B1 Zombies walk for charity
Flames split series
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Volume 32 | Issue 7 Tuesday, October 21, 2014
New Deans chosen
fall festival fun
Provost picks new leaders Josh Janney jjanney@liberty.edu
Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion
PAINTING PUMPKINS — 700 students and community members enjoyed seasonal activities at Camp Hydaway.
Nasser’s strategy Plan for the future unveiled at Monday’s Convocation
“People hate change, but love progress,” President Jerry Falwell said at the start of Convocation Monday, Oct. 20. “You can’t have one without the other.” Falwell began Convocation, voicing to students that David Nasser, senior vice president for spiritual development, is not a replacement for Johnnie Moore, the former senior vice president of communication. Rather, he
reminded students that Nasser is a different man with different talents and gifts, who NASSER is prepared to bring new ideas to the table. Falwell shared that he and Nasser have had many discussions on the changes, telling students that they have worked to Joel Coleman
Tré Goins-Phillips dgoinsphillips@liberty.edu
decide “what should be done in the future … to build on what Johnnie Moore and others have done here.” Nasser followed Falwell and took to the stage Monday morning to outline the future of Convocation. Nasser reassured students that the vision will remain the same — Liberty will continue to focus all its efforts on raising “Champions for Christ.” In order to maintain good vision, the cam-
pus pastor told students they must remain rooted in the past, clear in the present and hopeful for the future. “My job, at the end of the day, is how do we do ministry to the body and then mission with the body,” Nasser said of his role as Liberty’s pastor. “That is what I eat, sleep, breathe and pray about.” In celebration of his ministry
See PLAN, A8
In order to accommodate the rapid growth of Liberty University and the need to employ more professionals, Provost Dr. Ronald Godwin has appointed several individuals for academic leadership positions. The new positions include Angela Rice becoming the new dean for the Jerry Falwell Library, Dr. Deanna Britt being promoted from department chair to dean for the School of Nursing and Dr. Ronald Hawkins serving as dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences. “Each dean was chosen not only for their academic qualifications, which are absolutely essential, but because of their career experience and demonstrated leadership abilities,” Godwin said. “The process involves my identifying and evaluating one or more candidates and then reviewing and making recommendations of those candidates with the president.” According to Godwin, the most essential quality they look for in a dean is the ability to enthusiastically take responsibility for the health and academic outcomes of both online and residential divisions of their schools. “We have no tolerance for leaders who are not committed to the welfare and development of both online and resident Liberty students,” Godwin said. “I am totally confident that these new deans are the kind of leaders on whom Dr. Hawkins and our President, Jerry Falwell, can rely.” Follow the Champion’s coverage of the new deans with upcoming profiles on each over the next three weeks. JANNEY is the asst. news editor.
SADA hosts lectures Professional Illustrators advise students at event Lauren Glossner lbglossner@liberty.edu
Hundreds of Studio and Digital Arts students listened to the advice Melanie Hall and Megan Halsey shared during their two lectures and were also able to meet the illustrator/authors at a book signing Thursday, Oct. 16. The first lecture was titled Two Authors: Two Stories and was held in DeMoss Hall 4040 at 10-11:30 a.m. The second was called
All About Art Licensing and was held in the Grand Lobby of DeMoss Hall at 2:15-3:45 p.m. The book signing and exhibition was held from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Liberty University Art Gallery. Some of Hall’s books included “In Our Image, God’s First Creatures,” “Christmas Presents, Holiday Poetry” and “Every Second Something Happens, Poems for the Mind and Senses.” A few of Halsey’s books were: “3
Pandas Planting,” “Boats: Speeding! Sailing! Cruising!” and “Pumpkin Day, Pumpkin Night.” Department Chair Todd Smith opened the second lecture with a prayer. He thanked Hall and Halsey for coming, as well as the professors who organized these events. He also recognized the ILLUMINATE Grant that helped fund these opportunities. Hall and Halsey have been friends since 1987. According to Halsey, they
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Profiles on candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. A4
clicked immediately and have enjoyed working together. Hall explained that Halsey constantly spurs her forward, which causes her to rise to new challenges. “It’s nice to have that friend who has your back and is encouraging when things go wrong,” Halsey said. Hall has been storytelling in the publishing and design industries business for more than 25 years, and
See ART, A3
INSIDE THE CHAMPION
Sports
Women’s volleyball extends its winning streak to 11.
B1
Joel Coleman | Liberty News Service
VISION — Megan Hall and Melanie Halsey share ideas.
Feature
A glimpse at the good and the bad aspects of RA life. B7
News Opinion
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Sports Feature
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news
A2 | October 21, 2014 | Liberty Champion
Jordan Crossingham | Liberty News Service
COACH — Johnathan Willis is a former volleyball player.
Ty Hester |Liberty News Service
PRESIDENT — Jerry Falwell developed Club Sports.
Les Schofer|Liberty News Service
DOCTOR— Gary Habermas formerly coached hockey.
Hall of Fame announced First class to be honored for their contribution to the Club Sports program
Felicia Hudson fphudson@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s Club Sports announced its first class of Hall of Fame inductees to be honored for their involvement in athletic programs spanning the ice of the hockey rinks to the wooden courts of volleyball. President Jerry Falwell, who has played a vital role in developing the Club Sports program, Dr. Gary Habermas, men’s hockey team coach from 1985 to 1994, and Johnathan Willis, former men’s volleyball player and headcoach and current assistant coach of the NCAA women’s volleyball team, will be the first three to be
inducted into the Club Sports Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place Dec. 5 in the Hancock Welcome Center. The inductees will also be honored during the men’s hockey game against Virginia Tech Dec. 6 during intermission at the LaHaye Ice Center. At that time, the three inductees’ Hall of Fame plaques will be placed in the lobby of the LaHaye Ice Center. “I am definitely honored to be inducted into the hall of fame,” Willis said. “I did not play or coach to receive any type of recognition. I simply wanted to be the best that I could be as an athlete and as a coach and to bring God glory. I loved every moment as a player and as a coach of the
men’s volleyball program, and I will cherish every memory that was made here.” According to Willis, the athletes that play in club sports play for the love of the game rather than for fame and glory. “So many athletes give all of their time while here on campus to play club sports year around,” Willis said. “This Hall of Fame provides a tangible record for those who have excelled in one way or another and have given their all to represent this great university at a high level. What this means for Club Sports as a whole is pretty huge.” Falwell, Habermas and Willis were voted to be members of the inaugural class through a
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committee of nine people and a ballot process. Derek Young, coordinator of business operations for Club Sports, presided over the ballot process. The three inductees were chosen for their contributions and dedication to Club Sports. “Club Sports has expanded to 32 teams and around 500 athletes,” Club Sports Hall of Fame Director Jake Hannon said. “We’ve had some excellent athletes come through Club Sports throughout the years, and we wanted to develop a way to formally recognize their accomplishments. We believe our club sports program is outstanding and exceeds expectations of a normal club sports program.”
Part of Hannon’s job is to plan the ceremony, coordinate events and invite guests. Hannon said each year, most likely in the beginning of December, more Club Sports athletes will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. “We modeled the Club Sports Hall of Fame after the current Hall of Fame that Liberty has in place for all its NCAA athletics teams,” Hannon said. “We’re adding professionalism to something that’s already very professional. … I’m thrilled that I have the opportunity to help get this thing off the ground.”
HUDSON is a news reporter.
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CAMPUS CALENDAR 10/24
- Family Weekend 8 a.m.-5 p.m | Check in at Hancock Welcome Center 10/24 - Art Expo 8 p.m. | LaHaye Event Space 10/25 - Newt and Callista Gingrich Book signing 12 p.m.-2 p.m. | Campus Bookstore - Commuter Tailgate Cornhole Tournament 2 p.m. | TRBC Parking Lot *Winners receive football jerseys - Flames vs Gardner Webb 3:30 p.m. | Williams Stadium 10/25 - Family Movie Night: How to Train Your Dragon 2 & The Lego Movie 8 p.m. | Vines Center 10/27 - Outdoor Doc Film & Bonfire: Feat. Exposure Vol. 1 8 p.m. | Campus Bookstore 10/31 - Costume 5K 8 pm. | Camp Hydaway | LU Students: $5 - Halloween Movie Night: Casper 9:30 p.m. *directly following Costume 5K | Camp Hydaway
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Liberty Champion | October 21, 2014 | A3
Students network in D.C.
PRSSA club members learn from professionals during national conference Emily Brown erbrown@liberty.edu
While many students went home or on short vacations over fall break, seven Liberty students traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) national conference. The event, titled Intersections: The Meeting Place of Communications & Culture, took place Oct. 10-14. The executive team of Liberty’s PRSSA chapter made the trip and attended a number of workshops, including sessions on sports, fashion, political, international, nonprofit and entertainment public relations. The event also afforded Liberty’s PRSSA members the opportunity to connect with more than 1,000 public relations students from across the country and learn from public relations professionals. “This was the second national conference I attended, and it was another wonderful year,” Lauren Creekmore, president of Liberty’s PRSSA chapter, said. “… The conference was such a motivation for PRSSA at Liberty and provided great networking opportunities for us as PR students. Speakers like (Good Morning America anchor) Amy Robach, and (author of Steve Jobs’ biography) Walter Isaacson are the kinds of speakers that we were able to listen to, and it allowed us to soak in their advice and knowledge.” Josh Gordon, vice president of Liberty’s PRSSA chapter, also
explained that the conference was a valuable experience. “The conference was an amazing time of networking with students from all across the country, rubbing shoulders with professionals, leadership training and expanding our knowledge of the field,” Gordon said. “… I learned a lot of things that I can really put into practice here at Liberty. This national conference served as a catalyst for me to inspire other students on campus to professionally develop and network with professionals all across the country.” According to Creekmore, she hopes that Liberty’s PRSSA chapter can continue the tradition of attending the conference anually. Liberty’s chapter currently has approximately 70 members, and students are given the opportunity to join at the beginning of each semester. According to Gordon, students in the organization develop as they learn from mentors who excel in the field and gain valuable networking opportunities. Amy Bonebright, an instructor of Digital Media & Communications Arts and faculty advisor of PRSSA, encouraged students pursuing a degree in public relations or job in the field to join the chapter. Gordon, who has been a member of PRSSA for two years, said his participation in the chapter has proven to be very helpful. "Joining PRSSA has been the best thing to happen to me since coming to college,” Gordon said.
ART continued from A1 2015 will mark 25 years for Halsey, according to her website. “(It) feels like such an accomplishment to still be in this business,” Halsey said. The two have worked on illustrating children’s books, but like many illustrators, they are involved in multiple projects. “We wear many different hats,” Hall said. “I don’t just want to do one thing. I enjoy doing multiple things.” In the first lecture, the pair shared about
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LEADERSHIP — PRSSA executive team represented Liberty's chapter in this year's national conference. “I am able to apply classroom knowledge in the real world. The opportunity to network with professionals and other students has been crucial.” In addition to benefiting public relations students, the organization hosts special events for other students as well, such as an annual alumni panel composed of graduates who currently have jobs in the field. “Our students leave Liberty and become movers and shakers in their industry,” Bonebright said. Alumni of Liberty’s PRSSA chapter include Jon Negroni, who currently works for Apple and is known most for his “Pixar Theory,” Sarah Corder, who garnered the PRWeek Student of the Year award in 2014 and is currently an intern at Edelman, the world’s largest public relations firm, and
themselves and their stories. In the second lecture, they discussed art licensing which, according to Halsey, is when permission is given to a manufacturer to use a designer’s work. Hall and Halsey explained that when people are observant, they could see that licensed art is all around them. Halsey broke the topic down into several categories, including paper goods like stationery, fabric for sewing or quilting, wall coverings and home décor pieces such as chairs or lamps. According to Halsey, people want things
Keri Cook, the 2012 PRWeek Student of the Year who currently works for SS+K in New York City. Public relations students can also gain practical experience through Innovations, an offshoot of Liberty’s PRSSA chapter that acts as a student-run public relations firm. In the past, the firm has worked on public relations campaigns for major organizations such as the Special Olympics of Virginia. This semester, members of Innovations are working on accounts with Liberty’s Center for Global Engagements, College Republicans and the Club Sports department, as well as local nonprofit organization His Vision. According to Clark Greer, faculty advisor for Innovations, the student-run firm offers oppor-
that are pretty and also functional. Most people prefer to buy things they already need with designs on them. Halsey claimed that the key to art licensing is to be versatile and flexible. Designers' sense of style reflects their personality, but they must be able to tweak their designs to adapt to what the manufacturer wants. When asked which market, illustrating books or art licensing, was better to get into, Hall and Halsey noted that both fields are viable options because art directors always need new material. They encouraged
tunities for students to gain the experience that employers across the country look for on résumés. “We have heard time and time again from (public relations) professionals that they look for résumés where the student was an active member of PRSSA,” Greer said. “It speaks volumes that the student was invested in his or her field of study by being involved outside the classroom.” For more information on Liberty’s PRSSA chapter or its student-run public relations firm, visit facebook.com/libertyprssa, twitter.com/libertyprssa or prssainnovations.com. BROWN is the editor-in chief. Research contributed by ERIKA MCLEOD.
students to follow their passion and pursue what they wanted to do. Hall and Halsey stressed a balance between illustrating and designing. Students need to have artistic talent, but also be competent in design software. For more information on Hall and Halsey, check out their websites: meganhalseyart.com and mhallillustration.com
GLOSSNER is a news reporter.
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A4 | October 21, 2014 | Liberty Champion
POLITICAL PROFILES
5 th DISTRICT EDITOR’S NOTE
These four pages carry short biographies and questionand-answer articles for seven candidates running for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 5th and 6th districts. The biographies for the candidates were written from several sources. All candidates were provided the same questions and were given a word count of 800 words, and
VOT E
answers were only edited by the Liberty Champion staff for grammar and Associated Press Style. The candidates are separated by district and are placed in alphabetical order by last name within their districts. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on polling places, visit voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov.
L AW REN C E G AU GHAN Lawrence Gaughan, a Democrat, was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, to Lawrence D. Gaughan, a lawyer, and Margery Gaughan, the adopted daughter of a lumberjack. He has one older half-brother from his mother’s first marriage. Lawrence Gaughan graduated from Albermarle High School in 1985. When the film “Morgan Stewart’s Coming Home” was being filmed in central Virginia, Lawrence Gaughan found work as a production assistant. After the film, he spent two years attending college in Virginia before transferring to the University of Montana, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in 1994. Lawrence spent the next five years in Hollywood, California, before returning to Virginia, where he continued to work with film and stage productions. In the early 2000s, Lawrence Gaughan became more involved with the Democratic Party. He worked for John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign and raised money for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee during the 2006 midterm elections. Between 2006 and 2009, his focus shifted back to the theater and directing movies. He amassed more than 40 stage readings and several full productions. In 2009, he co-wrote and directed a short film entitled “Circles of Life.” In 2010, Lawrence Gaughan founded the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization GOV360, which is dedicated to reaching out to non-voters. He received several grants to conduct research into the crisis of low civic participation. Between 2012 and 2013, he attended Pepperdine University, where he received his master’s degree in social change theory. Lawrence Gaughan has now turned over the daily operations of GOV360 so he can focus his full attention on his campaign. “We all know that Washington is broken,” Lawrence Gaughan said on his campaign website. “We cannot expect the career politicians to fix the problems that they helped to create.” Lawrence Gaughan stands for issues such as affordable higher education, affordable health care, environmental protection, immigration reform and streamlined tax codes.
Q: Why should a college student vote for you? A: In my work as the executive director and founder of GOV360. org, we found that leading studies concluded that roughly 80 percent of college students do not vote at all in non-presidential elections — for anyone. The highest turnout level for college students was in 2008 (more than 40 percent). But since then, turnout has fallen to record lows. The fact that I reach out directly to college students with these statistics and with a message of participation should be reason enough for them to vote for me, but here are three other important reasons: 1). I will work to make higher education and vocational training more affordable. You should not have to come from a background of wealth and privilege to go to college. 2). I will work to end this cycle of shipping good-paying jobs overseas, by cutting corporate tax loopholes and promoting our American brand — made in America — in the global marketplace. 3). I will fulfill the number one duty of a representative in Congress, which is to protect our national security and our sovereignty by making sure we create jobs here in America, provide fair and affordable access to a good education and follow the Constitution when it comes to the issue of war. I will never authorize the executive branch to send our men and women into harm’s way, unless there is a direct and immediate threat to our national security here at home. Q: What, if any, legislation could be considered to give religious institutions, such as Liberty University, the right to be exempt from federal mandates that violate their conscience? A: This question is not specific
enough to answer. What mandates? It is arbitrary and capricious to engage in this kind of speculation or conjecture.
when it comes to sending troops, and I am opposed to that type of executive authority. This question is too vague.
Q: What plans do you have or support to help alleviate student loan debt while simultaneously ensuring quality higher education? A: Rather than double student loan interest rates (as my opponent did), I would lower them and provide incentives for employers to hire people with advanced degrees by giving them tax credits and allowing some debt relief in cases where the graduate is working to better their community.
Q: What are your top three priorities concerning congressional legislation? A: 1). Close corporate tax loopholes in our trade agreements so that we finally end this business of expatriating billions of dollars and shipping good manufacturing and communication industry jobs overseas. 2). Fund early childhood development (Universal Pre-K). This has major future implications in terms of our ability to make America competitive again and in terms of promoting future prosperity for generations to come. 3). Pass a balanced budget amendment that ends corporate welfare and giveaways to billionaires. Support small businesses with incentives and tax breaks. By creating fairness in the tax code, we can bring down our deficit (and debt) while creating good paying jobs here in America.
Q: What is your position on abortion? A: My position on abortion? I am not a woman. It is not up to me to have a position on such matters, unless we want to promote some sort of patriarchal tyranny in this country, to which I am strongly opposed. Q: With the recent spread of terrorism, particularly ISIS, how do you think the U.S. should respond? A: Let Congress take responsibility for this matter, and let us have a clean up and down vote on airstrikes against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. I would vote for such airstrikes and for the presence of U.S. Naval carriers in the region. I would not vote to send 120,000 troops to the region (like they did in Iraq in 2003). We also need to rely more on the efforts of our intelligence apparatus (CIA, Naval Intel, Army Intel., FBI and Homeland Security).
Q: What separates you from other candidates? A: People are sick and tired of the status quo. I am not a lawyer, a millionaire or a career politician, and I am not from a family of wealth and privilege. I am not a candidate who represents business as usual.
Q: What are your thoughts on the use of executive action? A: Again, this is a vague and unfounded question. What type of executive action specifically? I have already addressed executive action
K E N H I L D E B R A N DT Dr. Ken Hildebrandt will represent the 5th district in the state of Virginia as he runs for the U.S. House of Representatives Nov. 4. Hildebrandt worked in New Jersey as a former chiropractic physician for 13 years, but he left his practice when he felt called to enter the political realm to fight the “pain” his patients were receiving from Washington. Hildebrandt is running under the Green Party, according to his campaign website. The Green Party was formed in 2001, and members focus their attention on the environment, social justice and those who are not in favor of corporate dominated politics. Hildebrandt started his political career through journalism in 2000 after he left the medical field. He was one of the first early online political videographers. While working as a videographer, Hildebrandt interviewed presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial and congressional candidates. After completing a candidate interview in Washington, D.C., on April 17, 2012, Hildebrandt was recognized by the Independent Greens Executive Committee National Chairman Carey Campbell, who asked Hildebrandt to run for Congress. Hildebrandt initially declined. However, once he discussed it with his wife, they both knew it was something he “had” to do. Hildebrandt also voiced his opinion on other various political issues, such as, growing the economy through producing U.S. owned oil, tax reform, social security and medicare, human rights, national security and getting rid of Uranium mining. During a campaign video, Hildebrandt stated his unhappiness with politicians in Washington by suggesting the criminal justice system is not focusing on the right criminals. “How did the land of the free go to the land of the caged?” Hildebrandt said. “We have more prisoners in the United States, thanks to this drug war, than any other nation on earth, including China, even though they outnumber us by far. In the 1960s, 90 percent of homicides were solved. Nowadays, it is only 63 percent, so remember that this drug war comes at a real high price.”
Q: Why should a college student vote for you? A: Because I have worked fulltime free of charge for 14 years trying to inform Americans about solutions that were right at our fingertips but that we were not using. Now we have a chance to present those solutions to a wider audience and finally begin to steer in a more reasonable direction. Q: What, if any, legislation could be considered to give religious institutions, such as Liberty University, the right to be exempt from federal mandates that violate their conscience? A: I disagree with a lot of my government’s policies, but I still have to fund them by law. I do not like it. I think we should focus on making our laws more reasonable. Q: What plans do you have or support to help alleviate student loan debt while simultaneously ensuring quality higher education? A: Reduce our spending on the military, which equals or exceeds that of the rest of the world combined, and follow the path of Germany, who is offering free university educations to its citizens. Q: What is your position on abortion? A: It is largely a distraction issue aimed at getting the oppressed to vote for their oppressors. I am not
saying it is not important, yet we can tell from history that Republican leaders do not care about abortion, or they would have tried to do something about it when they had both houses of Congress, the presidency and the judiciary, but they did not. So, the best thing to do is provide education, make embryology mandatory high school curriculum and push for legislation that would make abortion illegal (except in cases of rape in which the victim did not have the option of abortion earlier) once the embryo can feel pain, which is about 20 weeks. Q: With the recent spread of terrorism, particularly ISIS, how do you think the U.S. should respond? A: We should learn from our past and do what a two-tour Iraq War veteran said to me: “Nothing.” Q: What are your thoughts on the use of executive action? A: If Obama was to use this somehow to save the thousand children who die every hour of neglect for what just a fraction of the Pentagon budget could easily cover, as discussed below, I would be all for that, but otherwise, generally speaking, it is not a good thing. Q: What are your top three priorities concerning congressional legislation? A: Legalize all of what many refer
to as “God given plants,” including industrial hemp and marijuana. Revert the tax structure to something similar to what it was all the way until Ronald Reagan. Enact legislation to help rapidly put an end to the “silent slaughter” of children who die of neglect at a rate of a thousand per hour, meaning a holocaust of children every 250 days, and that estimate is low. This slaughter must stop. How would we explain this to an outside intelligence? How will future historians, if there are any, look back at this time when we allowed profit to come before people at the very risk of life on earth as we know it, while discarding innocent children en masse as if they are not even real? Q: What separates you from other candidates? A: My focus on those children who are dying of neglect at a rate of at least 24,000 per spin of the earth.
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Liberty Champion | October 21, 2014 | A5
ABOUT THE 5 t h DISTRICT Virginia’s 5th Congressional District is one of the largest districts by area in the state. The district stretches from the Virginia-North Carolina border through Fauquier County, which is approximately 40 miles from the nation’s capital. The 5th District includes 24 counties. While on-campus Liberty students do not vote for a candidate in the district, offcampus students living nearby in Nelson, Appomattox, Campbell and Bedford counties will be voting in this district. For information on voting precincts in the district, visit voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov.
ROBERT HURT Robert Hurt, a Republican, is the incumbent U.S Representative of Virginia’s 5th congressional District in the House of Representatives. Hurt, 45, is seeking a third term after first being elected in 2011. Hurt was raised in Chatham, Virginia. He earned his bachelor’s degree from HampdenSydney College in 1991 and a law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 1995. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2001 and served there from 2002 to 2007. Hurt also represented the 19th District in the Senate of Virginia from 2008 to 2010. One of Hurt’s primary goals in the upcoming election is to reduce federal spending and debt now so that future generations will not have to suffer the consequences. Hurt says that it is important to promote policies that create more jobs, which in turn provide more freedom and opportunity for Americans. Hurt also wishes to reduce federal regulation of education, private institutions, greenhouse gas emissions and energy. On his website, he blames the federal government for hindering employment opportunities. “There is no greater priority for us in the 5th District than job creation,” Hurt said. “In order to get our economy back on track, it is vital that the message coming out of Washington be one that fosters an environment of economic certainty. We must remove Washington as a roadblock to job creation. As a Nelson County farmer explained it, the greatest barrier to jobs is the federal government.” Hurt is a member of the Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over all aspects of the U.S. financial and housing sectors, according to his website. He believes the Committee will be important for moving the nation’s economy forward. He is also the vice chairman of the Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises Subcommittee. He currently resides in Chatham with his wife, Kathy, and three sons, Charles, Clement and John.
Q: Why should a college student vote for you? A: I am running for reelection because I believe the policies coming out of Washington are leaving the next generation — college students and other young people — a country that is in worse condition than it was given to us by our parents and grandparents. We must change course so we create more freedom and opportunity for all Americans, not less, so young people have access to more jobs, not fewer; so we tackle our spending and debt problems now and not leave the bill to future generations. Federal policies have a profound impact on young people, and it is important that they be aware of how and why these debates matter to them. I am committed to taking on the challenges that will leave this country a more free and prosperous place for future generations. Q: What, if any, legislation could be considered to give religious institutions, such as Liberty University, the right to be exempt from federal mandates that violate their conscience? A: I believe that private entities, like Liberty University, should not be forced to adhere to government mandates that violate their religious beliefs. I will continue the effort to repeal the president’s health care law and support legislation that defends religious liberty and Americans’ First Amendment rights. Q: What plans do you have or support to help alleviate student loan debt while simultaneously ensuring quality higher education? A: We must adopt policies that will slow the growth of college tuition so students and families can afford the opportunity to pursue higher education. Education is principally a state responsibility, and I support reducing any unnecessary federal mandates that hinder states’ ability to keep tuition costs down. I have also introduced bipartisan legislation that makes it easier for families to save for college. H.R. 3029, the College Savings Enhancement Act, would update current laws to allow state-run prepaid college
savings plans the freedom to invest more broadly, enhancing their ability to meet their obligations to the families purchasing their plans and saving for their children’s future. Q:. What is your position on abortion? A: I believe that life begins at conception. During my time in Congress, I have voted on a number of occasions to protect life, including voting to permanently prohibit the use of federal funds for abortion. Q: With the recent spread of terrorism, particularly ISIS, how do you think the U.S. should respond? A: I believe that ISIL is a direct threat to our national security that must be destroyed, but I have serious objections to the current engagement in which our military is involved because the president has not requested from Congress, as required by the U.S. Constitution, a broader Authorization for Use of Military Force to combat ISIL in Iraq and Syria. The American people and their representatives in Congress must be afforded the opportunity to have an honest and candid debate over what will be necessary to achieve this objective and exactly what will ultimately be required of the American people and our brave men and women in uniform as we embark on this wider military course.
Q: What are your top three priorities concerning congressional legislation? A: As unemployment rates in many Fifth District localities remain unacceptably high, I have been laserfocused on making it easier for small businesses to succeed and thrive in our communities. I have proposed and supported a number of bipartisan initiatives to jumpstart our economy. Washington has embarked on an out of control spending spree that has failed to create jobs or grow the economy and has only led to a national debt of nearly $18 trillion. I have supported several pieces of legislation, including a Balanced Budget Amendment that would cut trillions in government spending so that we can begin to reduce our debt, grow the economy and create jobs. I believe the president’s health care law must be fully repealed and replaced with market-driven health care reforms rather than government mandates. These mandates are making coverage more expensive, are separating patients from their insurance plans and their doctors, reducing jobs and reducing hours and wages for workers. We should instead adopt reforms that utilize market forces like competition and choice to reduce costs to increase access to care without reducing its quality.
Q: What are your thoughts on the use of executive action? A: Over the last six years, we have witnessed this president repeatedly disregard the constraints on his constitutional powers and take executive action that goes well beyond what the Constitution permits. Our founders carefully designed a system of checks and balances and separate powers so no one branch could have unchecked authority, but time and time again, this administration has disregarded these safeguards intended to protect the people from an overbearing government. I will continue to hold the executive branch accountable, ensure the rule of law is upheld, and protect individual liberty and freedom.
Q: What separates you from other candidates? A: I deeply appreciate the fact that the seat to which I was elected does not belong to any one person, but instead belongs to the good people of Virginia’s Fifth District. With this in mind, I am asking for your support in the upcomting election so I may continue our important work of promoting policies that restore opportunity, freedom and common sense to a federal government that so often seems disconnected from the people it represents. I humbly ask for the opportunity to continue on our mission to fight for a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.
Q: What plans do you have or support to help alleviate student loan debt while simultaneously ensuring quality higher education? A: Federal government intervention in the education market has raised the cost of a college education. Federal subsidies to colleges and universities must stop. College budget constraints diminish as the government absorbs tuition increases. Schools have no incentive to keep costs down.
Q: What are your top three priorities concerning congressional legislation? A: My top three priorities are to cut the size of government to pay off our debt and reduce taxes, stop all National Security Agency eavesdropping of citizens and the collection of emails, and make the president, Congress and the courts follow the Constitution.
PA U L J O N E S Paul Jones was born and raised in western New York. He moved to Charlottesville while he was in high school and has since lived there for almost 50 years. After high school, Jones passed the College Level Examination Program, which gave him the equivalent of two years of college. He also took classes at the University of Virginia, Madison College (now James Madison University), and the American International Academy. He attended law school at John Marshall University in Atlanta and received his LL.B. in 1971. He began his business career in Charlottesville at the Anderson Brothers Bookstore. From there, he went on to own or manage many other businesses in Charlottesville, including a grocery store, an office supply store, a shipping store and a printing company. His political views gradually evolved through the years as he watched how the government treated small business. Jones is now a member of the Libertarian Party. He believes that the Democratic and Republican parties are part of the problem with government today and that it is time for someone else to take charge. Over the last 20 years, Jones has been a docent for the Albermarle Charlottesville Historical Society. Several of his articles have been published in local magazines and newspapers. He has also worked for many years with youth baseball, serving as a manager, a coach, an umpire and a sponsor. Jones currently lives in Charlottesville with his wife, Judy. They have five children, seven grandchildren and two dogs and cats.
Q: Why should a college student vote for you? A: College students will be the ones inheriting our national debt unless something is done about it now. It can be done without raising taxes on people who didn’t get the benefit of the overspending. Our government is so swollen with duplicative, counterproductive and out-of-date programs that cutting more than 100 of them as selected by the Cato Institute would enable us to pay the debt without raising taxes. In addition, we could cut defense spending by 50 percent without endangering our safety. Q: What, if any, legislation could be considered to give religious institutions, such as Liberty University, the right to be exempt from federal mandates that violate their conscience? A: I don’t know that legislation is needed. The Supreme Court has clearly ruled, in the Hobby Lobby case, that federal regulations do not trump religious freedom.
Q: What is your position on abortion? A: I take no position on abortion except to leave it to the states. Q: With the recent spread of terrorism, particularly ISIS, how do you think the U.S. should respond? A: The U.S. should withdraw all combat troops from the Middle East and let the Arab countries solve their own problems. Q: What are your thoughts on the use of executive action? A: Executive action should be used only in cases of public safety.
Q: What separates you from other candidates? A: No one else has the intention or the desire to deal with our national debt or to reverse the growth of government.
news
A6 | October 21, 2014 | Liberty Champion
POLITICAL PROFILES
6 t h DISTRICT B O B G O O D L AT T E Bob Goodlatte, a Republican, is the incumbent running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s 6th Congressional District. Goodlatte, 62, is seeking a 12th term after first being elected in 1992. Since then, Goodlatte has won each of the elections by a wide margin, according to rollcall. com, a publication focused on news from Capitol Hill. His smallest margin of victory came in the 2008 election, when he received 25 percent more votes than his closest opponent. After serving as the district director for former Congressman Caldwell Butler in the 6th District from 1977 to 1979, Goodlatte formed a private law practice. He worked there two years before becoming a partner in another law firm, his website states. Goodlatte worked at that firm until he took office as a congressman. Goodlatte currently serves as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. According to his website, Goodlatte’s position in the committee is a good fit for many of his legislative priorities, such as protecting Constitutional rights, immigration reform, decreasing health care costs, and ensuring the integrity of the executive and judicial branches. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Goodlatte also played a role in the lawsuit filed against President Barack Obama for failing to consistently execute laws, according to Goodlatte. Another of Goodlatte’s priorities includes better management of the federal budget, as evidenced by his proposed Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget, according to his website. Goodlatte also serves on the House Agriculture Committee and is a member of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and Credit, and the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight and Nutrition, according to his website. Goodlatte is currently the co-chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus and the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus, chairman of the House Republican Technology Working Group and a member of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus. Goodlatte holds a law degree from Washington and Lee School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in government from Bates College. Goodlatte is married to Maryellen, his wife of more than 35 years. They have two adult children, Jennifer and Rob.
Q: Why should a college student vote for you? A: You are the future of this nation, and I am committed to ensuring that college students have a secure economic future and the opportunity for gainful employment. The enormous debt that we are accumulating today is unsustainable and will rest on the shoulders of today’s youth. I am working to curb federal spending and have introduced legislation requiring a balanced federal budget. I also support policies that will enable employers to create jobs, grow our economy, and remain competitive in the increasingly global playing field. Q: What, if any, legislation could be considered to give religious institutions, such as Liberty University, the right to be exempt from federal mandates that violate their conscience? A: The Health Care Conscience Rights Act, which I have co-sponsored, would permit health plans to decline coverage of specific items and services that are contrary to the religious beliefs of the sponsor, issuer or covered individual. The issue of health care related conscience rights transcends party affiliation. The decision to mandate that faith-based organizations be required to subsidize contraception services is an affront to our First Amendment rights as Americans to freedom of religion, which is something we all should care about. Q: What plans do you have or support to help alleviate student loan debt while simultaneously ensuring quality higher education? A: Education is a valuable investment into your future. It is important that we allow for competition and diversity within our higher education community and do not attempt to rate or place costly one-size-fits-all mandates on our
colleges and universities. Student loan debt is high and we need to continue to look for ways to remove government bureaucrats from the student loan equation. Q: What is your position on abortion? A: As a member of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, I firmly believe that life begins at conception, and I strongly oppose using our tax dollars to pay for abortions. We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and allow them the fundamental human right to be born into this world. Q: With the recent spread of terrorism, particularly ISIS, how do you think the U.S. should respond? A: I am deeply concerned by the so-called Islamic State’s expansion and the imminent threat it poses to our national security. Like all Americans, I was appalled by the series of horrific videos by ISIS showing the brutal executions of several hostages, including American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff. These atrocious acts of terror against Americans and our allies cannot and will not be tolerated. The United States must work with the international community to eradicate ISIS before it becomes a global threat. By weakening terrorist networks overseas, we reduce the likelihood that they will successfully launch attacks on U.S. soil. Q: What are your thoughts on the use of executive action? A: Our Constitution is clear: Congress writes our laws, the judiciary interprets them and the president enforces them. However, President Obama has repeatedly waived, amended or ignored our laws when he doesn’t agree with them. We cannot allow President Obama, or any president, to ignore the constitutional limits on executive power. As chairman of
the House Judiciary Committee, I have held hearings to further examine this issue and supported measures that would keep this executive overreach in check and restore balance. The House has also authorized a lawsuit against President Obama’s failure to faithfully execute the laws. President Obama may have his pen and his phone, but we have the Constitution, and we must abide by it. Q: What are your top three priorities concerning congressional legislation? A: Restoring confidence in America’s economic future by tackling the out of control federal debt through a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; pro-growth, pro-jobs policies that promote competition and innovation, encourage domestic energy production, and remove costly, over-burdensome regulations, including the repeal of Obamacare; protecting the constitutional principles of limited government, states’ rights and individual liberties enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Q: What separates you from other candidates? A: I have the proven leadership experience needed to effectively represent Liberty University and the people of central Virginia and have shown through my accomplishments that I have the competence to conduct the people’s business with results. I live up to the high ethical standard of conduct that is rightly expected of elected officials. I take that responsibility very seriously and support efforts to hold accountable those public servants who violate that trust. And finally, I embody the conservatism required to protect the common sense family values represented by the hard-working citizens of central Virginia and all of the 6th Congressional District.
WILL HAMMER Will Hammer, running under the Libertarian Party, is looking to gain a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s 6th Congressional District in this year’s general election. Hammer was born in Staunton, Virginia, and grew up in the area. Hammer received his bachelor’s degree in economics from HampdenSydney College. He also cofounded the Hampden-Sydney Classical Liberals, a libertarian group, according to his website. Hammer has focused much of his efforts on topics closely associated with the Libertarian Party, including taking a step back from foreign wars, increasing personal privacy and governmental transparency and legalizing marijuana, according to the campaign website. Hammer has spoken of the low Congressional approval ratings, highlighting the fact that, according to his website, more people are siding with Independents than Democrats or Republicans. Citing a recent Gallup poll, Hammer noted 42 percent classified themselves as Independent, compared to 31 percent Democrat and 25 percent Republican. “More Americans are identifying as independent than ever before in history,” Hammer said in his campaign. “We need to rid ourselves of the two-party system that has greatly failed us.” Hammer also plans to protect gun rights, saying the Second Amendment is the “great equalizer and allows for people to protect themselves against intruders, aggressors and tyrannical governments.” Hammer has taken a firm stance on foreign policy change, saying that ISIL is a direct result of faulty foreign policy decisions and arming Syrian rebels without knowing their intentions. “Fast forward to Syria where we backed and funded rebels who would eventually become ISIL,” Hammer said. “And now we are bombing a group we helped arm and fund in a country (where) we spent roughly $2 trillion.” According to a Roanoke Times article, Hammer will be running a tough campaign against incumbent Bob Goodlatte, who is seeking a 12th term after being elected in 1992, as well as Green Party candidate Elaine Hildebrandt.
Q: Why should a college student vote for you? A: More and more people are identifying as Independent every year. A Gallup poll that came out earlier this year showed that a record 42 percent of Americans identify as Independent, more than both Democrat and Republican. The two major parties have gotten us to where we are now. They may have tiffs in public and vary a bit on some issues, but when they are in Washington, they work together to pass bills that are not in the interest of the American people. It seems more like a one-party system with not much difference between Democrats and Republicans. I am only 27, so I understand what it is like for the younger generations. Student loan debt, paying into entitlements that will likely not exist once we are of age, endless war, and the list goes on. Q: What, if any, legislation could be considered to give religious institutions, such as Liberty University, the right to be exempt from federal mandates that violate their conscience? A: I am against any mandate, whether it is for a religious institution or not. I want to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. Obamacare is just one of the mandates that needs to be repealed. Q: What plans do you have or support to help alleviate student loan debt while simultaneously ensuring quality higher education? A: The federal government grossly subsidizes and guarantees student loans, as it does with many things. This sounds good in the short term, but whenever you subsidize and guarantee something, you are going to increase demand, allowing college tuitions to rise well over inflationary rates.
Q: What is your position on abortion? A: This has definitely been an issue that I have gone back and forth on and is not such a black and white issue, as most are to me. Personally, I am pro-life, as I do not think I could make that decision, and I want to protect those who cannot protect themselves. That being said, I am pro-choice in a policy matter, because I see that government cannot prohibit it with much success, as with anything you try to prohibit. Not banning abortion allows for those women to get that procedure in a safe and sanitary environment by a professional. I trust women in their decisions, as it is their body, and there are very few that actually take that decision lightly. Q: With the recent spread of terrorism, particularly ISIS, how do you think the U.S. should respond? A: The United States government’s foreign policy is the reason why ISIL, or ISIS, exists. We funded and armed them to fight against Syria’s Assad government. Plus, we created the power vacuum in Iraq. It doesn’t just stem from the last decade of bad foreign policy, but rather 100 years of meddling with the Middle East. It started with redrawing borders in the Middle East after World War I, then creating Israel, overthrowing a democratically elected government in Iran and installing a dictator, then backing Iraq against Iran, building military bases in the Holy Land and in the Middle East, and the list goes on and on. We need to stop intervening and allow countries to sort their own issues. The countries in the region have a vested interest in putting down ISIL. They do not need our help. Our foreign policy is what has caused this extremism in Islam and created more terrorists. We bomb and invade them, killing thousands, then wonder why we are hated in that region.
Q: What are your thoughts on the use of executive action? A: I do not like the idea of executive orders. And even though they get a lot of headlines, they are actually down in the last few decades. Obama has actually issued less executive orders per year than Bush. Q: What are your top three priorities concerning congressional legislation? A: My top three priorities are privacy issues, foreign policy and the drug war. I want to protect our dwindling, or nonexistent, privacy. I will work to rein in the NSA and vastly limit their powers, or even abolish that agency. I will work to end the Patriot Act, which is anything but patriotic. In foreign policy, I am a non-interventionist. I want to keep us from having a reckless foreign policy that creates a lot of the issues that we face. The war on terror is an endless war against enemies that we have created. Continuing it will only create more terrorists, not stop them. I want to end the drug war. It costs too much. Q: What separates you from other candidates? A: Essentially, I am not a hypocrite, have firm morals and will not play party politics. I want to reduce the size and scope of government, not just talk about it. I want to represent the people and work for legislation that is in the interest of the American people, not my corporate backers (which I do not have). I want to work with coalitions to advance libertarian ideas, passing good policy and repealing bad policy. I want to be as transparent as possible and explain why I voted on bills (such as Justin Amash), not take donations from corporations and allow access to what I do at a level that no one in Congress would be willing to give.
news
Liberty Champion | October 21, 2014 | A7
ABOUT THE 6 t h DISTRICT Virginia’s 6th Congressional District covers a large portion of west-central Virginia. The district includes all or a portion of 12 different counties and several additional cities, including the City of Lynchburg The district is also home to 23 colleges and universities, including Liberty University. All on-campus Liberty students will vote for a candidate in the 6th district at the Vines Center precinct. For information on voting precincts in the district, visit voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov.
E L A IN E HI L DEBRANDT Former elementary school teacher Elaine Hildebrandt is running for a seat in the U.S House of Representatives in Virginia’s 6th District in the upcoming election. Elaine Hildebrandt is the second Hildebrandt to run for Congress under the Green Party this coming November. Her husband, Ken Hildebrandt, is also running in the race in Virginia’s 5th District. Elaine Hildebrandt is voicing the same environmental and social issues under her campaign as her husband. While her husband Ken Hildebrandt did most of the reporting during his freelance journalism career, Elaine Hildebrandt focused on the background research, according to her campaign web page. One of Elaine Hildebrandt’s main concerns this coming November is the legalization of hemp. According to Elaine Hildebrandt, this is a primary issue in the U.S., due to the lucrative benefits it provides. “Hemp has now been estimated to be over a trillion-million dollar crop, which can be used to make over 25,000 products, including fuel, food, fabric and medicine, yet it’s illegal,” Elaine Hildebrandt said. “It is the economic shot in the arm our nation and Virginia’s sixth district needs now.” Elaine described the roles she and Ken will take as candidates at dailyprogress.com “I’m a teacher and Ken is a healer, and so that’s what we do — we look to teach and to help and to heal,” Elaine Hildebrandt said. “It must be borne in mind first and foremost, that the very survival of our species is at stake. Is superfluous income worth more than that?” According to Elaine Hildebrandt, she wants voters to understand she is for the people, the health of the economy and the world. “People want something other than what’s being offered,” Elaine Hildebrandt said. “People are ready to be represented by people, not puppets.”
Q: Why should a college student vote for you? A: Between my husband Ken and I, we have worked full-time for more than 25 years without pay, even though we are not wealthy, trying to inform Americans about solutions that were right at our fingertips but that we were not using. Now, we have a chance to present those solutions to a wider audience and finally begin to steer in a more reasonable direction putting people over profit instead of the other way around. Q: What, if any, legislation could be considered to give religious institutions, such as Liberty University, the right to be exempt from federal mandates that violate their conscience? A: I disagree with a lot of my government’s policies, but I still have to fund them by law. I do not like it. I think we should focus on making our laws more reasonable. Q: What plans do you have or support to help alleviate student loan debt while simultaneously ensuring quality higher education? A: Reduce our spending on the military, which equals or exceeds that of the rest of the world combined, and follow the path of Germany, who is offering free university educations to its citizens.
Q: What is your position on abortion? A: It is largely a distraction issue aimed at getting the oppressed to vote for their oppressors. I am not saying it is not important, yet we can tell from history that Republican leaders do not care about abortion, or they would have tried to do something about it when they had both houses of Congress, the presidency and the judiciary, but they did not. So, the best thing to do is provide education, make embryology mandatory high school curriculum and push for legislation that would make abortion illegal (except in cases of rape in which the victim did not have the option of abortion earlier) once the embryo can feel pain, which is about 20 weeks. Q: With the recent spread of terrorism, particularly ISIS, how do you think the U.S. should respond? A: We should learn from our past, and do what a two-tour Iraq War veteran said to Ken: “Nothing.” Q: What are your thoughts on the use of executive action? A: If Obama was to use this somehow to save the thousand children who die every hour of neglect for what just a fraction of the Pentagon budget could easily cover, as discussed below, I would be all for that, but otherwise, generally speaking, it is not a good thing.
Q: What are your top three priorities concerning congressional legislation? A: Legalize all what many refer to as “God-given plants,” including industrial hemp and marijuana. Revert the tax structure to something similar to what it was all the way until Ronald Reagan. Enact legislation to help rapidly put an end to the silent slaughter of children who die of neglect at a rate of a thousand per hour, meaning a holocaust of children every 250 days, and that estimate is low. This slaughter must stop. How would we explain this to an outside intelligence? How will future historians, if there are any, look back at this time when we allowed profit to come before people at the very risk of life on earth as we know it, while discarding innocent children en masse as if they are not even real? Q: What separates you from other candidates? A: My focus on those children who are dying of neglect at a rate of at least 24,000 per spin of the earth.
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news
A8 | October 21, 2014 | Liberty Champion
Flight team garners gold School of Aeronautics wins regional competition and advances to nationals Quinn Foley qfoley@liberty.edu
Liberty University soared to new heights as its National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Flight Team claimed victory in its regional competition and fifth place at the last National SAFECON Competition. James Curry, head coach of Liberty’s NIFA Flight Team, described what NIFA is and who participated in the competitions, explaining that the NIFA competition has been around since the 1930s. The competition is split into 10 different regions, Liberty being in region 10. The competitors include Averett University, Caldwell, Guilford Tech, Elizabeth City, Hampton, Lenoir and the Naval Academy. Curry said he has been participating on Liberty’s NIFA Flight Team for four years — three as a competitor and the fourth as the team’s current head coach. Curry explained the different competitions in which Liberty’s NIFA Flight Team competes. “There is one each semester,” Curry said. “So there is a fall regional competition, and then after school or sometimes during finals week, we have a national competition, and that is at various locations across the country.”
PLAN continued from A1 to the university, Nasser announced that Justin Kintzel, Liberty’s former worship pastor, will be returning for a farewell concert and has been invited to participate in this year’s Christmas Convocation. In the future, Campus Band will shift to a more student-led ministry. Starting next spring, the
Dave Young, assistant provost for aeronautics education and the president of Freedom Aviation, has watched the school and the competition team grow. “Our NIFA teams from the very beginning have competed strongly at the regional level, having won the regional competitions the last 10 years,” Young said. “They have also continued to gather stature at the national level.” Young went on to explain the accomplishments of individual teammates from last years national championship, including Zach Floto being recognized as the top collegiate pilot in the country and Curry earning third place as the best pilot in the competition. Curry spoke of his excitement concerning a double win for the school at the flight competition. “It was really cool that two of us from the same school were able to do so well and come and coach this year,” Curry said. Liberty had the top three pilots at the region 10 competition, with Daniel Hartman garnering 143 points, Charity Holland grabbing 123 points and Evan Thomas with 102 points. Curry also mentioned that the flight team has grown over the years and has developed into a team of 15 people this band will become more of an apprenticeship. “I want the drummer to have a drummer … and when he’s ready, he puts him up there, and he’s gonna say, ‘Great job on this, but don’t ever hit that snare like that again,’” Nasser said of the apprenticeship program. “But he’s not only going to work with him on his craft. He’s gonna be his accountability partner … and he’s gonna disciple him spiritually.”
Leah Seavers | Liberty Champion
DEFY GRAVITY — New aircraft and equipment has provided students with new opportunities. season. Curry said the budget and equipment have grown dramatically since the School of Aeronautics first opened. The hope shared by many in the School of Aeronautics is that the flight team will place even better in competitions. “The goal is to get top 10, if not first place, nationally,” Curry said. “So the stakes are very high.” According to Curry, there are also very high hopes for the future
of the School of Aeronautics. “The outlook for the School of Aeronautics is very bright,” Young said. “From the beginning, we have stressed quality in all for which we strive, whether it be in our faculty, flight instructors, programs and equipment. We have been blessed, not only in consistent growth, but in garnering recognition as a first-rate university aviation program. Our NIFA teams are a microcosm of
who we are, but a very critical element as they represent us among all of the other university aviation programs and in many segments within the aviation industry. I fully anticipate we will continue to grow, add programs and diversify to meet the changes occurring in the world of aviation.”
Nasser and his team have a plethora of new ideas. The tentative format offers a monthly rotation for Monday Convocations. Starting in the spring, the first Monday of each month will focus on prayer. The second will focus on praise, lead by a diverse mixture of bands, including both in-house and outside bands. For the third Monday, the focus will be on planning, announcements and alternative Convoca-
tions. The last Monday of each month will be all about play, bringing in speakers and musicians from all different walks of life to entertain and engage. “You know who the number one decision maker for who we bring in for Convo is?” Nasser said. “Our students.” In all, Nasser outlined what he believes to be a time of great growth for the university, voicing excitement for the future and an
insistence on the importance of unity in this time of progress. “I’m not coming into a team that’s … losing a ton of games,” Nasser said of joining Liberty University. “I’m coming into a team that’s just like, ‘Wow, you’re winning. … This is amazing.’ But I have been tasked with, ‘How can we go undefeated?’”
FOLEY is a news reporter.
GOINS-PHILLIPS is the opinion editor.
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opinion
Liberty Champion | October 21, 2014 | A9
Houston, we have a problem Texas mayor goes on offense, seeking to censor voices of Christian pastors Tré Goins-Phillips dgoinsphillips@liberty.edu
Even though they say everything is bigger in Texas, Annise Parker, Houston’s first openly lesbian mayor, has decided it just is not big enough for anyone’s opinion but her own, and, if you disagree, you could be held in contempt of court. Earlier this month, Houston’s City Hall subpoenaed five local Christian pastors, demanding they turn over any sermons pertaining to homosexuality or gender identity. The language has since been changed, no longer including the word “sermons,” instead referring to them as “speeches.” I guess an attack on sermons was too harsh for City Attorney David Feldman. Granted, they are in the Bible Belt. Although it must have been a while since the attorney cracked open a dictionary, since the definition of a sermon is — you guessed it — a speech. No matter what you call it, this Texas two-step is an attempt to portray pastors preaching the Bible as homophobic bigots slashing human rights. Parker is not the first to take this position, just among the first to go on the offensive. Whether they are “sermons” or “speeches,” nitpicking the topic list is a quick way to neuter the Church, leaving it culturally irrelevant.
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ALARMING — Mayor Annise Parker garnered national attention for her brazen attack on religious liberty. Should this position become the law of the land, the rules of the game will be drastically changed, putting the Church on the defensive. This move stands in direct opposition to the freedoms outlined and solidified by the Constitution. “This tramples on (the pastors’) First Amendment rights to free speech and the exercise of religion,” Erik Stanley, an attorney defending the pastors, said. However, the mayor and her legal team have been very direct. From where they stand, pastoral instruction that critiques culture is out of bounds for the Church.
“If the five pastors used pulpits for politics, their sermons are fair game,” Parker tweeted. Feldman seemed flabbergasted by the mere suggestion that First Amendment rights had been challenged. “It’s unfortunate that (the subpoenas have) been construed as some effort to infringe upon religious liberty,” Feldman said when the pastors challenged the subpoenas. The sacred has always ruffled the secular world’s feathers. That tension is not new, nor immediately detrimental, as long as freedom to disagree remains intact.
The problem is Parker’s latest offensive has told the religious that they just need to shut up or accept the consequences. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has warned Parker and Feldman that they might not want to do that. “No matter what public policy is at stake, government officials must exercise the utmost care when our work touches on religious matters,” Abbott wrote in a letter to Feldman. “If we err, it must be on the side of preserving the autonomy of religious institutions and the liberty of religious believers. Your aggressive and in-
vasive subpoenas show no regard for the very serious First Amendment considerations at stake.” This is not the first rodeo pitting religion against government. Back in Bible times, Caesar did not care much for “speeches,” either. But Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was quick to put things into perspective. “Caesar has no jurisdiction over the pulpit,” Cruz said at a rally supporting the Houston pastors. “When you subpoena one pastor, you subpoena every pastor.” Pastor Hernan Castano, one of the five subpoenaed leaders, believes this punch to the pulpit could set a new precedent for the United States. “They want to intimidate the pastors of America and they want to use us five to send a message to … anyone who would oppose their way of governing,” Castano told Fox News columnist Todd Starnes in an interview. “This is very dangerous if we allow this to go on … from Houston to the rest of the nation.” If this attack on religious freedom stretches past Texas and spreads into higher chambers of government, the United States could become a nation where wrong opinions are rewarded with court battles and prison sentences. GOINS-PHILLIPS is the opinion editor.
Davis runs risky campaign ad Texas candidate for governor takes big gamble in attack on her opponent Leah Depiero ldepiero@liberty.edu
For politicians, fall not only means pumpkins and changing leaves, but a greater emphasis on political campaigns as they launch last-ditch efforts to garner votes. Wendy Davis, Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate and current Texas senator, likely had this on her mind when her campaign released an ad attacking her opponent. Her ad, titled “Justice,” goes beyond the typical mudslinging and accusations common in political ads. The ad focuses on the fact that her Republican opponent Greg Abbott uses a wheelchair due to an accident in which a tree fell on him in 1984. Released Friday, Oct. 10, the ad has more than 450,000 views on YouTube and has generated much criticism. The ad shows a black and white picture of a wheelchair and a narrator tells how Abbott, the current Texas attorney general, sued and made millions on his accident. The narrator of the ad goes on to talk about how Abbott opposed certain cases involving victims of rape and amputees during his time as Texas Attorney Gen-
eral. Furthermore, the ad states that Abbott supported a hospital that employed a doctor who performed surgeries resulting in paralysis of patients. Davis may have a good point in telling the public about her opponent’s apparent hypocrisy, but the effort is not likely to sway more Texans to vote for her. According to a CNN article, Abbott was leading Davis 54 percent to 40 percent in a recent poll. These numbers are not likely to change due to the poor taste of the ad. “Sen. Davis’ ad shows a disturbing lack of judgment from a desperate politician and completely disqualifies her from seeking higher office in Texas,” Abbott’s campaign spokesperson Amelia Chasse told USA Today. As Chasse stated, Davis’ ad has every reason to keep her from winning the race and possibly even future races. Davis may have been trying to use the ad to show that Abbott is unwilling to help victims, but it unintentionally made a bad guy out of her. More saddening than that, though, the ad shows a character issue in Davis and how desperate she is to be elected as governor. It made
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OFFENSIVE — Gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis used her opponent’s handicap as advertisement. people question what kind of person would “attack a guy in a wheelchair,” as Abbott said in an interview with the San Antonio Express-News after the ad was released. In the same interview, Abbott talked about how his campaign ads “focused on what (he is) go-
nosed with anencephaly and subsequently accomplished a bucket list of actions via his parents taking special trips for him while he was still in his mom’s womb. The story gripped the hearts of people across the nation, as they were able to follow his journey through pictures, from by Emily Brown his pre-birth journey to his death hours after his birth. Social media has permeated today’s culSupporters of the family offered so ture with millions of users on sites such as many encouraging and uplifting words Facebook, Twitter and, most recently, Yik and simultaneously spread awareness of Yak, as well as several others. the disease. From average users sharing photos and And for every sweet story shared on sobig family news, such as engagement or cial media there are probably hundreds of pregnancy announcesimilar, positive stories shared every day. ments, to companies After seeing these stories, I am enencouraging interaction couraged by the idea that the invenamong customers and tion of these sites is really a great thing. spreading promotions, Score one for the “social media is a the sites are versatile in good thing” team. their uses. And then, the ugly side of social meIn addition to all the dia rears its horrible head, and the posipictures of my friends tives of social media are outweighed by that did receive their ring by spring, my the negatives. The phrase “it’s a blessFacebook and Twitter feeds have recently ing and a curse” perfectly describes the included all kinds of positive stories. phenomena of social media that has The social media sites have shown enveloped our culture. me, and thousands of others, the story While social media can be used to keep of baby Shane, who was prenatally diag- in touch with friends and share good news,
ing to be doing as governor.” Davis could have gone the same route or released an ad showing how Abbott’s plans would not work for Texas, but instead, she chose to attack the fact that her opponent is disabled. It is hard not to imagine this ad coming back to hurt Davis in
it is also a breeding ground for negativity, from complaining to disparaging comments. Perhaps you have noticed. Or maybe you have had your head buried in the sand. Or you may just live under a rock. A few years ago, the term “subtweeting” was created to describe the passiveaggressive act of tweeting negatively about a person without actually mentioning the person by name. Fast-forward to today and take a quick look at the comments section on any major news story. I guarantee you will find dozens of rude or uncalled-for comments full of crass words. Scroll down your Facebook news feed and count the number of statuses complaining about a person or situation. I would venture to say that it is more than a few. Open Yik Yak and start reading, maybe trying a different approach this time. How many of the yaks have uplifting words? How many are not complaints? It is probably easier to count these kinds of yaks rather than the opposite. It is a much smaller number, I am sure. Although there is plenty of good to be found in social media use, the things that are not beneficial in any way —
the future, and it is ironic that the ad she intended to help her campaign may end up hurting it.
DEPIERO is an opinion writer.
which include all of the complaining and negative language — has saturated the sites. In general, our culture is too quick to use social media as an outlet to voice our frustrations. But this should not be the case. It will accomplish no good. Posting complaints for all your friends to see will not make the situation better. Writing horrible things about another person — whether he or is she is simply a peer or in a position of authority — will not fix all your problems. And, posting disparaging comments and words anonymously does not suddenly make it OK. While I am not blameless by any means, I have realized that it is important for me to use social media in the right way rather than as a public diary for venting. In Matthew 12:36 (ESV), Jesus says, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” While Jesus did not have social media during his time on earth, I do not think he included a clause stating that the words posted on social media will be exempt. Think before you post a status. Think before you yak. Think before you tweet.
OPINION
A10
October 21, 2014
Marriage issues divide D.C. If Republican Party does not adapt, it risks becoming culturally irrelevant Elijah Smith esmith65@liberty.edu
For those of us born in the late ’80s and early ’90s, gay marriage has been a heavily debated topic in every significant political election we have witnessed. Despite its place at the forefront of many previous elections, the gay marriage debate has taken a backseat in the most recent political cycle. While some party members have welcomed this shift in priority as a sensible way to accept a culture moving in a different direction, others, including 2016 Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, have voiced frustration with the party’s feeble stance on the issue. This past month, Huckabee shared his opinions on the American Family Association’s radio program, “Today’s Issues” “I am utterly exasperated with Republicans and the so-called leadership of the Republicans who have abdicated on this issue,” Huckabee said. “If the Republicans want to lose guys like me and a whole bunch of still God-fearing and Bible-believing people, just go ahead and abdicate on this issue. I’ll become an Independent, and I’ll start finding people that have guts to stand.” Despite Huckabee’s threats and suspicions, the official national Republican Party position on same-sex marriage
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DIVISIVE — Questions on gay marriage still split representatives on Capitol Hill. currently remains firm, saying members “believe that marriage, the union of one man and one woman, must be upheld as the national standard.” However, for every voice that opposes a weakening position on gay marriage, there is one more that voices weariness over the continual focus on the issue. In a SiriusXM interview, Rep.
Michele Bachmann, a Republican from Minnesota, shared her thoughts. “It’s not an issue in this upcoming election,” Bachmann told reporter Michelangelo Signorile. “In fact, it’s boring.” Bachmann later clarified her statements, saying she told the reporter “it’s getting boring having (the media) only press this issue with Republicans
while ignoring Democrats.” I find myself leaning toward an opinion similar to Bachmann’s original words — it is boring. Proponents of gay marriage in the media have force-fed a narrative of acceptance to the American public, and despite constant attempts to halt the progression toward acceptance of gay marriage, society has been greatly influenced by the liberal stance. Regardless, Congress’ ability to influence the final decision on marriage is lessening. Gay marriage — traditionally an issue left to the states — has moved to the chambers of the Supreme Court where state-sanctioned bans on gay marriage are being consistently overturned. So, nearly every question from the liberal media on the issue is intended to spark debate and partisan bickering. Conservatives have much bigger issues to worry about. Whether or not same-sex marriage is banned or allowed will not prevent individuals from being sexually immoral. However, by leading the way on economic issues, foreign policy and healthcare reform, Republicans can redeem their party. With renewed focus, the Grand Old Party has a chance to be the relevant, vibrant party it once was. SMITH is an opinion writer.
29 year old refuses treatments The legality of physician-assisted suicide violates the Hippocratic Oath Kimberly Stefanick kmstefanick2@liberty.edu
A 29-year-old woman is about to find out what happens when life or death becomes a legal choice. This past spring, after just one year of marriage, Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with a type of terminal brain cancer that has one of the lowest survival rates. Even after months of fighting it, there still seems to be no end in sight, according to CNN. Standing at the door of a dismal future, Maynard has made the decision to end her life on Nov. 1, according to CBS News. “Nov. 1 became kind of a date for me to almost, like, make it to,” Maynard said in an interview with CBS News. “I may be alive on Nov. 2, or I may not. And that’s my choice.” While some may argue it is her life and she has the right to make this choice, this process is essentially legal suicide. Physicianassisted suicide is also a practice that many medical professionals do not support, for good reason. “If I were her doctor, I would certainly try to talk her out of it,” Dr. Daniel Sulmasy, a University of Chicago medical ethicist, said in an interview with CBS News. “I would try to tell her what the
opportunities are for her to live to the fullest possible extent that she can even when she is dying.” The American Medical Association (AMA) also shares this view. “Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control and would pose serious societal risks,” the AMA Code of Ethics states. “Instead of participating in assisted suicide, physicians must aggressively respond to the needs of patients at the end of life. Patients should not be abandoned once it is determined that cure is impossible.” Doctors should attempt to make the patient as comfortable and happy as possible, but assisted suicide should never have a seat at the table. These decisions not only have a detrimental effect on families of the patients, but on society as a whole. “We had to uproot from California to Oregon, because Oregon is one of only five states where death with dignity is authorized,” Maynard said to CNN. If this practice were to be legalized by more than the five states that already allow it, “death with dignity” could become more mainstream. It is difficult to choose this option in society today because of limited access,
but, with increased availability, physician-assisted suicide could become more popular. Additionally, who is to say if someone is in the right mental capacity to make a decision to end his or her life? For example, Maynard has an aggressive brain tumor that has given her excessive headaches. Doctors have suggested that the tumor may be clouding her judgment, according to CNN. Abuse of physician-assisted suicide is also a risk. According to a recent CBS News poll, 67 percent of healthcare providers said they opposed the practice of physician-assisted suicide. The poll described that many fear it could be misused in cases involving the elderly and disabled. Spiritual concerns have also come to light with Maynard’s decision. The Bible describes the importance of respecting our lives and bodies in 1 Corinthians 6:1920 (ESV): “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Unsure of Maynard’s faith, I cannot comment on her personal journey. Regardless, God is not biased toward certain persons or situations when it
Jaron Davis
TRAGIC — Brittany Maynard plans to ‘die with dignity’ Nov. 1. comes to miracles. Should Maynard embrace her innate value and God’s power to heal, her perspective might change. “I don’t want to die, but I am dying,” Maynard said in an interview with People magazine. Her husband, Dan Diaz, gave some heartfelt words about his wife in an interview with Time magazine. “The idea of wanting my wife at my side forever — that was the original plan, right?” Diaz said. The reality is, though, this can still be the plan. We never know
CONVO CONNECTION “Don’t kid yourself into believing that just because you prayed a prayer, you’re going to heaven.” The piercing words of Pastor J.D. Greear, author of “Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart,” echoed through my heart as he boldly talked about the believer’s assurance of salvation to kick off last week’s Convocation. For years, Greear struggled with the assurance of his salvation. He joked about the fact KELLY that he had prayed the “sinner’s prayer” more than 5,000 times between seventh grade and his sophomore year in college. In his desperate search for assurance, God eventually brought clarity to Greear as he focused on the finished work of Christ. I too have prayed the “sinner’s prayer” countless times. I have doubted and fretted over the possibility that I might stand
before Jesus and be the one to whom he says, “Away from me, I never knew you.” Just the thought of him saying this makes me anxious and fearful — but I do not have to be afraid. I do not have to struggle or wonder whether or not I am really his, and neither do you. Why? Because the point, just as Greear drove home, is not the prayer. It is the finished work of Christ. It is not about what I have done but what Christ did for me. My salvation is safe and secure in the nail-pierced hands of the one who began a good work in me and promised to finish it (Philippians 1:6). Mark Batterson, pastor of the “National Community Church” and New York Times best-selling author, took the Convocation stage mid-week. Batterson passionately shared a life-altering message on the most profound miracle of Christ, heralding the disturbing, yet inspiring reality that, “Something has to die so that something can be resurrected.” Expounding on the resurrection of Lazarus, Batterson continued, “Sometimes things have to go from
bad to worse before they can get better.” The timing of Batterson’s message was perfect and really hit home. I had just returned from fall break where I had spent some much needed time with family. During our time together, my mother read portions of Mark Batterson’s newest book, “The Grave Robber” to us. The parts she read were the exact message Batterson shared during Convocation. As I listened, I could not help but think of my dad’s recent battle with cancer. When we walked through everything with him, it definitely seemed like no matter how hard or often we prayed, things went from really bad to worse. Even now, I wrestle with the fear of losing my father. But God is greater than my greatest fear, and we are more than conquerors in and through Christ. And while we wait on God, we can trust his perfect timing as he works all things together for his glory and our good. Liberty alumnus Ed Stetzer wrapped up a beautiful fall week at Liberty with a focus
what is to come tomorrow or next week or even next year. This simply shows us that not one moment on earth should be wasted and not one should be lost either. Maynard’s life is not being taken from her. But, she may just choose to give it up. This is a choice — a life choice — that Maynard can reexamine, should she so choose. Hopefully she will change her mind and choose life. STEFANICK is an opinion writer.
B Y: E R I N K E L LY emkelly2@liberty.edu
on the kingdom of God. To understand the kingdom, you need to know the king. Whenever I hear the word “king,” I cannot help but think of fairy tales, castles and princesses — things that little girls dream about. But that is all pretend. The one true king, Jesus, is real. The world is steeped in darkness, longing for truth. Brokenness is everywhere. “The king brought the kingdom with him,” Stetzer proclaimed. If the kingdom of God is already here, how should we live in the now? I have always thought of the kingdom of God as a place where I am going, a future destination so to speak. But now, after listening to Stetzer and contemplating what he shared, I am asking God to help me live out the kingdom life here and now. Maybe if we start living more kingdomminded, people watching just might wonder about and perhaps seek after the king we serve.
SPORTS
October 21, 2014
M. Soccer Coastal
2
W. Soccer
Liberty
Liberty
0
2
GWU
1
Field faulters
Field Hockey Duke
3
Liberty
2
B1
Field Hockey Liberty
Virginia
3
2
Volleyball Liberty
3
W&M
0
Davenport 4, Liberty 3 (SO) Liberty 6, Davenport 3
Lady Flames lose three straight games Alex Tichenor atichenor@liberty.edu
Lady Flames field hockey Head Coach Jodi Murphy knew a lateseason stretch against three highly rated Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponents would be tough when she worked it into this year’s schedule. It proved to be every bit as difficult as she imagined, with the Lady Flames (9-7, 3-1 NorPac) dropping all three contests to the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (13-2), No. 6 University of Virginia Cavaliers (12-5) and No. 8 Duke University Blue Devils (10-4). Duke hosted Liberty Oct. 12 to begin the torrid stretch, and the Lady Flames battled back from a 2-0 deficit just 10 minutes into the game to tie the Blue Devils early in the second half. Duke defender Alexa Mackintire unknotted the score in the 69th minute, giving the Blue Devils the deciding goal in a 3-2 victory. Five days later, the Lady Flames traveled to Charlottesville to take on Virginia, and got off to a strong start, scoring the first two goals of the game with Sarah Gipe tallying her 13th goal of the season and Bethany Barr notching her sixth. The Cavaliers came through late in the game, however, scoring two goals in the last 10 minutes to send it to overtime. Five minutes into the extra period, the Cavaliers earned a penalty stroke, which Tara Vittese converted to give Virginia the 3-2 win. The stretch concluded with the Lady Flames hosting the No. 1 Tar Heels, but things did not go as smoothly as the previous two matchups with ACC foes. North Carolina dominated in every aspect in a 4-0 win, outshooting the Flames 11-5 while controlling the pace over the entire game. “We really didn’t get started until the second half,” junior forward Natalie Barr said. “We allowed them to dominate play in the first half and we were caught off guard. We let them dictate the play, and we didn’t actually play a hard game of hockey.” North Carolina’s Loren Shealy started the scoring for the Tar Heels in the 19th minute, sneaking one past Lady Flames goalkeeper Mallory Cuccio for her eighth goal of the year. Shealy and teammate Nina Notman sliced through the Lady Flames defense all afternoon, Notman notching two goals and an assist in the contest, while Shealy added two assists of her own to go along with her goal. “(North Carolina) likes to play really spread out and then attack and take (its) moments,” senior midfielder Helen Dolittle said. “Each team has a different style, and we knew that coming into (the North Carolina matchup), so we just have to learn how to defend each style.” The Lady Flames had a few good chances early in the game but could
Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion
LOCKED IN — Defenseman Stephen Bellew (96) chases a loose puck in the Flames weekend series against Davenport.
Halfway there
DI Hockey splits third straight series on home ice Dalton Britt dbritt10@liberty.edu Ryley Rush rarush@liberty.edu
The Liberty Flames Division I (DI) men’s hockey team (7-1-4) split its weekend series against the Davenport University Panthers (3-2-1) Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18. Davenport 4, Liberty 3 (SO) The Flames fell to Davenport Friday in the first game, 4-3. The Flames used lineup changes and solid defense in the second and third periods to overcome an early 3-0 deficit to force overtime. The Flames then fell in the shootout period when
fell behind early by three and came out with a different mentality as a team and knowing we had to take care of our end.” Liberty started its scoring with 11:27 left in the second period when Bram Erickson scored following a penalty kill. The Flames then added the second and tying goal in the third period with Paul Lamourex and Luke Simon each finding the back of the net. Lamourex scored for the second time this season and the first time at home. “I won the draw, and my two great
See THERE, B2
Fully bounced back
Lady Flames notch 20th win, extend win streak to 11 matches Nate Haywood nahaywood@liberty.edu
See FIELD, B4
WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME
Davenport outscored them 1-0. The scoring began with 16:50 left in the first period when Davenport’s Matt Ogden scored just inside the blue line. The Panthers then added two consecutive goals with Jordan Simmons and Everett Thompson each scoring in the opening period. The Flames defense found the boost it needed during the break, not giving up another goal for the rest of the game. Division II (DII) goalie Cary Byron entered the game after already playing a full game earlier that day. Byron was helped with quality defensive play, in which Matt Sherry played a big role. “We simplified our game and got back to our system,” Sherry said. “We
The Liberty Lady Flames volleyball team (20-5, 7-0 Big South) defeated the Charleston Southern (CSU) Buccaneers (9-16, 0-7 Big South) and Coastal Carolina Lady Chanticleers (155, 5-2 Big South) Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18. The Lady Flames finished each game 3-1, (2325, 25-21, 25-17, 25-13) and (21-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-19) respectively. In the Oct. 17 match, the Lady Flames found themselves down as the Buccaneers took an early 11-5 lead. Although Liberty
Football vs. GardnerWebb
Oct. 25 @ 3:30 p.m.
fought back and brought the score to 21-23, Charleston Southern still took the first set. However, the Lady Flames went on to take the next three sets and win the game. A variety of Lady Flames players contributed to their victory. Freshman Hannah Weidner extended her consecutive 10-kill match streak to 18, while redshirt junior Caroline Douglas finished with 13 kills and 13 digs, according to liberty.edu/ flames. Douglas currently leads the Big South Conference in kills at 430 while
Liberty 3, Coastal 1 Liberty 3, CSU 1
Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion
See BACK, B3 SET UP — Hannah Weidner (5) leads all Big South freshman in kills.
W. Soccer vs. Winthrop
Oct. 22 @ 3 p.m.
Field Hockey vs. Pacific
Oct. 23 @ 4 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Presby.
Oct. 24 @ 7 p.m.
M. Soccer vs. UNC-Ash.
Oct. 25 @ 12 p.m.
Follow @LUChampSports for Flames athletics coverage
sports
B2 | October 21, 2014 | Liberty Champion
Liberty Football
7 110.4 1,055
36.1
By the Numbers
Consecutive wins over GardnerWebb, who the Flames play, Oct. 25.
Receiving yards per game for Darrin Peterson, good for fourth in the nation.
Receiving yards Peterson needs to break Summers’ career program record of 2,712 yards.
Points scored per game for the Flames. The Flames have allowed 34.3 on average.
7-5
23.3
244
6
20
Liberty’s record in conference openers since joining the Big South in 2002.
THERE continued from B1 linemates pushed it, and I found the back of the net,” Lamourex said. “I saw the opening and hoped for the best.” In overtime, both teams were held scoreless. Then, in the subsequent shootout, Davenport’s Cody Walsh scored in the first round. Liberty was then held without a score. Liberty lost goalies Matt Pinel and Josh Halpenny, as well as defensemen Peter Shantz to injuries. Division III (DIII) sophomore Ian Harris started in place of Pinel and Halpenny but was replaced by Byron at the start of the second period. Head Coach Kirk Handy said that both goalies played well, but they were left out to dry from bad defense. Handy also added that not having some guys on the ice may have had a negative mental effect on the team. “I think that our guys may have used it to come out tentative in the beginning,” Handy said. “We missed having Halpenny and Pinel, but I thought the other guys
The Flames average margin of victory during that seven-game streak.
played well tonight.” However, Handy said he felt that more than poor goaltending seemed to be the cause of the early deficit, which led to the line changes at the start of the second period. “That first 20 minutes was not good enough, and we were going to find a different lineup that would be the key to our success,” Handy said. “It was more than just goaltending, and we felt that if we changed both (goalkeeper and lineups), that it would work.” Liberty 6, Davenport 3 The Flames commanding 6-3, game-two victory ended a four-game losing streak riddled with frustration. After the final buzzer sounded on Saturday, Oct. 18 and the crowd dispersed, the only sound to be heard in LaHaye Ice Center was Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off ” blaring inside the Liberty locker room. With both DI goalies Pinel and Halpenny still out due to injuries, the Flames called up netminders Harris and Byron from DIII and DII teams, respectively. After a
Receiving yards until Darrin Peterson break Chris Summers’ single season record.
shaky start on Friday night, Harris yielded the job to Byron for the weekend, whose effort between the pipes had Flames fans chanting his name by the second period Saturday. “It’s tough, especially when you’re adjusting to a different speed and a different level, but I think I did OK,” Byron said. “The defense was great all weekend … keeping most shots on the outside and communicating well.” Byron faced 41 shots on goal and stopped all but three pucks, one fired on a Panthers power play. Goaltending aside, addition and subtraction of players from the lineup (the aforementioned loss of Shantz and Miller, as well as the return of freshman forward Lamourex from an injury of his own) was the true theme of the series. Chemistry is key in a sport played in lines and pairings, and the inevitable shuffling of those established in the early season saw the Flames dynamic play go flat. When the puck dropped, Liberty finally seemed to have found the combinations that clicked —
Turnovers safety Jacob Hagen has forced — three interceptions and three forced fumbles.
most notably the potent forward line of Lamourex and freshmen Luke Hannon and Simon. Of the Flames six goals, Hannon scored five. The first, assisted by Simon and Lamourex, came a minute after the Panthers scored near the end of a quiet first period of even play. Captain Lindsay LeBlanc made it 2-1 Liberty on a pass from Erickson with five minutes to go in the second period. Hannon added his second not long after, with Lamourex again assisting along with sophomore Chase Harris. Freshman defenseman Ben Hughes and Simon helped his third on a power play to kick off the third period. Hannon netted the fourth unassisted in response to a Panthers score. After Davenport put one more away on a power play, LeBlanc and Simon fed Hannon for the fifth and final time of the night. “It’s an individual statistic, but it doesn’t indicate how well we played as a team tonight,” Hannon said. “I’m just fortunate enough to get the credit for the goals. … I’m really lucky to be
Total touchdowns for quarterback Josh Woodrum, 14 passing and six rushing.
put in the right situations and be playing with Lamourex and Luke Simon, a couple of French beauties.” Lamourex, too, was pleased to have finally found his place on the team and help close the chemistry gap that has frustrated the Flames early this year. “(Hannon and Simon) are great guys,” Lamourex said. “They’re really fast and skilled, and that’s the type of player I am, so we get along pretty well. Hopefully we keep this up and they keep us together.” It has been a season of ups and downs so far, but to get a solid win under their belts and shake off their recent difficulties at home before this week’s threegame series at rivals Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Arizona (UA) is certainly a boost for the team. They take on ASU at 8 p.m. Thursday and UA at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
BRITT is a sports reporter. RUSH is a sports reporter.
Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion
READY — Freshman Colt Steele has scored three goals on the season, but was unable to find the net in either game in the Flames series against Davenport.
sports
Liberty Champion | October 21, 2014 | B3
USA Today ranks the Flames homecoming uniforms as No. 6 in the nation
LOOKING GOOD — The Flames celebrate a score in their new uniforms. Nate Haywood nahaywood@liberty.edu
During a Liberty Flames football team meeting Aug. 12, Head Coach Turner Gill announced to the team that it would wear new uniforms this season. Team captains Jacob Hagan, Dominique Davis and Josh Woodrum then entered the room in the new attire, each donning either an all-blue, all-red or all-white uniform. With the new uniforms came 27 potential combinations, one of which landed on USA Today’s list of “7 freshest college football uniforms.” Liberty took the field for Homecoming Oct. 4 in all-red uniforms, which were placed at No. 6
BACK continued from B1 Weidner is second with 337. Senior Gabrielle Shipe also finished with a team-high 18 digs. The Lady Flames con-
tinued their dominance in the state of South Carolina as they traveled two hours north of Charleston to defeat the Lady Chanticleers the very next day. Much like against CSU, Liberty got off to a slow start and
fell behind 20-8, eventually conceding their first set. After the first set, Liberty won the next three to take the match. Douglas and Weidner combined for more than 40 kills, a feat that has not been accomplished
on USA Today’s list for the week. When Head Athletics Equipment Manager Chris Dunfee learned about plans to upgrade the uniform, he did not expect them to receive such national notoriety. “It’s obviously a good feeling,” Dunfee said. “This is something we did put a lot of work in.” Dunfee said the Flames new attire is a more sleek and tight rendition of prior models. The actual design, however, was constructed by the team captains and other officials involved with the team, according to Dunfee. “We worked with some of the captains and they helped design it,” Dunfee said.
since 2011, according to liberty.edu/flames. Douglas’ 22 kills were enough to make her the 15th member of Liberty’s 1,000-kills club. With the victory against the Chanticleers, the Lady Flames winning streak
Leah Seavers | Liberty Champion
Liberty also sported a new helmet made out of a special material, making the helmets have a smooth finish and feel. The Flames have used seven uniform combinations thus far — a different combination for each game this season. “Liberty is tucked away in the little town of Lynchburg, Virginia, and far off the college football map,” Foss wrote in his USA Today article. “Maybe that won’t be the case for much longer with uniforms like this.”
HAYWOOD is the asst. sports editor.
extended to 11 — the longest winning streak the Lady Flames have seen since 2007 (16 matches). They were also the second NCAA Division I women’s volleyball team to hit the 20 win mark.
The Lady Flames return home for their next match against the Presbyterian College Blue Hose Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. HAYWOOD is the asst. sports editor.
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sports
B4 | October 21, 2014 | Liberty Champion
Tich’s Take Alex Tichenor atichenor@liberty.edu
Since LeBron James appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated at age 17, he has been compared to Michael Jordan. When he did things nobody had ever seen before, he was the next MJ. When he failed in big moments, he would never be the next MJ. It might finally be safe to say he has made a name for himself. James was probably the greatest basketball prodigy of all time. During the NBA Draft in 2003 when he went No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers, announcers touted James as a futre Hall-of-Famer before he had even TICHENOR played a game. He was really that good. Somehow, he has lived up to the ridiculous hype surrounding him. Eleven years into his NBA career, he has won two NBA championships and four Most Valuable Player awards. Through 11 years, James is averaging 27.5 points per game, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists. The only other player to average at least 27-7-6 through 11 seasons? Oscar Robertson. Those numbers are little better than being the “next” anybody. Not only has James been productive, he has been remarkably efficient. His Player Effeciency Rating (PER) — a formula factoring multiple facets of the game into one statistic — is the second highest of all time behind Jordan. James led the league in PER six straight seasons, and holds four of the top 11 PER seasons in the history of the league. And no wing player scores as efficiently as James. The past two seasons, James has shot a dumbfounding 56.6 percent from the field. As he has gotten older, James has gotten smarter, using his unique blend of size (6-foot8, 260 pounds) and athleticism to get to the rim as often as possible. When younger James may have settled for a mid-range jumper, older James will find a way to get a better shot or give up the ball. In his first nine seasons, James took 33 percent of his shots near the rim, while taking mid-range jumpers (1623 feet) 25 percent of the time. During his past two years, James has been taking 39 percent of his attempts near the rim and shooting only 19 percent of his shots from mid-range. When a scorer of James’s pedigree also takes smart shots, it makes him that much better. Not only is James setting a precedent with his production and efficiency, his career arc is doing the same thing. Drafted by his hometown Cavaliers (James is from nearby Akron), James famously took his talents to South Beach to play with All-Star buddies Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Heavily criticized for the move, it worked out fairly well for James, as the Heat made four straight NBA Finals, winning two of them. His first seven years in Cleveland, James went to the Finals once, losing in a sweep. By the way, James played with two All-Stars during his tenure in Cleveland — Zydrunas Ilgauskas in ’04-’05 and Mo Williams in ’08-’09. Wade and Bosh were AllStars all four years in Miami. It was the right move. James turned the power structure of the NBA on its head with his free agency move to Miami back in 2010. Suddenly, players were just as big of power brokers through free agency as general managers were. And he turned the league on its head again this summer by going back to Cleveland. There may not have ever been a more powerful athlete. If he can bring a championship to Cleveland — the city’s last professional sports title occurred in 1964 — there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that he is one of the best to ever play the game. And nobody will care if he is MJ or not. TICHENOR is the sports editor.
Bryant will shoot Curry will take Rondo will be a lot of basketballs. 1. Kobe 700 three-pointers. traded to the Hornets. 2. Stephen 3. Rajon Make no mistake, the Lakers are going to be bad. Really bad. Like, Wesley-Johnson-is-penciled-intothe-starting-lineup bad. As unlikely as it may be, Bryant is still eyeing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record and is sitting about three high-scoring seasons away from approaching it. When the Lakers are heading into the All-Star break with 15 wins, what is stopping Bryant from taking 30 shots a game? This needs to happen.
The NBA record for threepoint attempts in a season is 678 by George McCloud during the ’95-’96 season. With Steve Kerr on board as the Warriors head man, look for Curry to be utilized to his absolute fullest. Unless his ankles flare up, it is a decent bet that Curry will be chucking at an unprecedented rate. For a guy who has shot 44 percent from downtown for his career, why not throw up nine or 10 threes per game?
When the Celtics drafted Marcus Smart (Mah-cus Smaht to Bostonians), it was the final sign of the end of the Rondo era in Boston. However, with only one year remaining on his contract, trading for Rondo is a risky proposition for anyone. Charlotte is the only playoff team who would be willing to give up young assets to grab the Celtics shifty point guard. Any combination of Noah Vonleh, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Cody Zeller would be the best haul Boston could get.
will learn how Anthony will Davis will finto spell Giannis Ante6. People win the scoring title. ish third in MVP voting. 4. Carmelo 5. Anthony tokounmpo’s name. With Kevin Durant missing a huge chunk of the season and possibly not qualifying, Anthony is a no-brainer to win his second scoring title in three years. Curry and James Harden might challenge him, and Russell Westbrook will put up plenty of points while Durant is sidelined, but it will be a shock if somebody other than Anthony leads the league in scoring this year.
We knew Anthony Davis would be good. Out of high school, he was the No. 1-rated recruit in the nation. In his only year at the University of Kentucky, Davis won Player of the Year and brought a National Championship to Lexington. He was an obvious choice to be drafted No. 1 overall in the subsequent NBA Draft by the Hornets in 2012. In his second season, the unibrowed big man led the league in blocks and showed off a versatile offensive skillset. “The Brow” will win an MVP award before his career is done.
Or everyone could just call him “The Alphabet” or “The Greek Freak.” Either way, he is going to become more than just a rookie who played better than expected. Bucks Head Coach Jason Kidd loves Antetokounmpo and has even toyed with playing the 6-foot10 19 year old at point guard. He is going to be fun to watch.
Tich’s
NBA Preview Fifteen predictions for 2014-2015 Hawks will finish Knicks Wiggins will third in the East. good again. 8. The 9. The win Rookie of the Year. 7. Andrew Jabari Parker is going to put up numbers in Milwaukee, but Wiggins’ immediate impact will be felt more than most are suspecting. He is already an elite athlete, even by NBA standards, and the Timberwolves have the personnel to take advantage of that. The Wiggins Rookie Highlight Reel might end up at Sundance.
Al Horford missing almost two-thirds of last year with a torn pectoral killed the Hawks’ season. While he may not have the name recognition of other top big men, Horford is one of the best in the league. Look no further than the Hawks performance with and without Horford last year. In 29 games with Horford, they went 1613. Without Horford: 22-31. Horford and the Hawks will be ready to swoop in on the regressing top half of the Eastern Conference this year.
will be
Or at least make the playoffs. Everything went wrong at the start of last season, and the Knicks were still fighting for a playoff spot until the final week of the season. Carmelo Anthony is too good and the addition of Jose Calderon will be a steep upgrade from Raymond Felton. And steep is a vast understatement. If only Andrea Bargnani was not involed.
10. the playoffs.
Sixers will lose at Clippers will fin11.The 12.The least 70 games. ish first in the West.
13.Coach of the Year.
Cavaliers will win James will win 15.The 14.LeBron the NBA Finals. his fifth MVP award.
The Raptors will miss
The new-look Cavaliers are a lock to get into the postseason after a four-year drought, and talented Knicks and Pistons teams now boast competent coaches. After a year when everything went right in Toronto, the Raptors are due for some bad luck. No team lost fewer players to injury last year, and it is doubtful that Kyle Lowry can replicate what was far and away a career year. Last year just seemed all too fluky.
Steve Kerr will win
Kerr’s basketball knowledge has always been outstanding, whether it was during his tenure as general manager in Phoenix or as an analyst for TNT. A former player who embraces the modern game, Kerr will demand the respect of the Warriors while bringing in a much more organized scheme than the Dubs had under former coach Mark Jackson. Golden State has enough talent to make a deep run into the playoffs.
FIELD continued from B1 not convert, and it was all Tar Heels from there. Liberty did not force North Carolina goalie Shannon Johnson to make a save until the second half. “We knew that they were No. 1 in the country, and maybe we were a little bit
The slogan of the PGA Tour is “these guys are good.” The slogan of the ’14-’15 Philadelphia 76ers might as well be “these guys are bad.” Front office brass has not been shy about their desire to lose in order to build a future winner. Their two lottery picks from this past draft, Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, may not play a game for the Sixers this season between them. With Michael Carter-Williams sidelined with a shoulder injury, the Sixers best player on opening night may be Nerlens Noel, who has never played in an NBA game.
The most important free agent signee not named LeBron? Spencer Hawes. Yeah, I said it. Since Chris Paul arrived from New Orleans in 2011, the Clips have been right up there with the upper echelon Western Conference powers. Their weakness: a reliable backup big man who could spell Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan. Hawes is no Shaquille O’Neal, but he has started 338 games over the past six seasons and can stretch the floor. It is time for a new look atop the West’s standings.
With Durant slated to miss up to two months, James almost has to win Most Valuable Player by default. It is just wrong to give it to another player besides those two. James and Durant’s level of play is on another planet right now. There is not an argument that there is a player more valuable to his team. Unless the Cavs are a disaster and fail to win 50 games or something, James will tie Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and Abdul-Jabbar as the only five-time MVP-winners.
LeBron James, Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and co. will defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games to win the NBA Championship. The curse of Cleveland will finally end. At least for one year.
nervous,” Murphy said. “We just had some nerves that we started the game out with and had a hard time getting them out of their system.” The Lady Flames conclude their regular season schedule with Oct. 23 and Oct. 28 home matchups with Pacific and Georgetown before heading to
Stockton, California for the NorPac Conference Tournament. Liberty bested Pacific 2-1 in an early-season date with the Tigers. The Lady Flames are 2-0 alltime against the Tigers. TICHENOR is the sports editor.
feature
Liberty Champion | October 21, 2014 | B5
A little piece of history Theatre Department puts on production about England’s King Henry VIII Emma Jane Maurer emaurer@liberty.edu
The audience of “A Man for All Seasons” was transported back in time to 16th century England as the theatre department opened its first show comprised solely of Liberty students Friday, Oct. 17. The play is set during the beginning of the English Reformation. It focuses on the beginnings of King Henry VIII’s affairs — specifically his divorce from Queen Catherine and his marriage to Anne Boleyn — and how one man, Sir Thomas More, opposed it. When the king rejected the laws of the Roman Catholic Church to obtain a divorce and remarriage, More remained loyal to the traditional teachings of the church. The play provided cast members with an opportunity to learn more about the history behind the plot. “I didn’t even know about this story before I auditioned,” Liberty senior Steven Burgos, who portrays the Duke of Norfolk, said. “I wasn’t too familiar with the time period at the beginning of the rehearsal process. I read lots of biographies on the duke to get to know his history with relationships and marriages, his position with politics in England, as well as his relationships with the other characters.” Portraying characters much older than the actors’ actual ages presented the cast with several challenges. “We’re playing characters far beyond our years and in situations where the stakes are much higher than anything we’ve come into contact with so far in our lives,” senior Whitney Tatum, who plays More’s wife Alice, said. “The biggest challenge is making that leap in terms of years and experience (as an actor) and making it truthful and honest so that the audience is able to engage in the suspension of disbelief. (We don’t want them) sitting there looking at college actors trying to act older. (We want them) to really buy into us as our characters.” Director Neal Brasher also saw the level
Ty Hester | Liberty News Service
STAGE — The all-student cast of “A Man for All Seasons” takes audiences back to 16th century England. of truth in acting as a learning experience for the cast. “The biggest challenge for me as a director was getting the students to rise to a level of performance where they really sounded truthful and not just people reciting lines,” Brasher said. “It really needs to sound like a real conversation.” According to Brasher, the plot focuses on a man who, despite all the forces around him, stands up for what he believes and takes a stand for what he believes is right. “More is such a fantastic man
because, above all else, he treasured his conscience,” senior Caleb Towns, who portrays Thomas More, said. “It was very rewarding and challenging for me to understand what it means to have that deep of a relationship with God. You’re willing to sacrifice everything you have to do the right thing.” Tatum said she hopes audiences will be challenged in terms of their own beliefs as well as the oaths and promises they make and sticking to them. She also encouraged people to examine their hierarchy of loyalty when it comes to faith.
“Sometimes people might place it as friends, family, then God,” Tatum said. “But for Sir Thomas, it’s God, family and friends. He’ll sacrifice everything else if it means being able to stand before God and (having) a clear conscience.” The play runs through Oct. 26 in the Tower Theater. More information about the show and the Department of Theatre Arts can be found online at liberty.edu/theatre. MAURER is a feature reporter.
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feature
B6 | October 21, 2014 | Liberty Champion
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Liberty Champion | October 21, 2014 | B7
Zombies roaming free Lynchburg Zombie Walk encourages people to donate and help community Carly Koenig cbkoenig@liberty.edu
Hundreds of zombies, consisting of moms, doctors, scarecrows, nuns, scientists and just about any kind of zombie imagineable, crept their way into the Lynchburg Community Market Saturday night, Oct. 18. Surprisingly, these zombies were not at the Community Market looking for human brains. They were there for the 4th Annual Lynchburg Zombie Walk. Everyone gathered outside the Lynchburg Community Market at 5:30 p.m. and began walking through the streets of downtown Lynchburg. People of all ages participated. Most of the crowd consisted of 18 to 25 year olds. However, there were also quite a few children present. First through fifth place prizes were given to the most authentic zombies. First through third place winners were chosen in a children’s costume contest as well. The walk is an event held to raise donations for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Patrick Hubble, organizer of the walk, shared about the heart of the event. “Participants aren’t required to pay, however the ‘unofficial fee’ is a canned food donation,” Hubble said. Participants could also make
cash donations to the Lynchburg Dog Park. “It’s a quirky walk with a cause,” Hubble said. Attendees came from Lynchburg, as well as the surrounding area, to participate in the walk. Two students from Appalachian State University, Kayleigh Bentley and Ayron Walker, came from Roanoke and dressed as zombies to take part in the event. For Bentley, this was not her first time participating in the zombie walk. “Well, my first year, there were these three guys here dressed super creepy, and when we walked down the block, they just never went out of character, so it was really scary but really funny,” Bentley said. “I guess it’s just awesome to see all the different people and how they do the zombie.” Darrell Wargo and Rosetta Neblett were among the handful of attendees who were not dressed to resemble the undead. They were at the event to help get word out about the upcoming Lynchburg Zombie Run. Wargo, a Liberty graduate, shared about the run and his efforts in the upcoming event. “I’m not a zombie, I’m a runner. I like to run,” Wargo said. “But I am helping set this place up and get some of the people out here today to do this. This
Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion
UNDEAD — Zombies and other creative costumes invaded downtown Lynchburg over the weekend. run next week is a big fundraiser for the Presbyterian Youth Home through United Way. It’s more of a run, and what it is is a run through this 5K forest, and they have zombies out
there, and they try to ‘getcha.’” The event is hosted by United Way and will be held Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Presbyterian Homes Campus. It is a 3.1-mile run followed by a post-apocalyptic party.
For more information about the upcoming run, visit runforyourlife.info. KOENIG is a feature reporter.
Breaking their silence Resident Assistants share their thoughts on all of the negative stereotypes Josh Janney jjanney@liberty.edu
“I’m not out to get you.” As a Resident Assistant (RA), Sally Ann Edwards feels like she has to speak these words on a daily basis. When she became an RA at Liberty University in the spring of 2014, she knew she would have to overcome some of the negative preconceptions people have of RAs. After all, almost every student who has attended Liberty has heard horror stories of uptight, power-hungry, rep-giving RAs. Tales of RAs watching students’ every move, stalking them in the shadows in an attempt to catch them in the act of violating “The Liberty Way.” To some uninformed students, it could seem like the life of an RA is one of power and control. It is not. Edwards argues that, contrary to popular belief, the RA position is one of demanding responsibility. To her, the allure of the RA position was not to put her in a position in which she could create enemies, but to put her in a position in which she could resolve conflicts and mend relationships. “I had a lot of RAs and upper leadership working with me through different issues, and seeing how graciously they handled (conflict) inspired me to do just as well,” Edwards said. According to Kaitlyn Young, an RA on the Commons, the role is more of a service position than a leadership position. “It’s not like I get points for writing people up,” Young said. “It’s not for me. (I have to say to students) ‘This is for you and to develop you as a person and spiritually.’” Organizing and plan-
Leah Seavers | Liberty Champion
LEADERSHIP — Resident Assistants hope to set a good example for their halls. ning events, staying up until curfew to check on the residents, ensuring the emotional and physical well-being of the students and reducing conflict are just a few of the RAs’ responsibilities. Daniel Kromidas, a senior RA, thinks that building relationships with the students is the most appealing aspect of being an RA. “I chose to be an RA because when I walked on the hall as a freshman, I saw a tremendous example by the guys who were in leadership, specifically my two RAs,” Kromidas said. “These were guys who loved you, who cared for you. They listened to you. They wanted to get lunch with you and just made you feel very welcome.” Paul Stanton, the male Resident Director (RD) on the square of East Campus, said anyone who gets involved with student leadership needs to love people. “For personal connections, you have to get to know the person, you have to meet them on common grounds somewhere,” Stanton said. “For example,
if they are into sports, get interested in sports. If they love video games, get interested in video games. Ninety percent of anything is showing up and showing you care.” Young agreed that building relationships with the students is the most important aspect of being an RA, but she does not consider it the easiest, especially when it comes to the conflict of maintaining friendships and upholding “The Liberty Way.” “Within the hall, I think the only struggle is people assuming that if you are their friend, that (despite you being) an RA, they can do whatever they want,” Young said. “I would definitely want to be everyone’s best friend, so it’s just kind of finding the balance and saying ‘Yes, I want to be your friend and have this relationship with you, but you can’t cross these lines.’ I think once they understand that, it ends up being OK.” Young and Kromidas both said that the way RAs respond to students acting out of conduct is handled on a case-by-case basis.
“From what I’ve heard from other RAs, they are definitely talking about how it’s not about the letter of the law, but the spirit of it, and that the relationship is more important than the rule,” Young said. “I think it’s just ineffective if the only thing you are focusing on is the rule instead of sitting down with them and being like, ‘I honestly don’t care if you dress incorrectly, it’s not like this is the main goal. I care that you are able to follow a rule for your future.’” According to Kromadas, there is a consensus among RAs that female RAs have
a tougher time than male RAs when conflict arises with a resident. “I’m actually dating a female RA,” Kromadas said. “She shares lots of experiences with the challenge of connecting to other girls. Guys can get in an argument, or a verbal fight or a disagreement and an hour later they will be fine. They’ve already forgotten about it. They’ve already moved on. But when communicating with girls, the female RAs have a tougher time with the way girls interact. They take things more personally.” While Edwards thinks that male students tend to be more reckless in the moment, she agrees that females take conflicts with RAs more personally and are more likely to hold a grudge over time. “You’re not going to deal with some of the craziness that you do on guys’ halls, but there’s high-strung emotions and cattiness and a level of revenge-seeking activities that they engage in,” Edwards said. “It’s a lot easier for guys to separate, ‘Oh, you wrote me up last week, but you’re still cool.’ But with girls, it’s like, ‘You wrote me up last week, you must be evil and have something against me.’” However, Young said it is easier to connect with girls because they will openly share their hearts
and feelings. “It’s easier for girls to get close emotionally,” Young said. “If a girl is crying, she’s running into the RA room whether she knows it or not. A guy would be less likely to do that for their pride or their manhood or whatever.” Edwards, who is currently working on her master’s in strategic communications, believes the higher standard of RA life may be beneficial to her future career as well as her personal growth. “Everything you do is on display, and it holds you to a higher level,” Edwards said. “Even if I didn’t have accountability with my RD, just the fact that I am an RA, you have to have your act together, otherwise you won’t be respected.” To relate more to the students, Edwards tries to connect with them more as a person rather than an RA. “Not that I’m ashamed of it, but I just don’t bring (that I’m an RA) up in normal conversations,” Edwards said. “I don’t broadcast it because it’s something I do. It’s not who I am, and people sometimes have a hard time seeing past that.” JANNEY is the asst. news editor.
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feature
B8 | October 21, 2014 | Liberty Champion
Recent performances The LaHaye Event Space hosted two concerts over the past two weeks Sam Campbell scampbell75@liberty.edu Amber Tiller atiller2@liberty.edu
The band All Sons & Daughters led an audience in worship on Oct. 7 in the LaHaye Event Space. One week later, Matthew Smith & Indelible Grace took to the stage for another concert.
All Sons & Daughters They quietly walked out onto the stage, into the pool of golden light. The audience cheered as each band member approached their instruments. “We’re excited to be here,” David Leonard, pianist and vocalist for All Sons & Daughters, said. “This is the first time we’ve ever been to Liberty.” The crowd welcomed the band with a loud wave of clapping and shouting. Leonard sat behind the keyboard and began playing softly. He said there were two stations set up on either side of the stage. Each station had a space for prayer and communion. A sketchbook and colored pencils allowed anyone to come forward and write out a prayer or intercede on behalf of someone else. “These books have a lot of prayers and art in them,” Leonard said. “So tonight, if you’re feeling like you just want to pray over some stuff, we’d love it if you came down (the aisle) and partnered with us and prayed over the stuff that’s in this book.” There was also bread and grape juice for those who wanted to come forward and take their own personal communion. “Tonight, if you partake in it, we ask that you’d break off a piece of bread and dip it in the juice and remember that sacrifice that was given,” Leonard said. The keyboard went silent. Leslie Jordan, the band’s guitarist, began strumming her guitar, encouraging everyone to sing together. “We have a really unique opportunity to posture ourselves in a posture of worship tonight before the Lord,” Jordan said. “So we just want to join together in a song that we (the band and audience) know.” Jordan began singing “Lord, I Need You” with only the sound of her guitar accompanying her. But soon the audience was singing along, holding their hands high in worship. The drums and keyboard were added during the following songs, which included original music from the band, such as “Rising Sun” and “God With Us.” Jordan said she could feel God’s power throughout the concert. This was evident in the reactions of many of the audience members. One girl kept her eyes closed and her hands clasped in front of her, as if she was praying. Jordan offered her own prayer from the stage. “God, tonight you have our attention,” Jordan said. “Would you speak? Would you find us willing to listen, to lay down what it is that we are holding onto so tightly
Courtney Russo| Liberty Champion
Leah Seavers | Liberty Champion
PRAISE — All Sons & Daughters and Matthew Smith & Indelible Grace led the crowds in worship during both concerts. tonight, so that you can speak?” The audience was then offered the chance to come forward and spend time at the stations. Jordan asked those who felt God tugging on their hearts to answer the call and come take communion or simply act as a prayer warrior. “Please lean in and listen to God,” Jordan said. “I truly believe he has a unique experience for you in this space if you listen. These (stations) are just ways to help get the conversation started with God.” Many responded to the invitation. People stepped into the aisles and approached the stations. Some knelt down and scribbled a prayer, while others quietly prepared their hearts for communion. As the night came to a close, the band members left their instruments and approached the front of the stage. The only music came from Jordan, who continued to softly strum a few chords on her guitar. There were no microphones, no piano and no drums. Just the raw, acoustic sound of the guitar. Jordan began to sing “The Heart of Worship,” and the audience slowly joined her once more. Before the song ended, Jordan stopped playing, and the only sound left was the voices of the audience echoing around the room. While Jordan described it as church camp, others said the evening felt very “intimate” and “homey.” “It was amazing,” Liberty freshman Malaika Butler said. “I loved how it wasn’t like a concert with a lot of clapping, and the
glory went to God. It was like a worship service.”
Matthew Smith & Indelible Grace As the LaHaye event space dimmed on Tuesday, Oct. 14, blue and purple spotlights came awake onstage and welcomed the band as the four men stepped to the platform. The voices of the audience hushed to mere whispers, much like the quiet and calm voice of the lead singer, Matthew Smith. Smith strummed a strong chord and quietly introduced the concept of Indelible Grace, the name inspired by an Augustus Toplady hymnal, “A Debtor to Mercy,” according to Smith. Smith’s hushed voice transformed into a strong, melodic note as he started to sing songs such as “All Things Are Ready” and “What Wondrous Love is This.” While the words to these hymns and others reflected from the projector onto the screen, the audience echoed the melodies of the emotional, truthful hymnals written many years ago. “I like the way they embrace historic Christianity,” Liberty senior Dave Myhren said. “As a history major, it makes me feel good that we’re not running away and hiding from our history. We’re embracing it and breathing new life into it.” Though the songs embraced new musical compositions, the words of the hymns remained mostly true to the original wording of the hymnals. Some of the hymns dated back 200 to 300
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years ago, but the words still penetrate deep, especially for Smith. “I hope that through these hymns, people will find Jesus more beautiful and more trustworthy instead of simply a life of religious obligation,” Smith said. “I hope that through these hymns, people can see Jesus has really come to set us free.” Instead of staying on stage at the end of the concert, the band, not including Smith, exited from the stage as Smith continued to sing. Smith, after a few more songs, started the Doxology hymn and proceeded to slide away from the microphone and exit the stage. “It was not about Matthew Smith or any of the other band members,” Myhren said. “They were there to lead in worship and talk up Compassion (International), and you could see that at the end when we sang ‘Doxology,’ they were already exiting because it was not about them. They were pointing to God, so it didn’t really seem like there was any ego there.” Through old hymns such as “Hiding Place,” “All I Owe,” “What Wondrous Love is This,” and other hymnal selections, Smith and Indelible Grace gave ancient hymns new life. Through uplifting chords and upbeat melodies, they have been reworking old music for a new generation. “I loved how honest these hymns were,” Smith said. ”They weren’t just about how great things are now that I believe in Jesus, but they were actually songs that you could sing in the hard times, about how you can depend on Jesus.”
Melodies traveled across the audience as some audience members harmonized boldly and passionately, singing along with Smith. “On him almighty, vengeance fell, which would have sunk this world to hell,” Smith sang. “He bore it all for a sinful race to make our self his hiding place.” Lyrics such as these from the song “Hiding Place” struck deeper than the base chords being played throughout the loud speakers, especially for Smith. Smith said God wants his people to express their emotions and open up their hearts before him during the good times as well as the bad times. “These hymns have been a way for God to teach me to feel what I’m going to feel, but feel it in front of him,” Smith said. “So much like the Psalms, where you get to express every emotion from the highest highs of celebration to the lowest lows of despair and sadness, God welcomes me and welcomes all of us to feel what we’re going to feel, but asks us to feel it in front of him.” Smith continues to rework old hymns and will continue traveling on his tour with Indelible Grace, spreading the word of God and bringing old music to new ears. CAMPBELL is the feature editor. TILLER is a feature reporter.
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feature
Liberty Champion | October 21, 2014 | B9
Here comes the bride Liberty alumnus opens bridal shop and shares his faith with his customers Ashley Bunner abunner@liberty.edu
Owning a business that also doubles as a ministry is an area in which Liberty University alumnus Val Nicosia feels blessed. Nicosia is the manager of Absolute Bridal & Formal, a local bridal shop located at 1015 Main Street in downtown Lynchburg. Absolute Bridal & Formal is the largest independently owned bridal shop in Virginia. The 10,000-square-foot shop operates as a warehouse while offering boutique service, according to Nicosia. The bridal shop offers a wide variety of wedding gowns and accessories, dresses for bridesmaids, flower girls and the mother of the bride, as well as tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen, according to Absolute Bridal & Formal’s website. Nicosia has provided services for weddings in 18 different states, three different continents and four different countries. Attending Liberty played a significant role in preparing Nicosia to own his own business. However, it was not just the college courses that Nicosia took that prepared him for business, Nicosia said. Rather, it was the education and cultural diversity at Liberty that helped him see God’s calling. “When God puts his calling on you and gives you steps to go through every single day, it’s really all those things being built together for good for those … called according to his purpose,” Nicosia said. “I don’t think that it was so much the classes (themselves) as the classes were a genesis or a creative hand that God used to guide.” Nicosia attended his first semester at Liberty in the spring of 1988, focusing his studies on communication and psychology with the intent of going into counseling. “I was praying and asking and really finding my place in dedication to Christian service,” Nicosia said. “I really felt a strong calling toward marriage and couples.” Nicosia attended counseling sessions, which he said had a great influence on his coming to know Christ. “(W)hen I began to pray about it, I wanted to have something to do with that and kind of felt like it was going to be counseling,” Nicosia said. “But God has a sense of humor. Now I sell dresses.” However, Nicosia has had the opportunity of using the business of his bridal shop as a form of ministry. According to Nicosia, he has been able to share the gospel on a regular basis with the women that come into his shop. “I never would have envisioned what God had in mind here,” Nicosia said. “It’s become a very regular, perfect opportunity when a girl comes in and has no idea what the Christian covenant wedding is all about, and you get to share the steps that she’s go-
Alanna Mitchell | Liberty Champion
MINISTRY — Val Nicosia sees his bridal business as a unique opportunity to witness to whoever walks through the door. ing through and what she’s doing and what (the groom is) doing and what they mean.” The idea to start a business came while Nicosia was working at Liberty during a financially difficult season. It was then that Nicosia decided that he did not want to have financial debt after school. So he set out to turn his hobby into a business. “I went ahead and took my hobby that was in my woodshop and made it, you know, make more money,” Nicosia said. “In fact, this business literally started about two blocks down the road here in the community market.” Nicosia and his former wife put their talents together, Nicosia working in his woodshop and his former wife sewing, to officially open up a business. “I said, ‘You know, I’m going to take what we have and start to just see what it will do out in the open,’ and it really, really took off,” Nicosia said. “And it was literally going from there on weekends to opening a store probably within six months.” Customers began requesting Nicosia and his wife to sew more than they were able to, and they could not keep up with all of the requests. According to Nicosia, the store that he and his wife opened was doing so well that they had two stores and were about to open a third location. But tension between the couple resulted in them separating in their business and personal lives. “(T)hat kind of threw a wrench into a lot of things that (were) going on, the
plans that were going on stopped, and so I gave her one of the stores, and I kept the other one running,” Nicosia said. Nicosia continued the business for about three years before deciding to close the doors and take a year off. It was during this time that Nicosia went back to Liberty to finish his education. It was not until 2007 that Nicosia reopened the doors of Absolute Bridal & Formal. Nicosia first reopened the bridal shop on Memorial Avenue right in front of Food Lion, but soon after moved to a space in River Ridge Mall. According to Nicosia, Absolute Bridal & Formal stayed at the River Ridge Mall location for four years before moving once again. “(B)y that time, the business had grown from the prior spot, (and the business) doubled in size,” Nicosia said. “God has just really blessed in ways that I didn’t see coming, especially through a down economy.” With the bridal shop moving once again, Nicosia faced the task of finding a new location. The building in downtown Lynchburg was not Nicosia’s first choice for his bridal shop, but God had different plans. “I remember walking across the threshold there, we opened the door, and I’m not kidding you, I put my foot on the inside and as soon as I did, God said ‘You’re home’ in my head,” Nicosia said. “And I did a stupid, stupid business thing. … I turned to (the seller) and said ‘I’ll take it,’ and I hadn’t
COFFEE continued from B10 sort of took the same rich taste as a warm cup of hot chocolate when I was little. So now, when I drink a cup of hot chocolate, I want it to taste more like coffee.” J.J. Cole, professor of sociology at Liberty, agrees that coffee is a comforting beverage. “I think it’s a nurturing thing,” Cole said. “Scent is a big draw.” Cole, who has worked in residential group homes, understands firsthand how the smell of freshly brewed coffee can change someone for the better. “We always had a pot of coffee going for people,” Cole said. “But I always wanted it first thing in the morning, because when you would walk in the door, or you would have visitors, I’d want them to smell the smell of coffee. It really kind of released some of the aspects of relaxation.” Sarah Castro, a senior and supervisor at the Barnes & Noble Café in the Liberty bookstore, began drinking coffee at a young age, but did not become a habitual drinker until her junior year, when she needed something to keep her awake while studying. Castro says she loves seeing students
Taylor Anderson | Liberty Champion
AROMA — Many students use drinking coffee as a way to spend time with friends. gather together for coffee while she is on the job. “It’s just neat to see people come in to the bookstore, and everyone knows people there,” Castro said. “People say ‘Let’s go get coffee,’ just to be able to talk. It gives them an environment where friends can get together.” Sip by sip, coffee cultivates community. “I’ve meet so many people at the bookstore (while) working there,” Castro said. “I think that it’s neat to be able to make friends that way.” Something happens when people meet together over
a cup of coffee, be it hot or iced, plain or flavored. “Coffee is the central element in many a fellowship hall in our congregations — and perhaps in most,” Edward Martin, professor of philosophy at Liberty, said. “The activity of sharing together, or ‘koinonia’ in Greek, means ‘fellowship.’ The Lord causes, and indeed is himself, community. But the Lord uses the physical to express the spiritual. Coffee often plays a role there.” Coffee invites. It stretches out its aromatic arms and beckons one to come and partake of its riches.
“Coffee is just a beverage, but it can be a transcendental focus that helps people on to some higher purpose, some common rallying point,” Martin said. “It can be a catalyst to help people keep going, to improve, to talk things out. That refill just might be worth it and (initiate) final settlements and concluding resolutions in an allimportant meeting.” “Let’s get coffee” has become a sort of catchphrase in today’s society, especially among college students. But what does this phrase actually mean? “I think it’s very much
even seen the (rest of the) building.” The newest location for Absolute Bridal & Formal has two additional floors upstairs and a lower level as well. According to Nicosia, Absolute Bridal & Formal stands apart from other bridal shops in the area because the staff members truly care about their customers. “I can honestly say that I don’t know anybody else that literally prays for the brides he doesn’t know before they get here,” Nicosia said. Nicosia said he prays that his store will not simply offer good customer service, but that he and the employees have a servant’s heart to serve those people. “I’m humbled and honored that I get to be injected a little bit into their dreams, and I hold that in very high esteem,” Nicosia said. With several moves over the past years, Nicosia hopes to keep his business located in downtown Lynchburg. “My prayer right now is that God would just get hold of me to where I can faithfully do his will in this business to where it will blossom and bless people,” Nicosia said. “My ultimate want, the reason I ultimately went into business, was flexibility for ministry.” For more information about Absolute Bridal & Formal, visit absolutebridalandformal.com. BUNNER is a feature reporter.
a statement of, ‘I want to spend time with you,’” Cole said. “It’s what slows us down. It really is a catchphrase of ‘Let’s have some serious fellowship time.’ And that’s part of the Christian mission — just taking the time to notice and impart and encourage. Coffee can be one of the vehicles that does that.” For many college students, the pace of life is often hurried. Homework keeps them up at night, and technology clamors for their attention. Life begins to feel crowded. But still, something inside longs for community and connection. “Part of that is the Holy Spirit within us yearning to have that fellowship time,” Cole said. “We grow stronger as we connect with others in the faith.” In the beginning, God made man for community. He also
created the coffee bean. “In our fast-paced world where we are tempted to focus more on our electronic devices than our flesh and blood friends and colleagues and co-sharers in the body together as one, having coffee together is a way of saying ‘I care for you — you are important to me,’” Martin said. “The victory is sitting, breathing, struggling, attentive in the chair next to us or across the table, with the steaming brew between us. Tennyson said that a friend is a sheltering tree. I think he would add that a good shared coffee is a sheltering taste: hopefully smooth, rich and a remembrance of good things past and good things yet to come.”
GRAF is a feature reporter.
FYI
Visitors of the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall and Hill City Bistro (the dining hall at the Annex) consume, on average, 812 cups of coffee per day. Approximately 1,500 coffees or coffee-based beverages are sold daily at Liberty’s retail dining locations, such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks.
B10
FEATURE
October 21, 2014
Acting out Cinematic Arts holds auditions Shae Weyant sleitz@liberty.edu Ash Brownd ebrownd@liberty.edu
Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion
OUTDOORS — Liberty’s annual Fall Festival offered pumpkin painting, sack races and many more activities for all ages.
Fall festival fun SA hosts a day full of activities and food at Camp Hydaway Jen Kujawski jkujawski@liberty.edu
Student Activities (SA) held Liberty University’s annual Fall Festival at Camp Hydaway Saturday, Oct. 18, attracting students and members of the community for an afternoon of food, crafts, games and contests. This year’s event took place at Camp Hydaway after being held at the Equestrian Center for the last couple years. Those who attended the festival were greeted
with numerous outdoor activities, including zip-lining, canoeing and games. A long table was covered in all sorts of fall-themed treats including cookies, caramel apples and cider. Throughout the day, students had opportunities to paint pumpkins, mix their own scent diffusers and tie-dye Frisbees, all free of charge. “What other place could you paint a pumpkin, watch someone smash their face in a pie, make s’mores and perfume, and do it all for free with your
friends?” Anna Weeks, a Liberty sophomore, said. Multiple competitions took place throughout the day. Contests included a sack race, pumpkin painting contest and pumpkin pie-eating contest. According to Karlyn Move, event supervisor for SA, approximately 700 people attended the festival. SA usually provides around 400 pumpkins for the event, all of which are gone long before the day’s end. The festival was well received by students, who appreciated
the friendly atmosphere and the various activities provided. Weeks described the event as something that all students should consider going to, and already knows she will be back next year. To find out more about upcoming SA events, visit liberty.edu/sa.
KUJAWSKI is a feature reporter.
Coffee connection Caffeine helps get conversation started one sip at a time Rachel Graf rgraf5@liberty.edu
Coffee. That blessed companion that keeps many a student awake after a night of studying. A motivator like no other. A warm comfort on a cold day. Something that brings people together. Coffee. “Not only do most students enjoy coffee and use the act of ‘going to get coffee’ as a type of social event, but coffee is obviously also used as an energy booster,” Samantha Moran, a Liberty senior, said. “With tons
of homework, studying, work, social life and other obligations, our schedules as college students can become overwhelming and cause us exhaustion. The caffeine in coffee is useful to help keep students awake on late nights of studying and to help them wake up in the morning for class.” According to the Coffee & Health organization, the caffeine in coffee acts as a moderate stimulant of the central nervous system, causing the mind to be more alert, as well as improve attention span and concentration. “I love the taste of it,” Lindsey Varble, a Liberty sopho-
more and Dunkin’ Donuts employee, said. “It keeps me awake and (it’s) something to focus on when I’m sitting in class. I think a lot of people drink coffee to stay awake.” To celebrate National Coffee Day on Sept. 29, Dunkin’ Donuts gave away free hot or iced Dark Roast to everyone who wanted a cup, something that many students took advantage of. At one point, the line for the free coffee stretched from the cash register all the way to the side door of the Vines Center. “It was pretty intense,” Varble said. “Everybody
wanted the free coffee.” Not only does coffee serve to keep the brain alert, but it can be an emotional support as well. “It’s a comforting substance,” Steven Meisinger, a Liberty junior, said. Meisinger, a self-proclaimed Starbucks fan, said he began drinking coffee his freshman year at Liberty, developing a regular coffee drinking habit over time. “I really didn’t like coffee (at first),” Meisinger said. “It was almost too bitter. But gradually, it
See COFFEE, B9
The Cinematic Arts Department will be hosting its third annual film casting call Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Auditions will be held across from the LaHaye Ice Center near the main “Liberty University” sign, according to James Croushorn, a graduate assistant for the Cinematic Arts Department. According to Assistant Professor Scotty Curlee, the casting call is open to people of all ages, including children. No previous acting experience is required. He said the casting call will serve a variety of purposes. “This is a general casting call for student thesis films, student cycle projects, and to acquire a database of talent to draw from for the feature film,” Curlee said. The feature film, the main attraction of the casting call, has been in development for two years now. Details of the film, including its title, are being kept under wraps for the time being. Curlee said they will be announced at a future date. According to Caleb Nelson, a senior in the Cinematic Arts Department, the crew of each year’s film consists of members of the Cinematic Arts Department’s junior class, as well as a few seniors. “This film will be the flagship project for the cinema program and will showcase a film fully developed from within the department, unlike past projects that have been written and directed by outside talent,” Curlee said. The department is strongly encouraging students to audition for the film, as well as to get the word out to their friends and family in the area. For those interested in acting, the casting call may help them get a foot in the door of the film industry. According to Nelson, last year’s casting call did not receive as many auditions as the department had planned. They are hoping that this year’s casting call will yield better results. Participants in the casting call will be required to perform a scene on camera. Nelson described the simplicity of the auditioning process from previous casting events. “Actors would come and sign (in) at a table, pick up sides (scenes to read for the audition), and then get in line,” Nelson said. “When it’s your turn, they take your picture and then audition you. After that, you’re free to go.” According to Curlee, the process of selecting the actors is a collaborative effort between the casting director, the film director and the producers. Participants will be notified if they have been selected for a call back or a part. For audition updates, visit the Cinematic Arts Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/ Liberty-University-CinematicArts-Zaki-Gordon-Center. WEYANT is a feature reporter. BROWND is a copy editor.