Homecoming 2018: ‘Return to the Mountain’

Liberty University alumni from near and far gathered back on campus this weekend for Homecoming. For many, it was their first chance to see a newly expanded Williams Stadium and to cheer on the Flames in their inaugural season in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season, the highest level of collegiate football. The fans were not disappointed, as the Flames tamed the Bengals of Idaho State, winning 48-41.

Cindy and Eric Kerns, both from the Class of 1988, traveled from Martinsburg, W.Va., for their first Homecoming with their family, including their son, Ethan (’15).

“It’s overwhelming to be back and see the renovations on campus,” Cindy Kerns said. “It’s beautiful, and this is exactly what Dr. Falwell used to talk about when we were students. He’d be so proud to see what campus looks like now.”

“When we were students, we didn’t even play football on campus,” Eric Kerns added. “We played football at City Stadium near Downtown Lynchburg. This makes it our first time seeing a football game on Liberty’s campus — and in the new stadium at that.”

The stadium wasn’t the only part of Liberty’s recent $1 billion campus transformation that alumni were able to experience. Guests took tours of the newly opened Freedom Tower throughout the weekend, taking in the spectacular views of campus and the greater Lynchburg area.

Between catching up with old friends and sightseeing around campus, alumni participated in many of Liberty’s Homecoming traditions, such as the bonfire hosted by Student Activities and the Alumni Tailgate at the Liberty Baseball Stadium. Other events included “The Spirit of Broadway” in the Center for Music & the Worship Arts Concert Hall, featuring alumni performing favorites from stage musicals and movies; performances of “Much Ado About Nothing” in the Black Box Theatre; the ACHA Division I men’s hockey team taking on NYU; the Deep Hollow half marathon and 5k trail race at Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center; and a night of spooks at Scaremare.