Excitement spreads across campus as graduation nears

While the sun’s rays shined overhead on Friday, faces beamed with exuberant joy as Liberty University’s Class of 2016 congregated on campus with their friends and families for Commencement Weekend. It is just a day before tassels turn and diplomas are awarded. With about 88 percent of this year’s graduates having earned their degree through Liberty’s online education programs, many of the 35,000 expected guests are visiting campus for the first time.

“It beats my imagination,” graduate Adewale Joseph Adelegaa said of Liberty’s campus. “You get to see this stuff online, on the website. But coming here, I just feel like maybe I should have come to study as a residential student. It is awesome; the environment is perfect.”

Adelegaa is originally from Nigeria and currently living in Virginia Beach. He earned a bachelor’s in business and social science.

“All across the campus you can hear Christian music playing, that is absolutely awesome,” he said, noting you can feel God’s presence.

Michael Chapdelaine, who is graduating with a master’s degree in executive leadership & management, went to the Jerry Falwell Library to finish up some of his final coursework.

“As an online student, it was very special to be able to go into the physical library and to see what I was experiencing through the online program,” he said. “(My family and I) are just very impressed with campus; everybody is very friendly.”

Liberty held a number of events throughout the day on Friday to honor graduates and their families.

A staple of the early festivities was the Graduate Reception where masses flocked to Williams Stadium to enjoy treats like ice cream, cake, donuts, peanuts, popcorn, and cotton candy, as well as giveaways of sunglasses and balloons. Faculty from the various schools and colleges were on hand to meet with graduates and their families. Sparky, Liberty’s mascot, posed with guests for silly photos.

Friday’s events continue with the Baccalaureate Service at 6 p.m. in the Vines Center, featuring Purple Heart veteran and evangelist Tim Lee. The service is followed by the Military Graduate Recognition Ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

The Main Commencement Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Williams Stadium and features a keynote address from New York Giants running back and Liberty alumnus Rashad Jennings.

• For visitor information, a campus map, and other useful information, visit the Commencement webpage.

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