liberty s faculty not only provide her with knowledge that will help her stand out as a future job candidate but also give her freedom to expand that knowledge.

My professors allowed me to complete major projects for the class on topics I was interested in, she said.

I think that s really important because it allows you to dig into and explore something you re passionate about.

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DAY IN DAY

GABRIELL E CAL HOUN

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AY OUT

AT EVERY TURN, LIBERTY STUDENTS RECEIVE THE SPIRITUAL SUPPORT THEY NEED TO GROW IN THEIR FAITH WHILE PURSUING THEIR DREAMS

KEVIN MAN GUIOB

Providing opportunities for spiritual growth has always been a top priority for the student experience at Liberty University. While people expect a Christian college to hold worship services and Bible studies, the steady spiritual encouragement that Liberty students receive throughout the week goes well beyond those activities. Engaging events for the entire student body, such as weekly Convocations and Campus Community, challenge studentsÂ’ perspectives and strengthen their relationship with the Lord. For every resident student, there are seven to 10 trained leaders and peers they can turn to in their dorms for emotional and spiritual support. And in every classroom, professors teach from a Christian worldview, serving as a guide on their studentsÂ’ faith journeys.

To learn more about the unique opportunities available to all Liberty students to help them grow as Champions for Christ, read the following experiences of two students during a typical week on campus.

>>

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JESS I E R OGER S

11 A.M.

SPENDING TIME WITH RESIDENT SHEPHERD

MEET MYKAYLI CARRANZA Freshman Mykayli Carranza describes herself as an introvert. But since moving into Residential Commons I, she has been challenged to step outside of her comfort zone — physically and spiritually.

“If you come here at night, everyone is outside of their rooms hanging out,” Carranza says. “It’s a real community.

You have people who have their groups, but everyone is trying to reach out to one another.”

Carranza, originally from Fredericksburg, Va., knew college would be an adjustment. But her residence hall has quickly become home. Welcome mats lay outside the room doors, and white boards are decorated with inside jokes.

She doesn’t have to go far to find a listening ear. Next door, Resident Shepherd (RS) Katie Carlucci has an open-door policy. When the students enter to chat about their day or need a shoulder to cry on, Carlucci pulls out a giant beanbag for them to sit on.

“I take it from Acts 2,” Carlucci says.

“The early believers were in complete community together; they broke bread together. Our room is a safe place where our girls can be vulnerable or where they can go to find a friend.”

Carlucci is one of 262 resident shepherds who are assigned to the residence halls and supervised by 10 full-time shepherds who offer pastoral

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care under the Office of Spiritual Development’s LU Shepherd team.

Carranza says the entire spiritual leadership team shares a similar mindset, from the shepherds and resident shepherds to community group leaders (CGL), who lead small group discussions in the residence halls every Wednesday night after Campus Community, focusing on how to apply the message to their lives.

The LU Shepherd team cares for students’ needs alongside resident assistants (RA) and resident directors (RD) from Liberty’s Office of Residence Life.

“They are always coming in to check on us and ask us how we are,” Carranza says.

“But you know when they’re asking you, ‘How are you?,’ they are really asking you how you are spiritually, emotionally, and physically. They’re not asking because it’s their job, but because they care.”

During the week, Carranza sticks to a full class schedule as she works toward a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she attends chemistry class, taught by Instructor of Chemistry Lauren Hopper. Before the first test last month, Hopper encouraged her students.

“Relax,” she tells them. “If God wants you in a specific program, then you’ll get in. If not, then He’ll redirect your path to something better.”

An inspirational quote appears on the screen at the front of the room:

“Anxiety comes when we look at our circumstances and then look at our ability. But faith comes when we look at our circumstances and then at God’s ability.”

“Professor Hopper is one of my favorite professors,” Carranza says. “She’s always encouraging us and praying for us in class.”

After leaving the Center for Natural Sciences, Carranza walks across the Academic Lawn to Evangelism 101 with Rawlings School of Divinity Professor Keith Oglesby. At the start of each class, he tells students to take five minutes to get to know the people around them.

“Talk to the person in front of you and behind you,” he says. “Ask them how many brothers and sisters they have, ask how many times they’ve been to Cook Out.” Oglesby says that the small gesture creates community and teaches them how to be intentional in sharing their faith.

“I want them to be aware of the spiritual needs of the people around them. And it encourages them to go outside their sphere of influence.”

For students like Carranza who are living away from home for the first time, it also shows them that people care.

“I want my class to be an oasis in the middle of a hectic day where they can be comfortable,” Oglesby says.

After Evangelism 101, Carranza gets a head start on her homework before “hall dinner” and the weekly Campus Community service. Everyone on her hall meets with the students from their “brother dorm” at a campus dining facility. It’s a time to burn off steam after a busy day.

For Carranza, Campus Community — held every Wednesday night — has become the highlight of her week.

On this particular night, Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser was continuing his “Seven” series about the seven churches of Asia Minor from the Bible. After dinner, Carranza and her hallmates rush to the Vines Center to get the good seats on the floor.

“I love how Pastor David dives into the Word,” she says. “He teaches it in a loving and fatherly way. He doesn’t talk down to you; he talks to you.”

Carranza also enjoys the worship.

“Music has always been important to me,” she says. “There’s something about coming together and singing as a student body. You can feel the Holy Spirit’s presence, and there’s nothing like it.”

Carranza has more chances to worship with her peers at Convocations, held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, featuring special guest speakers. Each year, Convocation plays host to more than 80 guests of national significance from every sphere of society. With more than 13,000 in attendance and

thousands more watching online, Convocation remains the largest weekly gathering of Christian college students in the world.

During her short time on campus, Carranza is already putting into practice what she’s learned.

“I spend more time now dwelling on the Lord through devotions or just sitting and reading my Bible,” she says.

“Sometimes, I’ll just sit in my room and pray or listen to worship music.”

She says that her relationship with the Lord has been “bumpy” over the years, “but coming to Liberty was the first time I was able to be free to chase after the Lord and make my relationship with Him my own. I didn’t feel like it was forced, but my decision.” >>

1 P.M.

GABR I E L LE C ALHOU N

CHEMISTRY CLASS, PRAYER TIME

LE AH SE AVE R S

5 P.M.

HALL DINNER

2 P.M.

EVANGELISM 101 GABR I E LL E C ALH OUN

L E AH SE AVER S

6:30 P.M.

CAMPUS COMMUNITY SERVICE L EA H SE AVERS

4 P.M.

QUIET TIME 19

K EVI N M ANG UI O B

3:30 P.M.

COFFEE BREAK WITH COMMUNITY GROUP LEADER

MEET JONAH TWIDDY While other students head to the Vines Center exit doors after Convocation, junior Jonah Twiddy hangs back, gathering with a few friends to discuss the speaker’s message. Convocation guest speakers vary; on this day, political commentator Candace Owens spoke. Twiddy says he always finds a way to test the message against his worldview. Sometimes he is encouraged in his faith; other times, he is challenged in it.

“I feel like Convo is one of the safest places to disagree, to work out what you believe,” says Twiddy, from southern Michigan. “You get to formulate your ideas and opinions without having to fear being judged or attacked.”

And he enjoys the prayer and worship at the beginning of every event.

“God is always a part of it,” Twiddy says. “It really does fill me up,” he adds.

“I am always looking forward to the next one and thinking back on the last one.”

As he drops his backpack and flips open his laptop for class, Twiddy’s faith continues to be engaged. Whether it’s in math or global studies (Twiddy’s major), the professors intentionally integrate faith and learning.

“There are good discussions that come out of class,” he says. “You are always thinking along with the material and interacting with it, which helps you develop your personal faith.”

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Dr. Melody Harper, chair of the Department of Global Studies, says she wants her students to develop character and integrity.

“I want them to internalize those values so it’s not just what they know about their field, it’s how they live and interact with the people who are part of that community,” she says. “We don’t have our religious beliefs in one box and then our major or our classes in another box. If we educate that way, people continue to live that way.”

Twiddy says the lesson hits home because “the professors model that in their own lives.”

Midway through his week, Twiddy often finds himself further challenged at Campus Community on Wednesday nights.

“You see a lot of cool stuff happening there — revivals and students getting baptized in the lake by the library,” he says. “It unites the student body under the same teachings.”

And, he adds, “Pastor David Nasser does not shy away from really tough topics. Hearing the issues taught from the Bible helps you know where you stand and to know you don’t have to be afraid to talk about them with others.”

Those heavy topics help spur deeper conversations in his community group that meets in the residence hall afterward.

The young men sing worship songs to an

acoustic guitar and pray together. As they discuss what they have learned over the past week, they often find themselves in different places. But they are seeking truth from the same source — Scripture — as they mature in their faith together.

“I feel like I have opened up a lot more and seen the value of that community,” Twiddy says. “When I came here, I was not very open. But I needed somebody to know what was going on in my life because if I didn’t tell someone, it was just going to keep growing in me. By being open and sharing with others, it has helped me to release some of that stuff.”

The culture of spiritual development is intentional in his dorm. Resident assistants celebrate individuals each week for their community service and, just before breaks, encourage students to go home and share with their friends and family the ways they’ve grown in their faith. Resident shepherds help ensure that everyone has regular accountability and teach students how to study their Bibles.

“I feel like I can walk into any room and talk to anybody there,” Twiddy says of Dorm 25. “The leadership, the CGLs, and the RSs, set that example. That culture is carried down. Those who disciple me are discipled.”

Over a warm beverage from Argo Tea, Twiddy meets with his CGL, Liam Barham, who helps to hold him

accountable in his walk with the Lord.

I love the chance to meet up with someone for the sole purpose of growing in our faith, because that s where things get personal, Twiddy says. That consistency is what really gives me the kick-in-the-pants I need to grow in my obedience.

Twiddy is also spurred on to engage the local community and share his

faith. He helps lead Cru events (the U.S. ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International) at other local colleges.

At Liberty, you will have people pouring into you. But you have to be intentional with yourself, to take part in that and then pass it on, pour it out.

As wonderful as it is for Twiddy to join in Bible study and worship with other believers, he also takes time

throughout the week to be alone with God. A favorite spot is the prayer chapel.

All of these experiences he has shared here cycle forward into another week, when Twiddy takes hold of more opportunities to nourish his roots as he grows stronger in his faith.

Students stories by Tobi Walsh Laukaitis and Drew Menard.

Online students also have multiple opportunities for spiritual growth and for building community among their classmates. Students can watch streaming broadcasts of Convocation and Campus Community at Liberty.edu/OnlineEngagement. The Office of Online Student Life website offers counseling services, support groups, and a place for prayer requests. Students can also connect with other online students, faculty, and staff for prayer and daily encouragement at Liberty.edu/Yammer.

Learn more about the ways Liberty cares for its students and helps them grow in their faith. Visit the Office of Spiritual Development website: LIBERTY.EDU/OSD.

10:30 A.M.

CONVOCATION

K E VI N M ANGU I OB

JOE L I SI M E M E

10 P.M.

HALL MEETING JOE L I SI M E ME

KEVIN MAN GUIOB

2:30 P.M.

CRU MINISTRY EVENT

10:15 P.M. COMMUNITY GROUP

12 P.M.

GLOBAL STUDIES CLASS

KEVIN MANGU IOB

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CHAMPION TRADITION

SERVING OTHER S NE AR AND FAR

Forty-seven years ago, Liberty University’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, formed a new college to Train Champions for Christ who would impact the world in all fields. At the time, many of the programs that we now offer — such as aviation and law — were only a dream. But today, thousands of alumni from a broad range of degree programs are spread throughout the

globe, championing the causes of others. They are the voice for the voiceless. They are bringing healing to the hurting. And they are fighting for the oppressed.

Read these inspiring stories from graduates who are changing lives daily by following God’s calling wherever it leads them — in the true champion tradition of Liberty University.

Know more Champions for Christ who are fulfilling the vision?

Email us at news@liberty.edu or connect with us on social media using

Read more Champion stories at Liberty.edu/Champions.

JESSI E R OGE RS

KEVI N MANGUIOB

MARK PAL M

CATH ER I NE M CG RATH

Aviation graduates serve the tribes of Papua New Guinea You don t need a runway when you have a floatplane.

This is the phrase that Luke Hamer ( 1 3) said God used to redirect him and his wife, Tracy ( 1 3), on their path to Papua New Guinea.

After graduation, the couple, who met while pursuing their B.S. in Aeronautics and Associate of Arts in Aviation Maintenance Technology, first settled in Florida, where they worked teaching people how to fly floatplanes (planes that land on water).

It became our skill, Luke Hamer said. We hadn t landed a plane on a runway in years.

They moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, in 201 5 and started looking at mission organizations in need of floatplane pilots. A fellow Liberty alumnus told them about Samaritan Aviation, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency flights to the nearly 220,000 people living along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea. Because the river is surrounded by dense jungle, it can take up to seven days for someone to receive medical attention. With floatplanes, pilots are able to fly patients to the hospital within an hour.

God really blessed us with the ability to fly floatplanes, and there was a need there, Luke said. If that was all there was, then that was enough for us (to move there).

The couple said the move to the Pacific island was a wild ride as they had to quickly adjust from the northern climate to the grueling heat and

encounter many different languages and primitive cultures.

It s like stepping back 200 years once you get on the river, Luke said.

The Hamers have transported patients coping with everything from pregnancy complications to snake bites and spear wounds.

All patients are flown to the hospital for free. The flight crew spends time with them and, ultimately, shares the Gospel.

A lot of times, they haven t heard of Jesus, or they haven t heard about grace or love, Luke said. In their languages, there s a very limited vocabulary when it comes to those subjects, and you have to constantly paint a picture of what that looks like.

There are nearly 850 different languages spoken on the island. Luke said that many people there believe in the spirit of nature, but they also believe heavily in revenge and fear. However, when they see their medical expenses are paid for, they experience grace and compassion in a tangible way.

It s the story of the good Samaritan, he said. We re helping the physical need so we can address the spiritual need.

The Hamers have also made history in Papua New Guinea. Tracy Hamer is the only recorded female floatplane pilot in the country s history, which is a huge milestone in a culture where women are viewed as second-class citizens.

We always thought we would get pushback for having Tracy fly, Luke said. But they love it. All of our pilots wear a blue shirt, and the patients

always ask why Tracy has on a blue shirt. Here, they have this thing where if something is unbelievable or mindblowing, they flick their tooth with their nail and make a popping sound. Tracy always gets it whenever she tells people she flies the airplane.

Tracy Hamer said she uses her job to be an encouragement to the women of Papua New Guinea.

I can tell them it is only because of God s grace that I have come this far, she said. I also hope to inspire them to be more than they think they are capable of, especially since they are immersed in such a male-dominated culture.

Luke said if it wasn t for their time at Liberty, the couple would not be on the mission field.

I think for both of us, our faith was solidified while at Liberty, and it put us on the right track, he said. God definitely used that time to stretch us and mold us.

Tracy said she has many people to thank at Liberty.

I am so thankful for all the spiritual encouragement and learning from my professors, campus staff, and leadership on my hall, she said. The aviation professors are dedicated to training students to be their very best. Though aviation is still a man s world, I always felt and was treated like an equal in the aviation department at Liberty.

Currently, the Hamers are back in the states celebrating the birth of their first child, Lorelai Mae, who was born in September. They plan to return to Papua New Guinea in January.

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K EVI N M ANG UI O B

Caring and service go hand in hand for local ministry leader Gordy Harper ( 94) jokes that it only cost him $50 to attend Liberty University.

He first arrived in 1976, but he wasn t sure it was the place for him. In fact, he said he could barely call it a campus.

There were no permanent buildings or residence halls just a mountainside and empty farmland. He remembers standing there in the snow at a prayer meeting with the rest of the student body asking God to provide a campus.

After one year, he left Liberty to enter the motorcycle business in Virginia Beach, Va. He returned to Lynchburg in 1985, and six years later felt the need to finish what he started at Liberty. Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty s founder, offered him a scholarship to cover his tuition.

That even included my $50 parking ticket, but I made sure to pay that because I didn t feel comfortable having that erased, too, he said.

Harper graduated with a degree in psychology and moved to Tampa, Fla., in 1999. He lived there for the next 15 years until one of his daughters decided to attend Liberty.

When we came to visit, we realized how much we missed everyone here, Harper said. We bought a home and split our time between Virginia and Florida.

Eventually, he settled in Lynchburg for good. That s when he and his wife began serving at the Agape Center in Moneta, Va., a clothing and food ministry supported by area churches.

There was a part of me that always thought I had missed out on God s

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calling for my life, Harper said. But He began drawing something out of me once we left Tampa and came to Lynchburg.

Helping others just became my passion.

He started small with helping an elderly woman cut her lawn, but then moved on to bigger things once he became more involved with the center.

I remember there was this one woman who was in need of spoons, and we didn t have any to give her, he said.

She was heartbroken. The everyday things we take for granted are what people need. God just kept pushing me down this path to want to meet people s physical needs while giving me a deeper understanding and more compassion.

In 201 6, he became director of the Food for Families ministry at Park View Community Mission in Lynchburg, which is housed in an old church on Memorial Avenue. In addition to the food pantry, the mission offers educational classes and mentoring programs in cooperation with other community partners.

Now, as executive director, Harper has revitalized the mission. He paid attention to details that helped community members feel more welcomed and valued.

People would tell us that when they would go to food pantries, they felt disrespected, Harper said. So he added little touches, such as handwritten signs and new paint.

We call them neighbors, and I wanted them to feel like they were in a real store, he said. We make sure the shelves are well-stocked and clean, and

we give great customer service.

The mission serves about 1 5,000 to 20,000 individuals each year. Harper said volunteers are the reason that the mission is able to reach so many people. Many of the volunteers are Liberty students.

We love when the students are here, and we miss them over the summer, Harper said. They just have a heart for the neighbors we serve.

Senior Rachel Koenig began volunteering at Park View in 2017. Seeing Harper s passion to help the community inspired her to work there.

Gordy walked me through each of the rooms and explained what they handed out to customers in each one, Koenig said. By the end, I was crying, and I knew that was where God wanted me and that God was truly doing something through this ministry.

Koenig will become the assistant executive director after she graduates in December.

Harper said Dr. Falwell s example of faith led him to where he is today, and he is thankful for the second chance he was given many years ago. The prayers from his first year at Liberty have truly been answered, he said.

It blows my mind to see what the campus has become. I drive past the campus every day, and it s unbelievable. I never had a sense of what Liberty could become, but Dr. Falwell did.

If you are interested in serving with Park View Community Mission, contact (434) 333-5 1 62 or email gordyharper57@gmail.com.

JESS I E R O G ER S

Alumna honors her heritage by aiding next generation of immigrants As a daughter of immigrants, Rachel Thompson, a 2012 graduate of Liberty University School of Law, has always been fascinated with her parents individual journeys to the U.S. Her father came from Jamaica, and her mother fled apartheid in South Africa.

They instilled in her an appreciation for the freedom that Americans enjoy every day.

My dad always pushed us to work hard. He wanted us to experience freedom in being able to be whatever we wanted to be, but he knew that could only come from hard work in school and a drive to succeed, Thompson said.

Her dad is a full-time pastor and has also had a long career in the transportation industry. Thompson s mother is a nurse. My mom basked daily in the political freedom that the U.S. afforded. She reminded us that we could do anything we wanted because we are blessed with a government with freedom as part of the very fabric of its foundation. She never wanted us to take that for granted.

Her mother became a U.S. citizen when Thompson was in the 10th grade.

I probably didn t know it at the time, but my mom s naturalization ceremony was a defining moment for me, Thompson said. I was really struck by her emotions as she waved the American flag, decked out in red, white, and blue. I was so happy for her, but more than anything I wanted to go back and see the journey that she took to get

here. I wanted to help people, like my mom, navigate through the immigration chaos to achieve their lifelong dreams of belonging to a country that is the epitome of freedom.

Because of her background, Thompson knew from an early age that she wanted to help immigrants as a lawyer. In high school, she fell in love with the Hispanic culture after a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

That led her to study Spanish business as an undergraduate before coming to Liberty Law. Over the course of her education, Thompson studied abroad three times.

Today, Thompson is living out her calling as an attorney with Poarch Law in Salem, Va., a firm that specializes in immigration and adoption. She manages removal and deportation cases and also represents employers who want to bring overseas talent to the U.S., financiers looking to invest in American interests, foreigners who are engaged to American citizens, and American families hoping to adopt children from other nations.

I love the diversity of what we do because it requires litigating at times, heavy brief writing at times, creative thinking at times, and client interaction all of the time, she said. As the daughter of immigrants, it means the world knowing what my parents had to go through and their sacrifice to make it to the U.S. and put me through school. I feel like I now have the opportunity to pay it forward to immigrants I meet every day by giving them wise, honest counsel.

Thompson s work earned her the 2016 Alison Parker Young Professional award from DePaul Community Services. The award is named in honor of a Roanoke, Va., television reporter who was slain while on the job in 201 5. This year, the Federal Bar Association presented her with the Immigration Law Section Younger Lawyer of the Year award.

It means so much, Thompson said. Behind every good young lawyer is an excellent mentor. Winning this award is definitely an affirmation of my hard work. It is also a reflection and appreciation of how much my mentor, Christine Poarch, has poured into me and taught me.

Thompson worked as an intern with Poarch Law during her third year of law school.

She said Liberty s professors also went above and beyond their classroom instruction to mentor both her and her husband, Bradley, a fellow 2012 Liberty Law graduate.

We are both so grateful to each of our professors for not only teaching us the law but also going a step further and investing in our personal and professional lives, she said.

Their professors encouraged them to not only excel in their chosen area of the law but to always treat it as a calling from God. I get so much joy from doing what I love, Thompson said. I am a witness that He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or imagine.

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THE WORD IS OUT Thank ou, students, for helping us share with the world what it means to be a Champion for Christ. We welcome our new students and those who are already planning to join us on campus next year!

Keep sharing your experiences on social media: #WeTheCham ions

SI M P LYANNAC LAI R E

#Liberty #LibertyUniversity #PuertoRico #OldSanJuan #DisasterRelief #WeTheChampions

BE KAHJONG

JE SSALE IGHTAYLO R

JA NICE VIN IN G

bekahjong When I hear the phrase “We The Champions,” I pray it means these things: we the loving servants, we the humble hearted, we the open arms, and we the willing helpers; it does not mean we the better ones, we the stronger ones, we the always-correct ones, or we the benefit driven ones.

In a world of brokenness full of broken people, the only thing that qualifies us as champions is the unconditional radical love of God and the cleansing blood of Christ who has won the raging battle for us. #wethechampions

SC ARLE TTPRIN CESSSTAR

THE JOHNNI C HOLS

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D ONALLAR D E

simplyannaclaire So thankful that Liberty University sends students to serve in the name of Jesus. It’s a university that challenges students to not only be hearers of the Word but doers of the Word. Last week we went to Puerto Rico to organize food distributions to areas that FEMA has little access to. Thankful that the Lord has entrusted me to work for LU Send Now, and I can’t wait to see what He does next!

AB I G AI LB R EWER _

S I EGWARTAVI ATO R

Siegwartaviator Being a Champion for Christ can be summed up in one word: CONTINUE. CONTINUE to be unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. CONTINUE to share the truth in love. CONTINUE in the calling God has for us.

CONTINUE to study to show oneself approved unto God. CONTINUE not to grow weary in well-doing. CONTINUE to be unspotted from the world. CONTINUE to love God and others more. My admonishment to anyone furthering their education. Continue!

Don’t give up! It’s worth it!

(Photo Credit @yudaiyamaguchi )

LI B ERTYM ED I CI NE LU COM M U T E R LI F E

AR M ST R ONGL I LY

E LL I E­­_ BE L LI E

TYLE R_MCBEE

tyler_mcbee As a Champion for Christ, I’m a part of a global community that is centered on bringing heaven to earth. For me, that looks like using my creativity to reflect the character of the Creator. For others, that looks like practicing law and fighting for biblical justice or studying counseling to help restore peace to broken situations. No matter what it may look like, being a Champion for Christ means living in the presence of Jesus and helping others experience the same. I’m thankful that this is the heartbeat of @libertyuniversity and for the opportunity to be a part of that mission.

JE RRYFALWE LLJR

jerryfalwelljr Great visiting with @libertyuniversity student interns and alumni staffers and @bobgoodlatte at the #uscapitol today!

Proud of these students and recent grads!

(Liberty President Jerry Falwell and his wife, Becki, also visited the U.S. Capitol and received a personal backstage tour of the building from U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, who is retiring this year after 13 terms in Congress.)

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1 9 74

1978

1979

S TANDING ON

SOLID GROUND With explosive growth, a newly transformed campus, and top-tier athletics, Liberty still remains focused on its original mission and the Christian worldview

BY DR . R ON A LD E. H AW K I NS It was the summer of 1976, and after spending several years in pastoral ministry, I was about to step into the classroom at Liberty Baptist College and begin a relationship with Liberty that would span over 40 years. Our visionary founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, assured us that God had great plans for Liberty. Our small faculty and administration smiled big, left the Convocation (then held in a tent), and entered our classrooms inside two relatively small metal buildings.

The 80s and 90s were tough decades for our fledgling university. Our founder prayed and fasted, and his oldest son worked tirelessly in the background piecing together the finances to keep our doors open.

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Then, just before graduation in 2007, our founder, having poured his life out for the university, went home to be with the Savior he loved and had served so faithfully. It was a tough loss for all of us. No one who was present will ever forget the words spoken by current President Jerry Falwell Jr. at graduation, just days after his father s burial: All is well at Liberty.

The changes at Liberty since that brave announcement have been nothing short of miraculous. We followed Dr. Falwell s advice: If it s Christian, it ought to be better. Old buildings have been torn down and replaced with modern, state-of-the-art facilities that rival the best at any public or private

university. Visitors are in awe of its beauty and vibrancy. We look nothing like the little college where I taught my first classes.

While so much has changed, I enjoy reflecting on what hasn t changed at Liberty.

We still have a president who never misses an opportunity to remind us that we must stay committed to our mission of Training Champions for Christ.

He works to advance the university and preserve its place as a leader in evangelical higher education.

Convocation no longer takes place in a tent, but the passion that was present in that tent decades ago still burns brightly today in a powerful worship environment.

SCHOLAR’S VIEWPOINT 2014

Our students are still committed to serving the hurting, and last year they completed over 500,000 hours of community service, including disaster relief in California, Texas, Puerto Rico, and a host of other places.

Our faculty are carefully interviewed about how they fit with our mission.

They are required to sign the Liberty Doctrinal Statement, which has remained unchanged. The statement serves as the foundation for what is often called a worldview — a term used in academia for the lenses through which we view our world and our place in it. At Liberty, we view our community and our engagement with the academic disciplines through the lens of Scripture, with four dynamic themes: creation, fall, redemption, and consummation.

These are not just theological terms; they encapsulate a value system and knowledge base that informs our life as a university community and as an academic institution.

At Liberty, we still celebrate the God whom we believe is responsible for all of creation. We believe that both nature and humans bear the image of an amazingly powerful, all-knowing Designer who was celebrating as He surveyed the outcome of His creative work. We have always sought to communicate to our students that the Creator is loving and values a personal relationship with all who will open their hearts to Him. We have

2017

always affirmed that every human being has value because we are all created in His image. We still gather in Convocation, community groups, and in our classrooms to study the vast array of human understanding of the works of God, to be informed of all that scholarship can teach us in the different disciplines, and to humbly bow our hearts at the feet of our Designer whom we worship as the source of all that is true and good in our universe.

At Liberty, we still believe that something has gone terribly wrong in our universe and that things are not the way they are supposed to be.

Everything contrary to the good that God willed in the original creation owes its existence to rebellion against God’s appointed purpose for humanity.

The Bible calls that choice sin, and at Liberty we have always believed that the falling away from a divinely appointed position and calling is the key to understanding human suffering and all that is broken in our present world.

At Liberty, we still believe that God has chosen to redeem us from our sin and send us into the brokenness in our world to love with His love. Liberty continues to be a place where the Good News of God’s love, revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, is celebrated.

We affirm and teach that the Gospel is the power of God revealed for the transformation of persons and cultures. As a university community,

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we still seek to bear witness to this transformative power in the way we approach our performances on the athletic field, our relationships in the residence halls, and our instruction in the various academic disciplines.

At Liberty, we still believe we know how the human story ends. We have, since our beginning, found joy in the reality that those redeemed by faith are destined to live eternally in the new heaven and the new earth. We are on a grand journey that ends where it began — in the presence of a loving Creator who has always been committed to knowing us and loving us well.

A lot has changed at Liberty, but after all these years of witnessing the unfolding of the Liberty phenomenon, I am also blessed and appreciative beyond words for what has remained the same.

Dr. Ronald Hawkins currently serves as vice provost and teaches graduate courses in the School of Behavioral Sciences and the Rawlings School of Divinity. He has held many leadership roles at Liberty, including provost and chief academic officer, and has over 20 years of experience in mental health counseling, counselor training, and consulting.

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WELCOME ABOARD Get to know two of Liberty’s newest deans

DR. KENYON KNAPP Dean, School of Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Kenyon Knapp has only been in his new role as dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences at Liberty University for a few months, but he is quickly settling in to life in Lynchburg. Bringing with him more

What is the first thing ou want students to know about you?

I m not just a theories guy. I ve been working in private practice for 20 years.

I m on the Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related and Educational Programs (CACREP), and I ve been advocating for Christian colleges to pursue CACREP. I also serve on the National Mental Health Advisory Board for the Trump Administration with a number of other great individuals, including some from Liberty.

My wife, Ginger, and I have four children: three sons (16, 12, and 11) and a daughter (14).

Why did you pursue a position at Liberty?

I ve been very impressed with Liberty s growth. I ve had friends all over the country say, Wow, look at Liberty!

Look at what they re doing. That got me excited to come here, and I had always admired Liberty from a distance.

I ve worked in secular universities for the past 20 years, and there was friction in my heart. I tried to be a witness in secular settings, but people there don t always appreciate a Christian worldview perspective. You have to craft your message to the hearers, and I ve had the frustration of not being able to be totally congruent, so I ve had a desire to work at a Christian college.

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than 20 years of professional counseling experience, Knapp is already implementing new ideas for the growing undergraduate and graduate programs in counseling, psychology, human services, and social work.

What are some goals you have for the School of Behavioral Sciences?

I have a committee of six faculty members who are working to develop a telemental health program (where counselors can converse with patients remotely) and a training program for this that will be broad enough to cover all 50 states. What most people are doing is graduating from the master s program and working as a practitioner somewhere. Then they try to get trained in telemental health because they have to get training in whatever state they live in. If they have to do it anyway, then why not do it at Liberty? I ve also been working with a number of faculty and upper administration on how we can increase our presence around the world in regard to crisis and trauma counseling and offer more trips. There s a number of national organizations who have talked to Liberty because we know we have the capacity to do more largescale work. We re in the planning stages on how to implement it.

When did you feel like counseling was your calling?

When I was studying for my Ph.D. in Counselor Education at the University of Mississippi, a big tornado came through the community and impacted a number of people from my church. I just found myself gravitating to those

places and helping. Yes, I was helping with a chainsaw and all that, but I was very much drawn to trying to minister to people emotionally after the trauma they had been through. Sometimes you stumble into things in life and it fits you, and that s what I did with crisis work. It totally fits me because I have an indomitable, really unconquerable hope in the Lord. When you work as I have with human sex trafficking victims, or with someone whose entire family died in a building that collapsed, or with genocide victims in Africa, you re dealing with heavyduty, extremely depressing issues.

If you don t have something secure in your own life that gives you hope and stability, you re just going to lose perspective and your peace.

How can future counselors take steps to care for their own mental health?

We talk constantly in the mental health field about how you can do self-care and protect yourself psychologically. The best thing for resiliency is being close to the Lord because God is the one thing in your life that can never be taken from you. My health, my money, my family can be taken from me, but if I cling most tightly to the thing that can never be taken from me, I m secure.

DR. MARK HORSTEMEYER Dean, School of Engineering

Dr. Mark Horstemeyer has performed revolutionary research in thermonuclear explosives, the automotive industry, and even in the design of protective sports helmets. In higher education, he served as chair for computational solid mechanics at Mississippi State University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS, one of the world’s premier automotive research centers), taught computational manufacturing and design, and mentored students

Why is Liberty such a good fit for you?

God called me into academia to raise the next generation of Christian intellectuals. He has called me to redeem, restore, and renew academia to His purposes. Liberty s mission of Training Champions for Christ aligns perfectly with my vision.

I hope to elevate the research culture in the School of Engineering and recruit more world-class faculty with the goal of making Liberty the premier destination for Christian engineers and building a world-class engineering school that the greater academic community can t help but recognize for its excellence.

Describe your early work in the nuclear industry.

I worked on designing thermonuclear bombs. In 1 990, we were not allowed to do underground thermonuclear tests in our country. So, I did multiscale materials modeling. The idea was to simulate it on computers. But we needed to have the 99.9999 percent answer. We started from electron simulations in the atoms and went from atoms into the particles and from particles into the grains and from grains all the way up to the bomb. And then we did experiments at these different size scales to make sure we were getting the physics and mechanics right. That is how thermonuclear bombs are designed to this day.

through groundbreaking research. Horstemeyer holds a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Master of Science from Ohio State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University. He will take the helm of the Liberty University School of Engineering in January and has big plans for growth, innovation, and, ultimately, influencing the world of engineering by developing Champions for Christ.

What are some of your contributions to the automotive industry?

I started realizing that the car industry doesn t use simulation that well to design things they try something, they make it, they break it; they try another thing, they make it, break it really costly trial and error. So, I brought this idea of simulation-based design from my thermonuclear work into the automotive industry.

There are a bunch of car parts that I ve designed. For example, the Corvette engine from 2006-14 was a design that I made. It is 70 percent weight-saving, made of magnesium.

What are some research opportunities you hope to offer Liberty students?

I am looking to start a sports research center. I have several patents for creating a new football helmet. I am also looking to start a bio-inspiration lab, looking at these things God has designed the biomechanics and material properties of shark s teeth, shock absorption when rams hit each

other, why woodpeckers don t get headaches, the structure property of armadillo shells and applying that to engineering research and how we protect the human body. There are some real, practical things that we can get going right away.

What are some goals you have for the School of Engineering?

My vision, and I believe this is realistic, is to reach a ranking of 80th in eight years on U.S. News & World Report for engineering and 50th in 13 years.

I want to get the new School of Engineering building done as soon as possible, bring in new equipment, and get entrepreneurship opportunities going.

I am going to build relationships with businesses in Lynchburg and then go to the national labs, the high-end research places, and go where the jobs are and graduate our students to fill them. We are going to be doing research that is good for the U.S. and the world. So, these companies will fund our future Ph.D. students.

In addition to regional accreditation, many Liberty programs are accredited by specialized professional and accrediting agencies. Four School of Behavioral Sciences programs are accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related and Educational Programs). All School of Engineering programs are either ABET accredited or in the process of seeking ABET accreditation.

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“This place has probably had the biggest influence on my life.”

LARRY HORCHNER (’84)

“I didn’t come from a Christian background, so Liberty to me is home — a home where I grew spiritually and I really matured and found out who God was.”

DANIELA TOLBERT (’97)

“My favorite part of Homecoming is the football game because it brings the entire Liberty community together as one big happy family. I also love seeing all of the new buildings, how Liberty is growing, and how God continues to bless the mission and vision.”

HANNAH UNDERHILL (’16, ’18)

JESSIE ROGERS

WATC H A V I D E O A N D V I E W M O R E P I C T U R E S AT L I B E R T Y. E D U / N E WS .

L E A R N M O R E A B O U T A L U M N I E V E N T S A N D B E N E F I T S AT L I B E R T Y. E D U /A LU M N I , A N D F O L LOW L I B E R T Y U N I V E R S I T Y A LU M N I O N S O C I A L M E D I A .

GABR I ELLE CALH OUN

ER I K F LOR ES

JE SSI E R OGE R S

“It’s overwhelming to be back and see the renovations on campus. It’s beautiful, and this is exactly what Dr. Falwell used to talk about when we were students. He’d be so proud to see what campus looks like now.”

CINDY KERNS (’88)

I SAAC AP ON

LE AH SE AVE R S

GABRIEL L E C ALH OUN

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NEWS & EVENTS LU Send Now responds to disasters in California, Carolinas Even before classes began this semester, LU Send Now, the university’s disaster relief initiative, dispatched students to help people affected by some of the worst wildfires that California has seen.

A team of three Liberty students and one staff member arrived in Redding, Calif., on Aug. 12. The group worked with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to provide food and water to relief workers, assist with medical response, and pray with victims of the devastating Carr Fire.

The fire began in mid-July and caused eight deaths, displaced 30,000 people, and destroyed more than 1,000 homes.

Liberty’s team spoke with nearly 75 local residents affected.

“Many just wanted to talk about what they’ve experienced,” said Holly

Griswold, associate director of LU Send Now. “They were grieving. We had one resident stop us and ask if he could eat lunch with us and talk. There was another who waved down our car as we were driving. We talked to a police officer who lost his home and has been living in his Jeep.”

Then, in mid-September, a team of 14 left for Jacksonville, N.C., to assist with cleanup efforts following Hurricane Florence.

They partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to help homeowners with mud-outs, roofing, and debris cleanup over the six-day trip.

“It was worse than I had imagined,” said Liberty junior Abby McDonough.

“There was still a lot of flooding. It rained one day while we were there, and it started flooding more because the ground was already so saturated with water.”

REDDING, CALIF.

Hurricane Florence caused record flooding in the Carolinas, killing 46 people. More than 800,000 people lost power, and officials closed many major roadways.

LU Send Now has sent relief teams following a number of deadly hurricanes in the past year, including in Puerto Rico, Texas, and the Caribbean.

At the time of publication, plans were being made for trips to the Gulf Coast, where Hurricane Michael caused extensive damage.

This past summer, LU Send Now also helped those in need closer to home.

In August, more than 150 residents of Lynchburg were evacuated from their homes after intense rainfall caused flash flooding in the city. The university offered temporary housing to 55 residents in the former Residential Annex.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C.

AROUND LU BUILDING FUNDS: Liberty’s Habitat for Humanity Club received a $20,000 matching grant from State Farm to build a home in the Lynchburg area.

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AMO ESPAÑA: Spain is this year’s G5 country. Based on Galatians 5, the university-wide effort supports a country each year through outreach and engagement opportunities. Liberty is partnering with Christar International and International Studies Abroad.

NEWS & EVENTS

Franklin Graham visits campus for Global Focus Week

ER I K F LOR ES

GABR I E LL E C AL HOU N

MIDDLE: Students tour the mobile hospital on the Academic Lawn. ABOVE: At the Campus Community service following Franklin Graham’s visit, students were challenged to pack shoeboxes for 6,000 children and become part of the largest-ever partnership with Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child.

Samaritan’s Purse CEO and President Franklin Graham participated in Liberty University’s Global Focus Week in October. He spoke at Convocation and gave students the chance to see what his organization does in the midst of humanitarian crises through tours of its mobile Emergency Field Hospital, which was set up on the Academic Lawn.

Liberty President Jerry Falwell introduced Graham, a personal friend of his, to a packed Convocation crowd and highlighted the tremendous global impact of his organization.

“What Franklin has done with Samaritan’s Purse is nothing short of miraculous,” Falwell said. “I’m so honored that Liberty continues to partner with Samaritan’s Purse, most recently by sending a team of students to help with flood cleanup in North Carolina.”

Graham read from the Gospel of Luke on the cost of following Christ.

He pointed out several instances where people were asked to follow Jesus only to respond with an excuse.

“We need an army of men and women who are willing to go and to follow the Lord Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth,” he said. “Remember you have to love Him more than anything else in this world. No excuses.”

During Convocation, Liberty also honored two longtime servants of the Gospel, Wallace and Eleanor Turnbull, with the first Liberty Global Partner Award. The Turnbulls founded Baptist Haiti Mission, which has changed lives in Haiti for more than 70 years,

planting more than 360 churches and impacting 146,000 students through Christian schools.

After Convocation, Graham led President Falwell and his wife, Becki, on a personal tour of the mobile hospital, which was arranged the same way as it had been in Mosul, Iraq, in 2016, when Samaritan’s Purse provided emergency medical care for those injured during the conflict between Iraqi forces and ISIS. Doctors and nurses who worked in Iraq were on hand to answer questions.

“The students have been lined up since they set up the tent,” Falwell said. “Our students are so committed to serving others in need, so there couldn’t have been a more perfect place for Samaritan’s Purse to do this. I feel so honored that Franklin chose to bring the whole organization here and to go to the trouble of setting up these tents so students can get a feel for what it’s like. We hope this will be a huge help to the students in the future.”

This was the first time that the hospital had been set up on a college campus.

During Global Focus Week, representatives from several organizations talked with students about global opportunities. Special events included workshops, a world market, and an art exhibit. Nancy Writebol, the second American citizen to become infected with the Ebola virus while volunteering in Liberia during the outbreak, led a trauma healing workshop for students.

President Jerry Falwell with Franklin Graham outside the Samaritan’s Purse Emergency Field Hospital on campus.

JESSIE ROGERS

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Music Mentor: Christian artist takes on new role with Liberty Worship Collective

NATH AN S P ENCER

AND R EW S NYD ER

Kevin Huguley believes one thing when it comes to his new role as executive director of the Liberty Worship Collective: While I love where God has me and my family now, when this opportunity and ministry becomes nothing more than a job for me, then I want to turn in my resignation.

To Huguley, it s all about seeing worship as a way to reach both believers and unbelievers, and that s what he hopes to teach the future worship leaders on Liberty s campus.

Huguley is no stranger to the contemporary worship scene. He is one of the founding members of Rush of Fools (known for their 2007 No. 1 hit Undo ) and the former worship pastor for Christ City Church in Lipscomb, Ala. He spoke at Liberty s Convocation in March and soon felt God leading him and his family into a new season. He began his new role at Liberty this past summer.

People joke with me that my Convocation visit was a test run, he said.

But it wasn t. I had no desire to leave Alabama, but after that trip here with my family, it was apparent to us that God was doing something new and exciting on this campus, and we wanted to be part of it. This role is one I would ve never dreamed of a decade ago but is now one that I consider a high honor.

The Liberty Worship Collective began four years ago as a chance for students to lead their fellow classmates in worship each week during Convocation and Campus Community and to travel around the country and the world to lead worship at various churches and large events. The team is comprised of more than 60 students (including production

staff ) who rotate for events. Sounds of Liberty the university s flagship music group also falls under the Worship Collective umbrella and has an extensive traveling schedule.

More than 1 ,200 students audition for the Collective each year. But it s not just about finding the next great talent, Huguley said.

I don t want to see us be another modern music band. I don t want our students to believe that the sole purpose of the Collective is to just go and lead worship at the next cool church. I want to commission them to all sorts of churches, to ones with 80-year-olds, soccer moms, and teenagers. I want them to go to urban environments, the suburbs, and multicultural cities, even outside of our country.

Worship Collective members attend practice sessions with Huguley twice a week. They also participate in songwriting sessions with prominent worship leaders and bands who visit campus. Students have worked with Elevation Worship, Phil Wickham, Hillsong NYC, Tasha Cobbs, Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes, among others. From those sessions came the Collective s first two original songs: Run (produced by Shane and Shane) and Victory.

I would love to see us release a song once a semester, Huguley said. We want God to use our team to create content that is not only used on our campus but for the global church as well.

As a mentor, Huguley continually encourages students, whether that means helping them sharpen their music skills or learn how to balance work with

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school and their personal lives.

I m not just a worship pastor, but I m also a husband and a father, he said. I want them to know that in their next season of life, if God calls them to be worship leaders, it s possible that they re going to be husbands or wives, fathers or mothers. They will have to learn that balance in ministry life. That s why I want them to know my wife and my daughter so they get to see that firsthand.

He also stresses the importance of being authentic in their worship.

I was far too naïve as a worship leader, thinking that everything was always going to feel fresh and new, he said. At some point, they re going to sing What a Beautiful Name seven times a semester.

There s a muscle memory that can come into existence. Like, Hey I can just sing this song. I can raise my hands this way, and I know what it s supposed to look like. It is a dangerous place to be in, and it can cause us to be like the church of Ephesus; we can know everything, have the answers to everything, have the right posture, and sing the right melodies, but not have the right attitude. You want to be proactive in your spiritual walk with Jesus and do everything you can to avoid that cruise-control temptation.

To learn more about the Liberty Worship Collective or book them for an event, visit Liberty.edu/WorshipCollective.

Listen to Liberty Worship Collective’s self-titled album and its new single, “Victory,” on Spotify or Apple Music.

NEWS & EVENTS

New DNP program aims to meet national need for mental health care JESS I E R O G ER S

The Liberty University School of Nursing launched its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health this fall in response to a national need for qualified mental health providers.

With our mission of Training Champions for Christ and meeting the needs of our communities, we felt it was imperative to move forward with this program, said Dr. Sharon Kopis, School of Nursing doctoral programs chair.

There are not enough mental health providers, and it s being looked at and addressed at the national level, but more needs to be done.

The new doctoral program is offered online and centers on psychiatric mental health across the continuum, including depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and addiction. Students conduct research, study the best in-patient and outpatient care practices, and learn about clinical psychopharmacology (using medicine to treat mental disorders) and holistic care. Students must complete 1 ,064 practicum hours.

One unique aspect of the new online program is the use of telehealth technology.

We know that not every patient, especially in rural and underserved areas, can come into a big medical center to get expert specialty care, but now through the use of robotics, we can deliver that anywhere, Kopis said. A patient can contact a nurse practitioner digitally and talk to them, face-to-face, in a city or larger hospital and get the care they need.

Students are also learning to use robotics to participate in clinicals on campus. They control a robot remotely, and it becomes their stand-in as they interact with patients and their instructors.

Associate Professor Dr. Shade Odedina saw the growing need for mental health

providers firsthand when she worked in private practice in Central Virginia.

Because patients may see more than one specialist for several issues, she said, all providers must have some basic understanding on how to care for those seeking help.

It s a complex issue, she said. Not all patients are looking to be fixed. Some patients are just looking for clarity and answers. You have to meet the patient where they are. What works for one patient might not work for the next one.

Kopis said it s also about learning to love patients as Christ would.

Jesus ministered to all people across all walks of life, she said. I think that s what we have to do. We cannot come into caring for patients with a bias. We must see them through the lens that Christ sees them, not ours.

Liberty also offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-MSN), available online; the Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-BSN), available residentially and online; and a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, also available fully online. Learn more at Liberty.edu/Nursing.

Governor’s lecture puts a face on the state’s opioid crisis L E AH SE AVERS

Student-doctors from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine heard from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam in September about ways that physicians can help stop opioid addiction. His visit to Liberty s Center for Medical and Health Sciences

closed out a lecture tour to all medical schools in the Commonwealth.

Northam served as a doctor in the U.S. Army and spent years in the private sector as a pediatric neurologist at the Children s Hospital of the King s Daughters in Norfolk, Va. In 201 7, 1 ,227 Virginians died from opioid addiction. Northam said that physicians must realize that the disorder is chronic and won t just go away on its own.

These people are just like you and me, he told the student-doctors. They re family members, they re our neighbors or friends. They re not bad people.

Northam introduced Ryan Hall of

HANDS-ON HEALTH: The School of Nursing Simulation Center became the third facility of its kind in the Commonwealth to become accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

Covington, Va., a recovering heroin addict who shared his story of being a prominent high school athlete, suffering a serious injury, and depending on heavy painkillers. The experience led him to develop a heroin addiction.

Providers must be careful with how they treat acute and chronic pain, Northam advised. Better treatment comes not by simply adding a higher dosage of pain medicine but by asking questions and finding out your patient s medical history.

We don t want our patients in pain, but pain can be helpful, he said. It can lead you to where the problem is and help you make a diagnosis.

RESIDENCY ADDITION: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine has been granted initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education to begin an osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal residency program.

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ER I K F LO R ES

STORING THE SACRED Scriptorium helps preserve and share the history of the Bible

BY RON BROWN Since opening its doors earlier this year, the Rawlings Scriptorium has been embedded as a unique asset of the Freedom Tower and the Rawlings School of Divinity.

Located off the main lobby, the scriptorium (the traditional term for where manuscripts are copied or stored) houses a world-class collection of rare books and Bibles that document the path the Bible took from the Greek language to the English translations, which ultimately became the linchpins for the Protestant Reformation.

The collection was provided by the Rawlings Foundation and is valued at over $1 million.

The Bible serves as the anchor for the Christian faith, and the scriptorium signifies this, taking a prominent place in Liberty’s newest landmark.

“The Rawlings Scriptorium is an incredible statement of Liberty’s commitment to the Bible as the

translators ran headlong into deeply rooted resistance to change, battling entrenched doctrine and facing constant death threats. Many were burned at the stake for their devotion.

“We are blessed because we have ready access to the Bible today,” said Dr. Harold Rawlings, author of “Trial

By Fire: The Struggle to Get The Bible into English.” “In England, at one time, it was illegal to have a Bible. People, both men and women, gave their blood to make it happen.”

The English texts on display in the scriptorium (from Rawlings’ personal collection) are the results of this struggle. They include a first edition 1537 Matthews Bible, first edition 1539 Great Bible (the first English Bible authorized by King Henry VIII), first edition 1560 Geneva Bible (the Bible brought to America by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620), a 1561 Tyndale New Testament, a first edition 1568

JOEL COL EMAN

JOEL COL EMAN

ERIK FLORES

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centerpiece of Christian education,” said Dr. Ed Hindson, dean of the Rawlings School of Divinity. “This amazing collection of first-edition Bibles and ancient Torah scrolls is the highlight of the lobby of the Freedom Tower. It attracts hundreds of visitors who are thrilled to see this powerful testimony to this history of the preservation and transmission of God’s Word.”

Beyond learning the significance of Scripture, Liberty students and guests can learn about the blood, sweat, and sacrifices it took to bring the Bible to the masses.

Before the Bible was available in their language, English worshippers had to depend on select Roman Catholic priests for their interpretations of Scripture.

In the early 1500s, the first English translations created tension between the high-ranking priests and some European heads of state who were committed to Roman Catholic orthodoxy. The English

NEWS & EVENTS Bishops Bible, and two first edition 1611 King James Bibles.

With the assistance of Liberty alumnus Gene Albert, the scriptorium’s curator, the space also includes a variety of items from the 19th and 20th centuries, including an 1861 first complete Native American Bible, the notes of famed English Baptist preacher Charles Hadden Spurgeon, and “the tiniest Bible,” printed on a thumb-size sheet of microfilm.

Rawlings and his brothers, George, Carrol, and Herb, have donated more than $15 million to the university in recent years, making the Freedom Tower and Rawlings School of Divinity project possible.

Harold Rawlings spoke at the scriptorium’s dedication on Oct. 19.

The event included a ceremony in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom, where Rawlings School of Divinity Dean Dr. Ed Hindson reminded the crowd that our work is not about us but about God and the “eternal destiny” He has called us to. Alumnus Ed Vickers prayed before guests joined President Jerry Falwell and Hindson in the lobby of Freedom Tower for prayers of dedication and tours of the museum.

Falwell thanked Rawlings for his generosity and support.

“Your family has an incredible legacy,” Falwell told him. “It is so important to our university to have this scriptorium here, we couldn’t appreciate it more.”

The scriptorium is free and open to the public. For more information or to schedule a visit, email scriptorium@liberty.edu.

MORE SITES TO TOUR ON CAMPUS All museums are free and open to the public LIBERTY BIBLICAL MUSEUM

Located on the terrace level of the Jerry Falwell Library, the Biblical Museum gives guests a window into the world of the Bible. Through an exhibition of ancient artifacts from the Holy Land, rare Bibles, and manuscripts, the ancient culture of the Bible is traced from 4000 B.C. to the sixth century A.D. Special exhibits include the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Jewish Temple, the Authentic Last Supper, and much more.

Guests can take self-guided tours. Guided group tours are also available by appointment; email biblicalmuseum@liberty.edu.

Visit Liberty.edu/BiblicalMuseum for museum hours.

JERRY FALWELL MUSEUM

The museum, located off the DeMoss Hall Grand Lobby, invites visitors to learn about the life and legacy of Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell. It features memorabilia, videos, news clippings, and samples of his writings, including books and personal letters. It also includes an array of photos of Falwell and his family, Liberty administration, faculty, and students through the years.

The museum is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (434) 582-7578 or email mlmatthe@liberty.edu for more information.

NATIONAL CIVIL WAR CHAPLAINS MUSEUM

Part of Liberty’s history department, the museum serves as a research facility for Civil War chaplaincy and educates the public on the role of chaplains, priests, rabbis, and religious organizations during the war. It includes artifacts from both Confederate and Union chaplains, Naval chaplains, and the U.S. Christian Commission, as well as displays of hymnals, Bibles, and murals. A new exhibition commemorates AfricanAmerican chaplains.

The museum is located behind The Montview, near the Hancock Welcome Center. Visit ChaplainsMuseum.org or call (434) 582-7090 for museum hours.

ART GALLERY LEFT: The First Edition 1539 “Great Bible” got its name for its large size designed for church lecterns across England.

MIDDLE: Dr. Harold Rawlings (left) with President Jerry Falwell and Dr. Ed Hindson, dean of the Rawlings School of Divinity, during the scriptorium’s dedication on Oct. 19.

RIGHT: Life-size replica of the Gutenberg press, the first movable-type printing press that made it possible for printed materials — including the Bible — to become available to the masses in the mid-1400s.

The gallery, located near the Tower Theater in Marie F. Green Hall, has displayed the work of local, regional, national, and international artists. Senior studio art students will showcase their work Oct. 18-Nov. 14, followed by Master of Fine Arts students Nov. 29-Dec. 13. An exhibition by Studio & Digital Arts faculty will open the spring semester. The gallery continues to feature work from its permanent collection in summer and winter exhibits.

The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit Liberty.edu/ArtGallery or call (434) 592-7629.

Guests are also invited to view “The Life of Christ,” a 21-piece collection of massive oil paintings on permanent display in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom.

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Campus Rising: New arena, School of Business projects underway Construction crews have been busy on campus, improving traffic and pedestrian safety along roadways, making upgrades to residence halls, and hammering away at new buildings, including the forthcoming School of Business and the Liberty Arena.

(Liberty also completed the next phase of its Williams Stadium expansion; read more on Page 4.)

A new roundabout in front of the Liberty University Barnes & Noble Bookstore leads to a new section of University Boulevard that runs along U.S. 460 by the School of Business building and continues on to the

Residential Commons.

Regents Parkway was extended to connect at the new South Campus bridge, keeping traffic flowing around the campus perimeter.

Liberty Mountain Drive was also extended past the Liberty Indoor Track & Field Complex and Natatorium with access to U.S. 460 at Odd Fellows Road.

The university announced that a new parking garage on East Campus near the pedestrian tunnel is scheduled to open in 2020, in conjunction with the opening of the Liberty Arena.

The first phase of upgrades to the Hill residence halls began over the

LIBERTY ARENA

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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS E LL I OT M I LL E R

summer. Residence halls 17, 18, and 19 received new roofs to complement the architectural design of campus. By Fall 2019, residence halls 20-23 will each have an additional floor as well as new roofs. The Hill buildings will also have 15,000 square feet of new central common space that students can access from any of the seven Hill residence halls. The connector space for the new common areas will have a graded, covered walkway with both steps and ramps. Renovations and upgrades to the bathrooms are also planned.

“President Falwell has heard very loud and clear from students that they like those areas where they can study, do group projects, and just hang out. He was the one who pushed for the new common spaces,” said Dan Deter, vice president for major construction. “The whole administration is very committed to the student experience.”

The School of Business building — 78,000 square feet and rising three stories — is on schedule to open in the spring. The facility will include state-ofthe-art technology for classrooms and professional meeting rooms.

The university broke ground for the Liberty Arena over the summer, and construction got underway this fall. The 4,000-seat center will connect to the larger Vines Center concourse and host most men’s and women’s basketball games as well as Lady Flames Volleyball games. The 115,000-square-foot arena is planned to open for the Fall 2020 athletics season.

Watch current construction at Liberty.edu/LiveCams.

THE HILL RESIDENCE HALLS

E LL IOT MILLE R

EL LIOT MIL L ER

UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD REROUTED, NEW ROUNDABOUT

AROUND LU

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BIGGER SPLASH: Hydaway Lake on Liberty Mountain will be expanded from 6.4 acres to 29 acres of surface area with a new dam, beach, boat ramp, and dock. Efforts to enlarge the lake had been hampered by EPA regulations in the past, but recent action by President Donald Trump revised the regulations to allow for expansion.

LOCAL HISTORY: Liberty purchased a former resort in the nearby historic community of New London that dates back to the 1870s and was popular for its mineral springs, which were thought to have curative properties. The site also has significant Revolutionary War history.

NEWS & EVENTS

Study reveals major economic contributions to region and state A recent economic impact report released by Liberty University s Office of Outreach and Business Engagement (OBE) highlights the positive leadership role that Liberty University plays within its community, state, and beyond.

During the 20 1 61 7 academic year, Liberty students, visitors, and associated enterprises resulted in $712 million in direct spending in Virginia, with an economic impact of more than $1.3 billion. This impact included nearly $1 06 million in tax revenue, over $546 million in labor income, and more than 13,000 jobs in the state.

Liberty and its auxiliary enterprises are Lynchburg s largest employer, providing jobs for 6,797 individuals in the Lynchburg MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) and more than 9,21 0 worldwide. In the Lynchburg MSA, Liberty s regional spending was responsible for supporting nearly 1 2,000 jobs, with an estimated $434.3

million in labor income.

Liberty remains the largest private, nonprofit university in the nation and the largest university in Virginia. It is also Virginia s most rapidly growing institution of higher learning; since 1992, fall enrollment has risen 783 percent.

Over that same period, Virginia s other four-year private, nonprofit colleges and universities grew by 42 percent, and Virginia s four-year public colleges and universities grew by 34 percent.

Graduates pumped an estimated $50.5 million in economic value to the commonwealth through their jobs an impact expected to be worth more than $786 million over the course of their employment.

The university s contribution to the region also included nearly $3 million worth of volunteer service hours.

With its more than $1 billion in recent campus improvements, Liberty continues to invest in facilities and

expanded program offerings that will drive additional economic growth in the years ahead. With a number of attractions and recreational facilities, many of which are open to the public, the report said Liberty has enhanced the quality of life within the Lynchburg MSA. With more than 600 programs of study, Liberty makes a significant contribution to delivering much-needed marketplace talent across the globe.

The report noted that in the Lynchburg MSA alone, Liberty trains the graduates needed in key growth areas, such as healthcare and education.

Liberty has also enhanced local economic revitalization efforts, most recently with its purchase and planned redesign of River Ridge Mall and numerous other commercial properties across the Lynchburg MSA. The report was compiled by Mangum Economics of Richmond, Va.

L E AH SE AVE R S

New office will bolster industry partnerships, job opportunities for graduates Liberty recently opened the Office of Outreach and Business Engagement (OBE) to oversee its business and industry partnerships and continue to build on the university s reputation of producing graduates for in-demand jobs.

As the front door to the university for companies of all sizes, the OBE will connect students with real-world experience and career opportunities, expand applied research and sponsored programs, advance student entrepreneurship, and create new business partnerships that align with the mission of the university.

We recognize that talent is now the currency of the new economy, and Liberty University has a distinct competitive advantage in the marketplace, said Liberty President Jerry Falwell. Employers are attracted to the university s Christian worldview and the quality of talent we produce.

The OBE is focusing on three sectors for applied research that are growing locally and nationally: engineering, unmanned aerial systems, and cybersecurity.

The new office, headed by Vice President Jonathan Whitt, also

MOVIN’ ON UP: Lynchburg Business Magazine honored Liberty University Center for Entrepreneurship Program Administrator Alexandru Barker as one of its 2018 “Millennials on the Move.”

manages Liberty s Career Center and Office of Sponsored Programs. The OBE works with other university departments, including the Center for Research and Scholarship, the Office of Development, Alumni Relations, and various colleges and schools, to share resources and collaborate to produce more opportunities for students.

The OBE is located on the second floor of the Montview Student Union.

Visit Liberty.edu/OBE for more information on partnering with Liberty University.

FORMIDABLE COMPETITORS: Liberty University School of Law debuted at No. 4 on the inaugural Top Ten Competition Law Schools released by the American Bar Association (ABA).

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HITTING CLOSE TO HOME

President Falwell joins surgeon, inventor to share his personal experience with breakthrough heart procedure LEAH S EAVER S

(From left to right) Dr. Jim Thompson, President Jerry Falwell, and Professor Anthony Nobles

Student-doctors at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) heard a firsthand account of an innovative heart procedure from leading medical experts who perform it and one of their patients who benefited from it Liberty s own, President Jerry Falwell.

Dr. Jim Thompson, Falwell s surgeon and medical director of Child Cardiology Associates, and Professor Anthony Nobles, founder and CEO of Heartstitch and an inventor of multiple medical devices, addressed students on Oct. 3 in LUCOM s auditorium. The event was part of the medical school s Grand Rounds series and was streamed live at the Center for Music and the Worship Arts Concert Hall as a Convo Select for the student body.

At the beginning of the presentation, Thompson outlined the case of an unnamed patient he had recently treated with the new NobleStitch device, which closes holes in the heart (known as a patent foramen ovale, or PFO). He described the patient as a 56-year-old active male who had two minor strokes in 201 6 and issues with migraines. He explained how the device works: a microscopic needle sews up the hole without requiring a permanent device implanted in the heart like other procedures. The procedure eliminates the risks of complications, such as

blood clots, that other procedures carry.

Everyone is born with a hole in their heart, and it normally closes after birth, he explained, but one in five people are living with one.

Most people go to their grave not realizing they have a PFO, he said.

But if you look at young, healthy people who have strokes and you can t find a reason, about 50 percent of those people have PFOs. At the end of the lecture, he surprised the student-doctors by revealing that the patient was Falwell.

Falwell underwent the procedure in September in Fairfax, Va., the only location where it is currently being performed in the U.S. Falwell joined Thompson and Nobles to discuss his experience as one of the first patients to undergo the procedure, which was approved by the FDA last year.

To date, about 130 procedures have been completed in the U.S. (1,558 worldwide), with no patients reporting complications.

Falwell said he had discussed his minor health issues with U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson when Carson visited in May to speak to LUCOM s first graduating class. Carson connected Falwell with Nobles, who determined that Falwell was a candidate for the procedure after a PFO was discovered.

It s a miracle that it happened the way that it did, Falwell said. Dr. Thompson said I was very fortunate that I hadn t had a major stroke.

Thompson and Nobles emphasized the importance of collaborating with other professionals to create new technology that can change the course of medicine.

We break it into three parts: engineers, physicians, and scientists, said Nobles, inventor of the NobleStitch.

If those three people can learn to speak the same language, that s how we solve all these problems.

Nobles is responsible for more than 150 medical devices, has secured more than 70 patents, and has presented at a wide array of global conferences and universities.

Falwell told students that if they have an idea, don t just dismiss it; try it.

That s what has made modern medicine the way it is today, all these brilliant people willing to test ideas out, entrepreneurs really. That s what built this university.

Falwell also shared his personal experience with CBN s David Brody.

His interview appeared on The 700 Club and CBN s Faith Nation.

Left: Dr. Jim Thompson, who performed the procedure on President Jerry Falwell, explains the device to LUCOM student-doctors. Right: Thompson and Anthony Nobles conduct a demonstration in a classroom after their presentation.

WATCH THE EVENT ON LIBERTY’S FACEBOOK PAGE AND AT LIBERTY.EDU/NEWS. AROUND LU

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SILVER STEELE: Olympic diver Steele Johnson, who won a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio, visited Convocation on Sept. 7. He also met with the Lady Flames Swimming & Diving Team at the Liberty Natatorium.

HONORABLE HARDWARE: Liberty’s “Game On” television program won four Emmys at the National Capital Chesapeake Bay chapter of the 60th National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Emmy Awards.

NEWS & EVENTS

Students take part in live televised U.S. Senate Town Halls

Liberty University s Center for Law & Government partnered with Hampton University s Center for Public Policy and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters to provide two Town Halls featuring the main contenders for Virginia s U.S. Senate seat, incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine (center) and challenger Corey Stewart (right).

The events, held on Sept. 20 at Liberty s Center for Music and the Worship Arts and Oct. 3 at Hampton s Convocation Center, were broadcast live throughout the commonwealth.

Both events were open to the public and involved question-and-answer sessions from the moderators and students.

H AM PTO N UNI VER S I TY

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AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Liberty s event was moderated by Mark Spain, news anchor for WSET, and Len Stevens, Liberty s executive director of External Communications. Fifty students were seated on the stage, and several of them posed questions to the candidates. A wide range of topics was covered, centering primarily on domestic issues that affect Virginia and the nation.

Candidates answered questions on then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, allegations of Russian collusion in the presidential election, abortion, tax plans, healthcare, the national debt, immigration, gun safety, ensuring jobs for college graduates, preserving historical monuments, and more.

AT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

The Town Hall was the latest in a string of televised political events held on LU s campus. Liberty hosted the Virginia GOP gubernatorial debate in April 201 7 and the Republican primary debate for U.S. Senate this past April.

More than 20 Liberty students traveled to Hampton for the second event, along with faculty and staff members. Les Smith, anchor at WTKR, and April Woodard, journalism professor at Hampton and host at WTKR, moderated the event. Topics ranged from foreign policy to military and defense.

Watch the events on Liberty s Facebook page.

Falwells join President Trump, faith leaders at White House Liberty University President Jerry Falwell and his wife, Becki, represented Liberty at a state dinner at the White House on Aug. 27, joined by about 1 00 influential faith leaders, including pastors, education leaders, professional athletes, former presidential candidates, and heads of conservative political organizations.

The dinner was held in the East Room, and the Falwells sat at the head table with President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and five others, including Franklin Graham.

It was an honor to attend the dinner, Becki Falwell said. During President Trump s opening remarks, he referred to Jerry by name several times.

Jerry spoke to the group about how he believed that President Trump would be remembered as the greatest president since George Washington, joking that since George Washington was related to me that he had to remain second to George. He also praised Melania for being the classiest and most beautiful first lady in American history.

I believe that the event provided the president and the first lady with much needed praise, love, and encouragement from a group of solid supporters, Jerry Falwell added. Becki and I sat by the first lady, and we were impressed with her warmth and authenticity. She even asked how our granddaughter, Virginia, was doing.

HELLO, THEATRE: Alluvion Stage Company kicked off the mainstage theatre season with “Hello, Dolly!” at the Tower Theater, the first regional theater in the nation to present the show since it closed on Broadway in August.

COU RT E SY OF T HE WH ITE H OUSE

CANDACE ON CAMPUS: Media personality Candace Owens spoke at Convocation on Sept. 26, addressing controversial topics such as the #MeToo Movement, welfare, and Planned Parenthood.

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New scholarship available for students from middle-income families

If your family’s total income falls within the $35,000 to $95,000 per year range, you might be eligible for

UP TO

$5,095

per year in additional financial aid from Liberty.

Liberty University is offering the new Middle America Scholarship for first-time residential undergraduate students enrolling in Fall 2019, helping to make college education more affordable for middle-income families. Liberty is the first university in the U.S. — public or private — to design a financial assistance program in this manner.

“If a qualifying student does not receive a full federal Pell Grant, Liberty University is funding the difference,” said Ashley Reich, vice president of Student Financial Services.

As higher education costs continue to rise, the scholarship will enable more students raised on workingclass incomes to pursue degrees that will lead to higher-paying career opportunities.

Families whose

total annual income ranges from $35,000-$95,000 may be eligible for over $5,000 per year. Based on each student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), from $1-$18,000, the scholarship will assist applicants enrolling full time in degree-seeking programs to reach the equivalent of a full Pell Grant amount allowed each year. (Program-qualifying criteria and scholarship amounts are evaluated annually and are subject to change.)

A valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be on file for each year, and eligible scholarship recipients must complete Financial Check-In no later than May 31 for the upcoming fall.

For more information and a full list of eligibility requirements, visit Liberty.edu/MiddleAmerica.

Liberty-sponsored NASCAR driver teams with seven-time champion crew chief © 201 8 HE NDR I C K M OTOR SP ORTS, LLC

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, will have seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief Chad Knaus at the helm of his team for the 2019 season. At the time of publication, Byron was currently leading the Cup rookie of the year standings.

Knaus was a member of the storied No. 24 Rainbow Warriors team from 1993-98 with Jeff Gordon, the winningest Cup driver in NASCAR’s modern era, and proved to be an integral part of Gordon’s 1995 and 1997 titles. Knaus guided Jimmie Johnson to a record-tying seven championships since starting as his crew chief in 2002.

Byron, who has managed a demanding race schedule while pursuing his business communications degree through Liberty’s online program, is excited about the new partnership within Hendrick Motorsports’ four-car racing team.

“It’s a blessing,” Byron said of

WILLIAM BYRON

Knaus’ move to the No. 24. “This year, I’ve learned a lot. It’s a huge honor and blessing that I get a chance to work with somebody like that. Mr. (Rick) Hendrick has given me unbelievable opportunities. That is all you can dream of as a driver.”

Knaus shares Byron’s enthusiasm and compares him favorably to Johnson early in his career.

“I don’t think people understand how quickly (Byron) has risen to where he is,” Knaus said of the 20-year-old

CHAD KNAUS

driver. “For me to get the opportunity to work with him is just like getting the opportunity to work with Jimmie back then. That excitement level is very, very similar.”

Liberty served as Byron’s primary sponsor for 15 races in 2018 and will be a primary sponsor again in 2019. Liberty has also partnered with Hendrick Automotive Group to offer an Automotive Dealership Management specialization through the School of Business.

AROUND LU FULBRIGHT FUTURE: Sara Heist, who graduated in December 2017, was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant to teach English in Brazil starting in February.

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CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE: Graduate online student Elizabeth Morris was appointed by House Speaker Paul Ryan to the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children under the Office of Tribal Justice.

NEWS & EVENTS

Liberty supports Brunson family, thanks U.S. officials for fighting for pastor’s release Liberty University students celebrated the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkish authorities on Oct. 1 2. Brunson had been unjustly detained in the country since 201 6 on charges of aiding terrorist groups after a failed coup attempt. His case made national headlines as President Donald Trump issued sanctions against Turkey in response to Brunson s arrest.

The student body had been praying together for Brunson and his family.

They wrote over 3,000 letters to U.S. government officials thanking them for their efforts to free Brunson.

Just as the news was breaking on the day of his release, Student Government Association President Jacob Page and Vice President Derek Rockey were en route to Washington, D.C., to deliver the letters, including one from Liberty President Jerry Falwell and his wife, Becki, thanking the Trump Administration for their continual support of Brunson.

The case also has a special connection to Liberty.

Brunson s daughter,

Jacqueline Furnari, is currently completing her M.S. in Accounting through Liberty s online degree program.

During a Campus Community service earlier in the semester, Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser called Furnari at her home in Texas and surprised her with the news that President Falwell was providing a scholarship to cover her tuition.

I was floored and amazed, Furnari said in an interview after the service.

It s a huge help and a blessing. I can t express how grateful I am for that. It was amazing to see the love and support.

Furnari said her father, an American citizen who has called Turkey his home for the last 25 years, has shown resolve during the ordeal.

He s a strong Christian, but it really tested his faith, Furnari said in the interview prior to her father s release. At the beginning, he couldn t sing a praise song. He couldn t do anything or bring himself to do it. But now he s said, You know what? I m going to bring praise to the Lord, even if I don t feel like it. (Now)

he will dance every day. My dad is a very serious person, but he would get up and dance in his cell to worship the Lord.

I ve really seen him submit to the Lord, even in difficult circumstances and say, Thy will be done. It s been a beautiful testimony.

TOP: Pastor Andrew Brunson with his sons Blaise (left) and Jordan; his wife, Norine; and daughter, Jacqueline Furnari. ABOVE: Liberty President Jerry Falwell adds his letter of support for Pastor Andrew Brunson to a pile of 3,000 letters written by students.

Dr. Harold Willmington remembered as pioneer, Bible scholar, teacher, and friend

After more than 46 years of service to Liberty University, Dr. Harold Willmington, 86, died on Monday, Oct. 15, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. As Liberty s longest-serving faculty member to date, he will forever be a pillar of the university for his role in shaping and preserving its theological foundation.

On campus, Willmington earned the fond nickname of Mr. Bible, as he devoted his life to the study and instruction of the Bible and was a bestselling author, prolific researcher, and globally recognized scholar. Over his career, Willmington served as a pastor, teacher, and dean, but his legacy was

his love of Scripture that he passed on to countless students and peers.

His book, Willmington s Guide to the Bible, has been in print for more than three decades and has helped hundreds of thousands of people from every walk of life to navigate the Bible.

Willmington played an important role in Liberty s history. He joined the faculty in 1 972, a year after Liberty s founding, and started the Liberty Bible Institute as a residential program.

In 1 976, he helped launch the home correspondence course, Liberty Home Bible Institute, which became the world s largest correspondence diploma program on the Bible and positioned Liberty to be a pioneer in distance education. Today, the university s Willmington School of the Bible offers an online certificate program, which can lead to an undergraduate degree at the Rawlings School of Divinity.

The passing of Dr. Harold Willmington marks the end of an era

at Liberty University, said Liberty President Jerry Falwell. His singleminded devotion to teaching the Bible to as many students as possible, while never worrying about who got the credit, allowed him to impact this university as only a handful of people have done. Dr. Willmington was a good friend, and I was always impressed with his humility and meekness. He truly lived the Christian life that he labored so hard to teach others. He will be greatly missed by the entire university community.

Vice Provost Dr. Ronald Hawkins echoed that sentiment: I sincerely doubt that any person now living or in heaven ever enjoyed teaching the Bible more or did it better than my friend and colleague of over 40 years, Dr. Harold Willmington. He will be missed.

In January, Liberty honored Willmington by making his life s work available to the public for free through a worldwide online resource at Liberty.edu/BibleResourceCenter.

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AND R EW SNYD ER JO EL I S I M EM E

LEAH S EAVER S LEAH S EAVER S

CAMPUS FACILITIES PROVIDE MULTIPLE

HEALTH AND FITNESS OPTIONS Liberty University takes a holistic approach in its mission to develop the mind, body, and spirit of its students by providing state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of recreational activities.

In addition to improving your physical health, staying active can help you manage stress, improve sleep, and motivate you to make healthier choices throughout the day, said Jamie Swyers, Recreation Centers director. It doesn t matter what form of exercise you choose to participate in whether it s rock climbing, swimming laps, taking a Pilates class, playing basketball, weight lifting, or simply walking the benefits are tremendous.

Swyers and her staff work progressively to offer programs and opportunities that help students find balance and create harmony in their busy academic and social lives.

Our team loves to be able to provide so many options for the campus

community, because when you find something you really enjoy, we know you are far more likely to stick with it, Swyers said.

Recreation Centers facilities were utilized more than 1 million times throughout the 201 7-1 8 school year and received 1.13 million guests.

The LaHaye Recreation & Fitness Center recorded more than 30,000 visits per week over a seven-week span last spring.

The center is the hub of physical activity on campus, Swyers said of the expansive multipurpose facility that features a 40-foot rock climbing wall, an aquatics center, spacious weight and cardio rooms, seven basketball courts, and an overhead walking track.

Throughout the school year, the center offers over 100 classes per week in Zumba, Pilates, CrossFit, cycling, aerobics, and more. The center hosted close to 32,000 participants in group exercise classes in 2017-18 an average of more than two classes per student.

Liberty’s Campus Recreation The rock wall had a total division was recently ranked as of 26,124 visits. Users logged one of the Top 50 in the United a total of 31 0,543 miles on States by CollegeConsensus.com.

LifeFitness Cardio stations, equipped with Discover

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consoles, which offer touchscreens with detailed workout analysis, TV, internet, and interactive cycling and running routes.

The Recreation Centers department also oversees activities at the new Liberty Natatorium (complete with an Olympic-size pool and diving well), the Montview Student Union Bowling Alley and Game Room, and David s Place (featuring an outdoor pool, indoor gaming room, billiards, and pingpong tables).

Students can also participate in Liberty s thriving Intramural Sports department, which provides competitive but fun outlets for health and fitness, while promoting sportsmanship and teamwork. Up to 20 sports are offered, ranging from beach volleyball, flag football, softball, and Ultimate to basketball, racquetball, table tennis, and dodgeball.

Other recreational activities include skiing and snowboarding at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, ice skating, hockey, and broomball at LaHaye Ice Center, and soccer and other sports at the Thomas Indoor Soccer Center.

The university also offers a wide array of resources through its Outdoor Recreation department, which uses

NEWS & EVENTS

UNIVERSITY INITIATIVES FOSTER WELLNESS Liberty University is well on its way to meeting all the required guidelines under the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) Healthy Campus Initiative, a national program that supports health and wellness on college campuses.

The university joined the initiative in 2016 with a commitment to meet the benchmarks — ranging from nutritional dining offerings and fitness programming to outdoor

HEALTH EXPO 2018

ER I K F LOR ES

the Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center on Liberty Mountain as its home base. Students can swim, canoe, paddleboard, kayak, fish, camp, and challenge themselves on a highropes adventure course and zipline.

The department also organizes the six-race Liberty Mountain Trail Series and dozens of adventure trips that allow students to get away and unwind. Students can go camping, hiking, or horseback riding in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, try their hand at flyfishing or bouldering, or explore their wild side by white water rafting or kayaking in West Virginia or skiing and snowboarding at Wintergreen Resort.

Follow Liberty University Recreation Centers on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram at LURecCenters.

recreational activities — within three years.

Liberty is one of 52 campus partners from 30 states and is on schedule to submit the final requirements in the spring.

Liberty has also taken a proactive role in promoting healthy lifestyles on campus through the Live Healthy Liberty Campus Coalition. Representatives from campus departments meet quarterly to develop programs that support and facilitate healthy behaviors.

On Oct. 16, Liberty held its annual Health Expo on the Academic Lawn, with more than 25 vendors and 1,000 students participating.

The event highlighted all nine dimensions of wellness addressed by the Health & Wellness Initiatives department: intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, digital, occupational, and social. Learn more at Liberty.edu/HealthandWellness.

E R I K F LOR E S E RI K FLORE S

HEALTH CENTER AND NEW PHARMACY MEET STUDENT NEEDS Liberty University’s Student Health Center moved from Green Hall to the first floor of Residential Commons III this past spring.

Besides being more accessible to much of the residential student body, the facility received an upgrade from eight to 15 exam rooms and includes two new minor procedure rooms, a

full lab, and a digital X-ray room. The center is staffed Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It is serviced by two doctors, three physician assistants, and nurses from Central Virginia Family Physicians, a nationally recognized medical group that provides quality health

services, promotion, and preventive care.

This fall, Liberty began a new partnership with Hill City Pharmacy, which opened near the Student Health Center. The full-service facility also provides free deliveries for students, faculty, and staff — to the front desks of offices and to the front doors of residence halls.

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L E AH SE AVE R S

ON HIS MARK

OLYMPIC PENTATHLETE AND ONLINE STUDENT CHOOSES LIBERTY FOR HIS TRAINING GROUND

BY TED ALLEN At age 1 8, Charles Fernandez represented Guatemala at the 201 6 Summer Olympics after becoming the youngest athlete ever to win the modern pentathlon (fencing, swimming, equestrian, pistol shooting, and running) at the 2015 Pan Am Games.

Fernandez finished 1 5th at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and then struck gold one week later at the

48

Junior World Championships in Cairo, Egypt, elevating his world ranking to No. 4.

Now he is a junior on Liberty University s men s swimming & diving team, training for his shot at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Fernandez is one of three children of missionaries Heidi and Carlos Fernandez, natives of

Ecuador and Guatemala, respectively.

For the past 1 7 years, his family has operated Welcome To My Father s House, an evangelistic ministry on the outskirts of Antigua, Guatemala, that provides education and medical care, as well as coordinates sports programs and construction projects, for the Mayan population in the surrounding mountains.

ATHLETICS

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LEFT PAGE: Junior Charles Fernandez practices in the Liberty Indoor Track & Field Complex. ABOVE: Charles Fernandez, left, and his brother, Danny, a sophomore, are members of the Flames swimming & diving team. They often train together in the five sports of Olympic modern pentathlon: swimming, fencing, running, pistol shooting, and equestrian.

Carlos Fernandez was a pentathlete himself and introduced Charles and his younger brother, Danny, to the sport. After completing high school through Liberty University Online Academy, Charles Fernandez moved to Lynchburg, Va., to train on Liberty s campus as he pursues a degree in economics through the online program. Danny, a sophomore on the Flames swimming & diving team, studies strategic marketing management online.

Danny also has Olympic aspirations and hopes to compete in modern pentathlon in 2024 in Paris.

The brothers spend the school year training together at the Liberty Natatorium, Indoor Track & Field Complex, Liberty Mountain Gun Club, and Equestrian Center.

Liberty has some of the best athletic facilities in the whole world, Charles Fernandez said. I ve trained in Olympic pools from Italy to Egypt, and the facilities here amazed me. That was one of the reasons I chose Liberty to begin with, as well as the Christian education.

This summer, he had the opportunity to compete in multiple international pentathlons and to serve his homeland in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

In early June, he was traveling through Europe for a series of pentathlons in Bulgaria, France, and Poland when the Fuego volcano erupted just 10 miles from his hometown. Fernandez was planning to return to Guatemala and climb Fuego that same week.

When the volcano erupted, we decided to shift our focus from it being a vacation to being a ministry opportunity, said Fernandez, who was traveling with his girlfriend, Liberty student Kristen

Bray. Since Kristen is studying nursing, she could use her skills to help people who have been badly burned or affected by this horrible tragedy.

They started a GoFundMe page and raised $2,000 to purchase food, water, personal hygiene items, and clothing and

Charles Fernandez won gold medals for Guatemala at the Central America Caribbean Games in Colombia in July.

teamed with Welcome To My Father s House to distribute the goods. Bray aided survivors in a nearby hospital.

It was definitely a huge blessing to be able to help people who were victims of the volcano in any way we could, Charles said, noting that hundreds of people were killed and thousands left homeless after entire villages were covered with ash. We helped to bring immediate relief to people who literally lost absolutely everything.

He was also one of five athletes recruited by the Olympic Committee in Guatemala this past summer to construct three houses in one of the villages destroyed by the eruption.

As a Guatemalan, as a Christian, and as a public figure, I wanted to try to create awareness for the people of Guatemala, Fernandez said. This is not a process that will heal itself overnight.

He continued his competitions during the summer, winning gold medals

in mid-July when he represented Guatemala in two modern pentathlon events the men s individual and mixed relay (with Sophia Cabrera) at the Central America & Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Coming back to my country with two medals, it is definitely a huge blessing to be able to share these moments with these people who fight every day to get out of poverty and to give them the hope of Christ, Fernandez said. That is why I do what I do, to be a light of Christ unto the nations in this sport.

The wins qualified him for next summer s Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru.

If he achieves a top-five finish there, he will qualify to represent Guatemala in the 2020 Olympic Games.

Charles Fernandez remained in Guatemala through mid-September to train with his coach, former Romanian Olympic pentathlete Marian Gheorghe, and compete at the Modern Pentathlon World Championships in Mexico City, where he qualified for the finals.

Since returning to Liberty, he has intensified his workouts by spending up to seven hours per day training in all five sports, followed by strength and conditioning and physical therapy sessions.

With school on top of that, that makes for long, 1 0- to 1 1-hour days of training and study, said Fernandez, who plans to graduate in Spring 2020.

From Oct. 6-18, Fernandez traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the Youth Olympic Games, where he joined some of the most influential Olympians from around the world in serving as an Athlete Role Model.

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A JUMP ON THE COMPETITION GET TO KNOW THE FLAMES’ NEW OPPONENTS Liberty Athletics officially became a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference on July 1. Eight of Liberty s nine men s programs moved from the Big South to the ASUN (baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track & field), along with nine of Liberty s 11 women s programs (basketball, cross country, lacrosse, women s soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field, and volleyball). The only programs not making the conference move are

football, which is in its first season as an FBS independent, field hockey (BIG EAST Conference), and women s swimming & diving (CCSA).

The Flames men s soccer team played Liberty s first-ever ASUN Conference matchup on Sept. 1 3 against Stetson University, tying the Hatters 3-3 at the Stetson Athletic Training Complex. Trailing 31, Liberty rallied for two goals during the final four minutes of regulation to force overtime.

ASUN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS All 17 of Liberty’s athletics programs in the ASUN Conference are eligible to compete for conference championship titles during the 2018-19 athletics season.

Cross Country (Oct. 26) – NJIT Women’s Soccer (Oct. 26, Oct. 28, and Nov. 3) - Hosted by top-seeded teams Men’s Soccer (Nov. 2, Nov. 4, and Nov. 10) - Hosted by top-seeded teams Volleyball (Nov. 15-17) - Kennesaw State Indoor Track & Field (Feb. 22-23) - Liberty Men’s Basketball (March 1, March 6, and March 10) – Hosted by top-seeded teams Women’s Basketball (March 8, March 13, and March 17) – Hosted by top-seeded teams Men’s Tennis (Apr. 18-20) - Stetson Women’s Tennis (Apr. 18-20) - Stetson

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Men’s Golf (Apr. 21-23) - The Legends Golf Club in Braselton, Ga. Women’s Lacrosse (May 2-4) - Coastal Carolina Softball (May 8-11) - FGCU Outdoor Track & Field (May 10-11) - North Florida Baseball (May 22-25) – Stetson

The ASUN Conference footprint reaches into eight of the top 50 media markets in the nation. The conference is headquartered in Macon, Ga. Its motto is “Building Winners for Life.”

ATHLETICS

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY, EAGLES FORT MYERS, FLA.

Public institution | Founded in 1997 | Enrollment: 14,099

ASUN MEMBER SINCE 2007: •

• •

FGCU has won four out of the last six ASUN All-Sports Trophies, most recently for 2016-17.

FGCU has won back-to-back women’s basketball titles and five out of the last seven.

In 2013, FGCU made a run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (NJIT), HIGHLANDERS NEWARK, N.J.

Public institution | Founded in 1881 | Enrollment: 10,646

ASUN MEMBER SINCE 2015: •

•

NJIT opened the 3,500-seat NJIT Wellness & Events Center prior to the start of the 2017-18 men’s and women’s basketball seasons. The new facility is also home to the school’s volleyball and swimming & diving programs.

Liberty’s Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach Brant Tolsma graduated from NJIT in 1971.

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY, DOLPHINS JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

Private institution | Founded in 1934 | Enrollment: 4,157

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA, LIONS

ASUN MEMBER SINCE 1998:

Public institution | Founded in 1830 | Enrollment: 7,490

•

• •

The track & field program owns 23 ASUN Championship crowns.

Women’s lacrosse has won five ASUN titles.

The baseball team won 40 games and received an atlarge selection to the 2018 NCAA Gainesville Regional.

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY, OWLS KENNESAW, GA.

Public institution | Founded in 1963 | Enrollment: 24,100

FLORENCE, ALA.

ASUN MEMBER SINCE 2018: •

•

Joined the ASUN for the 2018-19 academic year, transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division I The softball team won the 2016 NCAA Division II Softball Championship, posting a 60-7 record.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA, OSPREYS JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

Public institution | Founded in 1969 | Enrollment: 16,252

ASUN MEMBER SINCE 2005: •

• •

KSU won the 2017-18 ASUN All-Sports Trophy for the first time in school history.

The men’s golf team received its eighth straight NCAA Regional berth and advanced to the NCAA Championship in 2018.

KSU has won 12 straight ASUN men’s track & field championships (indoor & outdoor).

LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY, BISONS NASHVILLE, TENN.

Private Christian institution | Founded in 1891 | Enrollment: 4,018

ASUN MEMBER SINCE 2003: •

• •

The Bisons claimed their first ASUN men’s basketball title in 2018.

The volleyball team has reached the NCAA Women’s Tournament in seven of the last 11 years, including an atlarge bid in 2014.

The Bisons have won six of the last seven ASUN women’s cross country titles, while the men have captured four of the past five.

ASUN MEMBER SINCE 2005: •

• •

The Ospreys have captured the last four ASUN Men’s All-Sports trophies.

North Florida has won four of the last seven ASUN men’s golf titles, including in 2018.

The UNF women’s tennis team has won four straight ASUN titles; the men’s tennis team also captured the 2018 ASUN title.

STETSON UNIVERSITY, HATTERS DELAND, FLA.

Private Institution | Founded in 1883 | Enrollment: 3,900

ASUN MEMBER SINCE 1985: •

•

Stetson baseball made its 19th NCAA Regional appearance by winning the 2018 ASUN title. The Hatters hosted a regional as a No. 1 seed and advanced to a Super Regional.

The women’s basketball team has reached postseason play in each of the last eight seasons (NCAA, WNIT, WBI).

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ATHLETICS NEWS FLAMES STUDENT-ATHLETES TURNED WORLD TRAVELERS Liberty University s 20 NCAA Division I and 41Club Sports teams travel across the country for regular-season contests and postseason tournaments throughout the school year. But this past summer, several student-athletes expanded their horizons and traveled to compete internationally from South America to Europe and the Middle East.

The women s basketball team went on a 1 2-day trip to Israel in August. In addition to winning two games against the Israel National Team, the Lady Flames conducted a clinic at the Shnilar Court community center in Nazareth with assistance from Hani Abboud, coach of Nazareth s women s basketball team. The event was attended by Dr. Amin Mukatren, physical education inspector at the North Region s Ministry of Education, and Dr. Raji Srouji, head

of Nazareth s sports department, as well as Liberty Board of Trustees member Duke Westover. The team also explored the Holy Land, visiting several biblical sites.

Also in August, senior track & field runner Alejandro Perlaza Zapata, from Colombia, earned a bronze medal in the 4x400 relay for his native country at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Colombia. Perlaza Zapata, who won seven Big South Conference Indoor and Outdoor Championship titles, previously represented Colombia at both the 201 6 Summer Olympics in Rio and the 201 7 IAAF World Championships in London.

In mid-July, several members of the track & field team competed at the inaugural FISU America Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The USA Team won a total

TRACK & FIELD | BRAZIL

TRIATHLON | DENMARK

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL | ISRAEL

Over Winter Break, Liberty’s ACHA Division I men’s hockey team will join Operation Mobilization representatives in Finland. The Flames have already participated in sports outreach in Sweden in 2007, Russia in 2009, Latvia in 2013, and China in 2016.

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of 23 medals against opponents from Canada, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, Brazil, Venezuela, Paraguay, Honduras, Mexico, and Uruguay.

Christian Lyon, a transfer student who will begin his career with the Flames in 2019, struck gold in the men s 100-meter dash and helped the team to a silvermedal finish in the 4x1 00 relay and a bronze in the 4x400.

In July, the men s lacrosse team was represented in the FIL World Championships in Netanya, Israel.

Assistant coaches Brett Bernardo and Mike Zumpano, along with junior Eli Britton, worked with FCA Lacrosse s Team Serve to provide a practice squad.

Junior Lukas Tophoven represented Team Germany. Tophoven, who has dual citizenship, helped the team post its second straight ninth-place showing and made the most of opportunities to share his faith with teammates while touring the Holy Land.

In mid-July, Flames triathlete Giovanni Bianco, a graduate student from Italy, won the 20-24-year-old long-course triathlon division at the Multisport World Championship Festival in Denmark.

Junior rock climber Tori Perkins placed sixth in the women s sport climbing division at the June 20-23 International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World University Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Over Fall Break, the Flames Baseball team traveled to the Dominican Republic to serve the communities of Boca Chica and San Pedro De Macoris.

They partnered with the Rawlings Foundation to lead a youth baseball clinic on a field shared by the San Francisco Giants. The players and coaching staff also visited an orphanage for disabled children, delivered food to an outlying village, played games against local teams, and shared the Gospel wherever they went.

ATHLETICS

MAKING THE GRADE

Liberty University s NCAA Division I student-athletes continue to score high marks on the field and in the classroom.

For the 201 7-1 8 academic year, the women s volleyball, women s cross country, and women s tennis programs were each recognized by the NCAA for their Academic Progress Rate (APR). All three programs posted an APR score that placed them among the top 10 percent in the country in their specific sport.

For the last five years, Liberty studentathletes have earned the nation s highest academic distinction, the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America award. The 2017-18 award went to Alicia Finnigan, a senior on the women s swimming & diving team, and Hunter Winstead, a redshirt senior on last year s

football team.

Finnigan was also named to the 201 8 Google Cloud Academic AllAmerica Women s At-Large second team as announced

by CoSIDA. She is the fifth Liberty female student-athlete to earn Academic AllAmerica at-large honors. Finnigan is one of 35 members of the team to earn a 4.0 GPA or higher. In total, 10 swimming & diving student-athletes made the squad, headlined by five-time Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Ledecky of Stanford.

Liberty student-athletes were also recognized at the state level by earning spots on the 201 7-1 8 Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Academic All-State Team. They include Finnigan, Winstead, Graham Hansel (track & field and cross country), Jovaine Atkinson (track & field), Evangeline Crist (tennis), and Molly Reagan (basketball).

In Liberty s final year in the Big South Conference, a total of 272 studentathletes earned Big South Presidential Honor Roll distinction. Thirty-one

Liberty student-athletes maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA for the year. In May, Hansel was honored with the Big South Conference s prestigious George A. Christenberry Award for Academic Excellence, given annually to one male and one female student-athlete who attain the highest GPA during their college careers.

During the 201 7-1 8 academic year, 1 0 of Liberty s 20 NCAA Division I athletics programs posted a 100 percent studentathlete graduation success rate (GSR).

As a whole, Liberty Athletics finished with an 87 percent (GSR), matching the NCAA average.

Liberty Academic Affairs for Athletics equips student-athletes with the resources necessary to succeed in their degree programs. Studentathletes have a wide range of resources available to them in the new Liberty Athletics Center, which opened in November 201 7. The world-class facility features two open learning environments, a tech lab, two smart classrooms, multiple tutorial and group study rooms, multiple areas for specific study, and a student-athlete development center.

MEN’S BASKETBALL REVS UP FOR FIRST SEASON IN ASUN CONFERENCE The Liberty men s basketball team finished the 201 7-1 8 season with a 22-1 5 record the second-most wins in school history. And for the first time ever, the Flames are coming off backto-back 20-win seasons, including a run to the 201 8 Big South Men s Basketball Championship game.

Liberty returns four starters and eight letterwinners to the squad this year as it makes its move to the ASUN Conference.

Head Coach Ritchie McKay has built a winning tradition and is the second winningest coach in program history with nearly 100 victories in five seasons.

Liberty will tip off its season on Nov. 8 at home against Maine Fort Kent. The Flames have a challenging schedule that features three NCAA Tournament teams from last year and five teams that

played in other postseason tournaments last season. View the full schedule at LibertyFlames.com/MensBasketball.

Season tickets are as low as $75 for the Flames 1 5 home events. Call (434) 582SEAT (7328) or email tickets@liberty.edu.

Fans can also support the team and enjoy special game day privileges by

joining the Flames Club. Membership starts at $60 and includes preferred parking, seating, and pregame hospitality benefits, based upon membership level.

For more information, call (434) 582-CLUB (2582), email FlamesClub@liberty.edu, or visit LibertyFlames.com/FlamesClub.

SOCCER COACHES JOIN ALUMNUS, PASTORS IN OUTREACH TO IMMIGRANT CHILDREN

Head Coach Jeff Alder serves the children lunch with pastors Jentezen Franklin (left), Dr. Jack Graham (right), and Pastor Paula White.

Men s Soccer Head Coach Jeff Alder and assistant coaches Jose Gomez and AJ Madero partnered with a group of prominent evangelical leaders to provide a day of fun, food, and activities for immigrant children at the Youth For Tomorrow campus in Bristow, Va., in July. The residential children s program is one of over 1 00 in the country that cares for undocumented immigrant children while they are waiting to be connected with family members in the U.S. or placed in foster care.

The coaches were invited by former Flames soccer player Todd Lamphere, pastor of global outreach for Paula White Ministries, to provide a soccer clinic for about 1 00 children, ages 1 0-1 7. White, senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center, helped out at the event, along with Dr. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church; Jentezen Franklin, senior pastor of Free Chapel; Johnnie Moore, CEO of The KAIROS Company and an alumnus and former vice president at Liberty; and Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor of Hope Christian Church. Many of the evangelical leaders who helped host the event have served as advisers to President Donald Trump.

Pastor Todd felt that soccer was the one sport that would really appeal to the kids based on their backgrounds, so we jumped at the opportunity to serve and represent Liberty, Alder said. Soccer has the ability to bring people together, even when we are from different backgrounds and cultures, and we felt it was important for us to be salt and light to these kids and be the aroma of Christ

at every point of contact.

The coaches held clinics in the morning and the afternoon and ended each session with a soccer game. They assisted the pastors in serving a lunch of Central American food. At the end of the day, Alder shared the Gospel with the group, with Madero translating in Spanish.

Each child received a Liberty University bag with a Liberty Frisbee, flashlight, water bottle, and pen. The children also received a backpack filled with school supplies as well as a duffle bag with toiletries and clothing, all donated by the participating churches.

The experience for our staff was extraordinary, Alder said, and we are blessed by our time with this special group of kids who ended up giving us much more than we gave them.

The event was part of the Project Shine refugee mission initiative. Several churches and ministries came together to sponsor the event in Virginia and another event at an immigrant foster facility in Miami, Fla.

‘20/20’ TELLS STORY OF STAR RUNNER LEAVING PRO RANKS TO JOIN MILITARY

Former Liberty University cross country and track & field standout Sam Chelanga was featured on the Sept. 25 episode of ABC s 20/20 titled The Real Rookies, focusing on people who have made late-career changes in Chelanga s case, to join the United States military.

Over his three-year career with the Flames (200911 ), Chelanga won four NCAA Division I national championships (two in cross country, two in outdoor track).

The native of Kenya turned pro after graduating in May 201 1 , signing

54

a sponsorship deal with Nike that year.

He became a U.S. citizen in August 201 5.

He narrowly missed an opportunity to represent Team USA in the 1 0,000 meters at the 201 6 Summer Olympics in Brazil.

He was training for a potential Olympic bid for the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo when he decided to retire from running and enlist in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., and started Officer s Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga., on Oct. 1 5, with an interest in military intelligence.

I think people thought I was crazy (but) I m more passionate about helping people, helping my country, Chelanga said in the segment. That s why I decided to switch careers. I m going to create the most impact in the Army and

even if I just touch one person, this is what I want to do.

The 20/20 episode also featured interviews on campus with Liberty President Jerry Falwell, Flames Cross Country and Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Head Coach Brant Tolsma, and Chelanga s former teammate, Clendon Henderson, now associate head track & field coach.

What he s giving up is a lot of fame and glory and money and success and comfort, Henderson said, and to give all of that up is pretty hard to understand.

Chelanga s wife, Marybeth, a former cross country teammate at Liberty, told 20/20 that her husband has always had a love for God, family, and country.

The reason Sam wanted to go to a university, or then become a runner, was always to help his family, she said. So the more he s been given, the more he tries to find ways to give to others.

Watch the episode on ABCnews.go.com.

ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS ALUMNI HONORED Liberty University Athletics will officially induct its newest Hall of Fame members at a special ceremony at Williams Stadium on Nov. 30. The members will also be recognized during halftime of the Flames Football game on Dec. 1.

PETER ALUMA Men’s Basketball, 1994-97 Aluma helped the Flames capture the program’s first Big South Conference (BSC) title and automatic NCAA Tournament bid as a freshman in 1994. By the conclusion of his college career, the 6-foot-10inch center from Nigeria scored 1,715 points and set program records with 366 blocked shots and 677 free-throw attempts. He also earned three AllBSC selections and was named BSC Championship MVP in 1994 and 1997. He was inducted into the BSC Hall of Fame in 2008. Aluma played professionally for the Sacramento Kings (1998-99), for the Nigeria national team in the 1998 World FIBA Championship in Venezuela, and for the Harlem Globetrotters in 2001.

DANIELLE (MCNANEY) DETMER Women’s Track & Field, 2002-05 Detmer emerged as the most decorated multi-event female athlete in Liberty track & field history.

She helped the Lady Flames capture three Big South Conference (BSC) Indoor Track & Field Championship trophies and a pair of BSC Outdoor Track & Field Championship crowns by earning 13 individual titles and BSC Most Outstanding Track Performer honors in 2003. Detmer is Liberty’s only three-time Eastern College

Athletic Conference champion, finishing first in the pentathlon in 2004 and 2005 and the heptathlon in 2005. She set Liberty and BSC records in winning the 2005 Penn Relays heptathlon. She competed in the heptathlon at three NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships and earned first-team CoSIDA Academic All-American and BSC Women’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors.

RASHAD JENNINGS Football, 2006-08 During his three years at running back for the Flames, the Forest, Va., native rushed for 3,633 yards and set program records for career rushing touchdowns (42), 100-yard games (22), and points scored (278). He was a firstteam All-American during his senior year and was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jennings enjoyed a seven-year NFL career, rushing for 3,772 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Jaguars (2009-12), Oakland Raiders (2013), and New York Giants (2014-16). Jennings became the youngest keynote speaker at Liberty’s 43rd Commencement in 2016. In 2017, he won the Mirrorball Trophy on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” He started the Rashad Jennings Foundation to educate, inspire, and encourage youth with life skills training and mentorship. The foundation supports The Locker Room Project, The Reading Challenge, and Camp 180, an annual football camp held at Williams Stadium.

JOE L IS IMEME

Plaques honoring all 52 Hall of Fame members are located on the Vines Center concourse.

FRANK LANDREY Men’s Golf Coach, 1992-2004 Landrey became the Flames’ second head golf coach after earning his master’s degree from Liberty in 1991. He guided Liberty to its first tournament triumph at the NCAA Division I level in 1994 and coached the Flames’ first victory over Notre Dame in any sport in 2000 (winning the St. John’s Classic).

In 2003, he led the team in earning its first at-large NCAA Division I postseason berth — the NCAA Men’s Golf East Regional — and was named Golf Coaches Association of America’s Regional Coach of the Year. In his career, Landrey coached the Flames to 11 team tournament titles and seven tournament individual medalist honors.

WARREN STEWART Wrestling, 1988-90 Stewart became the only NCAA champion in program history in 1988 when the program competed at the Division II level. He finished 28-8 that year, winning the 142-pound weight class at the NCAA DII national championships. The Lewistown, Pa., native enrolled at Liberty after serving for two years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Stewart finished his college career with a 73-16-2 record. He was an assistant coach with the Flames in 1990-91 before entering full-time ministry with his wife, Julie, through Campus Crusade for Christ.

He has since coached all five of his sons in the sport at nearby Brookville High School, including 141-pound Reid Stewart, who led Liberty to its second NCWA National Championship in four years as a freshman in 2017-18.

55

CLASS NOTES ’83

RON VINING, of Cody, Wyo., is the co-founder of Polestar Outdoors, a Christian organization that uses hunting, fishing, and shooting sports to bring adult mentors and teenagers together in outdoor venues.

’88

HARRIET DOMINIQUE, of San Antonio, Texas, serves as the senior vice president of corporate responsibility and community affairs at USAA, which provides financial planning, insurance, investments, and banking for the military community.

She holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Management.

’96

DENA FREEMAN-PATTON, of Bakersfield, Calif., was recognized in July as the 2018 Division I Administrator of the Year by Women Leaders in College Sports. She serves as deputy athletics director at California State University.

’97

MATTHEW MACMICHAEL, of Bellevue, Wash., was recently named market executive for the Merrill Lynch/Bank of America Evergreen market. He oversees the six offices and 115 financial advisors in the greater Seattle area.

’98, ’17

JEFFERY LUCHUN, of Virginia Beach, Va., recently earned his Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His dissertation is titled, Reaching Millennials: A Strategic Plan to Reach the Lost Generation. He serves as senior pastor of Norview Baptist Church in Norfolk, Va.

’00

STEVE DOWNING was named president and CEO of Gentex Corporation, a technology company in Zeeland, Mich., specializing in the automotive, aerospace, and fire protection

Alumna honored by ESPN for inspiring women in sports around the world

Former Lady Flames Women’s Basketball player Sarah Hillyer (’93) has traveled the world using sports as a platform to empower women, athletes with disabilities, and refugees, while promoting peace and cultural understanding.

Hillyer, who graduated with a degree in sport administration before going on to earn her master’s in sports psychology at Murray State University and a doctorate in sport sociology at the University of Tennessee, is the founder and director of UT’s Center for Sport, Peace, & Society.

The center administers the Global Sports Mentoring Program in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and espnW, a global media network dedicated to engaging and inspiring women through sports.

At ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Awards in Los Angeles in July, the program received

56

the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award, which honors those who have used innovative approaches to help the disadvantaged through sports. Hillyer accepted the award on behalf of the program.

“I am incredibly blessed to get to live out my heartbeat and my passion,” Hillyer said. “It’s crazy to think that something that started as such a small seed and a dream would become such a life-changing organization.”

The three-week program matches emerging women leaders from around the world with American women executives in sports and business organizations.

Participants are nominated by U.S. embassies and must identify a critical need or challenge facing women in their homeland. The program helps them develop an action plan involving sports to address the challenges.

Since 2012, 147 participants from 72 nations have started nongovernmental organizations, influenced public policy, and transformed communities in their native countries, directly impacting more than 225,000 people.

Hillyer, who has been a torchbearer for humanitarian causes for nearly 25 years, said her career of service was cultivated on Liberty’s campus.

“When I was at Liberty, I saw Dr. (Jerry) Falwell constantly working on behalf of people who needed hope,” she said.

After graduating from Liberty, she traveled to China on the first “Friendship Basketball Tour” for women sponsored

by Global Sports Partners (GSP). She was eventually contracted to head up GSP’s women’s division and founded the nonprofit Sport 4 Peace, which used sport as a tool to strengthen girls and women in countries where they are culturally, politically, or religiously oppressed.

Over the next few years, she made several more trips to China before expanding her work with Sport 4 Peace to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Mongolia, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. She spent a decade traveling in Iran, coaching women’s softball and becoming an ambassador for female athletes. (In 2012, Hillyer merged Sport 4 Peace with the UT College of Education to create the UT Center for Sport, Peace, & Society.)

At UT, she also started a unique program to train NCAA Division I student-athletes for 10-day summer sport-related service projects overseas. The team has traveled to Brazil to support the Paralympic Games in Rio and to Vietnam and Ecuador to operate youth sports camps and foster community welfare and cultural change.

ALUMNI industries. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management from Liberty and joined Gentex in 2002 as a financial analyst. He has served in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities in commercial management, forecasting, quotation development, and strategic partnerships. Gentex is the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based lighting and driver-assist systems to the global automotive industry.

’01

MELISSA HODGE-PENN, of Oxford, Miss., was named the assistant vice chancellor for the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Mississippi.

’02

PETER TOKAR III, of Alpharetta, Ga., was recently named president of McKinney Economic Development Corporation in McKinney, Texas. He graduated from Liberty with a public relations degree.

’05, ’08

BRANDON OSTERBIND of Lynchburg was recently appointed to the Virginia State Bar Technology Committee. He graduated from Liberty Law and operates Osterbind Law, a personal injury and civil litigation law firm in Lynchburg.

’07

ROLLAN ROBERTS, of Orlando, Fla., is the host of Courageous! Entrepreneur Radio, a national syndicated live show on iHeartRadio. Roberts is the former CEO of the Hoverboard company. He graduated with an M.A. in Business Administration.

Roberts aired his show live from campus on Oct. 18.

’08

EDWARD J. MCMAHON, of Castle Hayne, N.C., serves as sheriff of New Hanover County in North Carolina.

’08

NAOMI WASHINGTON, of Columbia, S.C., was named the program manager for Healthy Learners Midlands, a community

CONNECT WITH US Share your accomplishments, career advancements, family news, celebrations, and other life events through Liberty’s Class Notes.

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LIBERTY.EDU/CLASSNOTES Submissions will be published online and may be featured in the Liberty Journal.

Former Flames triathlete, coach trains Olympic hopefuls

Parker Spencer (’12), a former member of the Flames’ NCAA Division I track & field and the Club Sports triathlon teams as well as former head coach of the triathlon, cycling, and men’s swimming & diving teams, moved to Tempe, Ariz., in August to serve as head coach of USA Triathlon’s Project Podium.

The project, operated in partnership with Arizona State University, develops men’s triathletes who show Olympic

potential. Spencer’s job is to recruit and develop a team of 12-16 triathletes to compete for medals internationally, targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Spencer graduated from Liberty with a degree in exercise science and began working as an exercise physiologist and personal trainer and coach in Richmond, Va. He continued to compete in triathlons, representing Team USA in nine triathlon or duathlon world championships over the past six years. His travels took him to New Zealand, England, Spain, Germany, and Canada.

Spencer started coaching Liberty’s men’s and women’s triathlon teams in 2014. In 2015, he became the first coach of the men’s and women’s cycling teams and headed the men’s swimming & diving program when it was launched last year.

In late April, Spencer guided the Flames’ men’s triathlon team, which featured a number of international Olympic prospects, to a best-ever fifth-place finish

at the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Earlier in the month, he led the men’s swimming & diving team to a 13th-place national showing (out of 120 teams) in Atlanta.

Spencer’s coaching career with Team USA started last summer when he participated in an Elite Coach Development Program at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

This past March, he served as an assistant coach for USA Triathlon in Australia and New Zealand.

“I really loved what I was able to do at Liberty with its Club Sports endurance sports programs, and I know that they will continue to thrive,” Spencer said. “Liberty is training its graduates to work at the top of their respective fields, and everything Liberty provided qualified me for this new position. God couldn’t have written a better job description. I’m excited to join a group of the most talented and knowledgeable high-performance staff in the world.”

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outreach organization working with at-risk children. She earned her M.A. in Human Services: Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty.

’09

JARED JONES, of Orlando, Fla., was named the head chaplain for Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne, Fla.

’09

HECTOR LORA, of Passaic, N.J., was elected mayor of the City of Passaic in 2017. He previously served on city council and became the first Latino-American and first American of Dominican heritage to become the director of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

He and his wife, Nicki, have four boys ages 15, 8, 6, and 4.

’09, ’12

WILLIAM WITTENBROOK, of Norfolk, Va., serves as the assistant commonwealth s attorney for Gloucester County, Va. He earned a Juris Doctor from Liberty and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice with a minor in strategic intelligence. He previously worked for the City of Portsmouth as assistant commonwealth s attorney, as magistrate for the City of Hopewell, and as assistant public defender for the City of Lynchburg.

’10

DEAN CUMBO, of Lynchburg, Va., was elected as the chair of the Campbell County Republican Committee.

’11

NICK BROWN, of New York, N.Y., recently accepted a position as counsel for the AMB

Group, LLC, the parent company of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and PGA Tour Superstore.

’11

WENDY PITTS, of Chattanooga, Tenn., was appointed director of health services for BlueCross/ BlueShield of Tennessee in its senior products division. She oversees the division s care management and case management/population health teams and is responsible for coordinating and implementing strategies and programs to provide members with effective, high-quality products and service.

’12

WILL CARROLL, of Cartersville, Ga., traveled with his church to Nepal s Landtang Valley where his team discipled young believers living in the region.

Alumna treats NYC kids to ‘fresh air’ through national nonprofit

As a young child in Vermont, Micah Lee (’06) had four brothers and desperately wanted a sister. Thanks to the nonprofit The Fresh Air Fund, she got her wish.

Established in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund pairs children from New York City with host families on the East Coast for a few weeks each summer so that they can explore life outside the city. Children must come from low-income families and live in one of the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.)

Lee’s family welcomed several children into their home over the years, including one girl, Yemaya Bordain, with whom Lee

58

shared a special bond.

“We’re still friends, more like family really,” Lee said. “That’s what The Fresh Air Fund is all about. It’s about creating lasting relationships.”

Bordain was featured along with Lee and her parents in a recent New York Times article about the impact that The Fresh Air Fund has had on their family and on Bordain, who now works for Intel.

Bordain was the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Lee, who studied elementary education at Liberty, works as a service coordinator for the Infant and Toddler Connection of Central Virginia. But The Fresh Air Fund is still a significant part of her life. She serves as a representative for the Lynchburg area, setting up host families and serving as a host herself. For the last three summers, Lee and her husband, Dan, and their sons, Jackson and Wyatt, have hosted 9-yearold Bryan from Queens. Like the children who came to her home growing up, Lee said Bryan has also become part of their family.

Lee attended the annual Fresh Air Fund conference in New York and had dinner

with Bryan and his parents. As Bryan translated for all of them, from English and Spanish, the conversation caught the attention of their waiter.

“I told him about The Fresh Air Fund, and he kept asking me about it,” Lee said.

“He told me that he felt that something like that could have changed his life when he was a kid.”

Lee said Bryan enjoys spending time in Virginia.

“He loves coming to our house because we have dogs, and he doesn’t have any pets at his house,” Lee said. She added that parents like Bryan’s are appreciative of other families who can help their child have a memorable learning experience.

“They told me that they see the value of this program,” she said. “They also trust me, which is huge, and they know I have his best interests in mind. Even if Bryan gets a little homesick sometimes, his dad encourages him by saying, ‘Make sure you enjoy this time because you’re doing things you can’t do at home.’ And that’s true — these kids don’t leave their block.

Giving them this chance every summer helps them see what kind of opportunities exist for them even beyond their city.”

ALUMNI

’12

CHRISTINA EDNEY, of Pulaski, Va., was named the sports marketing director for Motor Mile Entertainment.

’12

DERRICK MARTIN, of Mansfield, Ohio, joined Beacon Center for Counseling as a licensed professional counselor. He will serve at the center s Lexington office and work with police, firefighters, and EMS workers. Martin has a wide range of

experience in crisis and trauma, as well as marriage and premarital counseling.

Prior to becoming a counselor, he served as a firefighter/paramedic and a police officer. He is a professional chaplain and previously served as a juvenile court officer with the Richland County Court of Common Pleas. He obtained his Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy from Liberty and his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland University.

’13

STEPHANIE OWENS, of Nashville, Tenn., released her self-titled debut EP album in May. She is committed to promoting a positive body image amid today s pop culture.

’13

W. JESSE SPRINKLE IV, of Spartanburg, S.C., serves as vice president and CFO at Renfrow Industrial and OpSource Staffing. He graduated from Liberty with an M.A. in Christian Ministry.

Flames Basketball Hall of Famer turns passion for fishing into ministry

Each spring after tax season ends, former Flames basketball player Ed Vickers (’80) travels from Vancouver, Wash., where he runs his tax firm, to the port town of Westport. There, he unwinds by spending three weeks fishing on a charter boat, catching enough halibut, sea bass, lingcod, tuna, and salmon to feed the hundreds who gather at Heritage Church for its annual fish fry on the first Sunday in July.

The event is a community outreach for the church, where Vickers and his wife head up the welcome committee.

“We had over 650 people (in July), and we want to double that next year,” Vickers said. “I really want to see 5,000, like the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with

fish and bread. I can’t tell you how excited I am for what God is doing with this; it is absolutely amazing.”

He often invites guests to come aboard his boat to fish with him and shares his testimony and the Gospel.

“I tell people, ‘If you want to know how to catch big fish, you need to talk to the Creator,’” Vickers said. “It’s not about Ed Vickers, it’s about elevating Jesus Christ and telling the story of how God has changed my life. I am living out Dr. (Jerry) Falwell’s dream and vision every day.”

Vickers was raised on a farm in Alabama as one of nine children in a three-room cinderblock house. He learned at an early age the value of blessing others. His parents would fry and give away the fish that he and his siblings caught in nearby streams — as well as their homegrown vegetables — to neighbors and the elderly in their community.

He said he was led to the Lord at the end of his first week on Liberty’s campus by fellow Hall of Fame guard Karl Hess, Liberty’s all-time leading scorer. Vickers quickly became an ambassador for Christ, joining a 10-player team from Athletes in Action on a basketball trip to Papua, New Guinea, Australia, and the Philippines in the summer of 1978. The team went 31-1, losing only to Australia’s Olympic team.

But the real victory, he said, was winning over 10,000 souls.

“People wanted our autographs, and we shared our testimonies and Christ with them,” Vickers said.

In two-and-a-half seasons, Vickers netted 1,658 points and became Liberty’s

second-leading career rebounder (1,012).

He helped the Flames capture their only National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship in 1980 when they set a program record with 28 wins.

“He was a model student and a great athlete,” said Ed Gomes, Flames Football’s director of spiritual development who served as Vickers’ resident director. “He reflected Christ-likeness in his attitude and his actions.”

Gomes joined Vickers for July’s fish fry this year, cooking and serving the abundant catch. Next summer, the event will also turn into an alumni reunion of sorts. Four of Vickers’ former hallmates — football standouts Rod Gladfelter (’80), Jeff Reeves (’80), Rupert Wright (’83), and Glenn Inverso (’81) — plan to travel from around the country to help serve.

Vickers has become a fisher of men and sees Vancouver as his mission field.

“There are probably more unchurched people in the Northwest than anywhere in the United States. I want to help change the culture … to treat people the way that Christ would treat them.”

In August, Vickers sponsored a new outreach through his church, giving away backpacks and shoes to over 600 children for the start of the school year.

“I am blessed to be a part of what is happening here and excited that we can have a positive impact in our community,” said Vickers, who personally purchased 450 pairs of shoes for the event. “God is good and continues to answer prayers.

The Lord is taking care of His people.”

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’14

RYAN CORDELL, of Charlotte, N.C., made his MLB debut in September with the Chicago White Sox. Cordell was an outfielder for the Liberty Flames from 2011-13.

’14

ANDREW O. GAY, of Tampa, Fla., joined Carlton Fields in its Tampa office as a member of the firm’s nationally recognized construction practice. The practice primarily focuses on construction contracts and litigation for all sectors of the industry — road, bridge, utility, and residential and commercial building.

’15

ELIZABETH ROLLINS, of Lynchburg, Va., is currently volunteering with Mercy Ships aboard

the world’s largest private hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, in the Gulf of Guinea until November. She is working as a ward nurse, helping patients prepare for procedures and assisting them in the recovery process.

’16

LIGIA CUSHMAN, of Hickory, N.C., is the director of adoption services for Eckerd Connect in Tampa, Fla. Cushman oversees adoptions for the 1,500 children in Florida’s foster care system.

’16

JORDAN MOODY, of New Ipswich, N.H., is the pastor of Hope Fellowship Church. He earned his M.A. in Theological Studies from Liberty.

’16, ’18

HEATHER WYATT, of Houston, Texas, serves as assistant director of NCAA compliance at Houston Baptist University.

’17

JOSHUA HARTLE, of Lynchburg, Va., recently got engaged to Liberty senior Jessica Yoder.

They will get married in November.

’17

DALLAS PEYTON, of Greensboro, N.C., now works in the marketing department for Portland Timbers in Portland, Ore. He earned a sport management degree and served as a game operations intern for Liberty Athletics as a senior. He recently started an LU alumni chapter in Portland.

Alumnus creates diversity program at Harvard for underserved Atlanta youth

When Brandon Fleming’s dreams of playing basketball were dashed by a knee injury during his freshman year at Liberty University in 2008, he dropped out of school. It was a low point for him, but following a failed suicide attempt, he woke up in a hospital bed and experienced a spiritual awakening.

“I prayed to God, ‘If You will make a way for me to fix my life, I promise I will not take it for granted,’” Fleming said in an interview with “Game On,” a television show produced by the Liberty Flames Sports Network. He re-enrolled at Liberty.

“I made a life-changing decision,” said Fleming, who as a child exhibited poor

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academic achievement and a pattern of delinquency throughout elementary, middle, and high school. “I locked myself in my room every single day and just read religiously. I read every subject you could possibly think of — philosophy, politics, humanities, the social sciences, history — and I just filled myself with knowledge and information, and I started to feel powerful.”

Fleming joined Liberty’s nationally recognized debate team and also began tutoring local youth. While still a Liberty student, Fleming founded the S.Y. Scholars Program for at-risk African-American high-schoolers in Lynchburg. The program grew into a competitive nonprofit college preparatory and K-12 leadership development program where students participated in field trips, community service, workshops, and mentorship, with the opportunity to earn scholarships.

After Fleming graduated, he was recruited to teach speech and debate at an academy for middle schoolers in Atlanta and, soon after, he began teaching youth at the Harvard Debate Council Summer Institute.

But Fleming said he saw a lack of diversity in the summer program. “I noticed that there weren’t many students who looked like me, so I decided I was going to do something about that. I came up with the idea to create a diversity pipeline program that would recruit,

train, and feed students of color into the institute.”

He founded the council’s Diversity Project, which provides African-American high school students in the MetroAtlanta area the opportunity to receive scholarships to attend the summer residential program.

“By teaching these kids debate, we are equipping them with the tools they need to be agents of change,” Fleming said.

The Georgia Center for Nonprofits named Fleming among the state’s top 30 Under 30 emerging leaders. He was inducted into Outstanding Atlanta’s 2017 class of distinguished young professional leaders and the Class of 2018 LEAD Atlanta, a premier organization recognizing Atlanta’s emerging young talent.

Fleming eventually moved into the role of assistant debate coach for Harvard.

Looking back at his journey, Fleming realizes he is living out his dream.

“All of that failure was nothing but preparation for this moment right now.

It gives me the ambition, and it gives me the determination,” he said. “When I look into the eyes of all of these young people, I see myself. I see the young man who needed guidance, affirmation, somebody to tell him, ‘You can do it.’ I stop and look at my journey, and it makes me extremely grateful, and it makes me feel compelled to pay it forward.”

ALUMNI

’17

RICHARD SORENSEN, of Richmond, Va., is a certified life coach and writes a blog, Fiction and Fatherhood, with his oldest daughters. He is the father of seven and graduated with a bachelor s in psychology.

’18

CHASE BRADFIELD, of Fond du Lac, Wis., is the new school administrator for Fond du Lac Christian School.

’18

CHRISTIAN COCHRAN, of Jacksonville, Fla., serves as a Wounded Warrior Fellow for Rep. Al Lawson s (FL-05) district office in Jacksonville. Cochran, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve, assists with casework and provides support for the district s veterans, active service members, and their families.

’18

GRACE D’ERRICO, of Troy, N.Y., is the social media manager for Our.News, a social news

network for people to fact-check and rate news.

’18

MICKEY DEMORAT, of Merritt Island, Fla., was named a member of the 2018 Srixon/ Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar team. DeMorat became the fifth golfer in program history to be named to the team multiple times during their Liberty career. He became Liberty s first-ever qualifier for the U.S. Open and competed in the 2018 tournament.

Recent graduate fulfills lifelong dream of working at SeaWorld

When Zach Millender (’17) arrives at work each morning, he’s greeted with an icy chill and some 300 hungry beaks.

“Every day I get to go and work with penguins … in Texas,” he said. “And it is the most amazing thing.”

Millender is one of Liberty’s first zoo and wildlife biology graduates and now works as an animal care specialist at SeaWorld San Antonio. He helps maintain a habitat with approximately 200 penguins and 100 puffins, ensuring the animals are properly fed and cared for. He also helps hand-raise chicks.

“I get to interact with these animals that very few people get to see outside of places like our facility,” Millender said. “I get to know the individuality of all those animals. It is pretty insane to think about how there are so many birds and each is unique; they all interact in different ways.”

The position isn’t always glamorous, he said. “There is a lot of heavy lifting and smells — a lot of smells.”

But he calls it “100 percent my dream job.”

Since childhood, Millender wanted to work at SeaWorld as a dolphin trainer.

His current position allows opportunities for future growth and for working with other species.

“I have a very long path that I can follow at SeaWorld,” Millender said. “It is a really cool place to be. … It is such a high-quality facility. SeaWorld has set the standard of animal care for a long time, and it makes me really proud to be a part of that and to help move it forward.”

Millender said he appreciates the support he received while pursuing his B.S. in Zoo & Wildlife Biology, offered under the Department of Biology & Chemistry.

“Liberty is a huge part of the reason that I am here at SeaWorld,” he said. “Being in an environment that fostered my passion, where I was told, ‘You are capable of doing this, we want to make it a smooth process for you, and we want to prepare you and equip you to best get there,’ made a huge difference for me.”

Through class assignments and an internship at a dog training facility, Millender gained the experience he needed to start his career.

“The faculty saw that working at SeaWorld was my goal and helped me to refine the things that I was learning … and craft that into a stepping stone,” he said.

Millender also refined other skills that he didn’t even realize were critical to success as a zoologist.

“It is really important working with animals to be adaptable and flexible,” he said. “The ability to learn quickly on my feet is an important skill that Liberty helped me learn.”

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THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE 2018 $1 million and above

Individuals Worth Harris Carter, Jr.* Organizations Framatome, Inc. The Rawlings oundation, Inc.

$500,000 - $999,999 Individuals Mike Dodak* Lois Wells Webb*

$100,000 - $499,999 Individuals Helen Hermestroff David Robinson*

$50,000 - $99,999

Individuals Melvin W. Buster* Linda H. Handy* William W. Hanlin Leslie F Hildreth* John H. Mulberry Pete & Patricia Vann Margielene P. Woodhouse*

$25,000 - $49,999

Individuals Anonymous DonorBrighthouse Life Ins. Co.* Henry & Doris Bridges Joseph L. Caudell Beatrice L. Dickinson* Norman K. A. Hoffe Jon & Margie Lienemann Jim Roller Charles R. Stone Jimmy & Rhonda Thoma Organizations Freedom Aviation

$10,000 - $24,999

Individuals Ralph & Joan Campbell Lucille T. Carter Warren & Mary Chilcote Barry & Pam Clarkson Jerry & Patricia Cloud Dr. John & Judy George Shirley A. Goehring Cline & Beverly Hall Mark & Michelle Hiepler Carroll & Nancy Hudson Louis & Joan LaMay Fergus R McKean* Johnnie & Andrea Moore Ben & Donna Patterson Rachel Polley Phillip & Debbie Rine Zach & Lisa Tran Gladys E. Waechter* Organizations Boxley Dolan Group, LLC KMR Aviation Services, Inc. Prestonwood Baptist Church Watt Foster Family Foundation Anonymous Carter County OK*

62

$5,000 - $9,999

Individuals Jason & Tori Benham Josh & Lisa Dorcey Lena F. Ensminger Dennis & Sonya Fields Turner & Gayle Gill Carey & Denise Green Laura Elizabeth Higginbotham* Jennifer R. Hughes Kevin & Mary Jones Dr. John & Mrs. Jennie Kim Ian & Heather McCaw Ritchie & Julie McKay Arthur Nicholson* Brian & Vickie Runk Jim & Patsy Sanders Robert Spann Glen & Teresa Thoma Faron & Linda Thompso Roy Unsin* Shawn & Lori Willis Scott & Shelly Wolf Organizations BB&T Blumenschein Living Trust Chapel of Hope Religious Offering Fund Environmental Options, Inc. Fill the Gap Concerts Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Inc. Homestead Creamery, Inc. HSC Wealth Advisors Hurt & Proffitt, nc.

Ignite Men, LLC Kain Enterprises, Inc. Lynchburg Family Dentistry Mabry Automotive Group MH Masonry & Associates, Inc. Patel & Dalrymple Attorneys at Law Peter & John Radio Fellowship, Inc. DBA Peter & John Ministries Pure Freedom, Inc. Robert & Catherine Davenport Trust SBC of Virginia Foundation Sodexo, Inc & Affiliat Southern Baptist Conservatives of VA The Bolick oundation YourCause, LLC Trustee for

Medtronic Foundation Volunteer Grant Program ZMJ, LLC

$2,500 - $4,999

Individuals Jennifer A. Martinez Robert & Susan Andrews Emily Arbelaez Jay & Mary Bachar Ricky Bailess Billy & Jane Belcher David & Pam Bell Jim & Linda Bell Elden & Dixie Brammer Sheldon & Shannon Bream Mike & Allison Brown Sarah R. Canino Josh & Carrie Cox Lindsey Crane Johnny & Anne Crist Junessa A. DeBiasi Epperly

Olive M. Eckmann* Louis & Margaret Edwards H. Glenn & Rachael Esbenshade Charlie & Barbara Falwell Rodney E. Gladfelter Austin Gray Joseph & Mary Guieb Jefferson arman Joel & The esa Hesch Scott & Melanie Hicks Mikayla N. Hudson James Larry Ingram Scott & Sara Jackson Leandra S. Jenkins Brian Johnson Trevor & Jane Johnson Daniel Jones Ron & Rachel Justice Linda F. Kay John Kenney Brian Kirschner Mr. & Mrs. Harold L. Knowles Rick & Robyn Kooiker Michael & Christina LaFleur B. A. Langley Dr. Jon & Sissie Lenzen Steve & Kathy Lloyd Morgan E. Marsh James & Megan Mason Mark G. Minar Arthur Moore* Geraldine E. Moose Mitch & Elizabeth Morrison Carl G. Neuberger Jay Nogle Mr. Bradley Owen & Dr. Pamela Zimmerman-Owen Bill & Vida Parker Amy L. Peavley Craig & Cindy Petry Brittany Roark Jack Schewel Troy & Hollie Schultz Rebekah L. Scoville Gabriel Sharff Herbert F Shirrell* Tim & Martha Stoudnour Bo & Kipplyn Summers Philip Thoma John & Trish Trimble Edgar & Allison Tuck Gene & Debbie Walker Lori Watkins Charlie & Vickie Watts Mara Weigner Duke & Carlene Westover Faith Young Organizations Airport Lodging, Inc. TA Comfort Inn & Suites Lynchburg Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church Bates Orthodontics Brentwood Baptist Church Brown’s Heating and Air Chesapeake RV Solutions Daniel’s Auto Glass Delta Air Lines Foundation Dunham ShareMedia Services English Construction Company, Inc. Fellowship of Orlando, Inc. DBA ReThink Life Chu ch

First Action Systems, LLC First Bank & Trust Company First Baptist Church of Lexington Georgia Power Foundation, Inc. Educational Matching Gift Program Harvest Bible Chapel Hawthorne Gospel Church HealthWorks Clinic, LLC Hebron Baptist Church Impact Living Services Jones & Roberts Accounting & Financial K & J Enterprises, Inc. DBA McDonald’s Kairos Foundation, Inc. Kurios Foundation Long’s Termite & Pest Control Media Partners, Inc. Mills Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Musser Lumber Company OrthoVirginia Perkins & Orrison, Inc. Alex Richards-Richards Insurance ServPro Of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell County Sonny Merryman, Inc. Trane UBS Venture Mountain, LLC Walls Insurance Agency Walter Christian Development Foundation Zaki Gordon Memorial Charitable Gift Fund

$1,000 - $2,499

Individuals Dr. Gregg & Andrea Albers Bob & Sue Anderson Steve Andrews Robert Scott Arthur Phil & Lois Ayers Christie Bailey Fred N. Beason Al & Lisa Billingsly Dale & Tina Birdsall Valerie Blackwood Jerome & Kathy Bogacz Scott C. Bomar David Bostic Judith I. Brown Dr. Kendrick & Lelanda Brunson Richard & Carla Bryan Janice E. Buckley Brad & Claudia Butler Steve & Carolyn Ciccarello Robert H. Clement Tim & Julie Clinton Larry & Barbara Compter James & Patti Cook Virginia Corsini Tom F. Craven, Jr. John F. Cross Bo Cullifer Leora E. Daniel* Bob & Sandra Day Katherine Derbas Doug & Sheila Diehl Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. iPaola Greg & Mary Dowell

The resident’s Circle recognizes donors whose giving to Liberty University qualifies for one of the foll wing categories.

This list ecognizes donors from Jan. 1-Aug. 31, 2018.

Barbara H. Fain Linda L. Farver Kenneth E. Ferry Chris & Pam Ficco Christopher E. Fogal Instructor Linda Freshwater Tina Friar Savannah N. Frye Gil & Karen Gaillard Bryant & Riley Gaines Robert W. Garthwait, Sr. Max Gasser The esa H. Green Lee & Tonja Hall Bob Handwerker Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Harris Jeff & Allison elgeson David & Christine Holder Charles & Shelvie Holmes Carla Jones Dwayne & Gail Kamphuis Pam Katt Ira Stephen Kennedy Michael L. King Rodney & Donna Lawson Sydney Lawson Abigail Ledford Jennifer Lehman Matt & Lisa Lewis Rachel M. Lewis Debbie Linville Thompson B. Longes Lance & Stephanie MacKenzie David & Linda Martin Eva Martinez Perry & Laurie Maze Kathy McCavanagh Jeff & Cindy cCaw Terrance & Julie McCloskey Bill McEachen Paige McEachen Nathan & Joanna McGlothlin Andrew Meadows P. H. Mitchell, Jr. Stephen & Tricia Mock Andrew Moore Barbara C. Moore Dale Moore Lauren G. Moore Ray & Pam Morrison

SCHOL ARSHIP

John & Linda Muckel Wayne & Deb Mullin Jeff & Christy urphy Kenneth Musana Gene & Joyce Myers Dr. James Nalley, M.D. Leonard E. Newman, Jr. Jacqueline F. Nims Clyde & Esther Ott Todd & Rachel Patulski Gary G. Pearson Bob Pinto & Dot Richardson Larry Pollard Mike & Helga Pryor John & Janna Pyle Amy Radcliff Dr. & Mrs. James L. Rhoades Brenda J. Rider Kirstin Rontos Mirna Rosales Chuck & Kristin Sailors Margot S. Sample Mary Ann Saunders Carina Schiro Maria Schiro Robert & Pamela Schmidt Marlene Senner Brian Shepard Emily J. Sherman Archie & Carlita Smith Brad & Jennifer Smith Dave & Kim Smith John A. Snider Jesse & Heather Stephens Roger H. Stiles Leana Stoltz H. Gregg Strader Bob & Sara Straub John & Anne Thompso NoraJane R. Th ockmorton Susan Tobik Brant & Nancy Tolsma James O. Trout, Jr. John Tucker Greta Van Susteren William & Sarah Wagner Deborah Walker Ryan & Teresa Werner Sonny & Sharon White Jim & Kathy Williams

FUND

Be the champion they need.

INVEST

$19

IN A CHAMPION’S FUTURE

Paul & Andrea Williams Jewel E. Wilson Wyatt & Gwen Wilson Linda Woelke Lian-Tuu Yeh Organizations A.G. Jefferson pticians Adele Diamond Advanced Underground Specialists, Inc. Alpha-Omega Training and Compliance, Inc. Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Ashley Grace Bridal, LLC Awakening Events AXA Foundation Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, Inc. Bellevue Baptist Church Brevard Community Church BWX Technologies, Inc. Byrd Enterprises Unlimited, Inc. Centra Medical Group, LLC Central Church, Inc. Century21 All-Service Cherry Hills Baptist Church Christ Chapel-Mountaintop Christian Cheerleaders of America, Inc. Church of the Redeemer Come Alive International, Inc. Daystar Christian Fellowship Delaware North Doyle’s Florist, Inc. Faith Baptist Church of Knightdale, NC First Baptist Church of Pelham First Baptist Church of Roanoke First Baptist Orlando Fox News Network, LLC Garber Lowe Fence Co., Inc. Gibson Park Importers, Inc. His Generation HJH Foundation Johnson Health Center Lynchburg Area Veterans Council, Inc. Millbrook Baptist Church

Minnick Enterprises, LLC Mitchell, Matthews & Associates Novo Nordisk Matching Gift Program Parker Dental, PC Parkwood Baptist Church, Inc. Precision Marble & Tile Pregnancy Resource Center of Metro Richmond, Inc. Priority One Properties Professional Plumbing R. Coffee, Lt Rejoice Ministries, Inc. Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy State Farm Companies Foundation The ible Museum The Chu ch at Battlecreek The llenburg Chair Co., Inc. The Scripti e Stethoscope, LLC Thomas oad Baptist Church Th ee Strands Home Care LLC, DBA Senior Helpers

True Vine Ministries World Outreach Fellowship Vazax Dining Two, LLC Verizon Foundation Verndon Enterprises, Inc. Soundz Hearing Centers Victory Baptist Church Wellington Builders, Inc. West End Baptist Church Williamsburg Christian Retreat Association Women’s Missionary Union of VA YourCause, LLC Trustee for Pfi er Annual Giving Campaign YourCause, LLC Trustee for Wells Fargo Foundation Education Matching

Gifts Program Zenith Quest * Estate Gift If we have omitted, misspelled, or misplaced your name, please accept our apologies and notify our office y calling toll-free (866) 602-7983. For more information on planned giving to Liberty University, visit Liberty.edu/Giving or call (800) 543-5309.

For nearly 50 years, Liberty University has been Training Champions for Christ. We believe a quality Christian education should be available for all. That s why we have launched the new 71 Club Scholarship Fund with the single purpose of providing financial assistance for students in need.

Now you can be a champion for a Liberty student by becoming a charter member with a gift of just $19.71. Every dime of your donation goes directly to student scholarships.

To learn more and give to the 71 Club Scholarship Fund, visit Liberty.edu/71Club or call Donor Services at (800) 368-3801.

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LAST CHANCE TO SAVE!

$93

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