Liberty Journal September/October 2008

Page 1

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008

Letter from the Chancellor Photos by Jerome Sturm

Liberty University is commencing its 38th academic year with just over 38,000 students enrolled! For the first time in this young school’s history, we were forced to cut off enrollment and start a waiting list. Enrollment in online programs now exceeds 27,000, but it was the 11,300 students enrolling in our resident program that had to be capped due to lack of space. We are convinced that Liberty’s distinctively Christian approach to higher education is the reason for continued growth, and we are committed to keeping true to the original mission. When Liberty was founded in 1971, the mission was to create a distinctively evangelical Christian university with an educational experience equal to any major secular university. My father often used Notre Dame University and Brigham Young University as examples of achieving this goal for Catholic and Mormon young people. He believed athletics and music were two universal languages all young people understood and used both of those tools to build Liberty. Student singing groups traveled around the country recruiting students to the new school here in Lynchburg and the school fielded athletic teams in all the major sports from the beginning. Today, both of these traditions continue with NCAA Division I athletics and top-quality musical programs. To enhance academics, we are constructing 45,000 square feet of new library space in DeMoss Hall, completing our first labs for the new School of Engineering, constructing a 20,000-square-foot Barnes & Noble Christian college bookstore and constructing the 750-seat Towns Lecture Hall for ministry. Donors have stepped forward like never before to help fund these academic improvements. Several local major nuclear power companies have assisted the School of Engineering. Barnes & Noble is providing funding for the new bookstore and our own Dr. Elmer Towns, with the help of Andy Barrick, persuaded hundreds of alumni to help fund the lecture hall. Director of Athletics Jeff Barber is actively promoting an athletic facilities upgrade with his Fulfill the Dream Capital Campaign. We have reorganized our Development Office to support athletic fundraising and to coordinate all other university fundraising and alumni relations. The 5,000 acres of undeveloped mountain land adjacent to LU was acquired by the university in the 1970s to ensure it had the necessary space to meet its goals of one day enrolling tens of thousands of students. My father began calling it “Liberty Mountain” as soon as the school acquired it, and it is now becoming the epicenter of a host of new organized student activities, physical education and recreation. The property remaining undeveloped for so long was no coincidence. We believe God was in the sequence of events that led state Sen. Robert Russell to buy most of the farms on the mountain in the early 1900s and hold the property for many years before selling it to a national timber company that held it until Liberty acquired it in the 1970s. Developers have expressed interest in the mountain for residential projects, golf courses, condominiums and other uses — but we decided that God gave us this unique property to help recruit students here. We have built 60 miles of hiking, biking and running trails in the last year and have searched the world over for new and exciting ideas on how the land can best benefit the university. When Tim and Beverly LaHaye donated the LaHaye Ice Center to LU, Mrs. LaHaye stated her goal to give prospective students every possible reason to choose Liberty University and the Christian educational experience it provides. Our goals for Liberty Mountain are the same. We recently announced that a generous donation is making it possible to construct this nation’s first year-round snow skiing facility on the mountain. We also announced that a local donor is funding the construction of an indoor soccer facility at the LaHaye Student Center, and a new student union is being added there as well. We see all these improvements and activities as a continuation of Liberty’s original plan to use sports and music to enhance the educational experience. Only a handful of students are talented enough to play intercollegiate sports but everybody can participate in the intramural sports and club sports that the new facilities will accommodate. These are wonderful days at Liberty, and I am honored and humbled to play a role in what God is doing in the lives of young people here at the “world’s most exciting university.”

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LIBERTY JOURNAL September/October 2008

LIBERTY

Journal

Liberty Journal is an official bimonthly publication of Liberty University.

Publisher Jerry Falwell Jr.

EXECUTIVE Editor Ron Brown

Managing Editor Tara Maxwell

CONTRIBUTING Editor Becki Falwell

ART DIRECTOR Krista Freeman

MANAGING DESIGNER Laura Sipple

DesignER Brittany LaBarre

Writers

Mitzi Bible Eric Brown Ergun Caner Teresa Dunham Brian Fitzpatrick Carmen Fleischauer John Hagee Tara Maxwell Johnnie Moore Jennifer Schmidt Karen Swallow Prior Todd Wetmore

Photographers Jordan Crossingham Les Schofer Jerome Sturm

Circulation Sharon Gainer

Business & ADVERTISING MANAGER Steve Peterson

Nov./Oct. Advertising Deadline AUGUST 29, 2008 (434) 582-2731

If you would like to subscribe to the Liberty Journal for one year, please send a donation of any amount to Liberty Journal, Subscription Department, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502, call 434-592-3100 or e-mail lj@liberty.edu. Copyright 2007 by Liberty University. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Liberty University. All pictorial material reproduced in this book, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, Liberty University is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, Liberty University makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.


CONTENTS Liberty Journal September/October 2008

6

GRIDIRON GLORY

8

ULTIMATE LU

10

NEW VIEWS

20

HEART OF STEEL

33

COMPASSIONATE CARE

48

ALUMNI WEEKEND

52

CLASS NOTES

Coach Danny Rocco ready for upcoming Flames football season

College to offer more adrenaline-pumping activities, recreational opportunities

Returning students, visitors will see new campus-wide development

Liberty University motorcycle ministry takes shape to help spread the Gospel

Nursing program looks beyond the classroom

‘Come Home to Liberty’ this October to reconnect with the LU community

Stay connected to Liberty alumni across the country through updates and announcements

SECTIONS 6

GENERAL NEWS

20 STUDENT LIFE 28

ACADEMIC LIFE

40 OPINION/Editorial 48 Alumni ON THE COVER

54 Sports

Head football coach Danny Rocco poses at Williams Stadium; photo by Les Schofer.

www.liberty.edu

5


General News

Gridiron

C

oming off a tough loss to North Carolina during the 2005 football season, the University of Virginia’s Associate Head Coach Danny Rocco found himself in a compromising position. Due to a recruiting trip, UVa head coach Al Groh could not appear on his weekly call-in radio show, leaving his right-hand man with the task of taking calls from disgruntled fans. As expected, fans called in, challenging the decisions made by the Cavaliers’ coaching staff.Throughout the show, Rocco kept his cool, refusing to shy away from any inquiries. As the segment unfolded, one particular listener in Lynchburg,Va., paid special attention to the way the coach handled the situation. “The next day I got a call at my office and it was from Dr. [Jerry] Falwell,” recalled Rocco.“(Falwell) said,‘Last night I was listening to the Al Groh radio show. I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the interview you conducted.’” Falwell complimented Rocco on his ability to remain loyal to his longtime mentor and asked him if he had an interest in becoming LU’s head football coach. By year’s end, the Rocco era at Liberty University was under way. Since Rocco’s arrival, support for Flames football has grown tremendously, creating an atmosphere that seemed unimaginable in years past.These days, a sea of red saturates the student section of Williams Stadium, where crowd attendance has been at an all-time high. Rocco realized early on that in order to take the program to the next level,

Glory

2008 Football

Schedule

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008

Rocco ready for upcoming season by Eric Brown Liberty Journal

he had to instill confidence in his players. “(Rocco) has a vision for where he wants to take it,” stated Associate Head Coach Pete Sundheim.“I think the key thing is that he has really captured the kids’ hearts here and has gotten these guys to really play hard and play well.” As a former defensive line and linebacker coach, Rocco brought a unique scheme to the program with the installment of the 3-4 defense.The formation consists of three defensive linemen and four linebackers and is predicated on physical endurance.While such variations in the Flames playbook have helped transform the program into a conference powerhouse, the players are using more than just X’s and O’s to prepare for the 2008 campaign. “One of the things we’ve talked about since I’ve been here is being a physically dominant football team,” Rocco said.“The more you preach that message and the more that our strength coach Bill Gillespie gets the kids in the weight room buying into that message, then that’s what we become.” Last season, the physically dominant Flames captured the program’s first-ever Big South title, earning numerous awards and honors along the way. Despite its success,

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Liberty did not receive an automatic bid to the 2007 NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. This year, Rocco and his team are looking to take care of “unfinished business” and make a run in the post season. “We have recruited well enough for the last couple of years to have enough talent and depth, so that our players are starting to replenish themselves as our seniors move on and graduate from the program,” Rocco said. Liberty’s explosive offense features several key returners, including quarterback Brock Smith, running back Zach Terrell and 2007 Big South Offensive Player of the Year Rashad Jennings. While Rocco hopes to improve on last year’s performance, he also wants his players to achieve success off the field. “There is a much bigger picture here than just wins and losses,” he said.“I want to help young people understand what’s really important in life.Winning in life goes well beyond just the football field.” Liberty’s football program has undergone numerous changes, from facility upgrades to the overall team philosophy. However, Rocco and his staff understand that while the program has achieved success at a rapid rate, there is still much more to accomplish.

North Greenville, Home Game Glenville State, Home Game at Western Carolina, Cullowhee, N.C. at Youngstown State, Youngstown, Ohio at Coastal Carolina Coastal Carolina*, Conway, S.C. Stony Brook*, Home Game Lafayette, Home Game Charleston Southern*, Homecoming game

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.


General News

Get to know

Coach Rocco

Sharing the spotlight: Before becoming Liberty’s head coach, Rocco served as an assistant at UVa, the New York Jets, the University of Maryland, Texas, Boston College, Tulsa, Colorado and Wake Forest. Rocco has served under prominent head coaches Al Groh, Bill McCartney, John Mackovic and defending Super Bowl champ Tom Coughlin. In the game: During his collegiate career, he played two seasons at Penn State under Joe Paterno before transferring to Wake Forest, where he played for his mentor Al Groh. Family affair: Rocco comes from a family of football coaches. His father, Frank Rocco Sr., served on Penn State’s coaching staff for 17 years before coming to Liberty as Director of Football Operations in 2000-2001. Rocco’s offensive-minded older brother, Frank Jr., was also a member of the LU coaching staff from 2000-2003 and is now the head coach and athletic director at Liberty Christian Academy. Rocco’s younger brother Dave also coaches high school football, serving as defensive coordinator at Jefferson Forest High School in Forest, Va.

Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 19

Presbyterian, Clinton, S.C. VMI*, Lexington, Va. Gardner-Webb*, Home Game Elon, Home Game, Senior Day NCAA FCS Playoffs, First Round NCAA FCS Playoffs, Quarterfinals NCAA FCS Playoffs, Semifinals NCAA FCS Playoffs, National Championship Game, Chattanooga, Tenn.

1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m.

* Big South Game / Home Games / For tickets call (434) 582-SEAT www.liberty.edu

7


art by Erin Fike

student life gets

adrenaline boost

Labeled as institutions filled with strict rules and regulations by detractors, Christian universities are unfairly not often viewed as the most thrilling places to spend four years. Liberty University is helping to change this inaccurate perception of Christian education thanks to “Ultimate LU,” an initiative that aims to bring fun and excitement to campus life. The new campaign will give students the opportunity to take part in dozens of extracurricular activities, from mountain biking to chess matches. “For years, Christian education was portrayed by some as too rigid and regimented and not much fun. Of course, many who attended Christian colleges found that it was the best four years of their lives but others steered away because of this unfortunate public perception. We want Liberty to be known for the good, wholesome fun and well-rounded experience that helps stu-

8

LIBERTY JOURNAL

by Eric Brown Liberty Journal

dents to grow spiritually, academically and physically. We do not believe it is necessary for Christians to compromise their values to enjoy life. My father always said if it is Christian, it should be better,” Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said. “We think that, if the students are happy, active and physically fit, they will do better academically.” In late July, Falwell kicked off Ultimate LU with the announcement of Liberty’s snowfree ski slope. The Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center will be the first in the U.S. surfaced with Snowflex, a multi-layer, synthetic material that simulates the effects of snow. The Discovery Channel is documenting the historic event and will air portions of the construction on an episode of Daily Planet. Located on Liberty Mountain’s “bald spot,” the future incline will consist of a main slope and beginner slope for skiing and snowboarding instruction. Features on the main slope include an 11-foot high

September/October 2008

quarter pipe, a tabletop, a big kicker, two grind rails and an extreme tube chute. Tubing will be offered at designated times. The center will be open to the general public; however, students will receive priority in both pricing and usage. A miniature ski lodge will be installed, permitting parties and other special events. Completion of Liberty Mountain’s monumental makeover is slated for the beginning of 2009. Along with the mountain’s 60 miles of trails, long distance runners will have a new place to jog on campus with the addition of a 2.5-mile cross country course. The university also plans to install intramural fields off Candlers Mountain Road. Composed of artificial turf, the all-purpose fields will be open for student use day and night.


Mountain bikers can ride the trails of LU’s mountain property on Sept. 20 as the Virginia Derailer Series hosts “Assault on Liberty Mountain.” Starting and finishing at Camp Hydaway, expert riders will compete on an intense 20mile course complete with lengthy climbs, technical descents, log-overs and bridges. Novices can also experience some of the same obstacles on the 8- to 10-mile course. Runners seeking a similar adventure can take part in the Deep Hollow Half Marathon on Oct. 11. Based out of Camp Hydaway, the 13.1-mile race will take place on Liberty Mountain for the second consecutive year. Sportsmen will be able to perfect their marksmanship on LU’s upcoming archery range, LU’s paintball team now has a place on campus located behind the paintball field near Camto prepare for competitions. The complex conpus East. The new range will feature approxisists of two fields with a retractable netting sysmately 25 three-dimensional targets in a golf tem made with high mesh. A road and parking course-like setting, spanning 10 acres. Only lot is currently being constructed that will direct small amounts of brush clearing is needed for players to the field. Students may use the fields the shooting lanes, preserving Liberty Mounduring non-practice hours. When visiting LU, tain’s natural wooded environment. prospective students may also take advantage of the university’s fields during events such as Upon completion of the range, students, faculty College for a Weekend. and staff can join the LU Archery Club. Founded by a pair of alumni and a Liberty freshman, the A facility between the paintball fields will provide club will serve as a way to share the Gospel patrons access to bathrooms and a rental office. with other sportsmen while giving enthusiasts Both the paintball team and the archery club will a chance to enjoy the outdoors. use the building for equipment storage. “We are going to start out with compound and LU Radiance, the university’s all-female synpublic competitions and move to the Olympic chronized skating team is set to take the ice style competitions once we get the club up this fall. Similar to their swimming counterand going,” said John Allen, the club’s alumni parts, synchronized skaters perform choreoadvisor. “We are also looking to provide argraphed formations on the ice, simultaneously. chery hunting up on the backside of the Jack “We are probably going to start off with eight Mountain property, which is the mountain to 10 skaters, which is really cool considering behind Camp Hydaway.” that this will be our first year,” said coach Tatiana Gomez. “We are looking to hopefully atFifty acres of farmland off Lone Jack Road is tend at least one competition this year.” being prepared for LU’s equestrian center. The center is expected to open in 2010, establishing Other recreational projects in the works at LU a women’s equestrian team. Students who are include a skeet/trap shooting range and an innot members of the team will have the opportudoor soccer complex. nity to board their own horses while on campus. For a complete list of future trips, clubs and Neighboring the equestrian center will be a 200activities, check out Ultimate LU on the Web at acre parcel reserved for dirt bike trails. The uniwww.ultimatelu.com. versity is currently looking at installing a race track complete with X-game style jumps. “We’ll have a place where (students) can store their bikes on campus,” said Trey Falwell, who is overseeing the project. And we’ll have a permanent ramp (near the track), so they don’t have to bring their own ramps. This will make it easy for them to get over there and get back to campus.”

www.liberty.edu

9


new views

GENERAL NEWS

by Teresa Dunham & Eric Brown Liberty Journal

demoss fountain

chancellor falwell reviews construction plans

o r u p g ra d e o fl d ir th ll a demoss h

ca m pu s ea st di ne r 10

LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008


GENERAL NEWS

editor’s note:

At press time, several of these projects were still under way and scheduled to be completed by the start of the fall 2008 semester. to view photos of some of the completed projects and for ongoing updates, continue to visit www.liberty.edu. In the past year, numerous new and ongoing construction projects have begun rising out of the hills at Liberty University. Below are some of the projects that have changed the campus landscape, greatly impacting student life and helping the university expand to meet the demands of incredible growth.

r e g e n t s pa r k w ay /t r a f f i c i m p r o v e m e n t s

Those driving onto campus will discover a new route to Campus North as they travel along phase one of Regents Parkway. The new road runs between Worthington Stadium and the railroad tracks to Campus North, connecting with parking lots near Thomas Road Baptist Church. Phase two will pass by ReberThomas Dining Hall and join Main Campus Circle, creating a perimeter road around campus. In addition to Regents Parkway, several bus turnoffs will also alleviate congestion on University Boulevard. These turnoffs allow drivers to feel safer as they transport students to and from DeMoss Learning Center. New traffic patterns are also in place, including Liberty Lane, now a one-way street headed west from University Boulevard toward Reber-Thomas Dining Hall.

arthur s. demoss learning center third floor upgrade

With more than 45,000 square feet of expanded library space, the upgrade includes several offices and classrooms for the School of Engineering, a quiet study zone, a conference and seminar room, computer workstations, wireless connections, restrooms and an elevator. The DeMoss Learning Center was erected in 1985 in honor of the late Arthur S. DeMoss — a generous benefactor and Liberty University board member. The building was remodeled and expanded in 2000 and now spans 500,000 square feet over four floors. DeMoss is the primary academic building on campus. d e m o s s f o u n ta i n

Rising 19 feet out of the concrete in front of Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center, a new fountain made of hand-carved marble from Italy features three columns with water cascading from the tops of each. A cast-bronze eagle, Liberty’s mascot, perches atop the tallest column. The fountain was installed in honor of those donors who supported the expansion of DeMoss to a four-story building, completed in 2000. The final stage of construction calls for adding the donors’ names.

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11


GENERAL NEWS

d o c ’s d i n e r , c a m p u s e a st

The diner, named after the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, is Liberty’s newest eatery. It has 186 seats, with chairs and tables, booths and counter service like a regular diner. There’s also a separate room for parties and special guests. The menu includes many “Liberty-isms,” such as the “The ’71 Burger” and “Spirit of the Mountain” fries, and items named after school leaders, such as “The Elmer Float” (for LU cofounder Dr. Elmer Towns) and, of course, “Doc’s Country-Fried Breakfast” and “Doc’s Favorite” dessert (banana pudding with vanilla wafers and whipped cream). It will be open Aug. 14, with a grand opening scheduled for Sept 3. student union, campus north

An authentic coffeehouse environment, the new Student Union located in the LaHaye Student Center will include a stage, couches, tables, televisions and other furnishings for a large but cozy hang-out space. The space will have a similar feel to Thomas Road Baptist Church’s Main Street. “[It’s] a place that you can go between classes and connect wirelessly, kick back in a couch, get a cup of coffee, and do some homework or surf the web,” said Charles Spence, LU’s director of planning and new construction.

12

LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008

By night, the space will transform into an entertainment venue for Christian comedians and musicians, as well as an occasional spot for karaoke or a movie. dorm upgrades

Students were gone for summer, but Dorm 23 was far from quiet. Work crews were busy renovating inside the early 1980s facility — and the complete upgrade will provide new floors, sprinkler systems, a fresh paint job, a change in closet design, and a bathroom and shower overhaul. Workers have been renovating several dorms each year, and they focused on Dorms 23, 20, 19, and the second floor of Dorm 17 this time around. resident director townhome

Resident directors overseeing students near Champion Circle now have a new home located near parking lot 15. The twostory building, with two apartments, provides housing to three RDs, allowing them to be more centrally located to the students they serve. The townhome increases the number of RDs on campus to 26, decreasing the RD-to-student ratio. RDs serve as supervisors to their corresponding dorms, providing students with guidance and leadership.


GENERAL NEWS

towns lecture hall towns lecture hall

Named in honor of LU co-founder and Dean of the School of Religion Dr. Elmer Towns, the center is an expansion of the Elmer Towns Religion Hall on Main Campus. The new 750-seat lecture hall features sloped floors, cushioned seats, state-of-the-art lighting and acoustics. The school’s exterior has also been renovated, with columns and steps to create a Jeffersonian-style façade. lu – barnes & noble bookstore

By fall 2009 students can browse in a new bookstore located on Main Campus across from the main entrance to Williams Stadium. The two-story brick building will nearly double the size of the current bookstore in DeMoss Learning Center and will feature a café and outdoor patio. The top floor will be geared toward atmospheric shopping and relaxation; the bottom floor will house textbook transactions, such as semester-end buy-backs.

Join Jonathan Falwell, Charles Billingsley Jonathan Falwell

tour of the land we

roses at the plaza revamp

Students who aspire to be airplane mechanics in LU’s new School of Aeronautics will be welding, sand-blasting and riveting in their own large facility by January. Located in a donated section of The Plaza shopping center in Lynchburg, the future aeronautics mechanical labs will be housed in approximately 20,000 square feet of vacant space that was formerly a Roses department store.

and Ergun Caner on a call Holy, ISRAEL!

Charles Billingsley

For more information, call

434-239-9281 or visit

www.trbc.org

lynchburg inn and conference center

Local donors made available Lynchburg Inn and Conference Center on Odd Fellows Road, formerly a Ramada Inn, in June. It will serve as an educational center for the school’s growing Distance Learning Program. The hotel’s 12 conference classrooms will accommodate up to 7,000 students for intensives (on-site courses that are required with some of the Distance Learning tracks) and some of those students could stay at the 240-room hotel, which will continue to be rented out to the public. LU is also housing about 280 students in 147 dorm-style hotel rooms there this fall.

Ergun Caner

www.liberty.edu

13


Jerome Sturm

Dr.

by Mitzi Bible Liberty Journal

History professor’s gift will bolster commitment to strong academics

14

LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008

Cline Hall has taught at Liberty University since 1977. As one of the school’s long-time history professors, he has spent much of his life looking back into our country’s past. But people may not know that Hall can also look into the future. Not literally, of course, but he can be assured that his major gift to the university today will help it continue to offer quality Christian education for generations to come. Hall, along with his wife, Beverly, has taken out a life insurance policy on both of their lives that will leave the school with more than $1.1 million. The money will be used to fund a chair in the history department, specifically for teaching courses in Southern history. “I always wanted to do something for the school,” Cline Hall said. “I guess what really set it off was the fact that when Dr. [Jerry] Falwell died, he had a lot of insurance policies that helped to pay off debt, and that sort of raised an idea in my own mind: why couldn’t we do something similar?”

The Halls are one of several Liberty faculty and staff who have decided to give back to the place where they have spent countless hours investing in the lives of young people, training “Champions for Christ.” “I think you need to put your money where your passion is, and our passion is toward the kingdom of God, dealing with all kinds of people. And it’s nice to know after you’re gone, your money’s still working for that cause,” said Beverly Hall, who has worked in the education department and at the university bookstore. To achieve their goal of leaving a lasting legacy at Liberty, the Halls worked with their insurance agent, financial advisor, attorney, and Liberty’s Planned Giving Department, which offers many options for investing in the future of the university. Cline Hall said he had a great experience working with Tom Arnold, director of LU’s Planned Giving Department, who guided him through the process. Taking out the life insurance policy is one of the easiest — and even less expensive — ways to make a major impact on the school’s future, Hall said.


GENERAL NEWS

Jerome Sturm

“It doesn’t take a person a lot of money or means, in a sense, if you do it the way we did it, as an insurance policy on your life,” Cline Hall said. “Obviously it’s delayed as to when the money will come to the school, but that — I hate to say it this way — in the long run, is the cheapest way to contribute to the school. And another advantage is if the school holds the policy, I pay the premiums, but that’s tax-deductible to me so far as a gift to the institution, so that helps in that way too.” Cline Hall has taught a full load of courses in the past, including Survey of American History II, American Colonial History, The Ante-Bellum South and The New South (two-semester sequence), Civil War and Reconstruction, and History of Immigration, but plans to only teach two upper-level classes each semester this coming year as he eases into full retirement.

“He’s passed retirement age, but the Lord has been good to him health-wise and blessed him a whole lot, so that’s why he’s been teaching up to this time,” said his wife. Beverly Hall said she knows her husband will miss teaching when that day comes. “I know he will because he’s a teacher at heart … and he’s taken kids on field trips; that takes extra effort past the classroom. He’s done a lot of that.” Hall has seen the history department at Liberty grow, having doubled its number of history professors in the past four years. He has seen his students go on to law school, work for the government, and earn successful research jobs for public history firms and businesses. Hall is co-director of the Civil War Seminar held each spring at Liberty University and is on the board of directors for the new National Civil War Chaplains Museum located at Liberty.

When the Halls are not on the LU campus or at Thomas Road Baptist Church, where they sing in the choir and help with the nursing home ministry, they are managing the Dairy Queen on Timberlake Road in Lynchburg, Va., along with their son and daughter-in-law. The Halls have owned the popular ice cream and fast food shop since 1991. The couple also enjoys traveling across the globe and recently returned from a trip to Greece and Israel in May. They have been to England, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Bahamas and on a missionary trip to Haiti. Where to next? Possibly to Italy with the history department’s International Studies Program and something “kinda fun,” Beverly Hall said: a Disney cruise with her oldest grandson who will graduate from Liberty Christian Academy in the spring. The Halls have one son and three grandsons, who attend LCA.

for information on planned giving to

liberty university , visit www . lugiving . com or call (800) 543-5309.

Our estate dollars will leave a legacy to help ensure the future of

Christian Education at

Liberty University With just a few words added to our will, we have left a bequest to Liberty University to help ensure the future of Christian education. For a free brochure on “How to Make a Will That Works,” please call: 1.800.543.5309 or log on to our award-winning web site:

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executive vice president & chief operating officer at liberty university,

dr. ronald godwin, & wife, carol

www.liberty.edu

15


NEWS BRIEFS

Motorists driving on U.S. 460 in Lynchburg can now see a sign designating the highway as the Jerry Falwell Parkway — a tribute by Virginia lawmakers to honor the life and legacy of the late Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. The state legislature passed House Joint Resolution No. 347, titled “Celebrating the Life of Jerry Laymon Falwell,” on Feb. 7, naming the section of U.S. 460 between the Monacan Bridge in Lynchburg and Wards Road in Campbell County in honor of the late Dr. Falwell. The sign was revealed to the public on June 29 at Celebrate America at Williams Stadium, where Sen. Steve Newman and Del. Kathy Byron presented the Falwell family with a miniature version of the marker and a framed copy of the resolution. “There has never been more silence on the floor of the House nor on the floor of the Senate when those resolutions were read,” Newman said. “The majority leader and the minority leader both came to me after reading them and said, ‘Steve, we knew the man, but we never had any idea of the impact he had on everyday lives.’”

Planned Giving Department Celebrates Banner Year Liberty University’s Planned Giving Department has reported a record amount of funds raised during the fiscal year that ended June 30. Last year, funds totaled just over a record $9 million.This year the amount was well over $18 million. The department services donors to the university who choose to put money into a charitable gift annuity or a charitable trust with LU or have designated Liberty University in their wills or their life insurance and retirement plans. “This department is successful … by making visits, phone calls and building relationships,” said Tom Arnold, director of LU’s

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008

Planned Giving Department. “With that, you become part of their family, and they become part of our family.” The department’s six planned giving officers made 13,263 phone calls to donors or potential donors last year and made 769 visits. Other than calls to set up or service an account, they also call on birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. They travel to donors’ homes all over the country in their respective territories. Arnold said there’s another reason for the department’s success: “We start every morning in here with a prayer and devotional — the whole department. I believe God honors that.”


GENERAL NEWS

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Liberty University’s musical ministry team Exodus is living up to its name. The six-member Christian progressive pop group left Lynchburg and journeyed across the country this summer to serve as the in-house worship band at Hume Lake Christian Camp in California. It’s one of the largest Christian summer camps in the United States, drawing 1,100 high school students weekly. More than halfway through the 10-week camping season, Exodus members recruited a total of 1,032 Liberty University applicants, and 3,401 campers filled out inquiry cards to receive more information. It was Liberty’s first massive recruitment effort on the West Coast. “It’s monumental in that regard,” said group leader Travis Doucette, 26. Exodus ministered to campers through music twice a day and promoted LU at every opportunity. They also organized a $16,000 scholarship drawing each week of the camp, which runs through Aug. 15. Executive Director of Residential Recruitment Chris Johnson said this is the first time Liberty has sent a ministry team to a summer-long Christian camp for recruitment and ministry. For more band information, check out their page at www.myspace.com/exodusband. Exodus was still in California at press time, so visit www. liberty.edu for updated recruitment numbers. The band’s new record, “Give Love Away,” is having its official album launch at LU on Aug. 23. Their record will also be available on iTunes. Exodus is one of four musical ministry teams at Liberty. The groups perform at events and church services throughout the country. For booking information, visit www.liberty.edu/ministryteams.

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www.liberty.edu

17


GENERAL NEWS

‘Mama Liberty’ Sharon Hartless makes strong mark on school by Teresa Dunham Liberty Journal

The tall shelves surrounding Vice President for Administration Sharon Hartless’ desk are filled with memories — dozens of photographs of her grandchildren, pictures with the late Dr. Jerry Falwell and other dignitaries who have visited Liberty University, and a shiny unofficial nameplate that says “Mama Liberty.”

A

fter more than 30 years of ministry, 59-year-old Hartless is the person students turn to when they need financial guidance or some motherly advice. Her office on Campus North is a virtual beacon for confused students — and they show up with all kinds of questions.

“A lot of the students are sent to me by the chancellor and by word of mouth. Some will come because different ones have said, ‘Mrs. Hartless can help you,’” she explained. One of only three female vice presidents in the history of Liberty University, Hartless started as a part-time employee at Thomas Road Baptist Church and then worked at Liberty Christian Academy for 12 years. Steadily moving up the ranks, she took a job in the university’s marketing department in 1989 and was promoted to Assistant to the President in 1993, serving under two university presidents and later a chief operating officer before her official appointment as Vice President for Administration in 2006. In 1977 Sharon Hartless and her husband, Wayne, opened their home to a group of nine students. Hartless said although she wasn’t obligated to feed the young men, she enjoyed serving them home-cooked meals.

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008

A decade earlier, Hartless was officially dubbed “Mama Liberty” by evangelist Billy Graham’s grandson, Roy Graham, while he was attending LU. “Roy’s nickname for me was Mama Liberty because every time he came to see me I was working with somebody on problems and trying to take care of them,” Hartless recalled, adding that he later bought the “Mama Liberty” nameplate as a gift. Like any good mama, Hartless can tell about the Liberty family history, starting with the first large event held on Liberty Mountain on July 4, 1976, to commemorate TRBC’s 20th anniversary and America’s 200th birthday. “We all wore long, lightweight dresses, and we served as hostesses. We had dinner on the grounds,” she said. She also remembers that some of the dorms weren’t ready when LU (then Liberty Baptist College) opened school on Liberty Mountain in August 1977. Dr. Falwell sent out a plea for TRBC members to host Liberty students in their basements — and Hartless and her husband, Wayne, who is now a


Jerome Sturm

GENERAL NEWS

Fast Facts NAME: Sharon J. Hartless TITLE: Vice President for Administration, Liberty University AGE: 59 HOMETOWN: Born in Lynchburg and raised in Madison Heights FAMILY: Her husband, Wayne Hartless, is a grants administrator for Liberty University. She has two grown sons and six grandchildren. HER FAVORITE THING: “My joy and delight these days are the grandkids.” CHURCH: Attends TRBC SPIRITUAL ADVICE: “It’s just keeping your daily walk with the Lord. I like to help others, but you need to make sure that you are doing what you’re supposed to do … following direction from His Word.”

Liberty University Vice President for Administration Sharon Hartless’ office at Campus North is a beacon for students in need of assistance.

grants administrator for LU, felt compelled to take in nine boys. Soon a man from the church was installing a bathroom in their basement, and the school was moving bunk beds into the Hartless home. “The boys would call us Mom and Dad, and we weren’t a whole lot older than some of them.You weren’t supposed to have to feed them … but at night I would be cooking dinner, and they would be there, and they’d go,‘Boy, that smells like mama’s cooking.’ So we constantly had them eating with us,” she said. The photographs on Hartless’ office shelves also reveal university history. “One of my favorites is my picture with Dr. Falwell,” she said, pointing to the photo. “He could walk in a room, and he didn’t even have to say anything.You could feel his presence, and you knew he was there.” Hartless remembers the days when Dr. Falwell prayed for God to carry the university out of debt. She also reminisces about watching Falwell’s sons, Jonathan and Jerry Jr., grow from little boys to the leaders they are today.

“It’s just really unbelievable,” she chuckled.“I’ve been here a long time, seen a lot of things happen, been through a lot of the good times and a lot of the bad times.” Then Hartless pointed out the photos of her taken with dignitaries — Karl Rove, John McCain and many others — who have visited Liberty. She’d always shied away from getting her picture taken with anyone famous, but she said Dr. Falwell constantly told her, “Get up there. Get your picture taken!” Hartless’ job isn’t always glamorous, though. Most days, she’s focused on another mama-style task — schedules and organization. She manages all areas related to general administration, makes sure the Office of University Scheduling provides a seamless master calendar for facility use, and coordinates commencement. “We start working on commencement in January of every year,” she said.“It’s a lot of long hours … but we make it.” In addition to tailoring the commencement program, Hartless finds lodging for the commencement speaker and plans tight security. She works with honorary

degree recipients, writing their biographies and ordering their diplomas, and serves as secretary for the school’s Board of Trustees, as well as the corporate secretary for LU. She also has the ongoing task of overseeing events sponsored by Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. or Executive Vice President-Chief Operating Officer Ronald Godwin. “I often refer to Mrs. Hartless as the glue that holds the operations of the university together,” said Godwin, adding that she’s an invaluable resource because she has intimate knowledge of everything that happens at LU. And Falwell Jr. said he often calls her the “corporate memory.” Being Mama Liberty and the Corporate Memory and Glue is a demanding job, but she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Looking back, she said, it’s easy to see how God has guided her life for His glory. “These past 32 years of service have been wonderful, and I have enjoyed every position I held. Liberty University is not just a job; it is a vital part of my life,” Hartless said. www.liberty.edu

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STUDENT LIFE

Heart of Steel by Teresa Dunham Liberty Journal Photos by Jordan Crossingham

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

Debbie Webb’s pink manicured nails peek out of her black biker gloves as she steers her Kawasaki Ninja 650R sports bike around Lynchburg, Va. By day, 40-year-old Webb is the petite blonde woman who works in International Student Services at Liberty University — but when she’s not in the office, her Christian testimony is fueled on passion and adrenaline. And she’s not alone. Webb is the president of Midnight Lightning, the sports bike ministry that is forming on campus. The group is striving for chapter status in Fast Lane, the sports bike segment of the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), an international ministry with more than 800 chapters formed since the mid-1970s.

September/October 2008

Far more than a club, the new group of students and community members has a heart for evangelism. They get together for destination rides, making stops along the way to meet other bikers and tell them about Christ. “We can sometimes be too timid as Christians, but there’s always one of us who’s got some energy that we can feed off each other,” she said. Many Midnight Lightning members have joined CMA and studied the association’s evangelism materials, including “The Ride Plan,” which outlines steps to salvation much like a biker would plan his trip route. They wear CMA patches on their jackets and stickers on their bikes, and they keep plenty of CMA tracts handy.

Members of Liberty University’s Midnight Lightning sports bike ministry are, from left: Tony Dunham, John Purdy, Debbie Webb, and Paula and Jay Burnett.


STUDENT LIFE “It starts a natural conversation when people look at your bike and see the CMA stickers,” said Tony Dunham, 23, student leader and chaplain for the group. If the opportunity is right, he said, the group will do a “bike blessing” for someone they’ve met. “Sometimes we call them bike blessings, but it’s the person that we’re blessing, not the bike,” said group vice president John Purdy. “You sit on the bike, and they lay hands on you and pray for you.” Purdy, a local resident, is easy to spot because of his big SG1300 Honda sport touring bike. “I’ve had it described by the sport bike guys as a party barge, insinuating that it’s a little bigger than theirs,” Purdy said. “It’s just sporty enough to hang with these guys, and it’s comfortable enough for an old man like me.” Besides sharing their testimony, seasoned riders like Webb and Purdy are also there to mentor young riders. “We want to reach out for the Lord, but we also want to give the students more skills,” Webb said. “A lot of them are just first-time bikers, believe it or not. They’re 19 or 20 years old or freshmen. They get these bikes, and they don’t really have the training that they need.” Teaching students how to handle their bikes is a great opportunity for

discipleship, she said. “You have to really be disciplined in a lot of areas to be able to ride a sport bike,” she said. Ever since their first meeting in January, the group has welcomed both novice and seasoned sports motorcycle enthusiasts. “I wanted to get into a group that I could ride with,” said Tim Wamsley, 20, a kinesiology major who rides a 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600. Wamsley has been around bike racing his whole life, but he was drawn to the Christian fellowship that Midnight Lightning offered — and the enthusiasm is contagious. “I just love riding. It’s probably the closest thing to flying,” said Martin Lin, a 40-year-old Taiwan native who works in Grounds Maintenance at LU. “I even ride at 18 degrees in the winter. It’s so much fun that people have the same hobby or passion, and you can use it to share the gospel.” The group has about 15 members, but criminal justice student Joe Justice hopes more people will join. “The main reason I joined was for Christian service, but when I got into it, I saw how much fun it is,” said Justice, 21. Sometimes they even take the ministry beyond easy-going rides, opting instead for some heart-pumping intensity at the Virginia International Raceway (VIR). “It’s legal. It’s safer conditions, letting these guys get that testosterone out on

the track [instead of on the road],” said member Paula Burnett, adding that rescue workers are on site. Her husband, Jay Burnett, who has raced for years, tells the younger riders how to compete safely when they’re ready. “It’s a great experience to really feel what the bike can do without the fear of the tickets and the infractions of the law and the dangers,” said Jay, 49. Most tracks aren’t a traditionally Christian setting, but the bikers at VIR are getting to know Jay and the others. “[Midnight Lightning] is a way to reach motorcyclists that are pretty much lost,” said Enrico Zumbo, a 59-year-old native of Australia who is taking pastoral leadership classes at LU. Whether they’re hitting the track or gearing up for some servant-style evangelism, the group remembers to cloak itself in prayer. “We’re in an inherently dangerous sport ministry. It’s sobering to think that any one of us can ride out of here, and tomorrow we might not be here,” Purdy said. “It’s important to pray for us.” Community members and LU students are welcome to join Midnight Lightning or go along on rides. It’s free to join, but members must go through CMA ministry training if they want to wear the CMA patches. E-mail Tony Dunham at tpdunham@liberty.edu.

Bike Blessings: TRBC motorcycle ministry rides strong by Teresa Dunham Liberty Journal

Marlene Diaz shows up for worship in leather and jeans, and a patch on her vest declares “These are my church clothes.” She’s a founder of Thomas Road Baptist Church’s motorcycle group, Liberty Riders. About 30 members come each Sunday in their bike gear, attending a morning Biker Bible Study along with the traditional service. “The motorcycle community is just about as un-conservative as you can get,” said current leader Carl Paulson. Yet the church and its motorcycle ministry are finding synergy.

fa s t fa c t s a b o u t l i b e rt y r i d e r s : +  Some churches hesitate to welcome bikers, but TRBC gives them preferred parking. +  Iron Horse Ministries, a nonprofit that plants bike ministries in churches nationwide, came to TRBC a few years ago to start a group. +  Liberty Riders grew strong enough to start operating independently about a year ago. +  Liberty Riders has a community outreach motorcycle class on Wednesdays. +  They’re the organizing force behind several major events, such as a June “Bike Blessing” that Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell participated in this year, the patriotic Thunder on the Mountain bike ride held in conjunction with TRBC’s annual Celebrate America festivities, and the “Doc” Falwell Memorial Toy Run for needy children in December. +  All bikers are invited to join or just come for a ride. +  For more information, visit www.trbc.org and click on Motorcycle Ministry under the ministries tab at the top of the page or call (434) 239-9281. www.liberty.edu 21


STUDENT LIFE

Ask Pastor Johnnie Johnnie Moore

Dear Johnnie, I’m just starting college. Can you give me some advice? – Abby Learn discipline and perseverance. College will stretch you, showing you what you’re capable of. Trouble comes when you procrastinate and are forced to operate under unnecessary pressure. Instead, learn quickly that there are only 24 hours in a day and carefully plan your time. As soon as you get your syllabi you should mark important dates on your calendar. Then try to finish everything one day early. Learn unconditional, selfless love. God made one big crazy world with a whole slew of different kinds of people. Until moving into a dorm most people live their lives within a single isolated culture. College throws you into a sea of different cultures. Your dorm mates could be from anyone of

50 states and up to 80 nations. They all have unique life stories, personal preferences, and varied opinions. God made this palette of people, and He loves them all. Christianity is the only phenomenon in world history that so successfully unites such a diverse world. Selfishness blinds you to the beauty of the body of Christ. So, be actively selfless and you’ll begin to appreciate those different from you. Learn to dream big dreams. When I was in school, Dr. Jerry Falwell often asked us this question: “What would you do if you knew you would not fail?” In sermon after sermon this visionary question found its way into my worldview. Begin now to ask yourself what your role is in God’s global plan, dream a God-sized dream, and

prepare now to not waste your life. Learn to foster spiritual health. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Don’t coast along on the spiritual atmosphere around you. If you do, you may miss what God has for you in your personal relationship with Him. College is going to force you to manage many things under a great deal of stress, and whatever you do you must not forsake your relationship with the Lord. It’s a matter of whether you want to walk this way alone or have the Holy Spirit guide you. John 15:26 says the Holy Spirit is your Counselor. Ecclesiastes 12:1 contains some good advice: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come.”

Join the Flames Club!

Liberty University Football is taking care of “Unfinished Business” this fall as the defending Big South Champions look to advance into the post season. Season ticket sales are well ahead of last yearʼs record pace — and Flames Club members receive the best seats. Flames Club membership starts at just $50.

Everyone Wins When You Join!

• Members can receive preferred seating, parking and pre-game hospitality (based on membership level) • Gifts support academic and spiritual development of student-athletes

• Donations may be 80% tax deductable (unless donor refuses all benefits for 100% tax deduction) For more information contact the Flames Club at

(434)582-CLUB (2582), e-mail flamesclub@liberty.edu, or visit

22

LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008


Jordan Crossingham

Most of all don’t stress too much and have fun! People who boil under stress only waste the energy they need to work hard. In college you’ll be challenged on what you believe and how you think, challenged in how you deal with people you know well and those you don’t, and challenged as you look at the empty page of your future and sketch out your role in the world. You are beginning one amazing journey. What you learn spiritually and academically, and the people you meet from all over the world, will shape the next 50 years of your life. So, hold on. The Rev. Johnnie Moore is campus pastor at Liberty University. Please send e-mail to campuschurch@liberty.edu.

liberty university students play a game with water balloons in celebration of cinco de mayo in front of the arthur s. demoss learning center.

www.liberty.edu

23




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STUDENT LIFE

Jordan Crossingham

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LIBERTY JOURNAL March/April 2008

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STUDENT LIFE

K

urt Collins’ unique talent — riding a unicycle — makes him recognizable among fellow students and teachers at Liberty University. “I’m pretty well-known now,” Collins said. “Even when I am not riding people will say, ‘Oh you’re the unicycle guy.’ I get a lot of people honking their horns at me when they go by.” Collins first stumbled upon the unicycle in the basement of his Elkton, Md., home a couple of years ago. “I decided it was going to be my summer project to figure out how to ride it. It took me six hours to be able to ride, about two hours a night.” Collins said that his parents were not aware that he was attempting to learn the unicycle. “They didn’t know I was trying to do it, and by the fourth day I just took it outside and started riding it, and they thought it was pretty amazing.” Collins perfected his riding over the next couple of years, and when it was time to go to Liberty, he was ready to bring the unicycle with him as a way to get around campus. Even with the extensive LU Transit bus system,

Collins prefers to ride his unicycle everywhere he can. He does not have a large record of crashes, unlike many who ride road or mountain bikes. Once, his shoe laces caught in the spokes, causing him to fall, but he learned a lesson and now tucks the laces inside his shoes. One might think that riding a unicycle may be dangerous, but Collins would disagree; he doesn’t even wear a helmet. “It’s pretty safe, actually. I think it is safer than when I was riding a regular bike. If you lose your balance, or something, there is a whole lot less to hit you on your way down. It sort of falls out of your way and you fall on your feet, standing upright. You’re not leaning over or anything.” Collins’ other interests are graphic design — his major — art and snowboarding. As a sophomore, he is not quite sure where life will take him, but he is letting God lead. He plans to continue pursuing art in his spare time. As far as his future with the unicycle, Collins said, “I’m going to try to step things up. It’s fun, but it was also a way to get exercise. Now it’s getting too easy to get around campus on it (even up the hills). I’m going to try to find something a little harder.”

by CARMEN FLEISCHAUER Liberty Journal photo by JORDAN CROSSINGHAM www.liberty.edu

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A three-day National Prayer Summit was held on campus in June, drawing close to 80 pastors and ministry leaders from around the country. The summit included praise and worship, Scripture reading, and private and public prayer — in large and small group settings. Facilitators were Daniel Henderson, Assistant Professor of Renewal and Church Leadership at LU; Dennis Fuqua, executive director of International Renewal Ministries; and Phil Miglioratti, founder of National Pastors Prayer Network. Henderson, who is also Pastor of Renewal at Thomas Road Baptist Church, said the summit is part of a larger prayer movement occurring at TRBC and LU. This month, LU faculty and staff united for an extended time of prayer, to ask for God’s blessings on a new ministry year. At TRBC, a “Pastor’s Prayer Partners” group has formed to commit to pray daily for the Rev. Jonathan Falwell, his family and church leaders and meet with Falwell periodically. TRBC will also sponsor a “Fresh Encounter” worship-based prayer service on the first Wednesday of every month, starting Sept. 3, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. For LU students, a prayer summit will be held at Eagle Eyrie retreat center in September. The 32-hour event will be a spontaneous, “Scripture-fed, Spirit-led” prayer experience, Henderson said. The Campus Pastors’ Office at LU sponsors a prayer emphasis at the outset of each fall semester, with a convocation message on prayer and an all-night prayer meeting. LU has Spiritual Life Directors and Prayer Leaders to pray with students. Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary regularly teaches classes on prayer. This fall Henderson will teach the first-ever undergraduate class entirely devoted to prayer. “I think this [prayer] is such a powerful, but often overlooked, reality in our ministries,” Henderson said. “As we see the evidence of many tangible blessings I know it would be Dr. Falwell’s heart that everyone would remember the foundation and fuel of prayer that invites the blessing and grace of God into everything we do.”


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“Liberty University is pleased to join hands with Cornerstone to provide convenient, high-quality housing options for students, faculty, and staff. Liberty University will provide a direct connection to LibertyNet to create an environment that offers Cornerstone residents many of the benefits and conveniences of being on campus.” - Jerry Falwell, Jr. Chancellor, Liberty University

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ACADEMIC LIFE

ACADEMIC Briefs h i g h e n ro l l m e n t a s i g n o f s u c c e s s Other schools may be struggling to keep enrollment numbers high, but that’s not a problem at Liberty University. More than 400 students who applied to LU for the Fall 2008 semester were put on a waiting list starting July 1. The move was a first for Liberty, as high enrollment numbers prompted officials to set a June 30 cut-off date for enrollment to allow facilities and staffing to catch up with current growth. On June 30, admissions counselors with Liberty’s Resident Recruitment Department handled 1,577 calls from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Liberty should hit record enrollment this fall, with an estimated 11,300 students — including 3,500 new students. That is an 8 percent increase over last year.

p r o f e s s o r i n t e rv i e w e d f o r t h e h i s to ry c h a n n e l Liberty University is no stranger to camera crews. When filmmakers are creating religious or historical documentaries for the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, or shows such as “60 Minutes,” LU professors are sometimes called upon for their leading academic expertise. On Wednesday an independent documentary crew filming for The History Channel stopped by campus to interview Dr. Thomas Ice, Executive Director of the Pre-Trib Research Center and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology. The crew

was led by production manager Al Vincent. “They were going around interviewing people from different viewpoints about what they think the anti-christ is going to be or has been,” Ice said. Ice said he believes the Antichrist will be an individual who is a political – not religious – leader who will come in the future and set up a revived Roman Empire. Over the years, Ice has become accustomed to requests from filmmakers. He has participated in nearly a dozen projects for broadcast stations such as the Discovery Channel, ABC, National Geographic, and CBS’s “60 Minutes.” It is not known at this time when the Antichrist documentary will be broadcast.

university makes accreditation change

l i b e rt y to ho s t write rs conference

Liberty University has voluntarily withdrawn from its accreditation through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). For many years, Liberty has maintained accreditation through both TRACS and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) — but one accreditation is more than sufficient for the school to keep its strong academic reputation. “Most schools only have one [accrediting body],” said Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. “SACS has always been our primary accrediting agency.” The proper accreditation allows colleges to award federal financial aid and confer degrees that meet exceptional standards of quality. Both TRACS and SACS have provided that service. The university was entirely satisfied with TRACS, Falwell Jr. explained, but maintaining both accreditations was not efficient. “It really was just a matter of time and resources,” he said.

Liberty University will host its 8th bi-annual writers conference Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, and Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center. This conference will focus on writing and literature and will feature keynote speaker Jerry Jenkins, author of more than 170 books, including the popular Left Behind series, written with Tim LaHaye. The conference will also highlight other writers and professionals within the field.These include Bill Myers, known for his McGee and Me book and DVD series and Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey, and Carole Gift Page, author of 45 fiction and non-fiction books. Other speakers will include authors, editors, and writing educators. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for students for the full conference. Tickets for the Friday evening keynote address are $12 and may be purchased at the door, at area bookstores, and by contacting Rachel Schwedt at (434) 592-3357 or by writing to Rachel Schwedt at Liberty University, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg,VA 24502. For more information, visit www.liberty.edu./writers08.

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008


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Communion, 6 p.m. TRBC

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Dino in Concert, 6 p.m. TRBC

Barnes & Noble Poster Sale   through sept. 18th, 8 a.m.,   DeMoss Learning Center

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Bailey Smith, 6 p.m. TRBC

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Women’s Soccer vs. Navy, 7 p.m

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Liberty University Volleyball  Invitational 2008, Flames Football vs. Glenville   2 p.m. Vines Center  State, 7 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. Campbell,   7 p.m.

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Cross Country, Liberty Big  South Preview, 9 a.m.

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Men’s Soccer vs.  High Point, 7 p.m.

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Women’s Soccer vs. VMI,   4:30 p.m.

Liberty University Board of  Regents Weekend, through  Sept. 27

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Women’s Soccer vs.  Charleston Southern, 2 p.m.


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Lon Solomon, 6 p.m. TRBC

Classes resume, 7:40 a.m.

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Fall Break begins,   through Oct. 5

Volleyball vs.  Gardner-Webb, 7 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. Coastal  Carolina, 1 p.m.

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College For A Weekend,  Oct. 9 - 12 Women’s Soccer vs.  High Point, 4 p.m.

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Men’s Soccer vs. Southern  Virginia, 7 p.m. Volleyball vs.  High Point, 7 p.m.

Johnny Hunt, 6 p.m. TRBC

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Region 2000 Future Focus  Expo, Tolsma Indoor Center,  Campus North Men’s Soccer vs. Gardner  Webb, 7 p.m. Volleyball vs. Radford, 7 p.m.

26 For more information on featured events and a complete list of events at Liberty University, visit www.liberty.edu. For events at Thomas Road Baptist Church, visit www.trbc.org. For a full sports schedule and more details, visit www. libertyflames.com.

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Flames Football vs. Stony  Brook, 3:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. UNC  Asheville, 7 p.m

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Family Weekend through  Oct. 19 with events in the  Schilling Center

Football vs.  Lafayette, 3:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs.  Presbyterian, 5 p.m.

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Volleyball vs. Coastal  Carolina, 7 p.m.

Liberty University  Homecoming 2008 Flames Football vs.  Charleston Southern,   3:30 p.m.

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Women’s Soccer vs. East  Tennessee State, 7 p.m.


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LIBERTY JOURNAL September/October 2008

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Jordan Crossingham

compassionate  car e    by Tara Maxwell Liberty Journal

Compassion. Clinical competence. Work ethic. Liberty University nursing graduates are a cut above when it comes to these critical skills, making them ideal candidates to staff the world’s leading medical facilities — but it’s their attentiveness to body, mind and soul that truly sets them apart. hands -on  experience . Seeing students putting their classroom knowledge to the test is part of what professor Jerry Harvey says makes his job fulfilling. “After you take them to the hospital and they have clinical [experience] it’s a complete 360,” Harvey said. “They think ‘God has called me into this; I am here. I can do this.’” Harvey, a retired Lt. Col. who spent more than 20 years as a U.S. Air Force nurse, began his nursing career after taking a job as an orderly and later becoming an EMT. He started teaching at LU in 2007. He said Liberty’s commitment to clinical nursing experience drew him to the position.

compassionate continued on page 34 www.liberty.edu

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Jordan Crossingham

ACADEMIC LIFE

compassionate from page 33 Liberty University’s Department of Nursing offers a B.S.N. program, an R.N. to B.S.N. track and a Master’s program. Both the R.N. to B.S.N. and the Master’s program are offered through Liberty University’s Distance Learning Program. Students in the traditional B.S.N. program enter the nursing major in the first semester of their sophomore year and progress through three years of nursing and general education courses prior to graduation. The nursing curriculum focuses heavily on clinical practice, placing students in the hospital setting once a week in the sophomore year and two or three days a week in the junior and senior years. “Our graduates are usually head and shoulders above other students that graduated at the same time because they’ve got those 800 hours of clinical,” said Department of Nursing Chair Dr. Deanna Britt. “As sophomores, they’re just learning how to listen to someone’s heart — doing simple things. By the time they are seniors they are in intensive care units taking care of very complex illnesses, learning to operate ventilators and other complex machinery. They are amazing; they learn so much in those first couple of years.” During senior rotations, half a semester is spent working in a critical care unit and the other half is spent taking care of mentally ill patients. The second semester is spent working in community health. The final semester for seniors is spent on leadership, allowing students to select their clinical site. “They usually choose something close to their job goals,” Britt said. “They spend the semester working as an R.N., they are doing all the R.N. roles, so when they get out they have a taste of what it’s really like.” LU’s two-year R.N. to B.S.N. program began in 1983 with five students — Britt was among these students. In 1989 the full four-year program began with a class of 40. Since 2007, 129 nursing students have earned their degree through Liberty, and this fall the department will include 20 full-time and 30 adjunct faculty.

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008

h i g h e r p u r p o s e . In addition to high academic standards, Liberty’s Department of Nursing aims to prepare nurses who are committed to Christian ethical standards and view nursing as a ministry of caring. “The graduates are known for their compassion,” Britt said. “They see nursing as a ministry — not just a job, so when recruiters call me about our graduates they always talk about that.” Britt said a few years ago the department found that 60 percent of its students plan to use their skills in the mission field. The department helps facilitate this goal by offering a cross-cultural nursing certificate. “We’ve got several students who came into nursing specifically because they know that there’s no nation in the world that will reject a nurse.” c o m m u n i t y t i e s . Students gain clinical experience locally in Lynchburg, Va., by working at Centra Health facilities, Lynchburg General Hospital and Virginia Baptist Hospital. “They are completely immersed in reality … in the life of a nurse and the life of a patient,” said Centra Health Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Patti McCue, R.N. “We have a great cooperative relationship with Liberty. Several faculty members work closely with us.” McCue said the demand for nurses is on the rise and projected to increase dramatically over the next few decades. McCue said this year Centra Health hired 104 new graduate nurses, and about a third of those hires were Liberty graduates. Jessa Sprouse, R.N., a 2005 Liberty graduate, has worked at Lynchburg General Hospital since she graduated. A Lynchburg native, Sprouse said the senior rotation at the hospital prepared her for her career and gave her the tools to succeed. “I know in nursing everyone says they want to take care of people and it’s true,” Sprouse said. “You see someone come in not doing well and take part in their recovery. It’s really cool.” a n e w p a rt n e r s h i p . “Around 2000, Jerry [Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr.] wanted 25,000 students, so we started to grow,” Britt said. “Over the last four years we’ve grown to about 165 new students each year. We have pretty much saturated clinical spots in Lynchburg.” This fall nursing students will have the opportunity to gain clinical experience at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, which Britt said is an answer to a prayer. “One day I got an e-mail from the director of nursing at St. Mary’s in Richmond. She has hired two of our graduates and was so impressed with their clinical skills and also their ministry that she contacted me and said they would like to be a clinical site for us.”


Jordan Crossingham

ACADEMIC LIFE

liberty nursing students pa r t i c i pat e i n e m e r g e n c y s i m u l at i o n

M

by Jennifer Schmidt Special to Liberty Journal

ore than 60 nursing students posed as victims of a terrorist attack in a full-scale exercise held in Lynchburg in March. The exercise was designed to evaluate how Lynchburg’s emergency services personnel, police and fire departments would respond to a crisis. With a price tag close to $200,000, Professor Sharon Koplis explained the gravity of the situation to her students before she gave assignments. “This is a very serious work day,” Koplis said. “Dignitaries, school administrators, and city officials are watching by video.” Koplis also offered her students some intrinsic motivation. “Remember the spirit of Liberty and share that with each one we touch today,” she said. The students appreciated the event for the opportunity to learn about emergency health services. “I’m excited about the experience,” senior Sarah Lewis said. “It helps prepare us for what we might see in the future.” “The danger zone,” as student Lauren McQuain referred to it, was a simulated crisis, complete with two gunmen and a

staged explosion at the old site of Thomas Road Baptist Church. The original Liberty Christian Academy facilities housed the hostage room and professor Kathryn Miller’s moulage lab, where dozens of students were prepped with fake gunshot wounds and burns. “I feel like I’m in Hollywood,” senior Nathan Crabtree said as a laceration was applied to his forehead. Wax, gelatin, and purple powder were some of the ingredients used to create the true-to-life wounds. “It sounded cool, but not this extreme,” sophomore Jessica McCaslin said with a jagged piece of plastic protruding from her cheek. Though she found her makeup to be “nasty,” McCaslin said the day would show her the nuts and bolts of real nursing. “You learn by doing. There’s only so much you can read about,” McCaslin said. Following the exercise, sophomore Sanjay Rawal said he felt more prepared to be a health worker. “Teamwork is important because people interpret things in different ways,” Rawal said. Concerning the simulation, Rawal said, “It was fun, but kind of awkward for me. I’m not a professional actor — just did the best I could.” www.liberty.edu

35


Jerome Sturm

faculty focus

Mathew D. Staver

Dean, Liberty University School of Law/Director, Liber ty Center for Law and Policy/Professor of Law (Foundations of Law I and II) e d u c at i o n

LL.D., Liberty University, honoris causa J.D., University of Kentucky M.A., first in class, Religion, Andrews University B.A., cum laude, Theology, Southern Missionary College c areer accomplishments

Founder and president of Staver & Associates, a statewide law firm in Florida, and founder and president of The Staver Group, a statewide governmental consulting organization. His clients have included: the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team, the University of Florida, Marriott Corporation, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Taco Bell, Denny’s Restaurants, AIG Insurance, The Florida Medical Association, The Florida Nursing Association, and Florida Hospital. Founder, president and general counsel of Liberty Counsel, Chairman of the Board (a litigation, education and policy organization with offices in Orlando, Fla., Lynchburg, Va., and hundreds of affiliate attorneys in all 50 states; one of the first religious liberty litigation organizations in the country). Author, “Eternal Vigilance: Knowing and Protecting Your Religious Freedom;” “SameSex Marriage: Putting Every Household at Risk;” “Faith and Freedom: A Complete Handbook for Defending Your Religious Rights;” “Take Back America; Religion and the Future of America;” “Religious Expression in Public Schools; Judicial Tyranny;” “Political Activity of Nonprofit Organizations;” and “Union Membership and its Constitutional Implications.” Also has more than 120 published legal opinions, has written several hundred articles on religious freedom and constitutional law, and has published six law review and journal articles.

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008

Staver is pictured in the law school’s Supreme Courtroom, a replica of the United States Supreme Court. Staver went to Washington, D.C., to inspect the High Court’s chambers and obtained the blueprints to use in designing Liberty’s own Supreme Courtroom. The room is used as a training theater, for moot competitions and for practicing future cases of Liberty Counsel that reach the High Court. It is also used to host real court sessions by state and federal courts of appeal.

AV-rated attorney, Board Certified in Appellate Practice. Has written numerous briefs before the United States Supreme Court and argued twice there. As one of the leading constitutional litigators in the country, he is admitted to every federal court of appeals in the country and has personally argued before most of them. He has conducted many CLE and CEU courses certified by state bar associations or government agencies. personal interests:

Reads Classical Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac and Koine Greek Board of Trustees for Supreme Court Historical Society Married to Anita L. Staver, who is also an attorney and serves as President of Liberty Counsel media highlights:

Has done thousands of interviews for top news organizations, appearing on every TV and cable news network.


ACADEMIC LIFE

sees steady stream of success

by Mitzi Bible Liberty Journal

A

t Liberty University School of Law, there’s one point that’s not worth arguing against: the fact that the young school has far exceeded expectations, quickly becoming an institution that can compete with leading law schools around the country. “What we’re doing here, it’s innovative. And some schools are seeking to copy components of what we’re doing — which is incredible because we’re only five years old,” said Dean Mathew D. Staver, who joined the law school in 2006. With a high bar passage rate for the first graduating class and a 100 percent increase in enrollment since the school’s inception, Staver said he’s pleased but not surprised by the success. “We lift the bar up very high for our students,” he said. “We have a very rigorous and demanding program because we want to be excellent in everything we do. Like Dr. [Jerry] Falwell said, ‘If it’s Christian, it ought to be better.’” It’s that distinction that makes the law school an attractive option for students serious about a career of service to others and to the Lord. “We’re very conscious of making sure that our classes are mission-driven … that’s what underlies us,” Staver said. “We’ve turned down people who have LSATs in the ozone layers because we don’t feel they are mission-driven.” The goal, he said, “is to be able to train Christians … to have them in the highest places of government … in the United States Supreme Court, on the federal bench, on the state bench, in all areas of government in Washington D.C., on the state and local level. We want them to be educators, policy makers, businessmen and women and entrepreneurs, using law to be law school continued on page 38

www.liberty.edu

37


ACADEMIC LIFE

By the numbers

law school from page 37 able to advance the kingdom of Christ.” With tracks in civil, criminal and constitutional litigation, as well as business planning, estate planning, real estate development and government administration, the school is equipping a generation of Christian leaders with skills that are on par with graduates of the nation’s top law schools. “The secularists anticipate that the (Liberty University) law school is going to be second rate,” Staver said, “and when they come here, and they see our facilities, and when they see the fact that our bar passage rate was above virtually most every other law school in the country, and when they also see our competitive teams are winning, they have to take note. They may not agree with our Christian viewpoint, but they know that we are an institution, a force to be reckoned with, and they just simply can’t blow us off.” For more information on LU School of Law, go to www.law.liberty.edu.

38

LIBERTY JOURNAL

September/October 2008

According to Mat Staver, Dean of Liberty University School of Law

110: Number of new students expected for Fall 2008. — the largest-ever entering class. : Number of faculty.

18

“Most of our faculty have broad practice experience, whether it’s in judiciary or government or private practice. That’s one of our themes, to be able to have faculty that not only have the ability to teach, but have real-life experience.”

1: Rank of negotiations team at regional competition. “Georgetown University, a 100-plus million-dollar law school, was No. 2. … We were one of only two schools in the entire nation that sent two teams to a national competition for negotiations this year.”

80: Percentage of students from out of state. 89.1: Bar passage percentage rate.

“Most law schools when they start off young, are having bar passage rates in the 40s … a big milestone for a law school is to reach 70 percent bar passage rate. For us to come out of the block and jump over all of those is just phenomenal; it really speaks to the quality of the education that the students are receiving.”

32: Student prayer mentors.

“Let it never be said that a student would go through here without being able to have significant spiritual discipling and mentoring and the opportunity to really grow spiritually.”


Greece Week

ACADEMIC LIFE

Distance learning students study abroad

Students taking courses through Liberty Baptist Theological Due to the success in the weeklong intensives, plans conSeminary’s Distance Learning Program had a chance to learn tinue for DLP students to be offered the opportunity to study in a unique environment this summer. In the midst of Grecian with professors in China, Russia, Brazil, Australia and Iceland ruins, and alongside their professors, the students walked where in the near future. Paul walked, making the Bible come even more alive to them. To read a log from the trip and for more information about LBTS The students were led on a one-week intensive “Greece and the Distance Learning Program, go to http://www.liberty.edu/ Week,” which included classroom instruction and touring, by academics/religion/seminary. Dr. Ergun Caner, president of LBTS, Dr. Dan Mitchell, academic dean, and Dr. Leo Percer, professor. Two sessions were offered, July 20-27 and July 27-Aug.3. Classes on The Corinthian Letters, Global Apologetics and Pauline Letters were taught at the Greek Bible Institute, which sits on the famous Marathon Road, at the halfway point between Marathon and Athens. It was this road that became the namesake for the grueling 26.2 mile Olympic event known as the Marathon. The classes met each mornving, followed by on-site studies at the biblical sites of Mars Hill (mentioned in Acts 17), Corinth and the Parthenon. “I love the chance to meet DLP students face-to-face,” one professor noted. “It gives us the opportunity to interact with them, and they in turn get to meet their professors. It is an amazing added advantage to the DLP program here at Liberty University.” Almost 40 DLP students attended the Greece Weeks, which are a part of the LBTS Eduventure Initiative. “Over past two years, students have met faculty in Israel, Greece and Tunisia,” one professor noted. “Students combine vacation Dr. Ergun Caner and a group of students in the second Greece Week, a program offered to time and learning, and get to see these amazing sites, rather than Distance Learning students through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, pose in front of the Temple of Apollo in Corinth. just study about them.”

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS) and Graduate School is anticipating a record number of students in its residential programs for fall 2008. Graduate Admissions projects that 276 new students will be joining 234 returning students for an enrollment of 510 students in the residential program. This is an increase of over 50 percent compared to fall 2007. LBTS President and Dean Dr. Ergun Caner gives glory to God, who has blessed LBTS by sending his servants to be equipped here. The Seminary’s mission is “to come alongside the local church and help it fulfill the Great Commission.” The faculty is looking forward to the opportunity to offer these students an education that prepares the head, the heart, and the hand for ministry. Graduate orientation begins Aug. 14; classes begin Aug. 18. www.liberty.edu

39


OPINION/EDITORIAL

The Racism Of Black Liberation Theology Ergun Mehmet Caner

I

n recent days, Black Liberation Theology has risen to the forefront of our national debate. With the publicity surrounding Barack Obama’s former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and the inflammatory rhetoric with which he speaks, many have come to question the basis for the beliefs of this system. Black Liberation Theology arose on university campuses in the 1960s, as the next generation of theology following the civil rights movement. It was no longer enough, it was argued, for Christians to unite under the banner of Jesus Christ. An entirely new grid was needed that would speak to Christians of color.

BECOME A CHAPLAIN FOR CHRIST

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In 1969, Dr. James Cone, professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, published “Black Theology and Black Power.” This seminal work argued that white European-Americans could not see or understand the humanity in persons of color. They were descendants of the oppressors, and as members of the elite class structure of society, actively oppress people of color to this day. A new theological movement must be developed from within the oppressed, if it is going to speak to the oppressed. This new theology viewed all humanity as part of two distinct classes: the victims (the oppressed) and the victimizers (the powerful). In this context,


OPINION/EDITORIAL

Jesus’ teachings were meant to free the oppressed from injustice, inequality and tyranny. Rather than viewing salvation as repentance and faith in the finished work of the Cross, salvation is found in the liberation of the victim from the bonds of cultural slavery. If the rhetoric sounds vaguely familiar, that is because it is. It is Marxism, imported into the American landscape. Liberation theology found root in Latin America in the same era because it spoke to the grinding poverty experienced by so many and gave them a common enemy. The devil, in this case, is the rich elite class. Marx and Engels would be proud. What makes this philosophy dangerous is that it is inherently racist. The alleged powerful, usually the white man, can never understand or

relate. He is incapable of speaking to the races who are perceived as the oppressed. His theology is inferior because his class structure is higher. If color is the grid through which the Bible can only be understood, are we all ignorant of the Bible since it had its formation among the Persian world of the olive-skinned? The theological errors are too numerous to mention. The cross is reduced to an act of activism. The empty tomb is merely a footnote. Salvation is power. Grace is ignored. It is a racist movement. Though Dr. Cone is now the elder statesman of the movement, there are others who now rise to the stage of this cultural racism. Dr. Cornell West wrote an essay titled “Black Theology and Marxist Thought” in 1979, further solidifying the ties between

the movements. He has been a major influence as a professor at both Harvard and Princeton. The Rev. Wright is a continuing inheritor of the mantle of this theology for victims. As his parishioner for more than 20 years, it is difficult to understand how Senator Obama did not hear any of this philosophy. As in most movements, the central premise permeates every strata of the movement. Since the Rev. Wright stands so forcefully and proudly behind the movement and the premises, Senator Obama can only offer one of two conclusions: either the Senator was not there, or he wasn’t listening. Dr. Ergun Caner is president and dean of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Graduate School. Contact him at ecaner@liberty.edu.

www.liberty.edu

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

It’s Academic

I

Les Schofer

Karen Swallow Prior

n his “Charge to the Graduates” at Liberty University’s commencement ceremony in May, University Provost Dr. Boyd Rist exhorted the Class of 2008 to “raise the intellectual and moral tone of society.” Because our culture’s roller coaster of morality has been declining for the past several decades, Christians have, understandably, stood on the forefront in attempting to raise the moral tone of society. But during that time, the church had largely neglected its call to raise the intellectual tone of society. That seems to be changing. In a recent article in “The Chronicle of Higher Education,” D. Michael Lindsay, author of “Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite,” reports that at the start of the 20th century, devout Christians dominated higher education, whereas at the end, in the closing decade, only 15 percent of evangelical Christians were college graduates. Lindsay points out that this “anti-intellectualism”

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that marks the 20th-century American church is the exception, not the rule, in the history of the church. He writes: “For most of Christianity’s history, faith and learning have been intertwined. Over the centuries, intellectuals received religious sanction for their scholarly pursuits, and the church — in both Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions — supported a range of intellectual activity, from the scientific research of Newton to the literary contributions of Chesterton. History is on the side of evangelical intellectual strivings.” The 21st century may herald a return of Christians, and Evangelicals in particular, to their rightful role in cultivating the mind. Not only is history on our side, but Scripture is as well. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the words of Jesus exhorting his disciples to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Daniel and Paul are biblical examples of those who did exactly that — and through both their love for the Lord and their extensive intellectual knowledge, they glorified God and drew others to Him. Not surprisingly, research on this issue confirms Scripture. According to “The Christian Post,” researchers at The University of Texas at Austin found that college attendance actually helps prevent young adults from abandoning their faith. The study found that those who never attended college had the highest rates of decline in church attendance. Additionally, those who never attended college reported “diminished importance on religion” and “disaffiliation from religion” in greater numbers than students earning at least a bachelor’s degree. “Simply put,” the researchers wrote, “higher education is not the enemy of religiosity that so many have made it out to be.” The growth of Christian higher education in recent years is not so much something new as it is a return to our roots. Liberty University is certainly doing its part in reclaiming Christianity’s heritage. Since its founding, Liberty — whose motto is, appropriately, “Knowledge Aflame”— has awarded nearly 30,000 bachelor’s and more than 8,000 graduate degrees. Dr. Karen Swallow Prior is Chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages at Liberty University.


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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Biblical Support for Israel Pastor John Hagee

Alex Towers

There are only two ways to live — the Bible way and the wrong way! Truth is not what I say it is, and truth is not what you think it is. Truth is what God’s word says it is. The Bible makes it very clear that Christians have a mandate to support Israel. It begins in Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you.” History has proven that men and nations who have blessed Israel have been supernaturally blessed of God. Those who have cursed Israel and the Jewish people have been crushed. In Luke 7:1-5 the story is told of the Centurion with the sick servant who was near death. The Centurion wanted to know how he could get this healing Rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth, into his home to pray for his sick servant. He turned to the Jewish elders who went to Jesus and used this logic to persuade him to bless this Gentile: “For he loveth our nation and he hath built us a synagogue.” Because the Centurion expressed his love for Israel and the Jewish people with a practical act of kindness, Jesus broke the Law of Moses, entered his house and healed his servant. In Acts 10, why did God select the house of Cornelius

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and the Italian band to be the first Gentiles to hear the message of salvation? The answer is given in Acts 10:22: “Cornelius the centurion, a just man ... and of good rapport among all the nations of the Jews ... .” Cornelius had blessed the Jews of Caesarea with his giving and God blessed his house like no other. Romans 15:27 says, “For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, (speaking of the Jewish people) their duty (Christian Gentiles) is also to minister to them in material things.” This is a clear directive for Christians to demonstrate the unconditional love of God by giving to the Jewish people or the nation of Israel whatever would bring them comfort and consolation. Isaiah 62:1 commands, “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent; for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet.” This is a clear directive to speak out in defense of Israel and the Jewish people. Pastor John Hagee is Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder of John Hagee Ministries, which broadcasts the Gospel in America and more than 200 countries around the globe through radio and television. Hagee is also the founder and national chairman of Christians United for Israel.



OPINION/EDITORIAL

by Brian Fitzpatrick

Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, who died July 4 at age 86, was a staunch ally and friend of the late Dr. Jerry Falwell throughout the Moral Majority years. In 2004, LU separated its schools of business and government and decided to name the latter the Helms School of Government in honor of the right-wing champion.

One fundamental standard

of civility in our society is to speak of the dead with a certain degree of respect. The liberal media deny this basic courtesy all too frequently when public figures die, especially those who took strong conservative stands in the culture wars. For example, stalwart conservative Sen. Jesse Helms, who died July 4, was condemned by The New York Times: “[His] courtly manner and mossy drawl barely masked a hardedged conservatism that opposed civil rights, gay rights, foreign aid and modern art.” The Washington Post attacked his “divisiveness.” NBC called him an “ultra-rightist.”

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When the Rev. Jerry Falwell, founder of the socially conservative Moral Majority, died last year, the media were far nastier. One CBS analyst dismissed Falwell as “comedy fodder,” and several network reports demeaned him by dwelling on a handful of controversial incidents in his career. Two different CNN shows played a horrifying statement by former President Jimmy Carter: “Well, in a very Christian way, as far as I’m concerned, he can go to hell.” The media were much kinder to Tony Snow, the conservative pundit and White House press secretary who died July 12. The New York Times rightly credited Snow with helping to “reinvigorate” the White House press operation, and passed along laudatory remarks about Snow from President Bush. The Associated Press praised his good looks and quick wit. The Washington Post obituary was often critical and sometimes snide, but the Post acknowledged Snow’s compelling performance as a press secretary and his courage in fighting cancer. So why did the media treat Snow so much more respectfully than Helms and Falwell? Tony Snow, a fellow journalist, was widely acknowledged in media circles to be a kind and friendly man. If Helms and Falwell had been monsters, the disrespectful media treatment would at least be understandable. But the truth is that both men were, on a personal level, as kind and charming as Tony Snow. Jerry Falwell was a genial teddy bear of a man, adored by his students at Liberty University and well liked and trusted even by supposed “enemies” like porn impresario Larry Flynt. Jesse Helms was the embodiment of a Southern gentleman, courtly and gracious. Several years ago a former roommate of mine, a doctrinaire liberal, bought a house just a few steps away from Helms’s home outside of Washington, D.C.


OPINION/EDITORIAL

My friend told me later that he’d never have bought the house had he known Helms would be his neighbor — but once he got to know Helms, he was profoundly impressed by his kindness and character. The real difference between Helms and Falwell, on one hand, and Tony Snow on the other was their contrasting roles in the culture war. Helms and Falwell were dynamic leaders and shrewd political strategists who capably advanced social conservative values and frustrated liberal causes. Tony Snow was a first-rate journalist and an articulate conservative who favored traditional values, but he was not a culture warrior who aggressively challenged the Left’s social agenda. Helms’s and Falwell’s real “crime” was their effective advocacy of values despised by the liberal media. Ultimately the disparity in coverage says more about the media than about Helms, Falwell and Snow. Politics, to many on the left, is a civic religion, and anybody espousing the wrong values is viewed as malicious if not downright evil. The abuse of Helms and Falwell betrays the liberal media’s ideological bias. On the bright side, their overall fair and respectful treatment of Tony Snow was a breath of fresh air to news watchers accustomed to savage attacks on public figures perceived as out of step with liberalism. Brian Fitzpatrick is Senior Editor, Culture and Media Institute. He is the author of “Tempting Target: Media Try to Persuade Conservatives to Stay Home,” for Human Events Online. Rush Limbaugh cited the column on Oct. 23, 2006, giving CMI immediate notoriety. Fitzpatrick has a B.A. in Government from Dartmouth College, and a Biblical Studies Certificate from Capital Bible Seminary. www.liberty.edu

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alumni

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

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alumni

a

s many freshmen will be finding out in the next few weeks, it doesn’t take long for Liberty University to become a “home away from home.” As a student you eat and sleep here, but you also spend countless hours with people who feel like family — people who become friends for life. That’s why this year’s Homecoming, with the theme “Come Home to Liberty,” is being expanded to a whole Alumni Weekend full of activities. Various departments, such as Alumni Relations, Athletics, Marketing, and the Career Center, have been planning events that will help alumni reconnect with old friends and the campus where they spent some special — and perhaps the most memorable — years of their lives. “Jerry and I are looking forward to having the alumni back at Liberty again,” said Becki Falwell, wife of Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. “We have planned a long weekend of exciting events that we hope will keep everyone coming back to visit for years to come and help our alumni feel a stronger tie to their alma mater.” The Falwells, both LU alumni, have begun a new initiative through Liberty’s Alumni Relations Office. They want to strengthen ties with the university by offering more activities and services to

alumni throughout the year, and they want current students to look forward to the days that they will be counted as alumni, too. This year’s Alumni Weekend will offer traditional Homecoming events, like the bonfire and parade, but with increased exposure and opportunity to give way to new traditions. The bonfire will feature a full pep rally, with an appearance by head football coach Danny Rocco and the football team. Nostalgic activities that alumni may have participated in as students at LU will also be offered, including a 5K run (to benefit the Elmer Towns Religion Hall), a carless drive-in movie, Scaremare, a volleyball game, baseball game and more. Carrie Barnhouse, a 2001 alumnus and a member of this year’s planning committee, said the weekend will center on recognizing alumni and giving them “the opportunity to reminisce about what Liberty was like when they were here — but also tie in the current student body with how things have changed.” “We’re in a new era at Liberty,” she said. “We’re starting new traditions and yet we’re working to preserve what sets Liberty apart. The principles on which we were founded remain the same, but our methods have changed.”

Other events include an Alumni Professionals Day on Thursday, Oct. 23, where alumni will have a chance to meet with current students. Alumni can choose to participate in a career fair, representing the company they work for and offering advice to Liberty students. “We want to offer opportunities for alumni to share how they graduated from Liberty and what they’re doing now,” Barnhouse said. “Our students want to be encouraged by someone who’s gone before them. … Hopefully, it will result in internship and job opportunities for students past, present and future.” Alumni are also invited to attend convocation on Friday, Oct. 24, which will feature a special tribute to the decades at Liberty. Barnhouse said she plans to attend several of the events. “As an alumnus, LU employee and new mom, I want to share the experiences and opportunities Liberty University gave me with my family. This is not just a place I went to college or got a job at — this is a place I call ‘home.’” Visit www.lualumni.com to register for Alumni Weekend and to learn more about what the Alumni Relations Office offers, including alumni benefits, merchandise, prayer requests and how to support Liberty ministries.


Come Home to

LIBERTY A W

H  M

October 23 -25

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

Check-in Welcome Reception Alumni Baseball Game Carless Drive-In Movie ScareMare (buses available) Career Fair

Check-in Convocation Bus Tours of Campus Ice Skating Hiking Chancellor’s Dinner Volleyball vs. Coastal Carolina Pep Rally and Bonfire ScareMare (buses available)

Check-in 5K Run Tailgating Homecoming Reception Homecoming Parade Football vs. Charleston Southern Volleyball vs. Charleston Southern Men’s Hockey vs. Stony Brook University

ation Registrline Dead

er 15 Septemb Football Ticket prices: $5 adults • $3 youth (ages 3-18) • Ages 2 and under free Advance registration is required for reception and football game discounts To register for Homecoming 2008, visit www.lualumni.com or call (800) 628-7973.


ALUMNI

why did you choose to attend liberty university?

My parents moved to Lynchburg in 1976, the summer before my junior year of high school, to join the faculty of what was then a comparatively small LBC (Liberty Baptist College). It then became a given that I would attend Liberty. We drove into town only days before the July 4 Bicentennial celebration on Liberty Mountain that was home at the time to fields, forests, the Carter-Glass mansion and literally nothing else. That patriotic celebration, attended by thousands, was a landmark event in the history of the university that struck even this cynical and detached teenager as exciting and uplifting. One year later, classes were held for the first time on Liberty Mountain. My parents, Al and Evelyn Snyder, remained on the faculty at Liberty until they retired. Above: Liberty University alumni Steve

and Patty Snyder have three children; Titus, Taylor, and Judson. Steve and Patty met at Liberty University and have been married for 24 years. Name: Steve Snyder Graduating Class: 1982 Residence: Tigerville, S.C. Occupation: Attorney, representing physicians and hospitals, practicing exclusively in the areas of medical malpractice defense litigation and hospital risk management Hobbies: Travel, reading, music, occasional golf, speaking at conferences and seminars on legal-medical issues Affiliations: Elder and teacher, Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church; Christian Medical Society; American Bar Association; South Carolina Bar Association; Defense Research Institute; South Carolina Defense Trial Lawyers Association; Greenville County Bar Association; Global Adapt; John Schindler Ministries, Champions for Christ Foundation Education: B.S., broadcasting and journalism, Liberty University; Juris Doctor, University of Virginia School of Law (1988)

what is your fondest memory of liberty?

My friends were obviously central to my fond memories. Bright and engaging professors who seemed to take a personal interest in me, such as Tommy Thomason, Mike Korpi and Dean Ed Dobson, are also fondly remembered. I now recall most fondly the sense of having been a part of something very special, sharing in the vision God had given Dr. (Jerry) Falwell who in turn inspired us to believe that Liberty would become great and its ministries and alumni would powerfully impact the world. Those of us who were there during its relative infancy grew to believe Dr. Falwell when he said we were all a part of God’s plan to build that little college into a great ministry and university. how did attending liberty prepare you for your life after graduation?

The diversity of students was great preparation for a diverse world. Learning to talk my way out of “write ups” and penalties for minor rule infractions was, perhaps, good preparation for my career as a litigator. My journalism professor, Tommy Thomason, who turned me on to the writings of great Christian thinkers like Schaeffer and Lewis, helped me begin to comprehend the distinctions between the rules, expectations and rituals of conservative American Christianity and the importance of developing a genuine relationship with a real and personal God. And, of course, I met my awesome wife Patty Glenn (’85) at Liberty. She is someone without whom I absolutely cannot imagine the past 24 years of my much-blessed life. what would people be surprised to know about you?

Many people who knew me probably did not know I had been raised in Liberia, West Africa, and that my parents were missionaries prior to joining the faculty at Liberty. I now spend six weeks or so each year leading retreats and speaking at conferences across the globe as part of a non-profit organization Patty and I founded, Global Adapt, which teaches, trains and consults on issues such as growing up cross-culturally and transitioning between cultures. www.liberty.edu

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alumni

Class of 1981 Sid Bream was recently named the new hitting coach for the New York-Penn League State College Spikes. Bream, 47, is well-known for his 12 seasons as a major league player, including six with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 198590. A native of Carlisle, Pa., Bream was originally drafted in the second round of the 1981 draft. After the 1990 season, Bream signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves before joining the Astros in 1994.

‘81

Gregory Couser recently received the Cedarville University (Ohio) Deans Service Award for 11 to 20 years of service. A faculty member at Cedarville University since 1994, Couser serves as professor of Bible and Greek. He earned his B.A. and M.A. from Liberty University in 1981 and 1988 and now resides in Xenia, Ohio. Bill Bell graduated with a degree in English and Drama. He met his wife and fellow thespian Sue Bussell at Lib-

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LIBERTY JOURNAL

erty University. He is director of the Centre for the History of the Book at The University of Edinburgh, where he

‘81

Dan Greear, a lifelong South Charleston, W.Va., resident, is running for West Virginia attorney general. After graduating summa cum laude from Liberty University with a B.S. in Political Science, he attended WVU College of Law, where he was placed on the West Virginia Law Review. Greear has worked with three law firms in his legal career. He served in the House of Delegates represent-

‘89

teaches English Literature. He has published widely on 19th century literature and culture and is general editor of a multi-volume "History of the Book in Scotland," two volumes of which appeared in November. He has delivered lectures and keynote addresses in London, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, Oxford, Washington D.C., and is a member of the Council of The Bibliographical Society, for whose journal, "The Library," he is editor. He has been a visiting fellow at The Australian National University, The University of Ottawa, and St John’s College Oxford. Playing soccer for his father, Bill, who was coach at Liberty, was one of Bell’s great privileges of his life. As a consummate professional, Bell’s father had coached at the highest European level, and eventually went on to achieve great things with the Flames. Bell has lived in Edinburgh since 1989.

September/October 2008

Class of 1989

ing the 30th District in 1995 and 1996. Greear married his wife, Amy, in 1992. They have two children, JD, 9, and Ben, 6. Amy is a hospice social worker. The family is active at Spring Hill Baptist Church, where Greear has attended all his life and now serves as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. www.dangreear.com Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Grote, a 1989 M.A.R. graduate of Liberty went on to receive a Ph.D., with a specialization of physical education, from Walden University, Minneapolis,

Minn. He is currently studying for a Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn. His focus in the D. Min. will be Christian Education. Grote, a Pennsylvania native, has lived in Maryland since age 13. He currently works for the Arc of Southern Maryland, in Prince Frederick, as an Employment Team Specialist. He attends Trinity Episcopal Church, Newport, Md.

‘93

Class of 1993

Octavio De La Grana began his second year with the Miami HEAT as the team’s assistant coach/advance scout. He has 18 years of head coaching experience at the high school level, including two stints at Florida Christian High School, where he led his team to the Class 2A Championship in 1996. He spent eight years as head coach of Westminster Christian High School’s basketball team. In 2005, he reached his 400th high school coaching victory, with Florida Christian. He and his wife, Angie, reside in Palmetto Bay with their five children: Derrick, Daniel, Chelsea, Jenny and Annie.


Edwin A. Miller, president and chief executive officer of Everest Software Inc., based in Dulles, Va., was named to “American Venture Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40.” Miller, 37, was nominated during his tenure as CEO of Sigaba, along with hundreds of nominees from across the U.S. Miller joined Everest Software in Nov. 2006. Previously, he served as president and CEO of Sigaba. Prior to Sigaba, he served as president and CEO of Infodata Systems as well as Ikimbo. He was also president and COO of XML Solutions after beginning his career in sales and marketing at PSINet. He earned a B.S. in management and linguistics from Liberty University and an M.B.A. from George Washington University.

Class of 1996 Jason Smart has been named the new Morehead High School head football coach. Smart spent the past seven seasons as head football coach at McMichael High School, guiding the team to its firstever playoff appearance and playoff victory in 2006. Smart, who was named North State 2-A Coach of the Year in 2006, is a 1991 Morehead graduate. He was a four-year starter on Liberty’s football team and was an All-American his senior year.

Miscellaneous Announcements

‘90

Class of 1998

‘98

Class of 1994 After graduating from Liberty, David Benham and Jason Benham, identical twins, were drafted by Major League Baseball — Jason played for the Baltimore Orioles; David played in both the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals organizations. After retiring from baseball in 2002, the brothers earned their real estate licenses together and began the Benham REO Group based in Charlotte, N.C. In February, the real estate group was awarded a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award.

hometown of Chinook and her current city of residence, Havre, Mont. www.wendywarburton.com; e-mail wendywarburton@gmail.com; 709 9th St., Havre, MT 59501

Wendy Warburton, a mass communications summa cum laude LU Honors Program graduate, is running for House District 34 in the Montana State Legislature. Endorsed by the Montana Right to Life and a sevenyear NRA member, as well as a member of the Montana Shooting Sports Association, Warburton is the Republican candidate seeking to represent northern Hill and Blaine counties, which includes her

• Liberty University graduates Michael Domke (’89) & JuliAn Domke (’90) are two of 92 new missionaries appointed by the International Mission Board on April 9 in Sunnyvale, Texas. The couple resides in Jacksonville, Fla., with their two children, Michael and Andrea. • Liberty graduates Derek Parker (’99 & ’08) and John Hartzell (’02) have established Backpacks For The Homeless, a ministry dedicated to helping alleviate homelessness in America. The ministry distributes backpacks filled with everyday supplies and shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Parker and his wife, Stephanie, have four children. He is a high school guidance counselor at Highlands Christian Academy in Pompano Beach, Fla. Hartzell is the campus

chaplain at Highlands Christian Academy and a youth pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, Florida. He and his wife, Erika, had their first child in May. www. backpacks4thehomeless.org • Liberty University’s Baseball Office is attempting to locate alumni who played baseball for Liberty to participate in an alumni baseball game during Homecoming 2008. There is a golf outing planned for noon on Friday, Oct. 24, and an informal dinner at the clubhouse at 6 p.m. Batting practice will be held at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, under the new lights at Worthington Stadium, and play begins at 7:30. For more information visit  www.LibertyFlames.com or e-mail jtoman@liberty.edu. • A Youth Aflame Reunion will be held in Lynchburg, Va., Sept. 24-27, 2009. This event is open to anyone who traveled with any of the singing teams — Youth Aflame Choir, All God’s Children, The Chorale, Young Believers, Youth Aflame Singers, SALT — plus anyone who worked under the leadership of Gordon Luff in any capacity. For more information, call Sheila Colclasure at (972) 484 2903 or e-mail larrysheila@sbcglobal.net.

e-mail: ttmaxwell@liberty.edu fax: 434-582-7710

mail: 1971 university blvd. lynchburg, va 24502 Please include a headshot in high resolution (300dpi) JPEG format with your submissions.

www.liberty.edu

53


SPORTS

FROM by TODD WETMORE Liberty Journal

It’s not uncommon in the world of athletics for one to pick up a media guide and catch a slogan pasted on the cover of the annual publication. Youthful programs will often corner the market on phrases that involve “construction” and “building for the future,” while themes such as “on the move” frequent the covers of up-and-coming programs. But how often do you see a team live up to its billing? For those among the record-setting crowds to see Liberty grace the gridiron in 2007, they witnessed just that, in a season that saw Liberty go from “Good2Great.” In 2005, Liberty posted a 1-10 record, a low point in the three-decade history of the program. Head coach Danny Rocco, now entering his third year with the Flames, was brought in to right the ship. He did, as the Flames tied for the nation’s best turnaround during his first season. Liberty’s five-game improvement enabled the Flames to post a 6-5 record. Following the 2006 “Season to Remember,” when a stingy Liberty defense allowed a minuscule 15.6 points per game, Rocco deemed the 2007 campaign a year he wanted to move the program from “Good2Great.” Liberty accomplished its feat in diametric fashion, exploding on the offensive side of the ball. Liberty bested the program’s team record for points scored in a season by more than 100 points. Liberty outscored its opponents by more than 20 points a game, enabling the Flames to post an 8-3 record.

However, the more important benchmark for the program could be found within half those victories. Liberty’s prolific offense stormed through the Big South, posting a 4-0 record en route to the program’s first-ever conference title. “What we’ve accomplished during our first two years is really exciting for our program, university, and the community,” stated Rocco. “We are at a point where I sense support for the program is at an all-time high. In light of that, we have very high expectations for the upcoming season.” Rocco has properly dubbed each of his first two years as head coach, steering the direction of the program upward toward play at a championship level. Lending the question, how has the skipper labeled 2008? “I’ve been saying in the offseason that we have unfinished business,” stated Rocco. “I think this team is capable of being even better than last year, but we still have a lot of work to do.” In 2006, Liberty brought a smile to the face of a two-decade veteran of defensive football by keeping points off the board. Last year, the pendulum swung the opposite direction with Liberty erasing offensive records nearly each game. “What I am hoping for this year is a more balanced football team,” remarked Rocco. “I want a team which shows signs it has abilities on offense to be explosive and to continue to be able to control the football with both our power run game and a short high-percentage pass game. Defensively, I think we need to get back to being a little more dominant.” A season of “Unfinished Business” awaits a well-balanced squad of 40 returning letterwinners and 12 starters, mixed in with a solid base of youthful players ready to carry on the rich tradition that is quickly becoming the trademark of the Danny Rocco era at Liberty. Todd Wetmore is Liberty University’s Assistant AD for Athletic Media Relations.

After serving as an assistant for the New York Jets, UVa, Texas and other top programs, Danny Rocco finds himself at the helm of Liberty University Football.


9/28/07

12:35 PM

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Photos by Les Schofer

acres of land in Lynchburg’s primary growth sector is a key part of its strategy in endowment building. Falwell Jr. has a signed contract with a major developer who wants to purchase 186 acres of land adjacent to LU Campus East for a new open-air shopping mall, which would likely become the primary retail hub for Lynchburg and surrounding counties. He’s also considering using matching grants to entice contributors to make donations to LU’s fledgling endowment program. All that comes at a time when LU is experiencing record growth. This fall’s residential student population is on the doorstep of the 10,500 mark. The school’s distance learning program will include about 27,000 students by the time the school year ends.

INSURANCE INITIAL BUILDING BLOCK

The proceeds from the Rev. Falwell’s life insurance gave the endowment program a significant jump-start. The school had been carrying between $20 million and $25 million in debt over the past 10 years. If that debt were paid off today, LU would still have more than $7 million it could apply toward endowment because of the proceeds from Falwell Sr.’s life insurance. Falwell Sr. knew the university’s financial health would be essential to its survival. While some of the life insurance was bought a decade or more ago, about $21 million worth was purchased in 2003 when Falwell Sr. turned 70. The life insurance premiums cost about $1 million per year. (Top) Rocco hoists the 2007 Big South “A lot of people were surprised trophy as he celebrates with the Flames that we could buy that much life insurafter a 31-0 win over Gardner-Webb. ance Directly at that age thatFlames’ price,” Falwell (Middle) afterforthe Jr. said. “Itvictory, worked out well for the unichampionship Rocco displays versity.” his running game when players attempt to showerThat him with (Bottom) was Gatorade. a small price to pay given Rocco instructs his Falwell team from the fact that Sr.the hadsideset a goal of lines building during Liberty’s final 2007 home LU’s endowment to $1 billion gameover against theVMI. nextThe10Flames years.went on to defeat the Keydets 73-34. He was the school’s chief fundraiser and chief recruiter, who built the school from scratch and watched it survive a rocky transition from its depend-

GENERAL NEWS and its strong financial position. ence on donated television ministry “The university reaches a lot of money to standing as an independent people in many aspects of life,” he said. institution flourishing financially on its Prestonwood Ministry Leadership Conference “It reaches throughout the world as own tuition and fees. engageconference.org more and more alumni go out into the OTHER DONATIONS IN PLAY world. 2008 I can see great potential in what OCTOBER 20–22, Because of LU’s current clean bill of Church they |arePlano, doing.There is a great need for Prestonwood Baptist Texas financial health, it has begun receiving more of it.” other large donations for its endowCook said he hopes his gift will ment. spark others to give. Sherwin Cook, a Madison Heights, “Liberty is at the point now that it Va., businessman, recently gave $2 million is out of debt,” he said.“Personally, I and 101-year-old Oliver Durbin, who think Liberty needs an endowment proDAVID KERRYLU theGREG JONATHAN lives in Nebraska, made benefacgram.They have thousands and thouJEREMIAH SHOOK LAURIE FALWELL tor of most of his $1.5 million estate. sands of alumni out there that I’m sure The university’s estate planning would contribute to it.There are friends challenging church leaders to engage the culture department has reached agreements for of Liberty and of Thomas Road [Baptist $4.8 million of gifts this year compared Informative seminars on leading and serving Church] the church who will be willing to conBuild relationships with other church leaderstribute.The school now does not have with $900,000 in gifts at the same point last year.Special discounted rate for full-time to worry aboutDR.paying off the bills.” JACK GRAHAM, PASTOR seminary students! PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH “It was extremely generous and completely unexpected,” Falwell Jr. said. THE PLAZA DONATION OFFERS POSSIBILITY “We have the beginning of a good size Early 3FHJTUFS POMJOF In September, the university endowment fund.We think Registration now that became the recipient of an $11.7 milwe have an endowment it willPricing encourengageconference.org lion gift from a Scottsdale, Ariz., real age others to give to the endowment.” Available! 972-930-4480 firm. Cook said he began planning his gift estate development The gift from Sandor Development two or three years ago. He was � FUTURE continued on page 8 impressed by Liberty’s Christian mission OPX

Nov/Dec LJ

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Les Schofer

Flames on the move

SPORTS

by ERIC BROWN Liberty Journal

O

ver the last two seasons, Liberty University football fans have packed Williams Stadium, averaging more spectators than the venue’s maximum capacity. This season, those same fans can feel right at home — even when traveling to away games. At every 2008 Flames road game, LU’s Athletics Department will host a tailgate party where fans can gather to root for the defending Big South Champions. The tailgate party was conceived two years ago as a way to boost Liberty’s fan presence on the road. After a successful trial run, the athletics department purchased a 50-foot inflatable tent. The tent made its appearance at four of the five Liberty away games last season. “It becomes a visual our fans can relate to right away. They see it; they know it, they head right for it,” Liberty University Athletics Department Associate AD, External Operations, Kevin Keys said. “It’s just an effort to try to give people a rallying point.” Fans who attend the games can buy a ticket that includes a meal catered by a local food vendor for an additional $10. The menu varies depending on the vendor, but ticket holders will enjoy tasty tailgate fare such as hotdogs, hamburgers, barbeque chicken and various side items. Postcard invitations are sent out to season ticket holders, alumni and

other Liberty football supporters that live within a 75-mile radius of each opposing team’s site. Those planning to attend the game can reserve a spot with the LU ticket office and enjoy food, fellowship and fun with numerous Flames fans. There is no charge for visitor parking at most venues, so tailgaters can park near the tent. Flames Club member John Williams has been a longtime supporter of Liberty athletics. He and his wife, Ellie, attended several tailgating events last year and are looking forward to meeting other Flames fans this season. “I love being there,” said Williams. “There is nothing like getting involved in the excitement of the football game.” Liberty’s Director of Athletics Jeff Barber also enjoyed the excitement last season, as he met with tailgaters under the giant red, white and blue tent. As the 2008 season approaches, he hopes even more fans will travel to support the Flames this year. “I just encourage fans to come out,” said Barber. “It’s a lot of fun. The food is always good. You meet new people and see some old faces that you haven’t seen in a while and enjoy Liberty football as well.” If you would like to reserve a spot at an away game tailgate party near you, please call the Flames ticket office at (434) 582-SEAT. www.liberty.edu www.liberty.edu

63 57


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An intimate perspective of the most influential religious leader in America Your Network for For the first time Macel Falwell, Rev. Falwell's widow, provides this official biography of the founder of Thomas Road Baptist Church and the Moral Majority. Along with never-before-seen photographs, Macel gives a personal viewpoint and tells readers stories from across the decades, including some from his children that show the man behind the passion. Readers will be given insight into his most publicized and controversial events, such as: • • • •

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