Reynard Valdez

Affectionately called "Chief," Reynard Valdez impresses most with his story but inspires all. AnApache Indianfrom northern New Mexico, Reynard found thathis lifewas drastically changed from preparing to become a tribal medicine man tobecoming a Biblicalstudiesmajor whoplans tograduate in May.

At theage of19, Reynard found aragged oldbook ina dresserdrawer and beganreadingit Itonlytooktwo weeks fortheBiblehe found tolead himtotheCreatorhehadoften wondered about.

One year later, "Chief" heard about a remarkable place that could help him fulfill his dream: an institutionoflearningcentered inChristianprinciplesand equipped to train him to helpotherschange as hehad changed. Though at times he has struggled, he has never quit. Fewer andfewer hours separate Reynard andadiploma.

"LibertyUniversity has changed my life; thestudents,facultyand administrationhave helped me togrow through some bad situations and to rejoice in times of blessing," Reynard states.

ThenativeAmerican istrulycompassionate, impressive and inspiring—just like his story.