in retrospect

From Where We've Cometo Where We'reGoing

S inc e 1971, Liberty University had seen incredible changes. The vision of Dr. Falwell, however, remained unchanged through the building, the expansion, theaccreditations,thestruggles andthe victories Dr Elmer Towns hadseen andbeen a part ofitall Notonly one of Dr Falwell'sclosestfriendsand avid supporters,Dr Towns served as oneofthe original members ofthe faculty. Since then he has remained active inthe school's development.

Looking back, Dr Towns compared the initial class to the most current one, saying, "Theoriginal students were more committed tolocal church work...today's students are more into spirituality andknowing God." Theoriginal class of160students was a stark comparison to the 17,179 who attended Libertyin 2004-2005 asfull-time,part-time anddistance learning students Since theschool's beginning, Dr Towns supported Dr Falwell's

Today, the students are influencing indifferent ways."

'Almost a hidden factor atLU is how big the Youth Ministry is.Almost half theSouthern mega churches [1000 members or more] have a Liberty University youth leader." Despite being a young school, Dr Towns explained that the impact Liberty has already made on has not gone unnoticed.

In 1996, Liberty hada higher percentage ofstudents go on tograduate school than anyother college in the state "We may not have allthe Ph.D's, but whatever we have is motivating students to go beyond us and further their education,"Dr.Towns stated.

The changes that took place were evidence of just how far Liberty University hadcome, and justhowmuch had changed. Onething that would never change,according to Dr. Towns, was, "Thevision of Dr Falwell It's as powerful as vision.Dr. Towns explained, "The school isgoing almost exactly where we wanted it to go. Dr.Falwell and I deeply wanted tobuild a University mentality,and we didthat."

Through the years, the graduates of Liberty University made-a-fremendous impact on theculturearound them Dr Towns ever.

By 1980, 14ofour guys had achurch of 1,000 or more.

Dr. Towns added, "I think ourstudents today are as good as they ever were."Dr Falwell and Dr Towns continued tostrivetoseethe visionunfold AsDr Towns said, "From the very beginning we've setout to make students likeLiberty and study hard,and they still dothat." • Bg RacMPmei

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Election excitement comes in all forms

This handicap bathroom stall on Dorm 33-4 became a for George Bush during a prayer group decorating war

Lauren Iaconisproudly wears a pair ofher very own " " When asked whyshe made them she answered, " Asadevout use thesandalsasaconversation piece togetcollegestudentstothink about politics." Photo by Sabrena Carter during the newscast ofthe election results. They also joined together inthe Prayer Room onOctober 29th topray forthe election Photo by Deanna Wall

During the electionnightparty,aLiberty studentgetsthe honor ofdeclaring President Bush the winner ofthe ofTennessee Asthe resultswere announcedoth studentswere alsogiven the chance to record thewinnerson themap -Photo by Deanna Wi