Since the We The Champions project launched last fall, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Liberty have united around the university’s foundational calling to use education to serve God and others. They have shared in this single vision, to reclaim the word “champion” and show the world what it means to be a defender, a risk-taker, and an advocate who stands up for the voiceless, the hurting, and the oppressed. Every day, the Liberty community is championing the needs of others through prayer, service, and the gifts God has given us.
As part of the project, Liberty has presented one Champion Award each month to a student or a faculty or staff member who embodies the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — characteristics that are at the heart of both Liberty’s mission and the We The Champions project.
Below are the spring semester winners. Watch videos and read more about previous Champion Award winners at Liberty.edu/Champions.
Aaron Berlin (January)
Aaron Berlin’s love for God and for people extends far beyond words in his job as a second shift supervisor in Custodial Facilities. Though he admits his work is sometimes mundane and repetitive, he views it as an opportunity to share the love of God with everyone he encounters. His coworkers say that Berlin’s positive mindset is contagious.
Servant leaders can be found in every corner of campus, and Berlin is a great example of the positive differences you can make in those around you by doing your work for the Lord and not for man.
Ali Curtis (February)
When her family needed her, she was there. Recent graduate Ali Curtis, a native of Austin, Texas, left campus to return home and care for her baby brother while her mother worked. She continued her courses in Liberty’s online program. When Curtis eventually returned to Lynchburg, she was a part-time caregiver for two autistic children. She traveled with LU Send to Rwanda over Spring Break.
At each twist and turn, Curtis has been obedient to God’s calling — even when His plan contradicted her own. In August, she will embark on a mission trip to 11 countries in 11 months with the World Race organization.
Cindy Drohn (March)
Cindy Drohn’s students know her office door is always open — nights and weekends included. It’s a safe place where they can talk about wins and failures. Drohn, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, always reminds her students that the Lord will carry them through.
In the classroom, Drohn is more than a professor; she is a mentor and friend whom students can depend on for guidance throughout their careers. A Liberty nursing alumna herself, she is now giving back by teaching students how to be the hands and feet of Christ as they care for their patients. She models those lessons in her own life.
Kristie Beitz (April)
As the senior associate athletics director – academic affairs, Kristie Beitz helps make Liberty University a home away from home for its NCAA student-athletes. She encourages them to pursue excellence academically, athletically, socially, and spiritually. Her servant’s heart is displayed as she assists them on a daily basis — and when she bakes her famous treats for the whole Athletics Department.
Beitz demonstrates determination, selflessness, and integrity in her job. The compassion she shows each individual inspires others to do the same.
Taylor DeWolf (May)
Junior Taylor DeWolf has always had a heart for helping the elderly, even at a young age. The social work student has spent every Saturday volunteering with Liberty’s Campus Serve program at Heritage Green Assisted Living/Day Break. Within the elderly community, DeWolf is especially passionate about assisting those who struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She also volunteers at Centra Hospice, where she spends time with patients who sometimes don’t have loved ones nearby. She shares the Gospel, and she shares her heart.
DeWolf has been a servant on campus, too, leading others in their walks with God as a prayer leader.
- Has someone at Liberty inspired you to live like a Champion for Christ? Visit Liberty.edu/Champions and tell us how they are using their talents to make the world a better place.
This year, students showed their enthusiasm for the We The Champions project on campus, across the country, and around the globe.
