President Falwell shares exciting updates and plans to come during last Convocation of the academic year

Liberty University President Jerry Falwell and his wife, Becki, joined Liberty’s Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser from the front lawn of the Falwells’ home during Friday’s “Front Lawnvo,” the final Convocation of the academic year.

The Falwells were the “special guests” for the online event, which is typically named “Lawnvo” and held on the Academic Lawn. Since Spring Break, all Convocations have been held in an online format due to COVID-19.

The event, hosted by Nasser from his own front lawn, began with a video featuring several of the Liberty Worship Collective’s members on their front lawns from various areas of the country. Together, they sang a new song co-written by Nasser and Collective member Judd Harris.

Nasser introduced a video montage that reflected on the incredible academic, athletic, and spiritual life athletic achievements that Liberty accomplished in the 2019-20 school year. The accomplishments included the football team’s first Bowl appearance and victory, men’s and women’s basketball ASUN championship titles, and standout seasons from many of Liberty’s Club Sports teams.

Nasser then sat down for a conversation with the Falwells to discuss the unexpected disruption of the spring semester.

President Falwell knows that this season of life has been difficult for Liberty’s student body.

“We’re just proud of our students for being so strong through this and for being so understanding,” he said.

He explained that during the students’ Spring Break, Liberty’s executive team worked tirelessly to construct a plan that would allow for students who were unable to return home or didn’t want to potentially endanger elderly relatives to stay on Liberty’s campus while abiding by social distancing restrictions.

“We found a way to keep Liberty their home and keep it safe,” Falwell said.

Falwell said that he believes Liberty set the standard for how colleges should react to such a crisis.

“We’ve had zero cases of COVID-19 amongst faculty and students on campus,” Falwell said. “And though the press tries to beat up on us, we take it as a compliment that we’re the target.”

He said that despite the virus, construction progress on campus has continued.

“Construction hasn’t slowed down at all on the new arena, the parking garage, or the other big projects on campus,” he said. “We’re getting a lot done and it was a perfect time to take the roof off the Vines Center.”

“There are a lot of exciting things happening and there are some even more exciting projects in the future,” he added. “I really think everything will be open in the fall.”

The Falwells also spoke about graduation, rescheduled for Sept. 11, and honoring the Class of 2020.

“It’s going to be a special occasion in a lot of ways and we hope the families will all come back,” Falwell said. “It will be a special event and it will honor the seniors in the way they should be honored.”