Alumni Andrews, Coleman return to LU to share at Convocation

Monday’s Convocation took on an alumni focus, as three Liberty University graduates were recognized and two took a special role in the program. Radio talk show host Ken Coleman (’96) and recording artist Meredith Andrews (’05) shared what God has done in their lives since graduating from Liberty. Zach Martin (’12) was introduced as the first Liberty graduate to announce a candidacy for the Republican nomination of Virginia’s 19th House of Delegate District.

Andrews, a Dove Award-winning worship music artist, performed two songs for the special music, accompanied by her husband, Jacob Sooter. When she attended Liberty, Andrews sang with Liberty’s Campus Praise Band. She released her third album, “Worth It All,” in January.

Coleman, best known for his radio program, “The Ken Coleman Show,” received national attention after his exclusive interview about traditional marriage with Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A, went viral. His show was featured on every major news outlet in the nation, including Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Fox News, CNN, CBS This Morning, Fox & Friends, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and The Huffington Post.

Among his other notable interviews are President Jimmy Carter, Tim Tebow, Sen. John McCain, Tony Dungy, Lou Holtz, Mike Huckabee, Michele Bachmann, Tony Hawk, and T.D. Jakes. He is the author of the new book, “One Question: Life Changing Answers from Today’s Leading Voice.”

In his Convocation message, Coleman told students how God created them uniquely for a purpose and that His will for their lives is to operate in their “sweet spot,” which he identified as the intersection of their passions and strengths.

He shared his story of how God used his Saturday morning radio show to give him a national platform after the interview with Cathy. He encouraged students to find their niche and stay in it, waiting on God’s timing.

“What fires me up most is when I come back today and I look around this room … we have no idea who among us will literally change the world,” Coleman said.

He quoted Henry David Thoreau, who said: “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”

He challenged students to not miss what God has in store for them.

“What is your song? You find your sweet spot at the intersection of your greatest strength and your greatest passion and you will find your song. I implore you today to find your song and to start singing it and sing it loud every day until you draw your last breath.”

Coleman also shared a story close to Liberty’s heart. He and his wife adopted their son from the Liberty Godparent Home.

Located near Liberty’s campus and founded by Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr., the Godparent Home provides an alternative to abortion for girls ages 12 to 23, by offering a nurturing environment and guidance in deciding whether to keep their baby or put him or her up for adoption.

The birth mother of Coleman’s son was recognized in Convocation and received a standing ovation from students. Johnnie Moore, vice president for communications, thanked her on behalf of the university for her courage in choosing life. She now attends Liberty University Online.

• Listen to Victory FM for interviews with Andrews (Tuesday, 8:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.) and Coleman (on Wednesday, same times).