FALL 2022 Welcome to NEAR-RECORD FRESHMAN CLASS USHERS IN NEW SCHOOL YEAR FAITH PRINCIPLES MEET THE NEW DEAN OF LIBERTY LAW RISING, GROWING, WINNING FLAMES NATION FUELS LU ATHLETICS’ SUCCESS PRESERVING HISTORY A DIVE INTO THE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES
FALL 2022
Pray that Liberty always remains faithful to the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ no matter what the world throws our way. By God’s grace, we will remain steadfast and faithful.
COLEMANJOEL
For information on Liberty’s academic programs, the admission process, alumni, or athletics, call (434) 582-2000.
View the digital version and past issues at Liberty.edu/LibertyJournal
As interim president, I have had the unique privilege to participate in some of Liberty’s most significant milestones with our students. Last fall, we began our 50th Anniversary by welcoming the largest incoming class in school history, and in the spring, we celebrated one of our largest graduating classes on record. Williams Stadium was filled with deep rows of bright smiles among the tassels.
The Liberty Journal engages alumni, supporters, friends, and current and prospective students, informing them on all the exciting developments at the world’s premier Christian university.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Carrie CONTRIBUTINGMitchellEDITORSKristinConradRyanHelfenbeinJerryPrevoAmandaStanleyWRITERSTedAllenMitziBibleJacobCouchRyanKlinkerLoganSmithPHOTOGRAPHERSJoelColemanChaseGylesKJJugarMattReynoldsEvaSoderstromCREATIVEDIRECTORJoshRicePUBLISHINGSTAFFRebeccaBeemAshleyDeandaKerryHoganQuinnChapellDawnNealBrianShesko
ON THE COVER: Students walk on the Academic Lawn on Aug. 24, during the first week of classes for the Fall 2022 semester. Liberty’s total residential enrollment is now the largest in school history, after the school welcomed a record incoming class last year and a near-record freshman class this year.
Liberty University Office of Communications & Public Engagement
Liberty University maintains its Christian character and reserves its right to discriminate on the basis of religion to the
SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR Mitzi Bible
While I celebrate these many milestones and accomplishments with our incredible students, I am reminded of my greatest responsibility as president — to Train Champions for Christ. I am constantly pointing our students to the Gospel because I love them and want them to leave here with more than a degree; I want them to leave with a love for Jesus Christ and a passion to serve Him. I want them to build their lives like the wise man in Jesus’ parable who built his house upon the rock.
act in
in
Liberty University is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any military service.
Contact the Liberty Journal at news@liberty.edu, (434) 592-4955, or write to:
At Liberty University, our students are anything but ordinary; they are extraordinary. I am continually amazed and inspired by God’s work in and through them as they pursue His calling in every avenue of life. That is why I am overwhelmed with joy when I see them return to campus for the beginning of a new academic year.
My friend, Dr. Jerry Falwell, had great ambition and purpose for this university. He always believed that young people were the hope of the nation and the world as long as they were committed to Christ. He also knew that only God could build such a university. As we begin our next 50 years together, I invite you to pray fervently for our students as Dr. Falwell did many years ago, knowing that nothing of eternal significance can happen without prayer.
also begun construction on the new stateof-the-art Jerry Falwell Center that will honor our founder’s legacy as a permanent reminder of the faith, vision, and purpose of Liberty University. Our Liberty Bell has been removed from the Freedom Tower so it can be displayed there.
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 its educational programs and activities. extent that applicable law its right to furtherance of its religious objectives.
1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, Va. 24515
respects
The next 50 years begin now. We are off to a great start with the second-largest incoming class on record and the largest student population in school history from all 50 states and over 70 countries around the globe. Our world-class academics offers over 700 degree programs. Our NCAA Division I athletics programs are having tremendous success and garnering national attention with eight conference championships and a third-straight bowl victory just last year. Our spiritual emphasis and commitment remain strong as Liberty hosts the largest weekly worship gathering of college students from anywhere in the country.
President
As Liberty grows, we are expanding our capacity to serve students by building a new dining hall that will offer 40% more interior space than our current facility. We have
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Liberty remains one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the nation and the largest university in Virginia. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains on more than 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty utilizes its world-class infrastructure and Christian faculty to offer more than 700 unique programs of study from the certificate to the doctoral level. Over 450 programs are offered online.
Photo by: Chase Gyles
Flames Nation is showing up in big numbers as Liberty Athletics reaches new heights.
10 | PRESERVING THE LU STORY
Former State Department Ambassador at Large joins Liberty Law’s mission to infiltrate the legal world with Christian advocates.
Meet a former football player serving in missions in Eastern Europe and read updates from your classmates.
The Jerry Falwell Library Archives is keeping the university’s history alive for future generations.
lineup of speakers for Convocation, and what it means to have “Odd Faith.”
22 | ATHLETICS: RISING, GROWING, WINNING
32 | ALUMNI
Learn about groundbreaking cancer research at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, a special
Students filled the Academic Lawn on Aug. 22, the night of the first day of classes, for an evening of praise and worship led by the Worship Collective.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
4 | MEET THE DEAN: MORSE TAN
14 | NEWS & VIEWS
REEDCHASE 1
NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW FACES, SAME MISSION
“I saw ‘Servant’ on the back of their T-shirts, and I about lost it,” said Fielding Neel, who traveled from Kentucky to help move in his granddaughter. “It was a moment that really meant something to me. The heart of the students, the welcome, the cheering, the excitement ... it just really started it off right for me.”
Welcome Week is designed to help students explore their campus and build
2
At New Student Convocation, another Liberty tradition, students were introduced to upcoming events and opportunities for spiritual growth. This year, the Vines Center was sectioned off by states and countries so students could meet others from areas closer to their own homes.
Of course, becoming a Liberty student also means becoming a Flames fan. All new students were invited to the Flames Kickoff, a large pep rally in the Liberty Arena where they learned game day traditions from coaches and student-athletes.
where representatives from various campus departments presented information on safety, housing, student affairs, and ways to help new students navigate through the college experience.
The Liberty Journal welcomes all of our new students! We are blessed to have you join our family and make Liberty your new home away from home.
The Office of Spiritual Development hosted Prayer on the Lawn, allowing new students and their families time to pause, pray, and worship together as they began a new stage in all of their lives. Families were also invited to a Parent & Family Session
JUGARKJ
community. The Student Activities Department hosted an outdoor movie night, Big Band Night, open mic event, and bingo. An outdoor concert, carnival rides, games, and concessions helped all the students ring in the new school year at Block Party — one of the largest campus events of the year — as they celebrated the end of the first week of classes.“Welcome Week helps expose new students to everything that LU has to offer and set them up for success as they begin their journey at LU,” said Chris Misiano, vice president of Campus Recreation and Logistics. “Alumni always look back fondly on that time, and many remark how they made friendships that week that continue to endure. While the types of events might change or the number of awesome facilities expand, we want to provide excellent opportunities for the student body to find their niche at LU.”
After the first day of classes on Aug. 22, new and returning students filled the Academic Lawn for a powerful night of worship. It was a time for them to refocus on their most important relationship, the one with their Heavenly Father, and to set the tone for a year of learning and growing in the Lord together.
Before classes even began, students had chances to meet faculty and staff in their academic departments during welcome sessions and at a Doughnuts with the Deans event on the steps of the Montview Student Union.
On the two new student move-in days, the student leadership teams lined the sidewalks in front of the residence halls, cheering loud as the families drove up. Then the unpacking began. Families looked on in amazement to see their student’s belongings whisked away to their rooms almost as fast as they could get out of their vehicles.
Interim President Jerry Prevo walked around the arena, personally welcoming all the students and families before delivering a message about the importance of opening one’s life to the Lord and becoming an integral part of Liberty’s mission to Train Champions for Christ.
Campus came alive once again in August as new and returning students combined to give Liberty University its largest total residential enrollment in history at 15,800 students. There are 4,600 new incoming students in the freshman class, just slightly lower than last year’s record. That means a lot of new faces to welcome to the Liberty family, so in keeping with tradition, the school greeted them in grand style from the moment they arrived.
Worship on the Lawn with the Deans Block Party concert Band Night
REYNOLDSMATTGYLESCHASECHASEGYLES TIDWELLKENDALL TIDWELLKENDALL REEDCHASEREEDCHASE REEDCHASE SODERSTROMEVA 3
New StudentPrayerFlamesConvocationKickoffontheLawn
Doughnuts
Big
MORSE TAN IS LEADING LIBERTY LAW’S MISSION TO INFILTRATE THE LEGAL WORLD WITH CHRISTIAN ADVOCATES
Since arriving at Liberty Law in January, Tan has sought to continue the school’s longstanding tradition of Training Champions for Christ by reminding students and faculty of how a faith-driven life can reap rewards in the field of law.
Before Liberty Law, Tan served as Ambassador at Large for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Criminal Justice, where he oversaw the indictment, sanctioning, capture, and/or conviction of mass atrocity criminals in places like Sri Lanka, Rwanda, the Balkans, and Lebanon.
In his law career, Tan has served as an attorney and counselor at law for major law firms. In legal academia, he has served as a law professor or visiting scholar at University of Texas at Austin School of Law, University of St. Thomas School of Law, Florida Coastal School of Law, Northern Illinois University College of Law, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, and Handong International Law School in Pohang, Korea, where he took part in founding the first American J.D. program in Asia. He has taught courses on North Korean policy, international criminal law, international human rights, bioethics, and constitutional law, and
If this school were to lose its Christian mission and identity, my advice would be to shut it down. ”
MEET the DEAN:
For Liberty University School of Law Dean Morse Tan, education, career, and family have always been areas of his life enriched by his passionate pursuit and prioritization of faith in Christ above all else.
“My heart and my thoughts are frequently on how I can increase, make more pervasive, deepen, broaden, and further the Christian mission of this place,” he said. “That is something that I dwell on.”
JUGARKJ 4
“ America doesn’t just need another law school, and the world doesn’t just need another law school.
BY JACOB COUCH
While a consistent record of success was a draw for Tan, so was Liberty Law’s distinct, Christian environment that he has quickly come to love.
When faced with difficulties throughout his career, Tan has found encouragement through immersing himself in the wisdom of Christians who have gone before us, something that he encourages Liberty Law students to do as well.
With these values as their heartbeat, Tan is certain that Liberty Law and its mission to infiltrate the field for Christ is exactly what the world
When he’s not at Liberty Law, you may find Dean Tan on the tennis court, playing a cello, or enjoying time with his family. He and his wife, Dr. Sarah Tan, have four children: Hope, 16; Enoch, 14; Isaiah, 10; and Moses, 8.
In December, Morse Tan and President Jerry Prevo joined close to 1,000 Liberty University students outside the U.S. Capitol before they walked to the U.S. Supreme Court steps to pray for the justices as oral arguments began in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
At the advice of his pre-law director, he wrote the college president, and his team was eventually allowed to return. His desire to proclaim the Gospel continued into law school at Northwestern where he became co-chair of the first Veritas Forum in the Chicago area. The nonprofit organization works with Christian college students to host forums centered on the exploration of truth and its relevancy in human life through the questions of philosophy, religion, science, and other disciplines.
JUGARKJ
“Do not neglect the great, classic Christian sources, starting with the Scriptures, but also read great Christian legal thinkers. And stay steeped in those sources but also in the living Christian community that exists.”
Tan said since coming to Christ at a young age, he has always placed an emphasis on the Word of God.
“Americaneeds.doesn’t just need another law school, and the world doesn’t just need another law school,” he said. “If this school were to lose its Christian mission and identity, my advice would be to shut it down.”
“Despite the saying that ‘law school helps you think like a lawyer,’ a lot of legal education at other schools actually helps you think like a law professor or appellate judge; you’re getting the thought of law professors who, in the general model in this country, do not have much law practice experience.”
“Keep God at the center of your life,” he told them. “He is the hub, and all the other parts of life are the spokes. But if you try to make the spokes the hub or the hub the spokes, you’re not going to have a properly functioning wheel. You’re going to have one that falls apart from the inside of the wheel. Keeping the Lord at the center of everything is crucially important.”
Teaching law through the lens of faith is a passion Tan shares with the Liberty Law faculty, which he claims is “one of the finest in the country” when it comes to student mentoring and career preparation.
During his own college years, Tan was determined to be a shining light. As an undergraduate, he helped lead an evangelistic team and recalls being kicked off of a nearby college campus for sharing the Gospel. But that didn’t discourage him from remaining steadfast in his convictions.
“It is just a central part of the ethos and culture of this place — we are raising up Champions for Christ,” he added. “I will put this Liberty faculty up against any law faculty in the country in terms of teaching and mentoring, and I sincerely believe that, and I saw that throughout this past semester in various ways. I’ve heard that from students, and I’ve heard that from alumni.”
“This is a warm, friendly community because of our mission,” he said. “Not in spite of it, not separate from it, but because of our Christian mission. I really believe that to be true, and I experience that.”
he has published numerous law review articles and delivered presentations on bioethics and international human rights, most notably as an expert on North Korea. Tan is the author of “North Korea, International Law and the Dual Crises” (Routledge, 2015).
Whether through Liberty Law’s successful Moot Court team, which has already distinguished itself as one of the top programs in the country, or through its rigorous, six-semester Lawyering Skills set of courses, Tan said Liberty Law remains focused on developing students’ broad communication skills with preparatory programs that hone analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and alternative dispute resolution techniques.
GYLESCHASE
Dean Morse Tan addresses the Class of 2022 during the annual Ad Fontes ceremony.
5
“Our faculty don’t have office hours; they have open offices,” Tan said.
Tan holds a B.A. and M.A. from Wheaton College and a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law, where he completed an international law concentration. He is fluent in Spanish and Korean, with some basic knowledge of French, Chinese, Portuguese, and Latin.
“We packed out the largest auditorium at Northwestern at the time and brought
15 Christian ministries together in that outreach,” Tan said. “It was influential in keeping Northwestern University from changing its Christian seal and its university verse, which it was contemplating eliminating.”AtLiberty’s Commencement in May, Tan addressed the graduates, imploring them to model Liberty Law’s Christ-first approach even after they graduate and begin to live busy lives as attorneys, spouses, and parents.
“The Scriptures have been a huge part of my life. I came to Christ at the age of 4, and one of my first Sunday School teachers was urging the importance of getting into the Bible, and it has been an integral part of my life from that point forward.”
The real-life preparation at Liberty Law is exceptional — and rare in legal academia, he said — because the majority of professors come from years in the field rather than only in the classroom.
benefits denials and terminations, unemployment law, debt collection, and permanent protective orders in domestic violence
Law’s distinctively Christian mission is one of the biggest factors that motivates students to come to Liberty,” Dean Morse Tan said. “It’s stunningly special to have a law school that is dedicated to following our Lord Jesus Christ in every way, including evangelism and service. Encouraged by this mission, our students are motivated to serve their neighbors and change the world.”
ADVANCING THE MISSION
Students also volunteer with Liberty Law’s Intellectual Property Clinic, assisting start-up businesses, veteranowned businesses, and Christian ministries with trademark, copyright, and trade
Liberty Law graduates Ryan Lawson (’22) and Briana Reed (’22) volunteered with the Virginia Legal Aid Society last year.
“Libertyothers.
Through a partnership with the Virginia Legal Aid Society, students provide pro bono legal services to clients who could not afford counsel otherwise. Services include landlord and tenant law, public
LIBERTY LAW
Lawyering Skills program, which helps students graduate “practice-ready.” The program teaches students how to conduct negotiations, depositions, and arguments before a judge and how to expertly draft legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, statutes, and operating agreements.
6
Liberty University School of Law has modeled for the academic world how to equip students to pursue excellence in their field while training them to be Champions for Christ.
Through scholarships and study grants, students are also afforded opportunities for international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
JUGARKJ
CONCENTRATIONS: • Advocacy • Appellate Advocacy • Business Law • Constitutional Law • Criminal Justice • Family and Juvenile Law • International Law • Planning • Property • Taxation • Trial Advocacy • Wealth Management and Financial Planning DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS: • Business (M.B.A.) – 36-hour • Divinity (M.Div.) – General • History (M.A.) • Public Policy (M.A.P.P.) • Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.)
Law students also regularly participate in many university-sponsored service projects, including work with Habitat for Humanity, area food banks, Salvation Army, and the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center.
The school is well-known for its innovative
Liberty Law was founded in 2004 on principles found in the Holy Scriptures, and year after year its graduates fulfill the university’s original Christian mission in service to their clients and their communities. There are now over 1,000 Liberty Law alumni impacting the world for Christ in various fields, from communications and government to criminal and corporate law and judgeships.
Liberty Law received “A” ratings by preLaw Magazine for practical training, and it placed No. 3 in the nation for ABA Competitions by AmericanBar.org in 2019.
With employment rates for graduates in 2019-21 surpassing 90 percent, and with a 70-percent increase in applications in the past five years, Liberty Law continues to experience growth in numbers and stature.
secret issues as well as protecting creative works (literature, music, movies, artwork, and software). The clinic is certified by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Clinic Director Andrew Connors was recently recognized by the Virginia Access to Justice Commission, under the Supreme Court of Virginia, at a pro bono summit honoring those who have completed a high number of voluntary service hours. He and his students collectively gave over 400 hours in free legal work to clinic clients over the last year.
In 2021, Liberty Law students sat for the bar in 20 jurisdictions. The school recorded a bar passage rate of 88 percent for firsttime takers in 2020 and 2021.
HERE TO SERVE
Liberty University School of Law has a long tradition of serving the Lynchburg community and surrounding areas. Whether offering free tax services or representing underprivileged clients in the courtroom, their acts of community service flow not only from the skills they’ve acquired in their studies but also from their Christian commitment to help
Students participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program each spring. The free tax filing service is for qualified individuals with an average annual income under $54,000. Liberty’s program has served hundreds of community members over the past decade.
Throughcases.Liberty Law’s Constitutional Litigation Clinic, students share the responsibility of managing a case under the direct supervision of attorneys. The pro bono service allows students to learn civil procedure, evidence, substantive constitutional law, law office management, ethics, and professional responsibility.
of life, and the family by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. From his office in Washington, D.C., Alexandre consults with and advises law and policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels across the country. He is confident that his current profession was the Lord’s plan for his life.
“To see some incredible victories on that very front is personally encouraging, but also it is a consistent reminder of God’s sovereignty and His providence in but I’m thrilled that I have.”
“While the headlines of the pro-life movement seem to concern legislative halls and courtrooms, the real work happens at water coolers, at kitchen tables, and in the conversations that folks have with their peers,” he said. “Building a pro-life ethic in informal settings is really how you build a culture of life. Credit to the mothers, the fathers, the pastors, and the young men and women who are committed to a pro-life ethic and are unapologetic even in their personal conversations about promoting life.”
“To be able to impact law and policy and order, and to promote the Gospel through these channels at the highest levels of government, is precisely the calling that God has placed on my life,” he said. “To be able to marry ministry with a vocation is exactly where I think God wants me to be.”
Reflecting on her legal journey, she expressed her gratitude for Liberty Law’s integral role.
When Myers first enrolled in law school, she was already several years into her struggle with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye disease that causes vision loss. She was first diagnosed near the end of high school after losing close to 80 percent of her vision in a matter of weeks.
7
“I’ve always wanted to be a judge,” she said. “It’s really the pinnacle of the legal career. I didn’t think I’d get it this quickly,
In June, Alexandre and his colleagues rejoiced when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Although Myers graduated from Liberty Law over a decade ago, she is grateful for the lifetime connection it offers graduates.
“There’s an environment of support that lasts beyond the three years that you are there,” she said.
“There’s no greater joy than to know that the everyday slugging and trench warfare we’re in can result in a common purpose,” he added, “advancing the value of life and advancing religious liberty.”
“It’s been a huge hurdle, but I’m definitely grateful to (use) it as a motivator,” she said.
“Asrequires.I’veexplained over the years, it’s not my brain, it’s my eyes,” she said. “I can do what other people do, I can do what other judges do. I just do it a little differently. Having a hurdle in front of me makes me that much more determined to overcome it.”
Jonathan Alexandre (’14) said Liberty Law was the primary training ground for his work as Senior Counsel for Government Affairs with Liberty Counsel, an international nonprofit litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity
Myers was a prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office for the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida from 2011-15. She then went into private practice, first as an associate at a Florida law firm before becoming the managing partner at her own firm, Myers Law Group, P.A.
“The lawyering skills program is exceptional,” she said. “Sometimes people say that school doesn’t prepare you for what the real world has, and that is true. But the lawyering skills program took me a lot further than most schools (could have).”
While at Liberty, Myers used large magnifying machines to assist in her schoolwork, and she continues to do so as a judge. She often reminds people that although she has difficulty seeing, she is more than capable of doing what her job
Last spring, Rachel Myers (’11) landed her dream job when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to serve as judge in the Volusia County Court.
BASED IN D.C., GRADUATE DEFENDS CORE VALUES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
orchestrating the details of even our public affairs,” he Alexandresaid.hopes that Christians will remember that groundbreaking rulings such as these are often the results of believers remaining faithful at work and at home.
LAW ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
FLORIDA JUDGE CREDITS SKILLS PROGRAM WITH POSITIONING HER FOR SUCCESS
Contrary to what parents may feel at
8
PARENT AND FAMILY CONNECTIONS OFFICE LENDS GUIDANCE AT EVERY STEP ON THE COLLEGE PATH
Many of these resources can be found on the Parent and Family Connections website, Liberty.edu/Family, where the team has created presentations, monthly newsletters, videos, blogs, helpful links, and more for parents to delve into the common scenarios of the parent-student relationship and learn more about college life.
“At Liberty, we provide every possible service to students that we can, and the parents are a part of that as well,” said Brian Yates, dean of CASAS. “What makes Liberty unique is that we don’t want to restrict parents from being involved here. We want the parents to be able to have a Liberty experience just as much as their kids, so we encourage them to come whenever they want and let them know what Liberty has going on.”
This is where Liberty University’s Parent and Family Connections Office, a part of the College of Applied Studies and Academic Success (CASAS), provides assistance. The three-member team — Assistant Director Tamatha Anthony, Lead Parent Advocate Timi Plyter, and Operations Coordinator Rosemary Shakro — creates multiple avenues for informing and encouraging parents as they enter a new stage and their child gains independence.
JUGARKJ
Having worked at Liberty for 26 years
The transition into one’s college years is felt by more than just the student. Parents and guardians also approach this time with mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty as they experience a new relationship dynamic with their son or daughter.
“We help equip both sides of the conversation, the parent and child, to pass the baton of becoming an adult to the student,” Anthony said. “We have resources to answer the first-semester questions and
help educate and inform parents of ways they can guide their student into college life. We help parents say, ‘We’ve got this.’”
other schools, where campus life may seem off-limits to the older generations, Liberty fully welcomes families to experience student life. From breakout sessions during Welcome Week at the start of each school year, to Family Weekends (held each fall), to special events during College For a Weekend (CFAW), parents can explore campus for themselves and hear from the parents office staff in person.
BY RYAN KLINKER
“It’s not just about schedules, roommates, or any one of those things — it’s about the entire relationship between a parent and a new adult who is coming to college, how a parent can become a coach and a cheerleader for their child,” said Plyter, who has been a Liberty parent and now refers to herself as the “LU Grandma” in her videos. “We help them navigate these waters to the destination of their child graduating.”
Family Weekend OCT. 21-23, 2022
REGISTER AT LIBERTY.EDU/FAMILYWEEKEND TO RECEIVE DISCOUNTS ON TICKETED EVENTS.
The staff also understands that some students come from households with no college experience and may not be familiar with the practices of higher education. The website offers a glossary of terms, some widely used in education and others specific to Liberty.
To learn more about Parent and Family Connections, call (434) 582-2339 or email LUFamily@liberty.edu.
We look forward to seeing you!
“From that moment all the way until they graduate — and sometimes longer — we stay in communication with them and offer whatever assistance we can,” Plyter said.
The connection to families sometimes begins before the child is even an official Liberty student. The Parent and Family Connections staff can be found interacting with prospective students and families during DecideLU and ExperienceLU, special campus visits that are held throughout the year (for more information on these events, go to Liberty.edu/VisitUs).
Your friendly Parent and Family Connections staff: Timi Plyter (left), Tamatha Anthony, and Rosemary Shakro
“Some parents are becoming sort of ‘snowplow parents,’ where they are preparing the road for the student instead of preparing the student for the road, and so we try to help them learn the practices that can best help their child succeed in college,” she said. “We help the parents to release their grasp and help them be alright with it. Of course, they’re still loving their child, they’re still caring for them, but this time is a rite of passage in the life of the child to become an adult.”
and spending much of that time speaking with parents, Plyter said parents’ needs have changed over the years.
JUGARKJ
Words from an LU Mom: Korie Robertson, whose family was the focus of the hit A&E reality TV show “Duck Dynasty,” has spoken frequently about the positive, Christ-centered impact that Liberty has had on her family. She participated in a College For a Weekend (CFAW) parent panel in February. Her son John Luke and daughter-in-law Mary Kate are Liberty alumni, and some of her other children have also studied at LU.
Explore campus together. Visit the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, Hydaway Outdoor Center, and Montview Bowling Alley.
“The values parents have raised their children with will be continued when they come to Liberty,” Yates said.
The Christ-centered core of Liberty shines through everything that the parents office provides. Liberty is committed to following through with the same Christian values many parents have worked hard to instill in their children since birth.
“These are such critical years; I think it’s really important for our kids to be in an environment — during this time in their lives specifically — that is about pursuing Jesus,” Robertson said in a recent video testimonial about her experience as an LU parent. VIDEO ON LIBERTY’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
JUGARKJ 9
“We would not be able to do our jobs without our faith,” Anthony added. “It has built our resources, and it has defined the way that we respond and pray with parents. We follow Ephesians 4:29 and want any word that comes from us to be edifying. We want to bring glory to the Lord with everything that we do, including ourPlyterwork.”said they don’t look at it as a job: “We look at what we do as a ministry, and ministries last for life.”
WATCH THE
has changed so greatly.”
Join your student and other Liberty families for a weekend of fun activities, including football, a family photo scavenger hunt, theatre shows, and more.
“We help to slow the conversation down and not assume that they know all about the university and college terms,” Anthony said. “Even with a parent who has college experience, higher education
In August, Liberty’s own replica of the iconic American symbol was removed from its post high above campus in the Freedom Tower. The Liberty Bell will now greet fans at Gate 1 of Williams Stadium until it is moved to its permanent home in the upcoming Jerry Falwell Center, scheduled to open in early 2024.
Library Archives keeps Liberty’s history alive for future generations to explore
BY RYAN KLINKER
Archivist Abigail Sattler holds a china plate from the Liberty Baptist College dining set housed in the Jerry Falwell Library.
COLEMANJOEL
10
In the years since, Sattler and her team have sifted through the boxes, flipped through the pages, and collected a significant number of mementos in a variety of formats to create the Jerry Falwell Library Archives & Special Collections. The assortment is evidence of the university’s mission and allows anyone to follow along with the story of founder Jerry Falwell Sr.’s vision as it was being fulfilled.
The bell was commissioned by Liberty for America’s bicentennial celebration and was revealed during a campus rally on July 4, 1976, where Liberty founder Dr.
Jerry Falwell rang it for the first time. The bell was later installed in a gazebo along University Boulevard, outside the Elmer Towns Religion Hall (where the School of Business building now stands). In April 2015, the bell rang for four minutes in remembrance of the 150th anniversary of the surrender at Appomattox Court House, which ended the Civil War. In 2017, it was moved to the top of the newly constructed Freedom Tower where it accompanied a 25-bell assembly.
When Abigail Sattler was hired as the first archivist at Liberty University in 2005, the physical materials that documented the university’s history were tucked away in a room stacked high with unopened boxes and shelves full of papers.
The archival collection proved to be invaluable as Liberty prepared to celebrate its 50th anniversary during the 2021-22 school year. Sattler was able to verify historical information for the anniversary website (Liberty.edu/50) and for a special display on the library’s digital media wall. She served as a source for those exploring the university’s history for anniversaryrelated“Whatprojects.Falwell Sr. accomplished was pretty amazing by any standards,” Sattler said. “Only a strong faith in God could have led him to boldly start a small Baptist college in 1971 with only 154 students, and that same faith led to a now-realized vision of it growing into a world-class university that trains students to live out their faith and serve the Lord in a variety of vocations. In the Archives, we want to do our part to embrace and honor this mission by making materials that trace the history of the university and related ministries available to the public. Doing so can help us to maintain our foundational roots as we grow and move forward as an institution.”
Preserving THE STORY
“They took me down to this room on the first floor of the old library in DeMoss Hall, swung open the door, and said, ‘Here’s all of this. Can you organize it?’” Sattler recalled. “There was a giant pile of cardboard boxes in the middle of the room, some of it was over my head, and no one knew what was in those boxes. Sometimes I would cautiously scale the cardboard mountain, open a box, and find out what was in it for the first time.”
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LIBERTY BELL?
well as oral histories of the university told by alumni, staff, and administrators. The collection features interviews with Liberty co-founder Dr. Elmer Towns, alumnus and Flames Baseball and MLB player Sid Bream, and legendary Bible scholar and professor Harold Willmington, among many others. There is also a series with veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
and Latin. A page from an original 1611 King James Bible is on loan to the Archives and displayed on a wall in the reading room.
“Thesegenerations.materials can serve as inspiration to our students as they seek to boldly serve the Lord by setting big goals just as Falwell Sr. did.”
Beyond the university’s own materials, there is an ongoing effort in the Special Collections section of the Archives to gather hymnals, Bibles, and Sunday School lessons from throughout history, some in different languages. The collection includes a 1779 hymnal, an Apostolic history book from 1672, and a volume of The Hexaglot Bible with six languages printed in parallel — English, Hebrew, German, French, Greek,
The Archives has also amassed a Christian fiction collection as well as pieces of secular literary history, such as a first edition of the Agatha Christie novel “The Mystery of the Blue Train” and an original 1891 copy of Strand Magazine with a Sherlock Holmes story inside. Letters and other documents from historical figures can also be found, such as an 1844 letter from Samuel Morse to “The Honorable First Auditor of the Treasury.”AsaLiberty alumna herself, Sattler said she has enjoyed collecting and sharing LU’s history. She holds an M.S. in Information Science from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and is certified as a digital archive specialist by the Society of American Archivists.
“My idea of a good time is taking a box of random papers and organizing it, figuring out where they came from and where they should go,” she said. “My family has worked at Liberty, I went to Liberty, and I find that the people here are the greatest, so it’s really not hard to get invested in the history of theSattleruniversity.”understands the significance of her role in preserving LU’s history for future
Anyone
COLEMANJOEL
COLEMANJOEL
The Archives also includes multiple audio and video recordings. Visitors can play anything from an LP to CD or VHS to DVD and listen to Falwell Sr.’s sermons, recordings of the university’s music groups or other Christian artists, videotaped lessons from distance learning courses (the predecessor to Liberty’s online program), andMultiplemore. historical resources are publicly available online at Liberty.edu/ Library/Archives. Many pieces from the physical collection have been scanned and uploaded to the site; most are full-text searchable. Some media recordings have also been digitized, including all of Falwell Sr.’s “Old Time Gospel Hour” sermons as
interested in donating to the Archives can email archives@liberty.edu or call (434) 592-6230. SUPPORT THE VISION BY VISITING LIBERTY.EDU/JFCENTER ocming in 2024|comingin|4202
In addition to memorabilia from Liberty’s history, the Archives also holds multiple special collections of literature as well as Bibles, hymnals, and more, some dating back centuries.
The Library Archives, open to the public, is located on the terrace level of the Jerry Falwell Library. In the Archive Reading Room, visitors can browse yearbooks, editions of the school newspaper or magazine, and many fascinating documents, such as Falwell Sr.’s notes that he made in preparation for a talk with Ronald Reagan in 1980 just before the presidential election. There are also documents from the Conservative Caucus, the Moral Majority (spearheaded by Falwell), and Thomas Road Baptist Church (where Falwell was senior pastor). Visitors will find treasures as diverse as Liberty sports memorabilia — gameday booklets, team statistics, schedules, and more — and other unique items, such as a rare set of china marked with the name and logo of Liberty Baptist College, the university’s name from 1974-85. The protection of these items is a priority, with many of the books placed in custom, non-acidic boxes and stored in the library’s temperature and humidity-controlled robotic retrieval system.
EDUCATORSLEADING
BY LOGAN SMITH
Lisa Lee, principal of Sheffield Elementary School, Lynchburg
Liberty University School of Education alumna Lisa Lee always felt called to impact city schools as a classroom teacher.
Lee is one of many Champions for Christ who are using their advanced degrees in education to springboard into administration and impact elementary and secondary education at the top levels. While Liberty’s School of Education has prepared students for the classroom, it has also trained hundreds of candidates for higher roles like superintendents, principals, and assistant principals through its master’s and doctoral“Schoolprograms.administrators are on the front lines leading the way in the education of our children across America and the world,” said Dr. Laurie Rice, interim online dean of the School of Education. “At Liberty, we have the ability to influence the next generation by training Christian educators who can go into the world and make an impact for Christ.”
REYNOLDSMATT 12
began serving in various roles in school administration. She is now in her eighth year as principal of Sheffield Elementary School in Lynchburg.
After completing the degree, Lee
For 15 years, she touched the lives of hundreds of children while teaching third, fourth, and fifth grades at Heritage Elementary School in Lynchburg, Va. She was living her dream. But then something changed.
“The School of Education at Liberty University, especially the master’s and doctoral programs, is training impactmakers,” said Dr. John Bartlett, who earned his doctorate in educational administration in 2008 and is starting his fourth year as principal at Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tenn. “It’s a great program and prepares people well. It
As a busy, working mother of three, Lee hadn’t thought too much about furthering her own education. But her newfound desire to “stretch” herself led her back to her alma mater in 2008 to pursue a master’s in administration through the online
“Onceprogram.Istarted that program, I knew that’s where I needed to be,” she said. “It was home away from home.”
Liberty’s doctoral programs in education are some of the largest of their kind in the country. The top areas of study are curriculum instruction, leadership, and higher education, with each avenue offering customizable programs to meet the vocational needs of students.
“For years, my only desire was to be in the classroom, until one day, I felt like it was time for me to stretch out a little bit,” said Lee, who earned her undergraduate degree in education from Liberty in 1995.
The School of Education offers multiple master’s, doctoral, and postgraduate degrees completely online, so candidates can study at their own pace as they teach in schools and raise their families. Offerings include the Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.).
ALUMNI ARE IMPACTING THE NEXT GENERATION AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS
Education graduates are not only impacting U.S. schools. Dr. Dennis Brown is an elementary school principal at Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA), one of the largest international schools in China. He said pursuing a doctorate from Liberty stemmed from a desire to set an example for his teachers and students. Brown oversees nearly 150 faculty members and 1,000 students.
“That was a very unique vision that Dr. Falwell had,” said Bartlett, who views his job as an extension of that mission. “I think starting Liberty was a God-given vision.”
Bartlett was named Tennessee State Principal of the Year in 2016, and in 2020 he was recognized as the Regional Principal of the Year.
“School administrators are on the front lines leading the way in the education of our children across America and the world. At Liberty, we have the ability to influence the next generation by training Christian educators who can go into the world and make an impact for Christ.”
“I feel that it’s important that we continue to be lifetime learners,” said Brown, who recently earned his master’s and doctorate from Liberty. “I want to set that example for the students at my school and show them that even at my age, I’m still going to school and learning.”
For more information on degree offerings to advance careers in the field of education, visit Liberty.edu/Online.
“We believe that our focus on academic excellence will create an even bigger demand for our candidates in schools and school districts across the country. We are blessed to work in a field where there is such a great opportunity to impact the future for Christ.”
Dr. John Bartlett, principal of Farragut High School, Knoxville, Tenn.
gets people ready for life as a principal. I think Liberty does a good job teaching the foundational skills of leadership.”
As the school with the largest doctoral programs at Liberty, and with thousands of online students and an alumni body reaching all corners of the world, the leadership remains focused on spiritual and academic excellence. Each year, the School of Education chooses a theme that represents its goals. This year’s is “strengthening.”“Webelieve that our programs are built on a strong foundation, and we are excited to strengthen our courses and our
faculty so that we can continue to bring in more students and ensure that they are ready to make an impact in the field of education when they graduate,” Rice said.
DR. LAURIE RICE
13
Brown said Liberty’s programs instilled confidence, time management skills, and self-discipline, giving him poise to assertively lead his school in the right direction.“Idothink about representing Liberty while I’m here,” Brown said. “I can’t wait to set foot on campus again. I miss being there.”
Dr. Dennis Brown, elementary school principal at Beijing International Bilingual Academy
He recalled growing up watching Liberty founder Jerry Falwell Sr. preach on the “Old Time Gospel Hour” TV broadcast and frequently heard Falwell talk about Liberty University’s mission, Training Champions for Christ
“At LUCOM, one of our strategic goals is to establish a reputation among osteopathic schools for excellence in biomedical/clinical research and scholarship, and as such, the Center for Research has grown tremendously since its inception,” said LUCOM Dean Dr. Joseph R. Johnson. “I am optimistic about even more expansion, and with the partnership of our new faculty, such as Dr. Christopher Kepley, and the support of the Liberty University Provost’s Office, LUCOM will continue to improve research through enhanced facilities. We seek to intentionally advance medical knowledge, improve patient care, and provide quality medical training, as well as offer mentorship and scholarly engagement as we celebrate the works of God’s hands.”
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) faculty and student researchers have tested a new, specialized strategy for treating cancer by using the body’s immune system to destroy cancer
Professorcells. of immunology Dr. Christopher L. Kepley is leading the ongoing study, along with colleagues from the National Institutes of Health and the University of North Carolina. Their findings were recently published in “Frontiers in Oncology.” The research is being supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute.
LUCOM researchers develop ‘Trojan Horse’ strategy for fighting cancer with body’s own cells
“The strategy has several advantages over current ones,” Kepley said, “as mast cell activation is hypothesized to induce acute inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and provoke the immune system to attack the cancer cells.”
NEWS & VIEWS
Kepley explained that blood cells in the immune system, known as mast cells, are found in most tissues, but doctors are unsure if they help or hurt tumor growth. However, they do recognize their unique ability to store and release potential antitumor mediators.
Dr. Christopher L. Kepley
This (AMCIT).immunotherapymastautologoustherapymethodexplainsillustrationtheofcancerusingcellcancer BREEDLOVECHRIS 14
“At LUCOM, we are developing an approach to direct these anti-tumor mediators against cancer cells bearing specific molecules on their cell surface,” he said. “Using this ‘Trojan Horse’ strategy, the mast cells bind only to the cancer cells and directly release their tumorkilling molecules, leaving healthy cells
The study found that mast cells with a certain antibody, HER2/neu, were able to bind to and induce the death of tumor cells in both tissue culture and mouse models of human cancer. The team, which included second-year LUCOM medical students, demonstrated that the mast cells are safe for injection even at very high numbers.
Through pre-clinical models, the team proposed a method of cancer immunotherapy that uses a patient’s own fat or blood cells to grow into other cells that are loaded with tumor-killing molecules. The cells are then infused in the patient, using highly specific antibodies to target cancer cells.
SOURCE: “Frontiers in Oncology,” Fereydouni, Motaghed, Ahani, Kafri, Dellinger, Metcalfe and Kepley
Løwenstein International Research Award for excellence in allergy research. He is the co-founder of Kepley Biosystems Inc., which provides solutions for ocean sustainability.Thestudyis being conducted through the LUCOM Center for Research, which supports excellence in research and scholarship in the biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, and medical education.
Kepley is a leading expert in human mast cell biology with over 100 peerreviewed publications and several issued and pending patents. His research has been andininternationalmostForumAllergyofHeinternationally.recognizedisarecipientthePhadiaResearchAward,theprestigiousawardallergyresearch,theHenning
Liberty University second-year osteopathic medical student Jennele Noram aliquots (divides) cancer cells for analysis of membrane markers to be used as targets for cancer-killing mast cells.
intact. Importantly, the mast cells can be obtained from the patient, and the tumortargeting IgE — a humanized monoclonal antibody — minimizes the chances of immune rejection.”
Liberty faculty selected to serve on Virginia boards
This year’s incoming students of Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) took part in the annual White Coat Ceremony on July 30, a day when the student-doctors are encouraged to tackle the challenges ahead and are presented with a symbolic white coat.
Two Liberty University School of Behavioral Sciences professors, Dr. Gary Sibcy and Elke Cox, are serving on the Board of Psychology and Board of Social Work, respectively, to develop and enforce policies and regulations regarding Virginia licensures. Sibcy teaches psychology and is a Licensed Clinical
New class of student-doctors welcomed during White Coat CeremonyNEWS
The Helms School of Government has had multiple faculty members appointed, including Criminal Justice Chair and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Amanda Trent (State Board of Local and Regional Jails), and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Lawrence Presley (Virginia Geographic Information Network Advisory Board).
“This White Coat Ceremony is just the beginning of a journey, an adventure, a challenge, and a life-changing endeavor from which you will emerge at the other side forever changed,” he said. “We will challenge you in medicine, but we will also challenge you in your walk with Christ. You
& VIEWS
Several Liberty alumni are serving in the governor’s administration: Janet Kelly (’09), Senior Advisor in the Office of the Governor; D.J. Jordan (’02), Chief of Staff for Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares; Jenna Moon (’20), Secretary of Commonwealth; Parker Slaybaugh (’11), Deputy Secretary for Matthew Lohr, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; Ashley Traficant (’16), Assistant Secretary for Sheriff Robert “Bob” Mosier, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security; Jess West (’22), Health and Human Resources; Gloria Senecal (’21), Secretary of Commonwealth; and Abigail Klose (’21), Legal Research and Billing Specialist for Miyares.
DR. DAVE BRAT
GYLESCHASE 15
The 162-member Class of 2026, the ninth since LUCOM’s founding in 2014, gathered in front of an audience of their family and friends in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall to hear from Dean Joseph R. Johnson and other administrators.“ThisWhite Coat Ceremony — our annual tradition — not only recognizes a new class of osteopathic medical students but also offers reflection on those who have supported and sacrificed for their loved ones for this new chapter,” Johnson said during his address. “Class of 2026, you did not make it here alone. Your mom and dad — your family — were the first ‘physicians’ in your lives. It was a collective effort to get you here and will continue to be a collective
Johnson reminded them that the next four years may be arduous, but they should look to the Lord for strength and peace as an example of the ultimate Healer.
Psychologist (LCP) who has educated, trained, and supervised counselors for over 15 years. Cox has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for 20 years and is the advisor for Liberty’s Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.
At the ceremony’s closing, LUCOM Associate Professor of Family Medicine Raena M. Pettitt led the Osteopathic Oath, with each newly coated student-doctor stating in unison their acknowledgment and responsibility within medicine.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has appointed multiple Liberty University professors, administrators, and alumni to boards of his administration in recentDeanmonths.oftheCollege of Applied Studies & Academic Success (CASAS) Brian Yates was appointed to the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority.
DR. GARY SIBCY ELKE COX
will understand the design of the human body and creation and will meet the Creator in your daily walks and learnings.”
effort to see you through.”
“Liberty University’s motto is Training Champions for Christ. In the same way, we seek to train physicians for Christ,’” Johnson added. “We follow Jesus Christ as our model, for He is the Great Physician — He who is a Healer of people physically, and a Healer of souls even in the moment and forTheeternity.”Class of 2026 represents 28 states, the top being Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Fifteen of the students received their undergraduate or master’s degrees from Liberty University before pursuing their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). The class also includes five international students.
Dr. Dave Brat, dean of the Liberty University School of Business, was named to the Joint Advisory Board of Economists, a 15-member panel that will advise Youngkin on the state’s revenue estimates leading to his December budget revision. The former U.S. Congressman represented Virginia’s 7th district from 2014-18 and served on the same board for past Virginia Govs. Tim Kaine and Bob McDonnell.
WANT TO HELP?
A HEART FOR UKRAINE
11/11 Greg & Cathe Laurie, Harvest Christian Fellowship (College for a Weekend)
The Liberty University Fund for Ukraine’s Future utilizes LU’s resources for education and humanitarian assistance to directly serve the young men and women of Ukraine, helping to ensure that the country’s next generation is prepared to rebuild their lives.
FALL CONVOCATION LINEUP IN LINE WITH LIBERTY’S MISSION
8/24 Worship Convo with Micah Tyler
9/2 Shaun Alexander, former NFL running back
“It will change you,” he said. “The opportunities that you have on the ground and the different culture that you are interacting in give students a completely different view of life. It may not change their path at Liberty and what they are going to do afterwards, but it does change how they are going to approach that. I think it develops their passion for people and helps them understand the world better.”Additionally, LU Serve will be partnering this fall with Christian humanitarian organization World Help to send supplies to Romania, where they will be collected and distributed to Ukraine refugees by Greater Europe Mission and local Baptist partners in Ukraine. The supplies are made possible by donations to the Liberty University Fund for Ukraine’s Future.
10/12 Jonathan Pokluda, Pastor, Harris Creek Baptist Church 10/14 Priscilla Shirer, actress and Christian media personality (Homecoming)
Learn more and donate: Liberty.edu/Ukraine
9/14 Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States
11/30 Eric Smith, Hope City Church
10/26 Ben Stuart/the Sean Curran Band, Passion City Church 10/28 Doug Logan, President, Dean of Grimké School of Urban Ministry
12/2 Advent Convo – Future of Forestry, special musical guest
9/30 Conrad Mbewe, Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Zambia (Global Focus Week)
9/28 David Platt, Pastor, McLean Bible Church/ Shane & Shane, worship duo (Global Focus Week)
THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. VISIT LIBERTY.EDU/OSD FOR UPDATES.
11/16 Randy Alcorn, author/founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries
9/7 Jordan Easley, Sr. Pastor, First Baptist Church, Cleveland, Tenn.
Daniel Smith, an LU Serve staff member who led the trip along with fellow staff member Pam Trowbridge, said that the students will now pursue their studies through a more mature lens.
11/9 Jessica Long, 16x Paralympic champion swimmer
9/21 Jay Lowder, author and evangelist
10/5 Winsome Sears, Lt. Gov. of Virginia
11/2 Jefferson Bethke, New York Times bestselling author
11/4 Megan Fate Marshman, director of women’s ministries, Hume Lake Christian Camps
8/31 Kevin Myers, founder & Sr. Pastor, 12 Stone Church
9/16 Emerson Eggerichs, author/founder and president of Love and Respect Ministries
The group compiled care packages, spent time with children at a refugee housing center in nearby Korczowa, and served at a hospitality truck and tent set up for Ukrainian refugees entering or exiting the country near the border. They witnessed many people still leaving Ukraine, but also a large number seeking to go back in to find their loved ones.
9/23 Jay Lowder (College for a Weekend)
The fall schedule officially kicked off on Aug. 24 with a special worship Convocation featuring guest singersongwriter Micah Tyler. Highlighting the semester is the 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, who was scheduled to speak on Sept. 14 (the event occurred at press time), his third visit to Liberty. (He spoke at Convocation in October 2016 as thenIndiana governor and Republican vice presidential candidate, and he returned in May 2019 to deliver the keynote address at Liberty’s 46th Commencement.)“Ourmissionis to Train Champions for Christ at LU. Therefore, we want every Convocation speaker to be
10/19 TBA 10/21 TBA (Family Weekend)
11/18 Hymnology Convo
Liberty University has continued its efforts to support the people of Ukraine through service trips and shipments of supplies. In partnership with Operation Blessing, Liberty sent a group of two team leaders and 10 students to Przemysl, Poland, in May to be the hands and feet of Christ to those who have fled areas devastated by the war in Ukraine. The trip was facilitated by LU Serve Now, the university’s disaster relief program.
9/9 Abby Johnson, pro-life activist
12/1 Commuter Convo @ the Academy of Arts w/ Future of Forestry, special musical guest
16
8/26 Local Church Emphasis, featuring local pastors
someone who can help fulfill this mission,” said Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell. “Our guests this fall will bring great insight, wisdom, biblical truth, and encouragement to our students in their spiritual journey. We are excited to see what God does through the men and women who will share from the ConvocationConvocationstage.”is the largest weekly gathering of Christian students in the world. The service is held every Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. EST in the Vines Center and is open to the entire student body. Most of the events are streamed live on Liberty’s main Facebook page and the Office of Spiritual Development Facebook page.
The problem is that in imagining a reality without God, reality is reduced to something far too small.
This realization startles many Christian young people who are unprepared for it. They go out expecting a battle with nonChristians and instead are greeted with, “Want to grab brunch?” The invitation feels completely reasonable, and, in contrast, the Christian faith over time starts to feel … unnecessary. It feels like a sweater you thought you needed but apparently did not. This is why those who have left the faith often talk about now living in “the real world.” They have determined that faith is something believed in spite of what is real.
of a holiday at the sea.” This holiday at sea is not some alternative reality. It is reality, and faith is the means to see it.
If a new generation of Christians is to keep the faith, it must understand that the real temptation of the world is to nod along lazily with everyone else. Odd faith refuses to reduce life down to such an insignificant “normal,” but instead holds fast to the truth that, “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
As Vice President of Spiritual Development, Rutledge oversees the LU Send, LU Serve, LU Stages, LU Shepherd, and Liberty Worship
share the same interests and hobbies.
Collective departments. Along with a team of other pastoral leaders on campus, he regularly delivers the message at Campus Community. He has been with Liberty for seven years and has a passion to strengthen the theological foundation of the student body.
FAITH IN FOCUS 17
Although 70 percent still claim to be Christian, close to two-thirds have left the church, and 20 percent have left the faith entirely. Only 10 percent make up what Barna terms “resilient disciples.”
The reason many young people leave the faith is not because they encounter nonChristians in the world who are wildly different from them. Rather, they often care about many of the same issues and often
The oddity of the Christian faith is not that it offers an escape from the otherwise real world but instead offers new eyes to see the world rightly. Yes, it is a fallen world, but it is one in which the Creator has entered and proclaimed that the “Kingdom of God is near,” and now through Christ every person is invited to become who they were created to be — children of God, called to live forever in Him.
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd.”
No one knows who first said that, but this is not a new revelation. Jesus warned his disciples to expect opposition from the world. To be a Christian, no matter the context, is “odd.”
This is easier said than done. Over the last decade, the Barna Group has surveyed 18-to-29-year-olds who grew up Christian.
Our Campus Community series this fall is called “Odd Faith,” and our aim is to show students that keeping the faith means coming to terms with being odd.
C.S. Lewis wrote that a sinful human is “like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer
Why this trend? There are many reasons, but one is illustrated by former Christian musician Jon Steingard (of Hawk Nelson), who announced last year, “I no longer believe in God.” He compared the Christian faith to a sweater, and his deconversion as pulling on the thread. He said he eventually realized he could account for his life without needing God for any of it. “The sun is shining. It is a beautiful day. No sweater needed,” he wrote.
A key difference, of course, is that the non-Christians will not go to church on Sunday. They might go to brunch instead.
But odd faith is not irrational faith.
FULBRIGHT
BOREN AWARD
The Boren Scholarship sends undergraduate students to countries that are underrepresented in study abroad, countries that may lack a strong relationship with America. Many Boren Award alumni have launched careers in the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, specifically because of the experience obtained through the scholarship.
All Fulbright applications are processed through the Helms School of Government, which has maintained a strong reputation of helping students and faculty apply for and obtain Fulbright and other prestigious international scholarships.
Frederick Volk Professor and Director of Doctoral Research, School of Behavioral Sciences
Congratulations to these professors for demonstrating creative and innovative approaches to teaching while making a firm impact on students’ faith, thought, and character.
Brielle Marlow David Walker Dr. Laura Jones
Linda Venturo Assistant GovernmentHelmsExpert,andInstructionalProfessor,Mentor,SubjectMatterSchoolof
18
Four students and one faculty member have received Fulbright grants that will sanction them around the globe to work, teach, and research. The announcement follows a record nine Fulbright semifinalists for Liberty University this year.
Jillian Ross Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Director of SchoolJohnLanguages,BiblicalW.RawlingsofDivinity
Lauri Ann Maitland Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Family OsteopathicCollegeClerkshipMedicineDirector,ofMedicine
Winners of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program are: government student Jonathan Dumdei, who will be an English Teaching Assistant in Ecuador; history student James Knight, who will research and study in Romania; modern languages student Brielle Marlow, who will study in Indonesia; and
2021-22 PRESIDENT’S AWARD for EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
Senior Helms School of Government student Brent Schuliger became the first student from Liberty University to receive the Boren Award National Security Scholarship, a highly competitive honor that allows recipients to travel abroad, study the language and culture of another country, then return to America to work in the federal Schuliger,government.aninternational relations student, will be studying at State University of Malang in Indonesia this fall.
UNDERGRADUATE
recent business and pastoral leadership graduate David Walker, who will study in Cambodia.Liberty’s faculty finalist is Dr. Laura Jones, a professor in the School of Education, who will be researching and teaching in Romania.
GRADUATE
Jonathan Dumdei James Knight
Emilee B. Harker Assistant Professor of SchoolNursing,of Nursing
Students earn prestigious scholarships to travel abroad
SCHOLAR’S VIEWPOINT
Collegiality is the idea of having a shared vision and a shared responsibility for success. Academic collegiality, indeed, derives its meaning from a biblical perspective (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 and Proverbs 27:17). It’s far more than teaching with colleagues in the same area of expertise; it means working across disciplines and building on expertise in collaboration with others. In the Christian context, it also involves the joy of a shared mission. The team effort I have been engaged in for over 10 years at Liberty University has been transformative, keeping my passion for teaching alive.
COOPERATION WITH COLLEAGUES TRANSFORMS THE CLASSROOM AND INCREASES YOUR FAITH
normal conversations end with “I am praying for you” or “Please pray for me!” Carrying each other’s burdens and not being ashamed of the Gospel creates an environment of protection and trust. And the prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). The Bible tells us that when two or three gather to pray together and believe in His name, our work is successful and effective. That, too, is collegiality.
director for Russia Affairs at the National Security Council), I co-led a White House Principals Committee Meeting on Russia simulation exercise. The joint effort revealed the extraordinary benefits of working together to expand classroom learning. The multidisciplinary experience of working with faculty from over five schools on my university’s Fulbright Committee has also allowed me to share in the benefits of cooperation.
A dream becomes a reality when we surround ourselves with people who have the same vision, purpose, and aspirations. We are more efficient when we work together, and great things are achieved beyond all individual efforts and dreams. An obstacle shrinks when we are surrounded by the right people. They can be our ray of light in the darkest of times and the key to opening up new possibilities (Matthew 5:16). The most effective solutions are often discovered, solved, and promoted by more than one head.
COLLEGIALITY
Edna Udobong is a professor in the Helms School of Government and Liberty’s Fulbright Program Advisor and Scholar Liaison. She holds LL.M.s from the University of Lagos (Nigeria) and Harvard Law School. She received a 2008-09 Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Lagos and a 2013 Fulbright Specialist Scholarship to the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Beyond intellectual advancement, I have also experienced collegiality that has helped me grow in faith. I can unashamedly pray and seek prayer support from people I work with, which makes me hungry to be at work. It is a blessing to be at an institution where
This principle bore fruit again in Spring 2022, when together with a Helms School of Government colleague (a former
In 2010, newly hired, I was excited to be in a Christian institution but anxious about whether I could adequately convey my expertise in the classroom. I was a newly minted visiting assistant professor at Liberty University School of Law, and one of my first courses was tax law. My challenge was to make tax law interesting, and my simple solution was to collaborate with other professors. I received teaching resources and notes from previous classes. They never stopped checking on me to be sure that I had what I needed to succeed in my first year. The most important support was their prayers and encouragement. That first year made me realize that when God sends you somewhere, He also provides through the people you work with. Working with students and colleagues transformed my classroom experience.
Since 2016, and after five years of exploring and working together, the committee has successfully recruited over 15 students and six faculty members who have traveled to five continents to serve. Collegiality not only transforms individual learning in the classroom but also leads to institutional success.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. — Proverbs 27:17
Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12 tells us that “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up … A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Academic and personal success requires teamwork, not just individual effort. To work alone and succeed alone is to think like a child. The Apostle Paul wrote: “When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11). I have embraced the principle of working with colleagues as my tool for success and as the key to accomplishing our mission.
20
The New Reber-Thomas Dining Hall took shape over the summer between the Commons III residence hall and Liberty Lake. At 120,000 square feet, the facility will offer 40% more interior space than the current dining hall, with a peak capacity of 2,700 seats. Inside, the layout will be similar, with about 30 food stations offering
a wide array of items, including an allergenfree room, a front-facing bake shop in the dessert area (including a gluten-free bake shop), and an exhibition kitchen station for student cooking classes. The main level will feature some fireplaces. Plans call for more booths, small and large table configurations, window seating overlooking the Academic
21
Lawn and Liberty Lake, and a downstairs seating area. The lower level will also include a gaming room (to be relocated from the Montview Student Union), with billiards, ping pong, chess/checkers tables, electronic game stations, foosball, and air hockey.Agrand opening is planned next fall.
seasons from the football and field hockey teams. After moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level in 2018, Flames Football became only the second program in NCAA history to win bowl games in its first three seasons of eligibility when it beat Eastern Michigan, 56-20, in the LendingTree Bowl in Mobile, Ala. On the field hockey pitch, the Lady Flames won a nation-high 20 games in 2021, including their first BIG EAST Championship tournament, defeating nine-time-defending champion Connecticut in the final on its home field, 1-0. The 11th-year program went on to become Liberty’s first team in any sport to advance to an NCAA Division I championship game.
BY TED ALLEN
“It is hard to find one of our programs that is not reaching new heights, and we are blessed that our fans are responding accordingly with their support in donations, Flames Club memberships, and season
Last fall was highlighted by phenomenal
Last year, Liberty celebrated its Golden Anniversary in style on the fields and courts. The university’s NCAA teams captured eight conference championships, Flames Football won its third straight bowl victory, and Liberty led all Division I programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia in winning percentage, all while student-athletes earned a 3.27 cumulative GPA.
“I am grateful to our student-athletes, staff, coaches, and senior administration for the overwhelming support that we received,” said Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. “We thank Flames Nation for its incredible support and generosity that has manifested itself in record donor and donation numbers.”
FLAMES NATION IS STRONGER THAN EVER AS ATHLETICS PROGRAMS REACH NEW HEIGHTS GROWING,RISING,WINNING JOIN THE ACTION To become a Flames Club member and learn more about special game day privileges, scan this code or call 434-582-CLUB (2582), FlamesClub@liberty.edu,emailorvisit LIBERTY.EDU/FLAMES CLUB.
Liberty University Athletics ranks among the fastest growing athletics departments in the nation with the majority of its 20 NCAA Division I programs experiencing unprecedented success on a national level over the last few years.
Associate Athletic Director Mike Hagen. The Flames Club, the department’s primary booster organization, has been a driving force behind Liberty Athletics’ rapid rise. Membership has grown more than sevenfold over the past decade — from fewer than 600 members in 2012 to more than 4,350 today. Liberty Athletics raised a record $4.1 million during the 2021-22 school year, including $526,450 on Giving Day in November. That total is up from just over $1 million in 2015-16 and more than twice the previous high mark of $1.85 million in 2020-21.
As a whole, Liberty Athletics placed 74th in the Learfield Cup standings, an annual ranking of all NCAA Division I programs based on their respective teams’ postseason performances.“Wewerethe 13th-best non-Power Five program out of well over 60 schools, so the fact that three years into FBS, we’re in the top 15 in that category is truly amazing,” said Flames Club Executive Director and
JUGARKJ 22
“Last year, we set a record with around 5,200 football season tickets sold, and we’re over 8,200 this year,” Hagen said at the end of August. “We’ll have 700 people at the pregame tailgate Fan Fest in the Indoor Practice Facility, and we’ll feed about another 1,000 people on the third floor of Carter Tower (Club Pavilion) and the suites, which have continued to be sold out since Carter Tower was built. This year, as our fan base has grown, we’ve added five more parking lots. Every parking space from Macado’s (restaurant) to Liberty Arena on game day is taken over by a donor, which is a great visual of what it takes to support this program.”
“To compete at the level that Dr. Falwell envisioned — and we all know it’s to be the Notre Dame and BYU for protestant evangelicals — we have a long way to grow, still, and that requires everyone to play their part,” Hagan added.
to exclusive Flames Club events throughout the“Theyear.more they contribute, the more they earn in benefits,” Hagen said. “Our internal goal is to grow (the Flames Club) to 10,000 members in the next few years. They are truly the team behind the team. We need everybody to come together — to get off the bench and get into the game.”
“We have a high expectation that we provide an unbelievable family atmosphere for all of our fans,” Hagen said. “Last year, we sold out of all premium seating in Williams Stadium for the first time ever. We’re on pace to do that again this year, and we’re very close to doing so for men’s basketball as well.”
He said the renovation and landscaping of Williams Stadium’s south berm with overflow ground seating and 23 cabanas will make the Flames Football fan experience
even better this season.
“It really does speak to Liberty’s investment and acknowledgement that athletics can showcase the university. And at Liberty, that means showcasing Christ and bringing recognition to Him,” Hagen said. “We really do see ourselves as an avenue to, through athletics, honor and glorify God, and a lot of our donors understand that this is a chance to spread the Word (of God) and bring national recognition to Liberty by helping our teams succeed on the field.”
“There are 19 arches out in front of Williams Stadium, and we’ve had local families of current students who love Liberty and want to leave a legacy when they graduate contribute $50,000 to carve their names in those arches,” Hagen said, noting that all the arches now feature sponsors’ names.Other naming rights range from $1,000 for individual lockers and $5,000 for athletic offices to $2 million for the indoor football practice
ticket purchases,” Hagen said. “Ian McCaw coming on board (in 2016) really helped to cast the vision for that growth, and now to be on pace where we are raising more funds to support our student-athletes than other well-established programs really shows how far Flames Nation has come in a short period of Puttingtime.”an excellent product on the field and creating an exceptional gameday atmosphere in state-of-the-art facilities, such as football’s Williams Stadium and the basketball teams’ Liberty Arena, has sparked an increase in season-ticket sales.
“Therefacility.arealways plenty of ways and opportunities for people to give,” Hagen said. “Our role with the Flames Club is to match a donor’s desires, passions, and expectations with their giving. If their passion is football, we can get them great seats at Williams Stadium, and if their desire is to leave a legacy for their family or a loved one and put their name on Athletics (facilities), we can make that happen as well.”
He said Liberty’s mission and the original vision of founder Dr. Jerry Falwell have come to fruition and are being reflected through every athletic facility and sporting event on campus, as well as each player donning a Liberty red, white, and blue uniform and boldly representing Christ.
As they help Liberty Athletics’ more than 550 student-athletes to thrive spiritually, academically, and athletically, Flames Club members receive preferred seating for season tickets, away games, and postseason tickets as well as priority parking and access
Total Annual4,358$4.1Raised:MILLIONFundMembers a 36% increase in the previous year 17th Consecutive Year of Growth 69 gifts greater than $10,000 OR MORE Average gift size: SOLD$710 OUT all premium football and men’s basketball seating for the first time ever Giving Day raised$526,4502021in24hours ATHLETICS GYLESCHASE GYLESCHASEKOHLROSS
Hagen said legacy gifts are another excellent way for alumni and their families, faculty and staff, and faithful fans to help strengthen the foundation of Flames Nation.
Already for the 2022-23 academic year, 2,644 Flames Club Annual Fund members have donated and pledged $1,825,813, a 31-percent increase compared with the start of last year’s annual fund campaign.
24
VOLLEYBALL
Liberty women’s volleyball, under the direction of fifth-year Head Coach Trevor Johnson, looks to make a statement in its final season as a member of the ASUN Conference.
Head Coach Lang Wedemeyer enters his sixth season at Liberty. During the offseason, he was named a recipient of the 2021 United Soccer Coaches Advocacy Awards of Excellence, winning the FaithBased Coaches Award.
Fourth-year Head Coach Kelly Findley’s team will be led by midfielders Marko Mitrevski and Seth Clark. Mitrevski, a senior, has been named to the ASUN AllConference First Team, while Clark has earned all-conference second team honors each of the past two seasons. Mitrevski
FOOTBALL
Liberty added a pair of starters from Lipscomb in setter Delaney Dilfer and outside hitter Kamryn Bacus, while welcoming libero Erica Lowery from Texas A&M.
TEAMS BACK IN ACTION AS COMPETITION HEATS UP FOR THE FLAMES
The 2022 home schedule is the most anticipated in program history. The six-game slate is highlighted by games against ACC and in-state foe Virginia Tech on Nov. 19 and future Big 12 Conference member BYU on Oct. 22. Fans will enjoy new seating options above the south end zone, which features a newly graded berm for ground seating and 23 cabanas along the concourse.
Besides its ASUN schedule, Liberty has already faced NCAA soccer powers Maryland and UCLA for the first time in program history on the pitch this fall.
The team will look to continue its incredible run this season as one of the more balanced FBS teams in the country the last fewAfteryears.capping off last season with a convincing 56-20 win over Eastern Michigan in the LendingTree Bowl, Liberty became one of five FBS teams in the country to win a bowl game each of the last three seasons, joining Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Louisiana.
The Flames were one of eight programs in the country that ranked in the top 25 in both scoring offense (No. 25 – 33.6 points per game) and scoring defense (No. 24 –21.5 points allowed per game).
Liberty also welcomes back two players who have missed significant time over the past two seasons. Redshirt senior Amelia Preston returns for her first full season since 2019,
The team has qualified for the ASUN’s sixteam postseason tournament each of their first three seasons in the conference and is ready to take the next step by winning the ASUN title and claiming an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament this fall.
The Lady Flames return senior McKinley Burkett, a 2021 All-ASUN second-team selection, and Meredith King, who was named the 2021 Spring ASUN Freshman of the Year. Liberty welcomes 11 newcomers, including Saydie Holland, a transfer from Ole Miss, and Ivy Garner, who is coming off an appearance with the U20 National Team for Puerto Rico and scored a goal in a CONCACAF match this summer.
Flames Football opened the 2022 season on the road on Sept. 3 with a thrilling 29-27 win over Southern Miss in the fourth overtime period.
The team is coming off an 11-7-1 season as the reigning co-champions of the ASUN East Division. The Lady Flames were set to face two Power Five opponents this season: Pitt from the ACC (Sept. 8) and Penn State, its first-ever Big 10 opponent on Sept. 11. (Both games were held at press time; follow LibertyFlames.com for coverage.)
scored three goals and had two assists last fall. Clark led the Flames and finished third in the conference with six assists.
Liberty will play eight games at home this season.
The Lady Flames have brought in an impressive cast of newcomers with a sevenmember freshman class and three transfers.
when she was an ASUN All-Conference first team selection and ASUN ScholarAthlete of the Year. Redshirt sophomore Julia Mangum led Liberty in kills before suffering a season-ending injury in the spring of Juniors2021.Trinity Watts and Lydia Burts bring two years of starting experience, while rising sophomore Kate Phillips was named to the 2021 ASUN All-Freshman Team.
SHINING BRIGHT THIS FALL
For the first time in program history, Liberty will be hosting two tournaments at Liberty Arena. The Lady Flames will also make their first trip to California since the 2010 season.
Meanwhile, in goal, the Flames return the duo of senior Danny Cordero and sophomore Blake Franzen. The two each saw time in the Liberty net in 2021, with Cordero starting nine games and Franzen four games.
MEN’S SOCCER
WOMEN’S SOCCER
The 2022-23 season will be an exciting one for Flames Nation as Liberty is led by Darius McGhee, who returns as the two-time reigning ASUN Player of the Year.
Olson lowered his track 10K personal best to 29:14.24 during the spring.
The Flames have also added Nicholas Kiprotich, a transfer from Iowa Western Community College. He came in fourth at the NJCAA Division I Cross Country Championships a year ago.
Thetitles.dynamic
The Lady Flames also return first team all-region selection Bethany Dykema and second team all-region honorees Jodie
The team looks to wrap up its tenure in the ASUN Conference with a league title this fall, following four consecutive ASUN runner-up finishes. Liberty has placed either first or second at each of its last 19 men’s cross country conference meets overall. This year’s ASUN Championships are scheduled for Oct. 29 in Huntsville, Ala.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
duo of Calli Doan and Adelyn Ackley-Fairley is back to pace the Lady Flames’ formidable lineup. Ackley-Fairley claimed back-to-back ASUN individual cross country titles in 2019 and Spring 2021 before Doan took top honors in Fall 2021. Doan then went on to place 28th nationally last season
FIELD HOCKEY
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Head Coach Ritchie McKay enters his ninth season at Liberty and is one win away from 200 career wins at LU. Liberty returns seniors Blake Preston, Shiloh Robinson, and second-team All-ASUN selection Kyle Rode. Liberty also returns one of the nation’s best defenses; the Flames ranked No. 31 in scoring defense. The team also had one of the most prolific offenses in the country, ranking No. 9 in the nation with 341 three-pointers made.
During the last two years, the Lady Flames have qualified for the NCAA Division I Championships for the first time (Spring 2021), posted their best-ever NCAA Southeast Regional finish (fifth in Fall 2021), and won back-to-back ASUN Conference team
McGhee is the top returning scorer in Division I men’s basketball. Last year, he averaged 24.1 points per game and was the only player in the last 30 years of college basketball to score 810 points, grab 145 rebounds, record 115 assists, and make 140 three-pointers in a single season. The lofty numbers have McGhee entering the season as a Preseason All-America candidate.
Veterans Caleb Olson and Kyle Harkabus
Multiple time All-ASUN cross country runners Noel Palmer (three times), Anna Hostetler (twice), and Priscillah Kiplagat (twice) also dot second-year Head Coach Heather Zealand’s roster. They will be joined by highly touted incoming freshmen Ava Gordon (10:19 2 mile), Katrina Schlenker (10:26 3,200), Katie Sigerud (10:35 3,200), and Kayla Werner (10:05 2 mile, 16:44 5K).
The NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships return to Stillwater, Okla., on Nov. 19. The Lady Flames raced there as a team at the Spring 2021 NCAA meet and would love a return trip to the Sooner State.
ATHLETICS Follow all the action this fall at LibertyFlames.com and Liberty.edu/ClubSports.
Five of Liberty’s six NFHCA All-South Region honorees are back, including two of its three All-Americans from last season, junior goalkeeper Azul Iritxity Irigoyen (second team) and senior forward Daniella
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
Liberty was scheduled for a national championship game rematch at No. 1 Northwestern on Sept. 9 (the game occurred at press time; visit LibertyFlames.com for results). The 2022 schedule also includes several top-25 teams from a season ago — No. 6 Louisville (Oct. 9), No. 8 North Carolina (Oct. 2), No. 13 Virginia (Oct. 18), No. 17 Old Dominion (Oct. 28), and No. 19 Connecticut (Sept. 23).
Will Jefferson is poised to make his collegiate cross country debut following a stellar freshman campaign on the track. He placed third in the ASUN 1,500 final, set program freshman records in the outdoor 1,500 (3:45.28) and indoor mile (4:06.63), and raced to a 13:56.61 5K clocking.
The team has won 104 total games over the last three seasons, which ranks fourth in the country.
The Flames welcome a trio of freshmen to Liberty Mountain in Zach Cleveland, Colin Porter, and Ben Southerland, who all look to make an immediate impact on this year’s squad.
Liberty is coming off a historic 2021 campaign in which it won its first BIG EAST title and went on to make school history by advancing to the title game of the NCAA Division I Field Hockey
Conolly and Lizzie Hamlett, along with 2021 postseason hero Charlotte Vaanhold. Vaanhold sent Liberty to its first national championship game in school history with a game-winning goal in double overtime versus No. 5 Maryland at last year’s Final Four.
to earn All-America distinction.
The team is coming off its most successful two-season stretch in program history.
The Flames broke their own NCWA record with seven individual national champions (out of 11 weight classes) at the Grand
As the four-time defending CCSA champion, Liberty enters the 2022-23 season looking to keep its championship streak alive. The Lady Flames won the 2022 CCSA Women’s Swimming & Diving Championship in resounding fashion, defeating secondplace FGCU by more than 300 points.
MEN’S WRESTLING
The team is anchored by graduate defenseman and head captain Colin Baird, senior forward and alternate captain Matt Bartel, and senior goalie Hunter Virostek. Head Coach Kirk Handy, who is entering his 23rd season, is two wins away from eclipsing the 500-win mark of his coaching career.
66.3 field goal percentage.
First team All-ASUN center Mya Berkman returns for her fifth season, anchoring the lineup. She paced the Lady Flames in points (12.3) and rebounds (7.4) a season ago, while ranking No. 3 nationally with a
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Last season, the Lady Flames tied a program record with 28 wins and picked up their first-ever victory in the Postseason WNIT.Head Coach Carey Green’s squad went 14-2 in ASUN Conference play and reached the ASUN Championship semifinals for the fourth year in a row.
Nationals. That includes Jeff Allen, a rising graduate student who won his third straight 235-pound crown, matching Austin Amos for most in program history at the NCWA level, though one short of Head Coach Jesse Castro’s record when he competed for the Flames from 1977-81 in the National Christian College Athletic Association.
Stricklin became the seventh Lady Flame to be named Most Outstanding Female Newcomer of the CCSA Championship Meet. Shaw, a Kentucky transfer, won both the 100 and 200 backstroke at the 2022 CCSA Championship.Seven-time CCSA medalist Eva Suggs and five-time CCSA podium finisher Jessica Schellenboom highlight the senior class, two of eight returning conference medalists on the 2022-23 team roster.
Liberty returns two-time CCSA Diver of the Year Maddie Freece, who has already won three individual CCSA event titles and competed in two NCAA Zone Championship finals in her career. Freece is also one of three 2022 CSCAA Scholar All-Americans returning to the roster, joining junior Abbie Shaw and
DIVISION I MEN’S HOCKEY
The Flames finished 22-10 and ranked sixth in the ACHA Division I last season, with seven of those losses against teams ranked in the top five. The 2022-23 schedule includes road trips to perennial powers Minot State (N.D.), Adrian (Mich.), and UNLV, where Liberty will also play NCAA Division I Alaska Anchorage.
Following the lead of Liberty’s ACHA DI men’s hockey team, the Lady Flames will travel to Finland to serve with Hockey Ministries International over Christmas Break.
An extremely competitive and balanced schedule with 13 home games at the LaHaye Ice Center and 15 away contests awaits Liberty’s four-time-defending ACHA Division I National Championship women’s hockey team, which is riding a record 40-game winning streak.
The Lady Flames will tip off the season with a Nov. 7 home matchup with Richmond. The team is 28-2 all-time at Liberty Arena.
WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING
Five of Liberty’s top seven scorers from 2021-22 are back this year, also including ASUN All-Tournament Team member Dee Brown (7.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Jordan Bailey (6.9 ppg), Bella Smuda (5.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg), and Kennedi Williams (4.9 ppg, 3.8 apg).
The team claimed its fourth consecutive NCWA Grand National Championships in Allen, Texas, and NCWA National Duals at the LaHaye Ice Center last season as well as won its 10th Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) Tournament title in a row.
DIVISION I WOMEN’S HOCKEY
Williams’ 126 assists on the season were the most by a Lady Flame in seven years.
The Flames will be battle-tested by the time the ACHA National Championships roll around, March 16-21 in Marlborough, Mass.
A veteran squad with 18 returning players will give the Flames a shot to qualify for their seventh straight national tournament and reach the “Frozen Four” for the second time in three years.
26
The Lady Flames, led by three forward captains (graduate Shelby Bradford, reigning ACHA DI Player of the Year senior Yannick Truter, and junior Brityn Fussy) will play 23 games against ACHA Division I opponents
Every returner on this season’s roster has been a part of at least one CCSA Championship team.
and two against NCAA Division III programs in Pennsylvania, at Neumann University in Aston, Pa., on Oct. 22 and Chatham University in Pittsburgh on Oct. 23. That should prepare Liberty to contend for its fourth consecutive Women’s Midwest College Hockey (WMCH) tournament championship, Feb. 24-26 in St. Louis, and fifth-straight national crown.
Those numbers have risen steadily since 2000 under the watch of Director of Intramural Sports Ed Barnhouse (’99, B.S. in Sport Management).
Learn more at Liberty.edu/CampusRec, call (434) 592-3145, or intramuralsports@liberty.edu.email
INDOOR LEAGUES 4v4 Flag RacquetballIndoorCornholeCoedBroomballBowlingBasketballFootballVolleyballSoccer OUTDOOR LEAGUES 7v7 Flag Football (Fall Only) Coed Beach Volleyball Disc OutdoorGolf Soccer UltimateTennisSpikeballSoftballFrisbee TOURNAMENTS 3-Point Women’sWiffleballTableKickballFantasyDodgeballBilliardsShootoutFootballTennisFlagFootball
“It produces something like a modernday baseball card, which is cool for students to go back and look at,” Barnhouse said.
“It has changed quite a bit since I got here in 1995, when it was student-run with only four or five different sports to choose from,” he said. “Basketball, softball, soccer, coed volleyball, and flag football were the only options.”Now, in addition to those staples, students can try their hands — and feet — at everything from broomball at the LaHaye Ice Center to billiards, table tennis, bowling in the Montview Student Union, beach volleyball and kickball at the Liberty Mountain Intramural Complex, and dodgeball and wiffleball in the Thomas Indoor Soccer Center.
fitness standpoint. When I was a student at Liberty, the people I made the best connections with, and my best friends to this day, were the ones I played intramurals with. The social aspect and the friendships made are really significant. Playing intramurals is a stress reliever, an escape from the rigors of being a college student, getting away and being with friends.”
“Each of the 1,123 teams has a captain responsible for making sure the rest of the team members know the rules, know the schedule, and show up on time, so the leadership and teamwork skills that they are pushed to learn will carry with them for life.”
INTRAMURALS HELP STUDENTS STRIKE BALANCE BETWEEN MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT
He added that Christian leadership skills are also sharpened through competition and interaction with teammates.
ATHLETICS GYLESCHASE REEDCHASE 27
registration, roster updates, standings, and statistics by hand or using Excel, Intramural Sports staff started using IMLeagues software in 2012, which has streamlined the operation, including all communications with team participants. It has also added some bells and whistles, giving students their own personal profiles online, complete with statistics for each season and summaries of their entire Liberty intramurals experience.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays throughout the school year, there can be as many as 22 games in various sports going on simultaneously every hour from 5-11Afterp.m. doing all of the scheduling,
The university has also invested in technology updates in its facilities, such as Daktronics scoreboards and shot clocks at the LaHaye Recreation & Fitness Center basketballBarnhousecourts.said participation in intramural sports provides tremendous benefits in mental, physical, social, and spiritual development while maintaining a healthy balance between academics and athletics.“More than 80 percent of the students who played intramurals this past year had a 3.0 or higher GPA,” he said. “That’s in line with our mission statement. We’re trying to make the student body wellrounded, and not just from a physical
Liberty University’s Campus Recreation Department experienced record levels of participation in intramural sports last year with nearly 4,000 students competing on over 1,100 teams in 22 different sports. More than 4,700 games were held on campus.
BY TED ALLEN
GYLESCHASE
a sub-par performance. Many high-level athletes struggle with their identity being wrapped up in the performance. If we can realize that our sport, occupation, etc. is what we do and that who we are is who we are in Christ, then this mindset will give us the freedom to trust God with the results — good or bad — knowing that He cares for us, loves us, and is using what we do to bring glory and honor to Him.
BY LANCE BINGHAM
grow in their knowledge of the Word, in wisdom and integrity. We would like them to understand what it means to stand firm amid trials and struggles and to live a life that is not “all about me” but focused on things above and not on things of theAllworld.ofthese things are part of the mentoring process. We have been entrusted by the Lord with the lives of young men and women to help shape them and be involved in the process of conforming them to the image of Christ. This is a task that we cannot take lightly. We must be prepared daily through His Word, realizing that we are accountable for what we teach. In Tony Dungy’s book “Mentor Leader,” he explains the 7 E’s of leadership: engage, educate, equip, encourage, empower, energize, and elevate. As a staff, we try to implement these principles and teach that Jesus gave us the model for servant leadership. He came to serve — not to be served — which is a foreign concept to many in the world today. He poured into the lives of a small group of disciples, who in turn discipled others, which has an exponential effect. That is our desire as a program.
SHAPING ATHLETES INTO DISCIPLES DEFINED BY CHRIST
Track & field/cross country is a very diverse sport with men and women, various event groups, athletes from different backgrounds, etc. Becoming a unified team does not always happen naturally or easily. If we focus on our differences, we will struggle. Here at Liberty University, we have the goal and opportunity of focusing on the love of Christ and the Gospel, which binds us together, honoring Him in the process.
Head Coach Lance Bingham celebrates the men’s and women’s indoor track teams’ ASUN Championships sweep on Feb. 25-26 at the Liberty Indoor Track & Field Complex.
RICHARDSONELLIE
IN COACH’S WORDS
One of the battles we face as athletes and as coaches is to focus on what defines us. We are not defined by what we do but by who we are. And who we are should be based on who we are in Christ. Romans 8:31-39 explains God’s love for us and that nothing (trials, tribulations, dangers …) can separate us from the love of Christ. This includes
Lance Bingham has coached Liberty to eight ASUN Conference team titles during two seasons as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country, earning six ASUN Coach of the Year and two VaSID State Coach of the Year honors. Bingham previously served on Brant Tolsma’s coaching staff for a total of 18 seasons (1995-2001, 2004-16). He served as Abilene Christian University’s head track & field and cross country coach from 2016-20.
Coaching at Liberty is an awesome opportunity to serve the next generation and point them to Christ as the Author, Perfector, and Finisher of our faith. Serving alongside the athletic administration and other coaches is a special blessing for me and my wife, Kelly. We are thankful to be back at Liberty for the fourth time. I served as a graduate assistant in 1987, assistant coach from 1995-2001, associate head coach from 2004-16, and now I am in my third year as head coach of track & field/cross country and building on the foundation that the Lord has established through the faithfulness of Brant Tolsma andThroughothers. each move and coaching position, we have seen God’s hand at work in our own lives and the lives of those we have served. It is such a blessing to be able to do something I love alongside godly men and women who also possess such purpose and passion for Kingdom work. We may not fully know all that God has been and is doing through track & field and cross country, but I trust Him and HisDuringsovereignty.the recruiting process, we discuss with prospective student-athletes that our desire is to make a lasting difference in their lives 10-20 years from now for the Kingdom of God. We want to impact generations to come through the influence that the Lord affords us with our athletes. Regardless of the results of their performances, we want them to
28
Bingham coaches his athletes at the Liberty Twilight Qualifier on May 4.
A LASTING DIFFERENCE
DOMINATION
NATALIE (BARR) LYTTLE Field hockey: 2012-15
Liberty took seven athletes to the 2022 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships — the second most in program history — at the University of Oregon in June. The Flames’ six AllAmerica honors at the meet were the most Liberty has ever attained at a single NCAA Division I championship event. The recordbreaking men’s 4x100-meter relay quartet of Brandon Letts, Donald McClinton, Christian Lyon, and Diamantae Griffin placed 12th nationally, becoming Liberty’s first relay squad ever to garner NCAA Division I AllAmerica honors.
Liberty University congratulates the newest members of the Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame. Special ceremonies were planned for Hall of Fame Weekend, with new members being inducted at a banquet on Sept. 9 and recognized during Flames Football’s first home game of the season on Sept. 10.
JESSICA MOORE Softball: 2005-07
Dating back to a inteamindoorConferenceMason-Dixonmen’strack&fieldchampionship1987,Liberty
JOSE GOMEZ Men’s soccer: 1997-2000
ASUN Conference track & field titles since joining the league, and the Flames appear poised for a successful final year of ASUN membership in 2022-23. For the sixth consecutive year, the ASUN Indoor Track & Field Championships will take place at the newly named Brant Tolsma Indoor Track at the Liberty Indoor Track & Field Complex, Feb. 24 & 25.
PAUL WETMORE Head softball coach: 1994-2013
University’s men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field squads have been nothing short of dominant at the conference level. The Flames have racked up an incredible 102 track & field conference championship trophies within four separate conferences (Mason-Dixon, Big South, ASUN, and IC4A/ECAC).
Sauder, men’s discus All-American Kevin Nedrick, and women’s cross country AllAmerican Calli Doan all return to the team this season, where they will be joined by a highly touted recruiting class.
Men’s high jumper Kennedy Sauder became Liberty’s first freshman ever to become an All-American at both the NCAA Division I Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships during the same year. He was the nation’s only freshman high jumper to accomplish the feat in 2022.
Liberty has won 12 of a possible 14
ATHLETICS RICHARDSONELLIE
GLENN INVERSO Football: 1977-80
The Hall of Fame honors those who helped shape the face of Liberty Athletics. The 74 members have each played a key role in helping Liberty grow from an NCCAA program in 1972 to a thriving NCAA Division I program today.
The Liberty men’s indoor track & field team has captured 25 consecutive conference titles, a streak which began with the inaugural Big South Indoor Track & Field Championships in 1998. That is the longest active streak in NCAA Division I men’s indoor track & field. Meanwhile, the Flames’ men’s outdoor track & field squad extended its streak to 15 straight conference titles with its ASUN crown in May. Liberty is tied with Oregon (Pac-12) for the secondlongest active NCAA Division I men’s outdoor track & field championship run.
JACOB SWINTON Men’s track & field: 1994-96
HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2022
MEET
THE HORSES There are 26 university-owned horses living in the Liberty Barn and room for 20 more in the Boarder’s Barn for students who wish to bring their own horses to school with them. Get to know some of Liberty’s own hoofed friends: JUGARKJ GYLESCHASE 30
SADDLE UP AT AUSTIN Registered Name: Pocos Dun It Again Gender: Gelding Type: Quarter Horse Age: Height:21 15.2 hands (5 feet, 2 inches from ground to shoulders) Color: Light tan with dun (a black dorsal stripe down his back) Acquired: 2017 Favorite Treat: Peppermint candies SUGAR Registered Name: Cardina Gender: Mare Type: Warmblood Age: Height:21 17 hands (5 feet, 8 inches) Color: Flea-bitten gray Acquired: 2016 Favorite Treat: Green grass PRINCE Registered Name: Little Red Corvette Gender: Gelding Type: Appendix Quarter Horse with some Height:Age:thoroughbred2315.3hands (5 feet, 3 inches) Color: FavoriteAcquired:Black2016Treat:Apples Originally involved in Western reining, Austin has evolved into an arena horse who is adept at offering lessons to all levels of riders. He is a seasoned trail horse and participates in physical education and recreation classes. He is very kind and forgiving, shows aptitude, and is a good teacher. Prince was donated by the Boan family from North Carolina, whose daughters Bailey, Brooke, and Briley were Hunt Seat riders for the Lady Flames over the past five years. He is primarily a hunter-jumper but also does horsemanship classes, trail rides, and camps. He is very friendly with a big personality and loves kids. He likes to take long naps and, despite his age, still has spunk in him when let out for recess. Donated by the LaGuardia family, Sugar enjoyed a very accomplished show career after traveling to Virginia from overseas. She is used for Liberty’s Hunt Seat team and also in classes and riding lessons. The staff call her the “queen” of the center because she has been around a long time and everyone reveres her. She is a quality show horse, moves well, and is very intelligent and sensible.
The Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center, located on 380 acres just minutes from main campus, has become one of the largest venues of its kind in Virginia. The center features indoor and outdoor arenas and is home to the Hunt Seat and Western riding teams, part of Liberty’s Club Sports program. The center hosts horse shows for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association throughout the school year, as well as camps in the summer. Through the Campus Recreation Department, students can sign up for trail rides and riding lessons. MORE, VISIT LIBERTY.EDU/CAMPUSREC.
racehorse from Chesapeake, Va., with over $200,000 in career winnings along the East Coast, Lupé is now versatile enough to do everything at the center other than Western riding. She loves kids and is very popular at team camps as well as on trail rides and steeplechasing. She is very sensible and not easily spooked. She is unique in temperament, which allows her to be used by all levels, and is good at teaching students how to communicate with her.
A
BOBBEYLUKE
TO LEARN
CHEX Registered Name: HR Puff ‘N’ Stuff Gender: Gelding Type: Paint/Welsh cross large pony Age: Height:9 14.2 hands (4 feet, 10 inches) Color: Black and white Acquired: 2022 Favorite Treat: Horse cookies LUPÉ Registered Name: Little Miss Lupé Gender: Mare Type: Thoroughbred Age: Height:12 15 hands (5 feet) Color: Brown with black mane and tail Acquired: 2017 Favorite Treat: Peppermint candies MAJOR Registered Name: Major Ambition Gender: Gelding Type: Quarter Horse Age: Height:16 15.3½ hands (5 feet, 3½ inches) Color: FavoriteAcquired:Chestnut2019Treat:Carrots Before he came to Liberty, Chex was a show pony and was used for riding lessons in the Lynchburg area. Still an excellent jumper, he participates with the Hunt Seat and Western equestrian teams and also does lessons and camps. Around the center, Chex is known as the class clown. He is very social and hogs attention. He can also be a little mischievous and nosy. He has a lot of energy and is fearless. Originally from Texas, Major was donated by a student who had competed in reining events with him before arriving at Liberty, where he learned Hunt Seat flatwork and horsemanship skills. He is sweet and friendly but needs structure to keep him on task. He is a better follower than a leader and can be a little impatient and impulsive, in an endearing way. Like a lovable Golden Retriever, he is smart but needs reminding.
32
on Liberty Mountain and was there for some of those famous telecasts when there was nothing there (on the land), but we could see it. In my junior year I was in the first group to live in the dorms on Liberty Mountain, and I was in the first-ever class on Liberty Mountain at 8 a.m. on a Monday.”
“From my childhood I heard the testimonies of Russian-speaking immigrants who had come out of the Soviet Union, I had learned how to hide under my desk at school in case of a nuclear war, and all of the other things,” he said. “I also read a couple of books about men who had come from behind the Iron Curtain and had been persecuted for their faith there, and I learned all about the people who had died for their faith and were unable to even have and read a Bible. It set a real burden on my heart for the Soviet Union.”
The university’s humble beginnings and its phenomenal growth have been a motivation for his own work in Eastern Europe. Stockwell currently serves as the European Globalization Strategist for the International Mission Board (IMB).
“To be in the middle of (Liberty) starting in a (modest) place, and then to have it move onto the mountain and be watching the vision come to fruition, that has a lot of parallels to what we do with missions,” Stockwell said. “Watching Jerry Falwell and my professors believe in something, take what they had, and make it better, helped me see how to work toward a vision and a goal.”Stockwell’s calling for missions came during a chapel message at Liberty by Vernon Brewer (’74), Liberty’s first graduate and the founder and president of World Help. Stockwell learned that most trained ministers in the world at the time served in the Western world. But having grown up in the generation that consistently heard about the hardships in the Soviet Union, Stockwell developed a passion for reaching those in the East.
Mick Stockwell (’82) learned how to enact a vision while he was a student at Liberty University and has now spent the last 28 years working with missions partners in Eastern Europe and beyond to shine the light of the Gospel in some of the darkest places, including during the current hardships in Ukraine.
AforMotivationMissions
While struggling with injuries during his senior year of high school football in Baton Rouge, La., Stockwell recalled he had no real direction or idea of what to pursue outside of the gridiron. That’s when his older brother David, an evangelist, told him about a new college in Lynchburg, Va.
“I don’t know if I had the vision to exactly see what Liberty University has become, because no one had seen anything like it, but I saw the goals,” he added. “I went up
BEDELLCHRISTIAN
Stockwell sent in some films and was offered a scholarship to join the upstart Flames Football program in its fourth year. In the fall of 1976, he moved onto Treasure Island, a renovated church camp on the James River that served as student housing and also an athletic facility. While he quipped that the place wasn’t much to look at, Stockwell said he quickly bought into the vision of the university and its founder, Dr. Jerry“WhenFalwell.Ifirst came to the football team, my first day was helping a coach build and paint spaces to make a makeshift locker room on the island,” he said. “To be able to go in and take a kids camp and turn it into a football facility, live in substandard facilities, but do that all with a vision in mind … that’s what we were agreeing to do.”
ALUMNUS WHO CALLED UKRAINE HOME FOR MANY YEARS MOBILIZES MISSIONS FOR IMB IN EASTERN EUROPE BY RYAN KLINKER
“I grew up in a football family; my dad was a very successful coach and then a high school principal. He died when I was a sophomore in high school, and I was just… lost,” Stockwell said. “Then my brother called me and said, ‘I just spoke at a chapel at this new school called Liberty Baptist College. They have a football program, and they are on fire for Jesus.’”
“I have very dear friends in Russia who I’m still very involved with, and it’s hard on them too,” he added. “We cannot get money legally into Russia, so we’re not able to financially support our missions partners there. These people are also innocents as their country is caught up in a war that they cannot control.”
In his current role, Stockwell identifies and mobilizes missionary partners to support ongoing work in the former Soviet Union’s countries and beyond, reaching as far as Brazil, Kenya, Uganda, India, Thailand, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea.
“She said she knew many of the people who died, and she said, ‘These aren’t things I’ve heard about, these are things I’ve seen
“All of our people were moved out of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus,” he said. “It’s important to note that our missionaries are also refugees. They had to leave in a hurry
“Peoplefield.tend to think that missionaries go into the jungle and live in mud huts or are out in Range Rovers, but we were doing our work in a concrete jungle,” he said. “The people of Ukraine were broken and bankrupt, and they knew they needed something. We went into a place that was falling apart, and the people there were frustrated because they found out they’d grown up in a lie (from communist propaganda).”Stockwellwas soon asked to oversee IMB’s work in the satellite countries once under the Soviet Union, and he spent 15 years living in Kyiv and Kharkiv with seven to eight countries being served at a time.
with my own eyes,’” Stockwell said. “She also told us about how bullets were hitting the cars and they drove away, with the women and children in the car screaming.”
ALUMNI
through IMB’s Send Relief program, which deploys teams and provides grants to help care for people in the aftermath of natural disasters or other crises. Stockwell has worked at the leadership level to obtain grants for partners in Romania and Moldova, but he has also gone to the borders firsthand.
Right: Mick speaks at an IMB panel during the Southern Baptist Convention in Anaheim, Calif., in June.
Stockwell studied business administration but used every elective slot remaining to take courses in mission work.
Despite not being able to enter Ukraine, Stockwell said he has seen and felt the damage being done to his former home. He received a video from a friend in Ukraine that shows the friend eating dinner in his kitchen right before a shell comes through the roof and explodes in the next room over. Another video, which he has seen circulate on the news, shows an obscured view of the Kharkiv Region State Administration Building as a massive fireball from a missile erupted in front of it.
Stockwell, his wife, Dalese, and their three sons moved to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, in 1994 to begin serving the country’s sizable Baptist community and plant churches in an environment that he said is an unusual mission
In April, he joined IMB President Paul Chitwood at the Polish and Romanian borders to talk with refugees and churches at a station providing information on services and ways for refugees to hear or read the Gospel in their language. While they were in Romania, the Ukrainian city of Mariupol was being hit especially hard. An estimated 300 people were killed at a children’s theater. About a week later, while they stood at the IMB welcome center, Stockwell and Chitwood were approached by a woman who had been an actress on the theater’s staff.
33
“I believe that through the way I’d grown up thinking and praying about (Eastern Europe), the way God put it on my heart, and how I’d gone on that mission trip in 1990, I knew that this was the place for me,” Stockwell said. “I knew it deep in my heart back then, and I feel that God has uniquely gifted me for it. In these years since, I’ve seen the Lord work. I’ve seen Him use my mission partners (and myself), put us in contact with the people who need help the most, and allow us to serve Him by serving them.”
The Russian-speaking church that Stockwell attends in the Czech Republic has opened its doors to refugees as well, and he and his wife have worked in hostels and hotels to help mothers and children. One of the church’s pastors has as many as 20 refugees living in his small home.
“I sat in that same room last November, and I’ve eaten in that kitchen many times,” Stockwell said. “These are people that I raised my children with, that I went on vacations with, that we are now going to the ends of the earth with. (The Kharkiv Region State Administration Building) is on Freedom Square, and that is where I would rollerblade with my boys when they were kids. It’s only a few hundred yards from the apartment where we raised our kids. This is real to us.”
Stockwell has been able to assist partners
While working on staff at a church in northwest Houston after graduation, he was able to visit the intact Soviet Union for an evangelistic rally at one of the capitals, Kishinev Moldova, in 1990. He was inspired to work there and joined the IMB a couple years later.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 has shifted much of Stockwell’s focus to ministering to refugees — some of whom are his longtime partners — and continuing to support the Ukrainian Baptist Union despite funding difficulties.
Left: Mick Stockwell and his family in 1998 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Middle: Dalese Stockwell prays with refugees at the Romanian border.
unexpectedly with two suitcases apiece and didn’t know what’s going to happen next.”
FALL UPDATES FROM THE ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE
in their family to graduate college. I had the opportunity to meet alumni with a long legacy of four generations attending Liberty University.
As we start the 51st year of Liberty University, the Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Association are working hard to bring new and unique opportunities
As I stood on campus each day during the week of Commencement, I was reminded of all the joy and warmth this milestone event brings to our wonderful university. For some of our graduates who earned their degrees through the online program, Commencement was their first visit to campus. I saw parents cheer for their children as they became the first
This year the Office of Alumni Relations had the opportunity to visit Houston, Atlanta, and Anaheim, Calif. We were so excited to see and meet all the alumni who welcomed us to their city. We look forward to seeing you and your family soon, whether it be on campus or at one of our many alumni receptions we will be hosting around the country this year.
JUGARKJ
GYLESCHASE
to you and your family. If you have not signed up for our new digital platform, the Liberty University Alumni Community, we encourage you to do so now. This will keep you updated on all the events and exciting news from the Office of Alumni Relations. You can find more information by visiting Liberty.edu/Alumni or emailing alumni@ liberty.edu.
34
RICHARDSONELLIE
Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
Liberty University honored over 23,000 graduates in May. More than 9,800 participated in on-campus ceremonies‚ the largest for any Liberty Commencement. Keynote speaker and leadership expert John Maxwell encouraged the newest Champions for Christ to stay consistent, embrace failures, and understand the true meaning of success. About 80 percent of the graduating class earned degrees through Liberty University Online Programs. Nearly 40 percent have military connections, with about 1,900 serving on active duty.
God Bless, CUCCIGIUSEPPE Director of Alumni Relations
Hello Liberty Alumni Community, I want to start by saying congratulations to the Class of 2022! As a class that faced adversity during some of the most challenging months of COVID-19, you persevered. We are proud of you and welcome you to the Liberty University alumni family!
JUGARKJ
RICHARDSONELLIE
“Whenmission.we left on that bus, we didn’t come back for another year. … I think people forget that tidbit about how Liberty grew. We were out there promoting Liberty,” Diana said.
GREEN CORD C AMPAIG N BLESSES FORMER MISSIONARY FAMILY
After completing her undergraduate degree in 2024, Turley hopes to go on to receive her master’s degree and has considered entering the mission field
or sharing her passion for theatre with others by teaching at the collegiate level.
“We are more than grateful,” Tom Turley said. “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of people at Liberty University. Not just with money but even to hear Charity talk about professors that invest time in students and encourage them spiritually. I can’t think of any other place that I would rather have my daughter right now in today’s world.”
Make an impact and fuel the fire.
NOV.
She was determined to follow the path that she believed the Lord had planned for her, so she enrolled and worked as many hours as she could at the theatre arts scene shop as a technician’s assistant. She is now a junior studying acting and theatre arts.
Soon after they graduated, the young couple moved to Brazil where they would spend 25 years as missionaries before moving to Martinsville, W.Va., where Tom currently serves as the executive pastor for Independent Bible Church.
A recent photo of Charity with her parents, who also attended Liberty
be“Itdifficult.took a big leap of faith just for me to make it to Liberty because of finances,” she said. “Because we were on a missionary budget for so long, we didn’t have the chance to save up.”
2 ALUMNI
Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty’s founder, holds Charity Turley, now a junior at Liberty, beside his wife, Macel, and Charity’s parents, Tom and Diana Turley.
When it came time for their daughter, Charity, to attend college, she followed in her parents’ footsteps to Liberty. But due to her family spending years on the mission field, she knew paying bills would
This summer, the Turley family received an impactful gift — and a huge surprise — when Charity was awarded a scholarship through the university’s Green Cord Campaign.
In 2000, the couple was recognized as Alumni of the Year due to their work on the mission field.
The Liberty University Office of Development and Alumni Relations Office have sponsored the Green Cord campaign since 2015 to help fund scholarships for future Champions for Christ. Though it was originally a Commencementrelated campaign, where seniors are asked to contribute $20 or more and, in recognition of their generosity, are provided a green cord to wear with their Commencement regalia, the fund is now open to contributions from any alumni, at any time. The program is a way for alumni, many of whom were scholarship recipients themselves, to pay it forward to others coming along behind them.
35
To support the next generation of champions through the Green Cord Campaign, email alumni@liberty.edu or call (800) 628-7973.
Alumni Tom and Diana Turley (’81) remember how difficult financial stress can be for college students and their families. In the middle of their time at Liberty, they served the young college by taking a year off from school to tour with the LBC Singers, one of the university’s music ministry teams. The school was going through some financial difficulties of its own at the time, and they wanted to do what they could to advance the
MAYHEW, of Danville, Va., returned to Lynchburg in 2018 to work for the Liberty University Police Department (LUPD).
’112010sCAROLL
SHANNON BREAM (’93)
’97 MIKE LAVENDER, of Athens, Ga., was recently announced as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at The Mike Cottrell College of Business at the University of North Georgia.
’93 KAREN LONG, of Middletown, Ohio, retired this year from Middletown Christian Schools after 36 years of service. She held a variety of positions, including teacher and guidance counselor.
Shannon is the new anchor of “FOX News Sunday.” She is the first woman to anchor the Sunday morning political talk show in its 26-year history. Shannon had served as the anchor of “FOX News @ Night with Shannon Bream” since 2017. She will continue as the network’s chief legal correspondent.
SHARE YOUR NEWS AT LIBERTY.EDU/CLASSNOTES
a missionary school in Myanmar.
’022000sROBERT
’911990sMELINDA
’13 CECILIA GARRETT, of Moses Lake, Wash., published a workbook based on her personal and professional experiences supporting clients who hoard, families impacted by hoarding, and community advocacy and service work.
HEADLINESMAKINGREADTHESESTORIESANDMOREATLIBERTY.EDU/NEWS/ALUMNI
’11 HEATH WOOLMAN, of Fort Worth, Texas, was appointed Chief of Staff at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Woolman oversees the Office of the President and serves alongside the executive leadership team for the seminary.
’97 CHRIS HEPNER, of Bucyrus, Ohio, recently started a new company, Thinking Biblically, which helps people understand the Bible for themselves, develop a prayer life, and get involved in a Bible-believing church.
’12 KEVIN PARTON, of Knoxville, Tenn., has been named Senior Director of the Knox County Health Department. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Rocky Hill Baseball.
TONY BEASLEY (’89)
’08 ANDREW LAW, of San Diego, Calif., has been working for the Department of Homeland Security for almost a decade.
’06 PAUL BERRY, of Easton, Pa., launched a Registered Investment Advisory Firm in 2020.
’92 GREG TILLEY, of Lynchburg, Va., has returned to Liberty after 25 years in sports medicine and chiropractic healthcare to join the Office of Development.
’09 JACKIE HOUSER, of Wilmington, N.C., is the owner and litigator for Flexner Houser Injury Law.
’09 CHARLES MILLER, of Unadilla, Ga., became the lead pastor of Unadilla First Baptist Church last year and is completing his Ph.D. in Bible Exposition through Liberty. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Fla.
ALESHIRE, of Barberton, Ohio, has retired but continues to teach classes online for
SCHMIEDEKNECHT, of Marietta, Ga., has led a group of work-from-home moms since 2012 that provides digital marketing and social media management services for small businesses.
MUNDELL, of Lebanon, Ohio, and his wife, Janet, will celebrate 50 years in deaf ministry on Oct. 9. David is a pastor to the deaf at First Baptist Church of Milford, Ohio.
’11 MARSHA MYERS, of Vinton, Va., was recently hired as Chief Executive Officer at Mission Hospital McDowell. She has served as a part of the HCA Healthcare system for the past 25 years and is a member of the American Society of Radiologic Technology and American Board of Medical Dosimetrists.
’12 CATHERINE MCKINLEY, of Manhattan, Kan., and a financial advisor with Edward Jones, was named to the 2022 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State ranking.
’13 FLORALBA ARBELO-MARRERO, of Dania Beach, Fla., serves as Dean of Student Affairs and Associate Professor at Albizu University in Miami, Fla.
’98 TOM KUPEC, of Greenville, S.C., released a book, “Sundays in the South,” published by Ambassador International Publishers. The book chronicles Kupec and his wife’s travels to 52 evangelical churches in 10 southeastern states during the course of a year.
’13 JASMINE RUSH, of Haymarket, Va., recently wrote a children’s book for ages 9-12 titled “Help Me Tell: Finding Your Voice After Trauma.”
WASSEL, of Orlando, Fla., served 10 years as Senior Vice President of Advancement at the U.S. headquarters for Pioneers, a nonprofit Christian outreach organization. He later became a Chief Strategy Officer. Over the past three years, the organization’s “Seeds” lab has served over 100 Christian mission agencies, churches, and a few for-profit partners.
’761970sDAVID
’13 RON SHARP, of Owensboro, Ky., has been promoted to a full-time faculty position in the
’89 TIMOTHY KING, of Little Rock, Ark., has worked as a bivocational pastor since 1997 in Arkansas, serving in the real estate industry.
CLASS NOTES
Tony became the first alumnus to manage in the major leagues when he was named as the interim manager of the Texas Rangers in August. He is in his 22nd year of coaching at the major league and minor league levels, most recently as the Rangers’ third base coach. Tony was a leadoff hitter and starting second baseman for the Flames in 1988 and 1989.
36
’09, ’11 KIMBERLY ARNOLD, of Austin, Texas, serves as the Director of Academic Services for Orenda Education, a charter school district in the greater Austin area. As the District Testing Coordinator, she oversees federal and state programs and all curriculum for the district. She is currently pursuing her post-grad certificate in school leadership and administration.
’12 THARESA LEE, of New Bern, N.C., has been promoted to State Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer after 20 years as the NDOP Event Coordinator.
’13 DAMION JACKSON, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., earned a Doctor in Healthcare Education from Nova Southeastern University and is the Director of Business Development and Community Outreach for Miami Transplant Institute. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Health Services Administration program at Florida International University.
’801980sRUSSELL
Department of Religion at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Sharp has been an adjunct for several years and will continue to teach in this new role, along with having more time to devote to writing and scholarly research.
’14 SAM CROOM, of Kinston, N.C., was announced as the Pitt County Deputy County Manager/Chief Financial Officer.
ENJOY LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND NATIONAL BENEFITS WITH YOUR FREE LIBERTY ALUMNI ID CARD
’15 MARY CRUIKSHANK, of San Antonio, Texas, recently launched MC Education Advocacy & Consulting, LLC, to meet the needs of exceptional learners and their families through a collaborative process with students and schools.
37
The son of Franklin Graham and grandson of Billy Graham was featured in a “Flames Central” TV episode about his journey to Liberty, which included joining the Flames Soccer team. He was a team manager his first year and a backup goalie his sophomore season before he left the sport to focus on his biblical studies. Watch his story at LibertyFlamesCentral.com.
’17 KIMBERLY PHINNEY, of Land O’ Lakes, Fla., was awarded the Claes Noble Educator of Distinction Award and the Outstanding Teacher Award from the University of Chicago. She serves as an AP English Instructor and Department Head part time and is publishing some of her poetry. She was recently accepted into Liberty’s Ed.D. in Community Care & Counseling.
’17 DR. CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY, of Knightdale, N.C., has been appointed superintendent of Thomasville City Schools.
’15 BRAD SANDEFUR, of Hanover Park, Ill., is running for Sheriff of Cook County, the secondmost populous county in the United States.
’15 MARK NEWSOM, of Anchorage, Alaska, is a Patient Advocate for the 673 Medical Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.
’16 JEFF KLONE, of Juliaetta, Idaho, was promoted to the rank of Captain at Lewiston Police Department in April 2020. At that time, he was also put over both the Investigations and Support Services Sections.
’17 SARA HEIST, of Forest, Va., is headed to Brazil this fall as a full-time missionary teacher with Ethnos360. She will be teaching English to
’17 PETER KAZMIERCZAK, of Milford, Conn., was hired as an Associate Portfolio Manager at Nottingham Advisors, LLC.
’18 APRIL CHAPEL, of Dothan, Ala., is a first responder in the mental health field and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling-Traumatology with Liberty.
at Liberty.edu/Alumni or email alumni@liberty.edu. (Current
WILL GRAHAM (’97)
The former LU basketball player is the new Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Morgan State University. Most recently, she has served in executive athletics roles at CSU Bakersfield, University of New Orleans, and California State University-Dominguez Hills. She was named the 2018 Administrator of the Year by Women Leaders in College Sports.
’16 BUNNIE CLAXTON, of Bedford, Va., published middle school curriculum titled “Mind Over Matter: Critical Thinking Skills” and “Game Changer: Christ-Centered Critical Thinking Skills.”
your
’17 JEFF COLE, of Lake City, Minn., is composing an original Christmas theatrical production and has continued writing Christian presentations after moving to Minnesota in 2017. He formerly composed short skits, namely with Timber Ridge Baptist Church in Bedford, Va.
for an ID card.)
’16 DR. KELLEY WEISS, of Old Town, Maine, was recently named principal of Wallace A. Smith Elementary School.
missionary children whose parents are in fulltime tribal church planting.
DENA FREEMAN-PATTON (’96)
’14 JOSHUA SHERER, of Raymond, Miss., was named Athletic Director of the Presbyterian Christian School. He has over 20 years of coaching experience, including over 400 wins (92 at the collegiate level). Additionally, he served for 12 years in the Army National Guard with two deployments.
Order card students, faculty, staff are not eligible
’17 OLIVIA FULLER, of Oak Harbor, Wash., flies the EP-3 Aries for the United States Navy and flies as a corporate pilot part time.
’16 RODNEY KASEY, of Bluefield, W.Va., has joined the Marshall University Athletics Department as its new Assistant Athletic Director for Digital Strategy and Brand Management.
’14 AUSTIN COOK, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was promoted to VP of Finance & Controller for Otava, a compliant hybrid cloud solutions firm. He will be tasked with directing the company’s finance, accounting, procurement, and business operations/billing functions. He has been with Otava since 2019.
ALUMNI
’17 CHRISTY CANDELARIO, of Augusta, Ga., and her husband serve with International Link as it connects local churches and believers with the international community to build relationships where the Gospel can be shared.
and
’18 ANDREW CUTLER, of Philadelphia, Pa., is disabled but continues to work in a pastoral role in a church plant in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. He was in a head-on car accident in 2018 and later went blind in his right eye from an infection but was able to graduate with his bachelor’s in psychology.
The Alumni ID card offers discounts anywhere Flames Cash is accepted. Regional and national benefits include discounts at a number of businesses, such as the Museum of the Bible, Enterprise, Hyatt, Avis, and more.
’14 CHAD DONLEY, of Baker, Fla., was hired as the New Mexico State University Director of Basketball Operations for the men’s basketball team.
’22 SHAWNA MEYERS, of Tyrone, Ga., is a Human Resource Coordinator at PetSmart DC38.
’21 BRANDEN ROBERTSON, of Rocky Mount, Va., was named Director of Quality and Patient Safety for Carilion Clinic.
Abigail used her platform as Miss Oregon 2021 to build opportunities for underserved youth. She spoke at high schools and middle schools, met with legislators, and acted as an ambassador for the National Center for Children of Poverty. She earned a B.A. in Strategic Communications in May through Liberty University Online Programs and plans to attend law school next fall.
’22 SUSAN GRECO, of Newnan, Ga., works at a middle school in Florida.
’22 SADE OUTLAW, of Meridian Hills, Ind., is an in-patient social worker at a behavioral health hospital.
’22 MISSIE BROOKS, of Gaithersburg, Md., is a certified paralegal and started her new career this past summer at a prestigious law firm.
38
Professor of Music and Director of Bands Dr. Stephen Kerr (’82) retired in June after a 32-year career at Liberty. He was a member of the first band in 1977. In 2000, he called it a “dream come true” when he became director of the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band and the Wind Symphony. His final performance was leading the Wind Symphony during Commencement.
’22 DR. JUDY RICHARDS, of Lexington, N.C., was recently named principal of South Lexington School and Development Center.
’21 ERIN BROEK, of Escondido, Calif., earned a master’s degree from Liberty and is now a teacher.
’22
STEPHEN KERR (’82)
’22 APRIL BROWN, of Prattville, Ala., teaches Bible at the high school campus of Valiant Cross Academy in Montgomery, Ala.
’22 REBECCA PRESTON, of Glade Hill, Va., is a clinician at the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center in Rocky Mount, Va. The center works with children and adolescents who have been through trauma, abuse and/or neglect.
BUIS, of Lawrenceville, Ga., founded The Buis Book Foundation, which gave 10 books to every student at Thomasville Heights Elementary School in the Atlanta Public School District to help overcome summer reading loss.
’18 CHUCK RISTANO, of Granger, Ind., was recently named the new pitching coach at Florida State. He spent 12 years at Notre Dame University. Overall, he has helped 36 players get drafted into the MLB and coached 26 AllAmerica nominees.
’20 GRANT JOHNSTONE, of Redmond, Ore., is a Solutions Support Associate at Lumen Technologies.
’22 ANDREW HALL, of Stout, Ohio, became a certified Intervention Specialist K-12 Moderate to Severe last spring.
’21 DONNA JOHNSON, of Newnan, Ga., leads a Plant Your Seeds of Transformation podcast that supports women leaders after trauma and crisis.
Join your family, friends, and fellow alumni for a weekend of fun and football.
’20 ANDREI TONE, of Tulsa, Okla., started a videography company while at Liberty and has expanded its operations to Tulsa, Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Nashville.
’22 RAFAEL ORTIZ, of Davie, Fla., works with military pro-athletes in the Department of Defense, where he provides dietary recommendations to enhance healing of sport injuries. He is the founder of Warfighters R&R (Reintegration and Recovery), which serves those in the Armed Forces and their families. He served 22 years in U.S. Army. He will begin a doctoral degree in strategic leadership this fall.
’21 DR. DONOVAN O’BRIEN, of Culpeper, Va., is the Executive Director of Operations at Culpeper County Public Schools. He has over 22 years of experience in public education.
ABIGAIL HAYES (’22)
OCT. 14-15
’21 CATHLEEN BEACHBOARD, of Culpeper, Va., recently released her book, “The School of Hope: The Journey from Trauma and Anxiety to Achievement, Happiness, and Resilience.”
’21 CANDIDA JOHNSON, of Springville, Utah, was awarded the Professional Association of Campus Employees (PACE) Distinguished Employee Award. She was nominated by her staff at Utah Valley University for her work on designing and implementing a new weekly informational email program to increase awareness of on-campus resources and activities and provide highlights of the staff and their accomplishments.
’22 KELSEY HAMMOND, of Clarkton, N.C., was recently hired as the town manager for Bladenboro, N.C. She was previously an intern with Congressman David Rouzer’s office in Washington, D.C., and an economic development intern for the town of Ayden, N.C. JOEL HORST, of Ephrata, Pa., began working at the Ephrata Campus for LCBC Church as a Student Ministry Coordinator in January.
’22 HENRY BARRERA, of Lynchburg, Va., is the strength and conditioning coach for the University of Alabama men’s basketball team. He spent the last seven seasons serving in a similar role for Liberty Men’s Basketball.
’21 DENISE PASS, of Unionville, Va., will be publishing a Bible study titled, “Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life,” this fall.
’202020sDR.KIRK
IN MEMORIAM
ROBERT SPENCER (’18), of Statesville, N.C., was called home on July 5 at Wake Forest Baptist University Medical Center after dealing with some health issues. He is remembered for his unwavering faith.
MELANIE JOHNSON LOCKARD (’84), died Aug. 4 at her home in Bear, Del., after a courageous battle with cancer. Melanie earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in counseling, and she met and married Bill Lockard (’80) while at Liberty. She was involved with the Liberty Godparent Home in the early years.
Seminary, the move to the Freedom Tower, the acquisition of the Keesee Fund Scholarship, and accreditation of several graduate programs in the School of Divinity by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). He retired from his role as dean in 2019 but continued to teach divinity courses.
CLYDE HUNTSMAN (’94), of Kannapolis, N.C., passed away on July 12. Clyde served two years in the U.S. Army where he worked in cryptology at the Pentagon. He spent the rest of his career as an accountant at IBM for 31 years.
RICHARD OESTERLING III (’85), of Waterloo, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on May 5. He served as a youth pastor for many years at three different churches after he received his B.S. in Youth Studies.
Dr. Ed Hindson, 77, died on July 2. As Dean Emeritus of the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity and Distinguished Professor of Religion, he leaves behind a rich legacy at Liberty, having helped to build the foundation for the school in its early years and instilling biblical truth in the hearts and minds of thousands of students, faculty, and staff during his 48 years of service to the university.
ROY WELSH (’76), of Forest, Va., died on May 12. Roy was a longtime member of Thomas Road Baptist Church and a seminary graduate.
DAEMIEN ‘DJ’ JONES (’00), of Remington, Va., died on June 15. He was an administrative coordinator for purchasing at Prince William County Public Schools.
DR. MARK FOREMAN, a longtime philosophy professor who served for 33 years at Liberty, died on June 17. He authored four books, including the main curriculum text for Liberty’s introductory philosophy course, and he served as a fellow with the Center for Apologetics & Cultural Engagement. Foreman was a man of many hobbies, including a rich interest in music and local theatre.
career as a high school history teacher. She was a caring soul who spread positivity to everybody she met.
leader, and guardian of Liberty University’s Christian mission. He first began teaching at Liberty in 1974. In 1985, he videotaped Liberty’s first distance learning course: Old Testament Survey. Over the years, he taught over 100,000 students, residentially and online. He was named Teacher of the Year many times.
LISTED HERE ARE ALUMNI, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY WE HAVE LOST IN RECENT MONTHS.
Hindson served the School of Divinity in various roles. From 2013-19, he led the merger of the School of Religion and the Liberty Baptist Theological
SCOTT NORWOOD (’18), of Suwanee, Ga., passed away unexpectedly on May 15. He played the baritone in the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band and participated in the 1983 Rose Bowl parade.
39
As an author, Hindson released 40 books and edited five major study Bibles, including the bestselling King James Study Bible (Thomas Nelson) and the Gold Medallion award-winning Knowing Jesus Bible (Zondervan). He was a speaker on “The King is Coming” telecast and a visiting lecturer at Oxford University and Harvard Divinity School, as well as numerous evangelical seminaries, including Dallas, Denver, Trinity, Grace, and Westminster.Dr.Elmer Towns, Liberty University co-founder, shared these sentiments: “Ed Hindson made a great contribution to the building of Liberty University in Training Champions for Christ. His greatest impact was on his students because of his powerful lectures and life-changing principles that he shared. He will be greatly missed but will always be appreciated for his scholarly and godly influence he left with the students during his time at Liberty University.”
DEAN CUMBO (’10), of Lynchburg, Va., died on June 20 after a courageous battle with cancer. He served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles in Fort Campbell, Ky., and served in the National Guard, stationed at Aberdeen Providing Ground, after 9/11.
DR. CARL JOHN DIEMER JR., a longtime professor and tennis coach, died on March 28. He played a significant role in Liberty’s growth in its early years, helping to establish Lynchburg Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973. He held various leadership roles, including overseeing the Master of Divinity program, until he retired in 2018. In 1987, he helped start the men’s tennis program and was head coach for 11 years.
JACQUELINE R. WALORSKI, an Indiana Congresswoman (IN-2), was killed in a head-on vehicle collision on Aug. 3. Jackie attended Liberty from 1981-83. Flags at the White House were flown at half-staff for two days in remembrance of her.
HEATHER PULSKAMP (’22), of Batavia, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 12. Heather was in the early stages of beginning her
Hindson was regarded foremost as a servant of God, a biblical scholar, faithful
THEO ROGERS (’22), of Cordova, Tenn., passed away on July 4. He enjoyed working at the Memphis Recovery Center as a qualified mental health professional. Led by his servant’s heart, Theo was genuinely passionate about serving others.
DOROTHY WEBB (’11), of Las Vegas, Nev., died on May 20 after battling a series of illnesses. For 33 years, she worked for the federal government as a clerk for the Social Security Administration and investigator of the United States Office of Personnel Management. She was a pastor and published three books.
MICHAEL GODFREY (’05), of Yorktown, Va., died on June 18. Mike was quick to lend a helping hand to anybody in need. He adored his family and reminded them daily of the love Jesus Christ had for them.
Stev
Mike & Stephanie Brown
Mike ScottJewelJadeLoriRoyDanEdgarRobertJonathanBoCodyDougJeffLorenzoAmySteveDavidJenniferJackDr.JasonCraigGaryLinwoodBillSeanArthurGeraldineRichJ.P.MikeChrisBenMichaelJonLanceStevieSteveRichardRonaldBrianJayMichaelTrevorPaulLeslieScottDanielMichaelMattJoelAaronKevinJohnMervynAlfonsoCongressmanBobFrancesCharlieRichardOliveGaryDougBarbaraDeckardDickerson&SheilaDiehl&BarbaraEastmanM.Eckmann*Eng&BarbaraFalwellGarvey&TraceyGoodBobGoodlatteR.GorenaL.Gray&RachelleGrimmHefner&EmilyHerwig&TheresaHesch&ChristinaHolleyD.Horne&SarahHull&SaraJacksonL.Jacoby,Jr&JacquelynJohnson&JaneJohnson&LindaKeever&BridgettKingKirschnerKonturaB.Kreider&KathyLloyd&JessicaLloyd&StephanieMacKenzieMansonJ.Martin&MeganMasonMcCameron&LisaMisjunsH.Mitchell,JrArthurMoore*MooreE.MooseNicholson*Owen&VidaParker&TrudyParker&ChristinePearson&CindyPetry&RachaelPorterFrankPughSchewelSeay&DoreenSextonShockleySkelton&TamekaSparks&GaleneStaley&AmyStrohmeier&TaylorStuenzi&KipplynSummers&TrishSweatTraylor&AllisonTuck&RachelVollmerL.WardWatkinsWhiteE.Wilson&ShellyWolf
Tony & Beth Cothron
Rush Concerts, LTD
Jamerson-Lewis Construction Lynchburg Ready Mix Concrete Co, Inc.
Tim & Veronica Bratton
Jim & Tracy Fisher
Tim & Julie Clinton
DrewChrisDavidDandridge&KristiDolan&MindyEaves&Mary-Elizabeth Ellenburg
$500,000 - $999,999
Jeff & Gaye Benson
Jason
Individuals
Janine Crowe
Billy Craft Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Blue Ridge Apothecary C12 Mid-Atlantic, LLC C12 Virginia, LLC
Executive Board of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Freedom Defense Group
Lawndale Baptist Church
Jerry James Batchelder*
Foster Fuels, Inc.
First Baptist Charlotte G. F. Walls Agency, Inc.
Hugh & Jill Freeze
Freedom First Federal Credit Union Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Inc.
Tim & Kathy Baldree
New Life Community Church-Inwood OrthoVirginia, Inc.
Impact Living Services
Mark D. McClure
WACH Marketing, Inc.
dba Virginia Siteworks
Individuals
Individuals Anonymous Donor Melvin W. Buster*
Ray JohnButler&Phyllis Carstens
$100,000 - $499,999
Jason & Maribeth Bates
Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, Inc.
$5,000 - $9,999
$25,000 - $49,999
Carey & Denise Green
Ralph & Joan Campbell
Jesse & Heather Stephens
Mike & Erin Hagen
Powell’s Truck & Equipment, Inc. Southern Air, Inc.
Lee & Tonja Hall
London Bridge Baptist Church
ServPro Of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell County Sonny Merryman, Inc.
Permanens Capital LP
Zach & Lisa Tran
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. Virginia Living Museum
Prestonwood Baptist Church
Individuals
2022
Ron & Nerissa Cooper
Awakening Events, Inc.
Chris & Cindy Cruz
CareyCharlesDavidEstateBrianDavidScottToddMarkLoisMikeGayleJohnScottStephenDavidIanDanGregCraigDwayneRonJeffreyRickHildebrand&DebbieHuffJamerson&RachelJustice&GailKamphuis&JodiKingKlepper&JodiLeja&HeatherMcCawMetter&TriciaMock&KelliOvertonPetrozelliRichmond*&KelliRosasA.Saulnier*&HilaryScott&RachelleSorensen&JenniferStonebreakerTolleTwaddellofUnknownDonor&DebbieWheeler&ClaudiaWigglesworthWrenn
ShannonChrisLoisLindaFrancesGlennDanielDianneGreggLeoraBrianTomDavidKellyJaniceJeffereyDanielSueTinaJeremyDavidTimothyJimmyBobKariKeithDavidDaleLanceAlStephenBeverlyRodneyDennisChristieAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAndrewsDonorDonorDonorDonorBailey&TerryBailey&MarleeBeckomBedell&BarbaraBennett&LisaBillingsly&KellyBingham&TinaBirdsall&LaurieBlack&KrisBoanBohrnstedtBonheimR.Bowden,JrBroceBryant&AllysonBurnsC.CampbellCarrollCaskieW.ChandlerChaplinCharbonoCossF.Craven,JrE.DaenzerElizabethDaniel*&DanaDavidsonDeutschEhrenberg&LoisEnderudEskridgeL.FarverE.Fergerson&PamFiccoFiler
Christopher E. Fogal
Larry & Judy Fredricks
Organizations
Beacon Credit Union Boxley Materials Company
Drew Haack
Bachar
This list recognizes donors whose giving to Liberty University from Jan. 1-July 31, 2022, qualifies for one of the following categories.
AACC-American Association of Christian Counselors
Barry & Robyn Woodard Organizations
Eldon & Dixie Brammer
Dr. & Mrs. Gregg Albers Carla Allen
Ernest & Amber Carter
Watt & Jennifer Foster Shirley A. Goehring
Daniel Blanton
William Gehman
Randy Carr
Paige JeffreyAkeH. Allen Warren & Ann Andersen
THE CIRCLE
Carter Bank & Trust
Kiokee Baptist Church
Emogene D. “Mitzi” Thomas* Terrance Tigges* Organizations
Karl C. Salz
Louis & Joan LaMay Dale WallaceMiller*&Mayme Miller*
$50,000 - $99,999
Individuals Anonymous Donor Lynne RichardLaGuardiaF.andLinda P. Smith
The Boyd & Joan Kelley Charitable Foundation W.E.L., Inc.
Steve & Patty Brooks
CrossPointe Church
$1,000 - $2,499
Elvin & Pam Burford
Rachel Polley
Reynold F. Keller
Bob & Sandra Day
$2,500 - $4,999
Tina Friar
Juanita P. Holt*
Richmond Center for Christian Study Royal Restrooms, LLC
Whitesburg Baptist Church
RichardOdisFrankKornelJoyceGasserE.GatesGerstnerGibbG.Glover&Robyn
Organizations
Reggie & Karen Berry
Brandon & Ida Blankinship
Cris & Theresa Green
$10,000 - $24,999
Individuals
Margaret Ackerman
PatelP133& Dalrymple Attorneys at Law
Anderson Construction, Inc.
Hill City Pharmacy Hurt & Proffitt, Inc.
Bates Orthodontics
Jan FredMattWilliamBobWesDr.SidClintonPhillipSteveDr.JeffreyJohnMikeCharlesMarkShaneBethToddSharonMarkJackieWilliamMichaelRitchieMarkPhilipJeffPhillipHerbertJoyceDavidBrockAndrewEdwinMikeTomPaulDeborahDr.TateJenniferRodneyMichaelJohnJohnDakotaRoyLindaMarkToddTomTamaraEricKevinGlennJayToddHarveyTimCharlesBernardDr.Dr.JeffBillGwennDeborahJeremyBryceDawnHalvorsenM.HamiltonHarker&MeganHarrisHart*Harth&TracieHayes&AllisonHelgesonJeffreyD.HendrixMark&ToyHineHolder&ShelvieHolmesHoughtonHubbardHumrichouserToddHunt&KellyInversoJesseeB.JohnsonL.Johnson&GenevaJonesJonesJournellF.KayJ.KelleySamuelKelly&CindyKlinedinstKoleznar&ChristinaLaFleur&DonnaLawsonLehmanLenderickJon&SissieLenzenLibourelM.LillyLougheed&KarenLuckMackMaggard&RondaMalcolm&LindaMartinF.MartinE.Maxey,JrMayhew&CindyMcCawMcDuff&HeatherMcGrew&JulieMcKayMcMahanD.MeeksT.MilamG.MinarMoody&RachelPatulskiPiccianoPiercePriest&SandyProwant&HelgaPryor&JannaPyleD.Raub&Mrs.JamesL.Rhoades&RachelRidout&DebbieRineH.RobbinsRodgersWilliam&AmyRoller&RobbinRuiz&PamSchmidtJ.Schnarr&JohannaSchubertShearin
Standard Industrial Supply Stewart Langley Properties, LLC
Brad & Amy Epps
Andy & Linda Bowling
Jerome W. Bolick
Dennis & Sonya Fields
City of Salem and Salem City Schools
Champion Forest Baptist Church Chesapeake RV Solutions
Holston Baptist Association
SET, Inc. dba Caterpillar Clubhouse Sodexo, Inc. & Affiliates
Bill & Wanda Robertson
Cloudfit Software
Anonymous Donor Ron & Jeris Bashor
Go Tell Ministries, Inc.
John & Sarah Gauger
Barry & Pam Clarkson
Richard & Karin Osborne
David & Kari Adams Anonymous Carter County OK* Sheldon & Shannon Bream Cole & Beth Candler
James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Co., Inc. KMR Aviation Services, Inc. Mabry Automotive Group
Carroll & Nancy Hudson
Anonymous Donor
Energy & Automation Equity Enterprise 1984, LLC
Fill the Gap Concerts
Peter & John Radio Fellowship, Inc. dba Peter & John Ministries
Zaki Gordon Memorial Charitable Gift Fund
Bryan & Roberta Hahn Scott & Melanie Hicks
Billy & Jane Belcher
PRESIDENT’S
HSC Wealth Advisors
WattSponsorUpFoster Family Foundation
Max
Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, LLP
Louis & Margaret Edwards
5 Points Creative B2C Enterprises, LLC 701 Korean Church
Steve
Rob & Susan Andrews
Compassion International, Inc Environmental Options, Inc.
BB&T Charitable Fund NAMB dba SEND Network The Signatry
East Pointe Baptist Church, Inc. English Construction Company, Inc.
Individuals
40
Musser Lumber Company, Inc.
Jon & Margie Lienemann Joel & Elisabeth Maxwell Organizations
Jimmy & Rhonda Thomas
David & Pamela Brown
Rick & Angie DeBoard
Bill & Susan Cofer
Kevin & Mary Jones
Jimmy Davis
Goodpasture Cindy Goodrich
JayAnonymousAnonymous&Mary
Donna Woodson
The Office of Development launched the virtual donor wall on Aug. 25.
Wish-WiseVirginiaTerrySodexoS&RRejoicePriorityParkwoodParkOldeNewmanMACLongsLibertyLexingtonLarry’sHopewellHisHenesseyHarvestGraceLifeGNDGarber-LoweFaithEd’sCutzCustomCrossingCornerstoneExchangeBaptistChurchPaths,LLCdbaBeltoneCarolinaVirginiaSiding&Remodeling,LLCforGuysAutomotive,Inc.FellowshipChurch,Inc.Fence,IncFestivals,Inc.BaptistChurchFamilyChurchFoodConsultingLLCGenerationBaptistChurchTireandAutoRepairBaptistChurchBaptistChurch,Inc.FarmSupply,Inc.AB’sdbaCurtains,Blinds&BathElectrical,LLCSouthernCharm,LLCValleyChurchBaptistChurch,Inc.OnePropertiesMinistries,Inc.Cleaning&FloorServicesofRoanokeStopHungerFoundation,Inc.VolkswagenSubaruMilitaryInstituteFoundationCommunityFoundation of Sarasota County, Inc..
Chowan Baptist Association
Mary Smith
Wyatt & Gwen Wilson
Jim & Michelle Sorenson
As a way to remember its past and recognize the people who were pivotal in ensuring its future, Liberty University unveiled a virtual donor wall in the lobby of the Hancock Welcome Center in August that bears over 160,000 names of those who have contributed to university giving campaigns in the last 51 years.
Colonial Heights Baptist Church Computer
Assistant Vice President of Development
Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations. Her previous experience includes fundraising and administrative positions at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), the March of Dimes Foundation, Girls Incorporated of Huntsville, and Girl Scouts of Central Alabama.
Dave & Kim Smith
Michael & Barbara Stone
Richard & Ruth Waning Lang & Tabitha Wedemeyer
BRETT RILEY Assistant Vice President of Development Engagement
Camp CapitalCaleRepair Services, LLC
If we have omitted, misspelled, or (866) 602-7983.
“We’ve had campaigns for those buildings or places where people donated to the university, but those little bricks are no longer there since the buildings have been taken down over the years,” Branda said. “We’re trying to honor our legacy of donors, those who gave to Liberty when it didn’t have two nickels to rub together. We want to remember them because without their
*
misplaced your name, please accept our apologies and notify our office by calling toll-free
Plans call for a new virtual donor wall to be constructed in the Jerry Falwell Center, scheduled to open in 2024. For now, a large screen at the Welcome Center will display names of donors, categorized under the appropriate giving campaigns. Guests can use an iPad to search the platform, which is also available at Liberty.edu/DonorRecognition.
faithful giving we would not be where we areRoughlytoday.” 100,000 of the names are people who gave to Liberty in its early years, from 1971 through 1990.
Aluminum Fences Direct Anonymous Donor
Bob & Sara Straub
Jewel
GeneDeborahRandyMichaelLaurieTincherB.UrsinyVarnerWaldenWalker&Debbie
H. Gregg Strader
Chris Stewart
Gary & Jackie Tedder
Organizations
Troy & Karla Temple
Ms. Hopkins came to Liberty from the University of South Carolina – Upstate, where she served as Associate
Brian & Amanda Summers
Dr. Lian-Tuu & Mrs. Arlene Yeh
Rob Ritz, Liberty’s Chief Financial Officer stated, “To gain two strong leaders in higher education development — who also love the Lord and enthusiastically support Liberty’s mission to Train Champions for Christ — for me, is a humbling reminder that God continues to sovereignly work out Liberty’s future.”
New leaders bring experience to Development and Alumni areas
Walker
For more information on planned giving to Liberty University, visit Liberty.edu/Giving or call (800) 543-5309.
Eric & Lesa Taylor
A.G. Jefferson Opticians
James G. Snashall
Digital display honors over 160,000 university supporters
City of Roanoke Virginia Berglund Center
Liberty has held multiple campaigns for donors to support the school financially, such as buying bricks in someone’s name for the building of the Schilling Center, naming a seat in the School of Law’s Supreme Courtroom or the Tower Theater, and adding an inscription to the school’s Liberty Bell. Assistant Director of Advancement Operations Dan Branda said that many of these names have not been visible on campus in more recent years.
Georgia Anne Snyder-Falkinham
Atlantic Shores Baptist Church Benchmark Benefits
Amber N. Young
In his new role, Mr. Riley is focused on Alumni Affairs and developing new strategies for engagement. He came to Liberty after serving in multiple Development roles at the University of Alabama, and he has also worked in various Development and Alumni Affairs roles at the Oklahoma State University Foundation and Western Kentucky University. Early in his career, he worked to support football operations at WKU and served in the clubhouse for the Atlanta Braves.
Judy RichardKathieSpencerSprinkle&Edith Staedtler
Gretchen Smith
John & Anne Thompson
Estate Gift
The Liberty University Development Division includes the departments of Advancement, Alumni Affairs, Development, Flames Club, and Planned Giving. Under the direction of Interim President Jerry Prevo, the division is transforming for future relationship-building and fundraising. This includes the addition of two experienced leaders in higher education development who are now in place and working to advance Liberty’s future.
BENITA HOPKINS
“A lot of these people have passed away, but their children or their grandchildren have kids here,” Branda said. “We wanted them to be able to say, ‘This is where my grandma, grandpa, father, or mother gave.’”
Allen’s Mobile Home Sales, Inc.
Chris & Sam Stokes
41
FROM KINDERGARTEN TO PH.D. — LIBERTY HAS IT ALL. Join our community of learners and explore your options at Liberty.edu/Discover.
