President Falwell films special message for graduates, announces Mike Pompeo will attend September event

On a day that would have been the largest day of the school year for Liberty University, with about 50,000 people being welcomed to its campus for the 47th Commencement, President Jerry Falwell addressed the graduating class in a video posted on his Instagram account and the school’s main social media accounts.

State orders related to COVID-19 restrictions forced Liberty to postpone Commencement to Sept. 11-12. But on Saturday, Falwell told the graduating class, “We’re proud of you and what you’ve struggled through and what you’ve persevered to obtain this milestone in your life.”

He said Liberty’s graduates are shining examples in the world.

“We believe you’re going to accomplish great things. We hear from employers, from landlords, from anybody you’ve interacted with, what a wonderful Christian attitude you have toward others, how you treat others like you would want to be treated. That’s what our whole point of Liberty has been — to teach that perspective.”

Falwell told the graduates that he looked forward to seeing them and their families in September, when Liberty will recognize graduates in a special ceremony during the first 25 minutes of the pregame events at the first home football game on Sept. 12. (Degree presentation ceremonies will take place on Friday, Sept. 11).

“We look forward to seeing all of you in September. We definitely want to honor you. … We have Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, coming to speak, to congratulate you and admonish you to do great things in your life. We hope you’ll all attend.”

Pompeo was originally slated as the keynote speaker for the main Commencement ceremony planned for May 9.

Liberty will confer over 21,000 degrees for the 2019-20 academic year (this number includes those graduates who have conferred two majors).

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!