Liberty University

W e came back, just as full as our cars, with expectations for the upcoming school year. Some of us didn't know what to expect. For some, it was a brand new beginning. For others, it was the last, firstday of school they would experience. Coming to campus was a new experience for everyone, including the seasoned upperclassmen. It was obvious that our campus had evolved over the summer and we couldn't wait to explore it. The entire University had grown, not just in numbers, but in activities, academic opportunities and administrators We had more students, more halls,more ministry teams, more weeks of emphasis, more events, more places to eat,more classes, more professorsand more opportunitiesto learn about and serve God We came back with the days of summer dwindling and the startofa new year ahead of us. Our university wasn't just the buildings or classes, it was us. Our lives were intertwined with the friends,classes and events that took place on campus. Being a Liberty University student became part of our identity. The memories we made, the experiences we would share and the happenings that shaped who we became would be imprinted on our livesas a reminder ofour yearshere

Our time at Liberty was an important season in our lives.Duringthis season, emotions would change like the colors of the leaves, relationships would bloom like spring flowers, and spiritual wholeness would come like a blanket of fresh, fallen snow.

For us, being Liberty University students was a 24/7 experience There is no beginning or end to our story What we experienced during our seasons here became a part of our livesand thehistory of our university. This is who we are... 24/7.

T t was 1997 when General Dave Young

I began his career atLiberty University

X Years before, Dr Jerry Falwell had tried to offer him a job but Young was enjoying hiscareerintheAirForce."I wasn't interested ina different job. Iliked whereI was andthe military hadbeen a part ofmy life for 29years,"said Young

Through a series of events and several years later,Young's military career was over and the opportunity opened for him tocome toLiberty.

"I didn't really know what my job was atfirst,butIknew God hadworkedit out forme tobe here,"Young admitted.

Quickly, histalents fororganization and administration were utilized and he became theVicePresidentforAdministration and Finance

When Dr. Borek resigned as Liberty's President in the spring of 2004, Young wasasked toserve asthe Executive Vice President and Chief OperatingOfficer

"At this point inthe direction of the University, thedecision was made to have Dr. Falwell serve atthehelm ofthe school as Chancellor and my role istomake sure the daily functions of this University are accomplished tomake that visionpossible," Young said.

Young'sroleintheUniversityreached beyond his position in the administration. Flying 15 types of planes for more than 35 yearsmade him more thanqualifiedtofill his position asa part ofthe Liberty University faculty inthe Aviation Department.

"My role as a faculty member allows me to experience all levelsof theUniversity. I'm able to stay in direct contact with the students and maintain communication with the faculty and ithelps me understand the different perspectives of different groups on campus," said Young

Sitting back was never anoption for Young. He made ithis jobto be informed and aware ofhis environment and thepeople he worked with and served

With newroles andleaders inplace, and Dr. Falwell's vision and thecontinuous hand ofGod upon the school, the future of Liberty University looked secure.

By Camte Baiutiaue.