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“ I love being at a school that you never want to leave. My name is Jordan Mechling and I am Liberty.”
Lawrenceville, ga
“ I express myself through the art of interpretive dance. My name is Holly Fiore and I am Liberty.”
ewing, nj
“I express myself through being a seeker of knowledge and truth. My name is Miguel Felix and I am Liberty.”
Brunswick, ga
“I love freedom, my family, but most of all Jesus Christ. My name is Rachel Lee and I am Liberty.”
wilson, nc
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JULIE VADERS Beyond the Cape story by leah williams
Her real name was Julie Vaders. To most students around campus she was known as “Skater Girl” or “Cape Girl.” She was a regular student just like her peers, the only thing that made her seem different was her love for capes and forks and the comfort she found in Heelys. Vaders was a senior Psychology major, who wanted to work with children with Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome (AS) was an autism spectrum disorder. People with AS, “learn social skills connotatively…usually they are smart within a specific interest. But they pick up things slower than most people. I want to use theater to minister to them,” Vaders said. She gained interest in working with AS children at her home church in Philadelphia. “People in my youth group back home either had family members with AS or had some type of autistic disorder. So then I started researching it and thought of the drama ministry I could do.” Vaders’ fascination with capes began after watching the movie Sleepy Hollow, in which a main character in the movie wore one. “[After watching that movie], I saw this beautiful cape at Hot Topic
and I bought it. I’ve been wearing it ever since. I just got a new one from Wal-Mart,” she said with a smile. The story behind the Heelys, or “shoes on wheels” was much simpler. “There was a guy here that used to wear them. He worked for a Heelys company, I tried them on and picked up how to use them quicker than he did, apparently. So he hired me…I decided not to work with him but I got free shoes out of it. I just kept wearing them, they’re comfortable and I can get around more quickly,” she said. Vaders also mentioned strange run-ins with fellow students. “Once I had someone chase me down and ask for my autograph. Another time, someone asked if I was a witch. I’m not. I’ve been a Christian since I was 14.” Vaders described herself as, “rather eccentric, but I generally like to keep to myself, which the cape doesn’t seem to convey. It’s difficult to tell how others see me, it depends on whatever [side of me] they’re around. “Sometimes I’m shy, sometimes I’m not.” Vaders knew who she was and never let other’s opinions change her.
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photo by sean harrison
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While 68,000 people rallied participants raise their in the United States, others hands for peace during the “Displace Me” rally. “Once you worked on the front lines of the conflict. Tina Yamaguchi, of have been informed of atrocities occurring, it is our responsibility, Family International, worked with especially as followers of Christ children affected by the turmoil to do something. Even though I in Uganda, “We were able to get a Character Building course... am unable to go to Africa myself which is full of stories, games right now, the least I could do and songs teaching honesty, is spend a night on the street to try and raise awareness,” said dilligence, forgiveness, working graduate student Jenna Hilles. together… [it] was exactly what they needed,” she said. ALL PHOTOS BY JENNA HILLES
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Imagine abandoning the comforts of a bed, to travel over a 150 miles just to sleep outside in Washington D.C. That was what several students did in April of 2006 to bring recognition to children who were forced out of the comforts of their beds for more than one night.
According to recent reports, 1,000 people die each week as a result of the poor conditions in these camps. The war is also known for the brutal abduction and use of child soldiers,” said senior Mary McPherson who helped organize the university’s involvement in “Displace Me”.
“Displace Me” was put together to bring more awareness to the crisis in Northern Uganda. Nearly 6,000 college students gathered in D.C. carrying enough cardboard boxes to make a small tent for themselves, similar to what the Ugandan children went through every day.
Students were motivated into action because they realized that too many people were silent. “I think in this case, silence was the determining factor in these horrific conditions,” McPherson said. “I got involved because I really felt led to and I think it is really good for college students to use their energy and knowledge constructively and participate in events that grow us socially, spiritually and culturally,” she continued.
“The war has led to the displacement of 1.7 million people - over 80% of the region - who now live in camps of the most squalid conditions.
story by Leah Williams
act i on
Students Sacrifice Luxury
“Displace Me” was not the only thing that students did to give a voice to Ugandan children. Junior Chandler Sharpe went to Uganda. “I work with an orphanage in Buundo, Uganda. The first thing that put Uganda on my heart was Invisible Children, hearing and seeing the movie a couple of years ago,” Sharpe said.
Invisible children and “Displace Me” attracted the attention of several famous personalities. Pete Wentz, lead singer of Fall Out Boy, helped during the rallies. “Children are suffering without proper food, shelter or education,” said Wentz. “If there is something I can do to save a life, I will.”
“When I saw the movie about the Invisible Children, their story of hopelessness, it moved me to tears and broke my heart. I knew I had to do something! I had a burden to help these kids,” said senior Jessica Hill. Hill helped organize another sleep-out event in Lynchburg called the Global Night Commute. Students believed that their action was necessary to make a difference in Uganda. Sharpe agreed, “The one thing that they need is people to show them love. The love of Christ.”
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le childr en a local woman engages in worship during a meeting led by volunteers. Team member Carola Zavola explained the challenges of working with the people, “Guatemala is a predominantly Catholic country so it’s hard for people to change their beliefs without feeling that they are betraying their religion or family.” SUBMITTED BY DR. David TOWLES
Guatemalen children surround Psychology major Iaian Pilch during a visit to a Guatemalan village. Pilch entertained children while other ministry took place. “We played soccer for a long time on a vacant basketball court while their parents were given food.” PHOTO SUBMITTED BY IAIAN FILCH
from english to Spanish to Kekchi, Sarah Dotson, through student interpreter Carola Zavola and a villager, address the needs of a Kekchi family. Biology major Jordan Bower said the trip challenged him to use his training. “I was able to utilize medical knowledge from the Biology program as well as Bible knowledge from classes such as evangelism and GNED.” PHOTO SUBMITTED BY APRIL WILSON
ith pel w e gos visited h t n ts ging brin and stude a p of y his m ies lt t u n c o a f d , cit e them cities not ional addit e. “I d im th e n t a ’s mala, ne month austed e t a u o G xh lize, in lt a little e ave us in Be fe dg ll o a G e re t w d. Bu nd we we think e ir t a ,” y le a nd a p d ve r y e pe o on g th e ith th s il W stren to work w pril d ber A recalled. excite am mem te ERRY ART
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hope crossing borders WITH medical missions story by Paul watson & Selah editorial staff
“I CHOSE THIS TRIP for medical experience,” said senior Sothea Saing. “I wanted to determine if medical missions was something I would want to do in the future and to experience a different culture,” he said. Last summer, the department of English and Modern Languages offered a unique opportunity for students. They offered a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) class, where one week was spent in a classroom and the remainder of the four or eight week course was spent in and around Llano, Guatemala. Being a TESL major was not a requirement for participating in the trip as many nursing majors went to perform medical missions. Nursing and non-nursing majors witnessed, provided healthcare and helped out wherever they could to aid the citizens there. The students worked as long as 24-hour shifts to help those suffering in the local hospitals. Nursing students had the opportunity to perform simple procedures during their shifts. TESL students taught basic reading, writing and speaking skills to the people of Llano Verde and neighboring villages. The group was lead by Biology professors Steve Perry and Dr. Davis McGuirt, as well as Spanish professor Dr. David Towles. “We were given the opportunity to hand out Bibles and witness…several of them came to know Christ as their personal Savior,” Saing said. For students like Saing the trip was life changing. “God kept us all safe and healthy; no one in our group was seriously injured or sick. He provided everything. Most importantly, there were many witnessing opportunities, and several people gave their lives to Christ.”
Large bags of food containing rice, flower, beans and corn are unloaded by teammembers and given to families in a village. Team member Rachel Keefer said of the people, “They were very trusting, friendly and thankful for what we did.” PHOTO SUBMITTED BY APRIL WILSON
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“Don’t let the word ‘club’ fool you. It is very competitive hockey,” said Adam Konop, defenseman for the hockey team. “Many players from the ACHA have gone on to play semi-pro hockey all over North America,” he continued.
slap shot
story by nathan crew
In the rink and on the The Lahaye Ice Center was a popular place to be ice with on game nights as students filled the stands and left the standing room only. “I would have to say that the most men and memorable part of playing hockey here is stepping out women of on the ice every night and hearing the fans go crazy,” Flames said Konop. Hockey
The great success of the hockey program generated a lot of excitement. John Langabeer, a junior playing in the forward position, reminisced about the team’s success saying, “My most memorable moment is playing in the national championship game against Oakland University.” Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams faced challenges being on the club level. Rena Leone, a senior right wing on the women’s team said, “It was a hard transition because everything at the NCAA level is pretty much given to you. At the club level we are paying for everything ourselves.” There were many factors in becoming an NCAA team. Coach Kirk Handy said, “If and when the program goes NCAA, will be left up to the Chancellor and Dr. Godwin as to the timing.” “It all depends on the NCAA committee and the title nine rule that decides when we can make the jump,” Langabeer said. With that decision pending, the hockey teams still faithfully took the ice game after game with the full support of the student body.
Q: “Mike Gartner is inspirational because he incorporated Christian faith into everything he did on and off the Who his ice. He was always very open about his faith and shared the opportunity presented itself and because inspires itofwhenever this he was highly respected by everyone around him anyone who got to know him. His motivation was to you in and glorify God through his play and that drove him to work hockey? hard no matter what the circumstances.” ROB NIEMI, SR
“The most inspirational hockey player for me is Curtis Joseph. He is a Goaltender in the NHL who plays the game well on the ice, and is humble off the ice. He is also a Christian and has been blessed with his goaltending skills. He is a true testament and holds a very influential role for his teammates as well as those who admire and look up to players in the NHL.” SARA NIEMI, SO
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tt h epuc k WHY AREAre YOUyou WILLING TO to PAY willing payFOR forHOCKEY hockeyGAMES? games? “At first $6.00 seemed like a lot to pay for a game, but this is my last year as a student, and I figured it was worth it. It is my last time to see the hockey team play. They are really good and enjoyable to watch.”
The INTENSITY of the game grows thick as players wrestle for the puck. “There’s nothing more exciting than a hockey game. Those guys are fire on ice! “ said sophomore Casey Johnson. all photos by Allison Parks
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Against the odds Dave Semenyna aggresively fights to keep the puck from the opposing team. “The best part of the game is when the fights break out!” said sophomore and fan Janine Gleason.
focusing all of his attention on the game, senior Ben Shaw glares in concentration. Freshman Jennifer Britton said, “The hockey players are great examples of Christians atheltes.”
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Q:which athlete inspires you? “Many athletes throughout my life inspired me. Athletes like Reggie White, Derrick Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gywnn among many others who have worked so hard to be the best and do it the right way. They always had respect for the game, their teammates and their fans.” GARRETT YOUNG, SR
“The athlete that most inspires me is Cat Foster. She’s a softball player on the Olympic team. I met her and she’s really down to earth. I will never forget that should told me, ‘if you ever have a negative thought just keep going, keep pressing forward.’” Miranda Fielder, JR
“The athlete that inspired me the most is Ryan Garko. Garko plays for the Cleveland Indians. I grew up hitting with him and watching him practice. His passion and dedication inspires me to play harder so that I can achieve my ultimate goal.” ERROL HOLLINGER, JR
OPPOSING PLAYERS look on as the Flames batter makes contact with the bat. According to the Flames Media Guide, “We have worked very hard this off-season on some techniques which will solidify our overall batting average and help us drive in more runs,” Coach Wetmore told the Media Guide.
Players learn more than just skills for the game
A TEAM UNITED story by amy nipper
They finished the season ranked number one in the Big South Conference, just shy of the regional games. Success was common but winning was not all that the Lady Flames took away from the field at the end of each day. “I have developed some amazing lifelong friendships on the team that I would not get anywhere else. We do everything together and so it is impossible to not be close with everyone,” said senior Courtney Johnson. The close knit relationship of the team allowed
the girls to form a unique bond. Many of these girls received top honors from the Big South Conference. Senior Shannon Mckain said, “[I’ve learned] life lessons that are truly invaluable and have made an immeasurable impression on me. Hard work has been this team’s motto since day one, so I definitely gained a better understanding of what hard work really is.” “I’ve learned the importance of rejoicing with others’ successes. We have a choice when we fail--to succumb to defeat and have a pity-party and get mad and blame other people or to accept it and learn from it and grow. I’m learning what it means to be a teammate--we work hard together, and we rise and fall together,” junior Sarah Ellis said.
Winding up, Sarah Swor prepares to release the ball toward the plate. “My favorite part about being an LU softball player is being able to play with a great group of Christian girls at a competetive level,” said firstbasemen Beth Bennett. All Photos BY JOSES MERAT
story by Leah Williams
setting the curve with a new coaching staff When the season began for the Flames baseball team they had many players from the previous year. The line up was bulked with experienced juniors and seniors. However, every single one of the coaches on staff was starting new. Coach Jim Toman, formerly the assistant coach at South Carolina, was the new head coach for the Flames. He entered into his 23rd year as a coach, bringing with him assistant coaches Scott Jackson, Nick Schnabel and volunteer coach Jeremiah Boles. The new staff aimed to take the team to its first Regional Title since 2000. “We’ve tried to make [the daily] expectations a little more intense than what these guys were used to. I’ve tried to make sure there are no days that go by that we’re not taking steps to get where we’re trying to get personally and as a team,” Jackson said. The team adjusted to the new pace quickly. “The team has adjusted to the coaches very well because of [their] enthusiasm for the players and for the program. The coaches are very personable, easy to talk to and easy to be around which makes it very easy for us [as players],” said junior Kenneth Negron. “The team was already a good team, but the new coaches have already and will even more improve our attitude about being the best. They push us to work hard everyday and instilled a certain level of expectation for each player,” said catcher Errol Hollinger. Being the best and working their hardest was nothing less than what the players and coaches alike expected. “I’m not very patient. We’re hoping to win this year and continue to build upon the success that the previous staff had,” said Coach Toman. crushing the ball, the Flames offense challenges the opponents during a home game. “I enjoy the atmosphere at the games and supporting my friends who are on the team!” said senior Thara Pressley on attending baseball games at Worthington Stadium.
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Visiting students are invited to attend college classes to get a taste of what it is like to attend a university. “Coming to CFAW gave me motivation to finish out my senior year of high school and excitement to come to a university that had the same morals as me,” said sophomore Natalie Held. PHOTO BY ALEX TOWERS
Colllege for A Weekend students share rooms with resident students to experience true college life. “The attitudes of the students [at CFAW] reflect the attitude of the university,” said Resident Assistant Lori Dollar. PHOTO BY MATT BRIDGES
Lead singer of Switchfoot, Joe Foreman, sings along with hundreds of students visiting from around the country. “I came to the concert because Switchfoot is an incredible band, and because I wanted to check out the university,” said rising freshman John Neal. PHOTO BY SEAN HARRISON
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Opportunity. Fun. College experience. That was what College for a Weekend (CFAW) offered for high school students across the US and even Canada. CFAW invited high school students to experience life on a college campus for the weekend. High school students crashed in the residence halls of their friends and strangers alike.
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They were welcomed by Spiritual Life Directors and Prayer Leaders, as well as Christian Service Workers (CSER). In the spring, a record amount of 1,894 high school students came that would help determine where they would spend four very important years of their lives here.
The campus community made an effort for high school students to feel welcomed in the college atmosphere. Junior Matthew Clark said, “I tried to make them feel at home. I hung out with them as much as possible, they did their own thing [as well] but whenever we could we hung out together.” Miselta Tita, a high school senior from Maryland, felt her experience prepared her for the future. “I liked the classes I went to…the people here are really cool. This weekend was cool because I got to see the things I am going to get myself into.” Junior Ashley Lindstorm contributed to CFAW in a unique way. She greeted the visiting students when they first walked onto campus as a CSER worker. “I think first impressions mean a lot to people so by welcoming them I can be the deciding factor on whether or not they come to school here,” Lindstorm said. Senior Courtney Hampton came to the university after a good CFAW experience, “I was a CFAWer five times; it was phenomenal. I absolutely loved everything about it. Everyone was so nice and friendly. I loved that I could walk around campus and see people in the courtyard reading their Bibles and just spending time with God. I wanted to be like that.”
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story by crystal taylor & Selah Editoral staff
Campus Life on Display for CFAW Visitors Resident Assistants,
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Virtual Memorial May 16, 2007, Facebook profiles across the Liberty network changed. Profiles exhibited status information about the shock involved in the unexpected death of Dr. Falwell. Others changed their profile pictures to one of the pictures shown above or expressed condolences via groups and events. “Changing facebook pictures and starting groups about missing Dr. Falwell was a reflection of the impact that he had in their lives…Every time I saw a picture it made me think of what he stood for and the passion that he had for soul-winning and living life to the fullest for the glory of God.”
“I was very much moved to see most students change their Facebook pics and post up messages. It made all of us feel connected to each other in a way we have never been before. There was a sense of community everywhere and you really could feel the love for Dr. Falwell.”
Sarah Ellis, JR
John Murk, SO
“Posting on Facebook walls in memory of Dr. Falwell was an easy way to allow thousands to see where I stand in my faith and my school spirit. This truly is an amazing university and what he had accomplished in such a short time is remarkable.”
“I changed [my photo] during that time because it was a way for me to remember our founder, friend, Christian leader and pastor as we remember him telling us to never give up and get your BHAG while here.”
Stephen Cory, JR Cory Hearrnsberger, ‘07
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The showgirls energetically dance around the lead, “Bobby Child,” played by senior Andy Geffken. “I was impressed by the dance skills of all the actors. They worked together well, and didn’t have trouble letting their characters’ personalities shine through,” said senior Rachel Lee who attended the show.
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story by Carissa Marsh & Selah Editorial Staff
All photos by AJ CHAN
During the fall semester, students lined up in the Fine Arts building to purchase tickets for the first theatre production of the season. The first play continued with last year’s theme of the Road to Love. The play entitled, “Crazy For You™” was the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930’s playboy, whose dream in life was to dance. Despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be ex-fiancée, Bobby achieved his dream. It was a high energy comedy which included mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music. Bobby Child’s character was played by senior theater major, Andy Geffken, who had appeared in numerous other university productions. This play first premiered in 1992 as an American Broadway musical. It was an adaptation of a 1930’s hit musical “Girl Crazy” by George and Ira Gershwin. The play ran for three weekends in October. “It is a great, fun piece to start the year off with,” said stage manager Sarah Coffey. One of the most notable aspects of the play was the classic music by the Gershwin’s. The overall tone of the play was light-hearted and fun. Putting on “Crazy For You™” offered the opportunity for the student performances to stretch their talents and abilities, while having fun and giving the audience lots of laughs.
to love