Unconventional Convocation
Liberty previews fall Convocation schedule and announces security changes
Liberty University has planned out this fall’s Convocation schedule, securing a roster of notable speakers and changing the policy from posting the schedule for the full semester to announcing an upcoming 10-day Convocation schedule each Monday.
According to Liberty University Stages Director Ashley Lison, the shorter time between when speakers are announced and their arrival might minimize security issues.
Additionally, Lison believes the new announcement schedule will give speakers more flexibility if they need to reschedule due to other obligations.
NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon and William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick spoke at Liberty’s first Convocation of the semester Aug. 30.
The event was held at a special time of 2 p.m. According to Lison, other Convocations are expected to be at the normal 10:30 time.
The following Friday, Sept. 1 saw the arrival of Washington Redskin’s starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins alongside the team’s chaplain, Brett Fuller.
Liberty’s announced line-up consists of other athlete speakers like “American Ninja Warrior” competitors Grant McCartney and Meagan Martin Sept. 6. McCartney and Martin will be joined by the show’s co-host, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila.
According to Lison, Liberty will bring in a diverse group of speakers of different races, genders and professions.
Lison said she hopes students will relate to the speakers and look up to them. The list will still include many pastors. Lison stated Liberty still prioritizes the students spiritual growth but hopes the diversity of speakers will encourage students in other ways as well.
“We’re really excited about the guest list,” Lison said.
According to Lison, the majority of the Convocation speakers for the semester profess faith.
Some speakers do not agree with the school’s political or religious views, but Lison cited President Jerry Falwell’s wish that students will learn how to think critically and “know why they believe what they believe.”
“We don’t invite a guest unless we think that it will be beneficial for the students,” Lison said.
The News & Advance has released a list of Convocation speakers including Baltimore Ravens tight end Benjamin Watson Nov. 10, Gateway Church Senior Pastor Robert Morris Nov. 29 and the Harlem Globetrotters exhibition basketball team Dec. 11.
According to the News & Advance, former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci will also speak on campus in November.
However, Liberty has not confirmed the dates for these speakers.
The News & Advance also listed comedian Jeff Foxworthy and tennis professional John McEnroe as confirmed speakers but did not give dates.
Lison said many speakers have contacted Liberty asking to speak at the school because of its reputation for being hospitable and respectful.
Lison stated that Liberty’s reputation has spread through “word of mouth” by those who have spoken at the school in recent semesters.
According to Lison, a few of the speakers will be repeat speakers from previous years, but she did not mention any of the returning speakers’ names.
Obringer is a news reporter.