Liberty University alumni, students, friends, and family are invited Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 22-24, to see the rapidly expanding campus.
“We’re excited to have everybody come back and experience the campus transformation firsthand,” said Tyler Falwell, director of alumni relations. “We used to say, ‘You need to come back at least every five years to see all the changes,’ but at this point, you need to come back every year.”
According to Falwell, more alumni and their families are making Homecoming an annual trip.
“Last year was, hands down, a record-breaking year. Not only are more people attending Homecoming than ever, but hundreds of students are now enrolled who experienced Liberty for the first time at Homecoming,” Falwell said.
This year, current students will be invited to enjoy a Homecoming Kickoff with games, refreshments, and activities on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3-5 p.m. on the front lawn of the Jerry Falwell Library.
“Our student body is the lifeblood of who we are,” Falwell said. “This is an opportunity for them to enjoy some of the Homecoming festivities before they welcome alumni back to campus.”
Plenty of activities will keep Homecoming attendees busy throughout the weekend. Starting at dusk on Friday and Saturday, families can visit Scaremare — a Liberty fall tradition — for some frightening fun. Those looking for outdoor activities can enjoy free games at the carnival behind Hancock Welcome Center on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. For something a little more challenging, the Deep Hollow Half Marathon and 5K Trail Race starts and ends at Camp Hydaway on Saturday morning.
A new event this year will be the Alumni Social, which will allow alumni to meet and reconnect with each other, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Friday night on the Hancock Welcome Center terrace.
“Every year we survey Homecoming attendees for their feedback, and this event is one result of the feedback we received,” Falwell said. “We are always excited to provide events that will help our alumni connect with one another, and our university.”
Hockey fans won’t want to miss the grand opening weekend of the beautifully renovated LaHaye Ice Center, Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m., when the Flames’ ACHA Division I men’s team hosts Davenport University in the first two games of the annual Blue & Gray Cup.
Saturday’s yearly Homecoming parade down University Boulevard, starting at 4 p.m., will set the stage for the 7 p.m. Liberty Football game at Williams Stadium against Big South Conference newcomer Kennesaw State University.
Register for Homecoming 2015 at www.Liberty.edu/Homecoming. Registration is free and the only way to get access to Homecoming activities, discounted tickets, and giveaways.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, Oct. 21
3-5 p.m. | HOMECOMING KICKOFF:
Jerry Falwell Library front lawn, for current students. #futureLUalumni
Thursday, Oct. 22
6-9 p.m. | CHECK-IN:
Hancock Welcome Center, pick up tickets and alumni scarf
8 p.m. | CONCERT:
LaHaye Event Space, RED with Capital Kings, Tedashi, and Wolves At The Gate
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door
Friday, Oct. 23
9 a.m.-9 p.m. | CHECK-IN:
Hancock Welcome Center, pick up tickets and alumni scarf
10:30-11:30 a.m. | CONVOCATION:
Vines Center, speaker Jefferson Bethke
6-9 p.m. | CARNIVAL:
Back of Hancock Welcome Center
Cost: Free with registration. Food vendors on site.
7 p.m. | HOCKEY GAME:
LaHaye Ice Center, Flames ACHA Division I men vs. Davenport University, grand opening of renovated arena
Cost: $5 (adults and children)
7:30-11 p.m. | SCAREMARE:
2300 Carroll Ave., Lynchburg
Cost: $5 (registered adults and children)
8:30-10 p.m. | ALUMNI SOCIAL:
Hancock Welcome Center terrace level, music, games, coffee, and doughnuts.
Cost: Free
Saturday, Oct. 24
8 a.m. | DEEP HOLLOW HALF MARATHON AND 5K TRAIL RACE:
Camp Hydaway
Cost: Register online
9 a.m.-6 p.m. | CHECK-IN:
Hancock Welcome Center, pick up tickets and alumni scarf
Noon-6 p.m. | CARNIVAL:
Back of Hancock Welcome Center
Cost: Free with registration. Food vendors on site.
3 p.m. | HOCKEY GAME:
LaHaye Ice Center, Flames ACHA Division I men vs. Davenport University
Cost: $5 (adults and children)
4 p.m. | PARADE:
University Boulevard
7 p.m. | FOOTBALL GAME:
Williams Stadium, Flames vs. Kennesaw State
Cost: $5 general admission, $10 reserved seats, $15 premium
7:30-11 p.m. | SCAREMARE:
2300 Carroll Ave., Lynchburg
Cost: $5 (registered adults and children)
