Fall 2015 Employee Newsletter
A Word from the President
As we begin our 44th year at Liberty University, I extend a warm welcome to returning faculty and staff and to all of our new employees.
Since the beginning, our mission as a university has been to provide a world-class educational experience with a solid Christian foundation, equipping men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for success in every aspect of life. Our unique heritage and expanding influence position us to produce graduates who will be defined not merely by their careers, but by their influence in and beyond the workplace. I have no doubt that you, as Liberty’s faculty and staff, are dedicated to preparing our students to succeed in their chosen professions as well as in their service to others as true Champions for Christ.
We have seen countless blessings over the last decade, many of which are evidenced by the new buildings that dot our campus. But the most substantial progress is being made in our classrooms as faculty combine academic excellence with robust Christian faith and teach their students to do the same. This commitment to superior academics — from our provost to our vice provosts, deans, professors, and support staff — has resulted in an expansion of our degree programs like never before.
Our psychology, counseling, nursing, and divinity programs have started their first full academic year under new schools: the School of Behavioral Sciences, the School of Nursing (the largest in the state), and the School of Divinity (the world’s largest accredited school for religious studies and ministerial training). At the end of August, we broke ground on the School of Divinity’s new home, Freedom Tower.
Three years ago, two departments merged to create the seventh largest School of Music in the nation. Several new degree programs have been added this fall, and the school has begun the process of moving into the new Center for Music and the Worship Arts — a facility that will take our music programs to new heights.
Our College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its second class and is now training 317 student-doctors.
Liberty is first and foremost an institution of higher education dedicated to academic excellence, and I am encouraged to see our programs constantly develop, strengthen, and adjust to industry demands. These programs position us to compete with the best schools in the nation, but unlike many of those schools, our students are receiving top-quality instruction in a supportive, Christian environment.
I encourage you to stay up-to-date with the latest news around Liberty at www.Liberty.edu/News.
Thank you for dedicating your time and talent to Liberty University, and I look forward to working alongside you for another exciting year.
Jerry Falwell
Get Your Football Fix for a Steal
Want to save money on Liberty Football games but aren’t ready to commit to season tickets? Buying a mini-pack is the perfect solution! You’ll save $25 off single-game prices, and each $30 mini-pack (a $55 value) includes one General Admission ticket to the following games:
- Oct. 24 – vs. Kennesaw State (Homecoming)
- Nov. 7 – vs. Presbyterian (Military Appreciation Day)
- Nov. 19 – vs. Coastal Carolina
For more information or to purchase your tickets, call 434-582-SEAT (7328) or visit the Ticket Office at the Vines Center. You can also purchase your mini-pack online.
Summer Construction in Review
During the summer months, new facilities opened, construction projects were completed, and roadways were improved.
Under the direction of the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and in cooperation with Central Virginia Family Physicians, a community care clinic, located on Wards Road in the K-Mart shopping center, opened. The new Fairfield Inn & Suites, formerly the Wingate by Wyndham, received a complete exterior and interior renovation. The Morris Campus Farm added an in-vessel composter that utilizes food waste from the dining hall as well as manure from the Equestrian Center. Additionally, the farm received a special use permit for 23 acres of agricultural land to be used for livestock.
The university acquired Mead’s Tavern, an 18th-century building in the historic town of New London, located about 15 minutes from campus. Renovations began on the Residential Annex II (formerly the Quality Inn on Odd Fellows Road, which was purchased in 2012 and used for resident undergraduate housing) to convert the facilities into graduate housing. The new housing will be renamed Liberty NorthPoint.
Transit upgrades include a roundabout that was constructed in July near the Liberty University Barnes & Noble Bookstore and Williams Stadium. Hershey-Esbenshade Drive, Evans Boulevard, and Mountain View Drive were widened to accommodate new bus routes around Marie F. Green Hall. Ride Systems, an online bus tracking program, was installed to allow students to track the location of Liberty University buses from their smartphones. Two new bus shelters were built at the Keyhole and David’s Place bus stops, heaters were added to three bus shelters at Green Hall, and the university acquired two 40-foot buses and one 60-foot bus, which will be the largest bus operating in Lynchburg.
The academic wing of the new Center for Music and the Worship Arts, which houses the School of Music, opened for the Fall 2015 semester. The LaHaye Ice Center will be open for games this fall with the renovations to be completed by Spring 2016.
Exciting Changes for Convocation
The Office of Spiritual Programs recently announced a revamped format and new start time for Convocation. The first Convocation of the 2015-16 academic year took place on Wednesday, Aug. 26, and began at 10:30 a.m. The later start time is part of a number of changes designed to enhance the Convocation experience for students, faculty, and staff. In addition to a new start time, Convocation is set to feature a more eclectic lineup of speakers from a wide array of professions and disciplines, more time devoted to student interaction with speakers, and a more flexible schedule, among other changes. Liberty’s Convocation is unique among evangelical liberal arts universities, and these changes are sure to enhance this exceptional event for the entire Liberty community.
Liberty Employees Excel at the Commonwealth Games
At the 2015 Subway Commonwealth Games of Virginia, staff and faculty members Lee Beaumont, Louis Cambeletta, Terry Falwell, Russ Martin, Melany Pearl, Danny Rodriguez, and Jim and Heather Schoffstall garnered numerous medals for their athletic achievements in CrossFit, disc golf, racquetball, softball, swimming, and track and field.
Beaumont won six medals for long course swimming and 11 medals for track and field; Cambeletta won a medal for coaching his daughter’s softball team; Falwell won a medal for racquetball and Rodriguez won three medals for the same sport; Martin won six medals for swimming; Pearl won two medals for CrossFit; and Jim and Heather Schoffstall won four medals in disc golf.
This is the 26th year that the games have been held. Known as Virginia’s Olympics, the annual event is held the third week of July (for most sports). The games offer 55 athletic competitions that are open to all ages and skill levels.
On Sept. 12, the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre will host the Virginia Commonwealth Games Rail Jam, and on Sept. 13, Liberty Mountain Skate Park will host the Virginia Commonwealth Skateboard Jam.
Don’t Miss a Second of Flames Football Action!
Sometimes Saturdays are too busy for your favorite activities — even Flames Football — but that doesn’t mean you have to hear about an amazing fourth quarter comeback from your colleagues on Monday morning.
No matter what you’re doing, you can catch complete game day coverage of Flames Football on The Journey!
Coverage begins 90 minutes prior to kickoff with “Football Game Day.” Co-hosted by Nick Pierce, Jamie Hall, and Matt Camire, the show provides in-depth coverage of each week’s matchup with insight from coaches and players, as well as pregame thoughts from Head Coach Turner Gill.
At kickoff, the “Voice of the Flames,” Alan York, and color analyst, Pa
ul Rutigliano, team up to call the game, and Josh Valles keeps fans up-to-date on scores from around the country. Afterwards, hear exclusive interviews from inside the locker room with Liberty players and coaches as they break down the game.
Whether you tune into 88.3, listen online at www.MyJourneyFM.com, or listen through The Journey Mobile App, you don’t have to miss any game day action!
Employee Giving Is Up 11 Percent!
During the last fiscal year, 443 employees gave financially to support Liberty’s mission. That is an 11 percent increase from last year’s giving! Of those 443 employees, 238 are alumni and 50 were recognized in the prestigious President’s Circle. Total employee giving for the 2014-15 fiscal year exceeded $186,000.
Commenting on the successful year, Vice President for Development Tom Arnold remarked, “I remain encouraged over the continued rise in employee giving. This is the third year we have realized an increase in employee giving, which speaks volumes about our faculty and staff’s commitment to our mission of Training Champions for Christ.”
Thank you to everyone who gave. We ask for your continued support as we strive to make this university a light for Christ across the globe.
New Facility, Tough Schedule, and a Hungry Team – Get Your Tickets Now
Liberty Men’s DI Hockey is gearing up for another action-packed season in the newly renovated LaHaye Ice Center!
Now expanded to accommodate 4,000 fans, the LaHaye Ice Center is equipped for what is sure to be an unforgettable season. The Flames are competing against powerhouse universities such as Virginia Tech, Stony Brook, Davenport, and Oakland. With a competitive schedule, a new facility, and a team fresh off its eighth appearance in the ACHA playoffs, you won’t want to miss a second of the action.
Call 434-582-SEAT (7328) or visit www.Liberty.edu/Tickets to purchase General Admission or Reserved Seating season tickets for 19 exciting home games.
Buy your season tickets today — we’ll see you at the rink!
Staying Connected in a Digital World
There is no doubt that we are living in a digital age. We work online, go to school online, and even keep up with friends online. As a leader in online education, Liberty knows how important it is to maintain communication and genuine fellowship when using digital media.
Online Communities allows faculty and staff to take part in live-streamed events, hear devotionals from campus pastors, chat with others in the Liberty community, and much more. From Convocation to weekly worship at Campus Community, you’ll be encouraged by all that God is doing at Liberty. Watch Convocation live at 10:30 a.m. EST two to three times a week during the fall and spring semesters (check schedule) or join in worship with Campus Community on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Go to www.Liberty.edu/Live to stream these events.
Also, be sure to join the rest of your colleagues and Online Communities on Facebook and Yammer (the social media platform from Office 365).
Need a Hand?
Do you need a babysitter or help around the house? Liberty University is proud to announce a new program, Lending A Hand, which connects you to Liberty students who are looking for temporary employment. Through Lending A Hand, you can help a student earn some extra money, which will greatly contribute to their education and their time at Liberty.
You can post employment opportunities for Liberty students online today! Job opportunities include, but are not limited to, yard work, babysitting, painting, and other general labor employment.
For more information about Lending A Hand, please contact the Lending A Hand office today at (434) 582-7200 or LAH@liberty.edu. Thank you for your support!
Turn Your Car Into A Liberty Flames Rep!
Americans love the open road. Whether you’re flying down the interstate or enjoying the scenic routes, your car takes you everywhere — and now you can represent Liberty University wherever you go with personalized Liberty license plates!
Featuring your own unique message and the LU monogram, your license plate will not only declare your school allegiance, but will also support Liberty’s mission. When you purchase a Liberty license plate, more than 50 percent of the proceeds go toward Liberty scholarship funds for Virginia resident students. That means more students being trained as Champions for Christ.
Getting your plate is simple:
• Browse the DMV website for available plates.
• Create your personal character combination.
• Purchase your plate quickly and easily.
Turn your car into a Liberty Flames rep today!
Employees of the Month
Congratulations to our Employees of the Month. You are a tremendous blessing to this university, and we are thankful for you. This recognition is proof that you go above and beyond normal expectations to consistently produce excellent work with a Christlike attitude and spirit. Thank you for all you do to make Liberty a shining light.
July: Cory Anderson, Edwina Berryman, Bryant Bowles, Ken Brunson, Nancy Childress, Maria Cruz, Jake Durfee, Lorel Garcia, Mike Musgrave, and Joshua Parsons.
August: Erin Reeder, Brad Butler, Emilee Forner, Mark Howieson, Jeffery Hurley, Connie Martin, and Jessica Pantana.
September: Kyle Breen, Allison Brooks, Christine Fulmer, Kelli Goins, Dr. Richard Lane, Terri Modlin, Michele Pait, Veronica Rohrer, Mark Schmidt, and Stewart Waddy.
You Stand Out
University senior leadership has been looking for staff members who exemplify exceptional commitment to Liberty’s customer service standards. Last month, tickets* were handed out as our way of thanking those whose hard work and dedication (often behind the scenes) made a difference.
Congratulations to You Stand Out recipients: Ryan Helm, Daniel Venersar, Paul Carmany, Eric Brown, Keely McMillon, Lisa Carroll, Ryan Bomberger, Jordan Ramsey, Luann Hodges, Courtney Hall, Tammy Gilbert, Mary Gery, Patrick Slagle, Carey Martin, Heather Chalkman, Joe Meachum, Staci Engel, Ellen Geraghty, Erika Valek, Matthew Peele, Mark Miller, Jan Michael Dervish, Mitzi Bible, and David Miller.
*Remember, these tickets are redeemable for a Barnes & Noble gift card. Be on the lookout — you never know when someone might notice that You Stand Out!
Send Us Your Feedback
God has been doing great things around Liberty. We would love to hear your thoughts about how the You Matter campaign is affecting Liberty’s campus. Feel free to send us your feedback and ideas.
Email us at youmatter@liberty.edu