A Cheerleader of Champions Works to Build a Spiritual Legacy

By Jason Ingram

JerryFalwellis no strangerto controversy. Since he founded Thomas Road BaptistChurch in 1956and thenLibertyUniversity in1971, Falwellhas taken every opportunity to admonish the American publicof its sinfultendencies,whether itbe through his national television ministry or one of his numerous print, radio, and television interviews. Regardless of the harsh criticismshe receivesfor his outspokenness, Falwellrefuses to be silent on the issue of national repentance.

The 1996-97schoolyear was no different. "The People vs. Larry Flynt," a film about the Hustlerpublisherand his famed legalbattleagainstFalwell,was released in January and immediately created negativepublicity for Falwell, as well as for TRBC and LU.

In addition to the film, Falwell drew criticism for an election-nightappearanceonBill Maher's highly successfulcable show, "PoliticallyIncorrect," in which hecalledfor PresidentBill Clinton's impeachment.

Despite thesteady stream of negativity that flows from the media, Falwell takes it all in stride "It isone of the hazards of the occupation, to becriticized when you takeastand onpolitical and moral issues," said Falwell."Itry to translate morals into politicalactivism... and it does create opposition and criticism.But Ithink of it more ascreatingdebateand aplace at the table."

Inkeeping with hiscommitment to spiritualrevival, Falwell began touring theUnited States thisyear, "sounding the trumpet nationally for repentance and spiritual awakening" through several"God SaveAmerica" rallies.

When he isnot touring the country or tending to hisflock, Falwell is Chancellor to thousandsof studentsat LibertyUniversity.Although his position demands that he participate in many facets of university life,

Falwell always finds time to spend with thestudents.

"I look on thekidsasmy extended family," said Falwell. "On any given day,at least ten ofthem come through the office we talkand have friendship meetings.Also,Iarriveearlyand leavelatefrom convocation, and Iseethem attheballgames. It's a parade."

Falwellis alsoinvolved in the students' personal development as Christiansand asmembers of society.

"I want to see our spiritual and academicmissionsstrengthened sothatourstudentswillgo home motivated to make adifference in the world," said Falwell.

Falwell truly believes in his studentbody and their limitless potential Infact,hebelievesthat Liberty students will make the greatestdifferenceof all—thatof changinglives.

"In our 26th year,we have thousands of alumni serving God in multiplevocations,"says Falwell "Imeet them everyday somewhere.I think thatLiberty Universitystudentswill eventually make the greatest spiritual impact on theworld,more than any school inexistencetoday."

Above: Through speaking inconvocation and participating inclasses,Dr Guillermin's favorite aspect of Liberty became thejobof gettingto know the students.Top right: Dr. Guillerminspendstimewiththefaculty Center right: Dr. and Mrs.Guillermin enjoyed a basketball game Left:Dr and Mrs Guillermin join inthe Homecoming celebrationwith the 1995 Homecoming Queen Charity Jenkins and the 1996 Homecoming Queen Katarina Terzic and Dr Falwell