Fall 2017 Employee Newsletter
A Word from the President
Every new academic year brings changes, and here at Liberty those changes are always exciting. At the all-employee meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22, we shared our strategic plan for Liberty’s future with you, a plan that includes academic improvements, enhancements to our infrastructure, goals for the culture we want to create on campus, new initiatives in leadership and branding, and plans for our athletics programs. I am fully confident in the leadership team that is overseeing this plan, and am excited to see it come to fruition.
On Saturday, Flames Football kicks off the season at Baylor University for our first game in the two-year transition process to the FBS — the top level of collegiate football. Many of you joined us at the Flames Fan Fest this past weekend, and we thank you for bringing your families and showing your early support for the team. This game will not only be a big step for our football program, but also ties in directly with our strategic plan. We have some big opponents lined up for future seasons, too — view our football schedule and make plans to attend the games.
Along with the excitement that football season brings, I am pleased to announce that in Convocation on Aug. 30, we launched our “We the Champions” campaign. You saw a preview of the campaign at the all-employee meeting. The campaign embodies what it means to be a Champion for Christ, whether that’s through character, the classroom, or your career, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the ways that you bring this campaign to life this year.
One student who exemplifies what it means to be a champion in all aspects of life is NASCAR driver William Byron. Earlier this year, Byron became the youngest driver to win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Instead of taking the credit for his historic win, Byron immediately thanked God and the people he works with, saying he was humbled by the victory. His attitude is a perfect example of what we mean when we say “champion.” Despite racing full time, Byron is still pursuing his degree online through Liberty, showing that he cares about success both on and off the track. In 2018, Byron will join Hendrick Motorsports and compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. His three wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season have helped earn him the move up to the Cup Series, and we are proud to continue sponsoring him next year.
Our students are indeed champions, whether on the football field, racetrack, or mission field. In each of your specific roles, you are helping all of our students excel.
The exciting events and student achievements in this newsletter are just a few of the reasons why I am looking forward to this academic year. Know that our prayers are with you as we make Liberty’s 46th year the best yet.
Jerry Falwell
President
We the Champions
Big things are happening at Liberty University. We believe we are poised on the edge of university history. In less than 50 short years, the prayers of the faithful have turned 154 students to 110,000, empty bank accounts into a billion dollar campus, and a simple vision to send students out into every walk of life as Champions for Christ into elite Carnegie status and a move to the FBS. The Liberty University story is one that boldly proclaims God’s faithfulness and provision.
However, the story of our school isn’t the only one that we value. Stories are the lifeblood of the Liberty experience and the drive behind the new We the Champions campaign, announced in Convocation on Aug. 30. We all know someone (maybe ourselves) who saw God’s hand bring them to Liberty, encourage them on their journey, or open unexpected doors before them. We would love to hear how God has used Liberty to bless you or someone in your life.
You are invited to join us in this unique campaign by sharing your story and helping us tell others what it means to be a Champion for Christ. Your Liberty story is important — we want to hear from you!
Don’t Miss These On-Campus Events
Mark your calendar because Liberty University is hosting fun for everyone this fall!
On Monday, Oct. 16, four of the most successful tennis players in the world will be coming to the Vines Center! John McEnroe, Michael Chang, Andy Roddick, and James Blake will compete in the PowerShares Series Legends of Tennis event. The tournament will feature two one-set semifinal matches ending in a one-set championship match. Use discount code “CHAMPS” to receive 15 percent off P2-P5 tickets — get yours today.
“The Laura Ingraham Show” is coming to Liberty University! Join the audience in Convocation on Oct. 13 and be part of a live recording of Laura Ingraham’s talk radio show. If you can’t attend, you can listen live online at Facebook.com/LibertyOSD. This event is free and includes a book signing with Laura.
For years, the Harlem Globetrotters have been wowing crowds with their basketball tricks and top-notch showmanship — now you can see them live in the Vines Center on Monday, Dec. 11. Don’t miss out on a night that the whole family will love. Buy tickets today and save up to 30 percent with offer code “AMAZING”.
Wear Red and Support the Flames!
Flames Football is about to kick off, and that means “Wear Red Fridays” are back! Wear red and jeans every Friday before a home game this football season and show your support for the Flames.
Liberty’s season starts on Sept. 2 with an exciting matchup against Baylor in Waco, Texas. Liberty’s home schedule begins on Sept. 9. against Morehead State, followed by Indiana State, St. Francis (Pa.), Kennesaw State (Homecoming Weekend), Duquesne, and Presbyterian. The Flames will travel to Jacksonville State, Monmouth, and Gardner-Webb, ending the regular season at Charleston Southern. Visit LibertyFlames.com for game times and tickets!
Liberty Worship Collective Releases Music Video for “Run”
The Liberty Worship Collective released a new music video for “Run” this month. Co-written by worship leader Phil Wickham, “Run” is the band’s first original single from its 2017 self-titled album. Click here to watch the video!
“Extraordinary” in Theaters Sept. 7!
The feature film “Extraordinary,” which tells the story of Liberty University exercise science professor and ultra-running legend David Horton, is hitting the silver screen in over 600 theaters across the U.S. on Sept. 7. “Extraordinary” is the first film from Liberty’s Cinematic Arts, Zaki Gordon Center to be released in theaters nationwide. Buy your tickets today!
Liberty Announces Ricky Hendrick Scholarship
In partnership with the Hendrick Automotive Group, Liberty University is proud to announce the Ricky Hendrick Scholarship, named in honor of NASCAR and automotive industry legend Rick Hendrick’s late son. This scholarship will be awarded to students entering the B.S. in Business Administration: Automotive Dealership Management program.
In memory of Ricky, Liberty student and NASCAR driver William Byron’s car will be sporting a throwback design at the Darlington Raceway on Saturday, Sept. 2. Liberty is a sponsor for the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro, which will mimic the paint scheme of a No. 5 GMAC Chevrolet driven by Ricky. The paint scheme was announced along with the scholarship, and Rick was touched by the tribute to his son. He talked about visiting campus and meeting our students, and called them very focused, faith-based students, with a drive and a desire to achieve in life. Click here to read more about the scholarship and Byron’s throwback paint scheme.
Fall 2017 Construction Update
Liberty’s nearly $1 billion campus upgrade continues to bring exciting additions! Following Commencement, Elmer Towns Religion Hall was demolished in preparation for a future School of Business building. Completed in 1982, Elmer Towns Religion Hall primarily housed Liberty’s divinity programs. With the building of Freedom Tower, the Rawlings School of Divinity will have a new home in Spring 2018.
Following demolition, construction began on the new home for the School of Business. The 3-story, 80,000-square-foot building is scheduled to open in Fall 2018 and will feature a 500-seat auditorium, a number of innovative classrooms and meeting spaces, and a simulated stock trading room.
Across campus, construction continues on the Liberty Natatorium. Construction crews from Glass & Associates Inc. poured the concrete for the 50-meter pool inside the new state-of-the-art facility in late June. The Natatorium, which is connected to the Liberty Indoor Track Complex, is expected to open on Nov. 1.
Have You Visited the Employee Bulletin Board?
Did you know that important announcements, special events, and great discounts are just a click away? The Employee Bulletin Board is your source for everything you need to know!
Contact your project coordinator or email marketing@liberty.edu for more information.
Change Someone’s Life with the Employee Giving Campaign
Have you joined the Employee Giving Campaign yet? There is still plenty of time for you to get involved and impact the lives of others. When you give, your money is used to make a difference in a real, visible way. From disaster relief to financial assistance for those in need, the Employee Giving Campaign gives you the opportunity to help your neighbors, co-workers, and friends. The Journey FM Fall Partner Invitation is part of our campaign as well. To learn more about how you can join, visit the Employee Giving Campaign online! Together, we can change lives.
Congratulations to our top five contributing departments! Thank you for your generosity.
- Development
- Spiritual Development
- Athletics
- Student Financial Services
- Broadcast Communications
Academic Developments
While campus construction continues, Liberty’s academic programs are making strides as well. According to BestColleges.com, Liberty University’s online programs were ranked in the top 10 of “The Best Online Colleges of 2017” out of more than 2,100 colleges and universities for quality, affordability, and accessibility. BestColleges.com also ranked Liberty No. 3 of its 10 best online colleges in Virginia.
On campus, the School of Communication & Creative Arts has officially split into two schools: the School of Communication & Digital Content and the School of Visual & Performing Arts. Both schools are located in Green Hall.
Register for the Genworth VA 10 Miler!
Run with friends and co-workers in one of Lynchburg’s best races! Registration is still open for the Genworth VA 10 Miler on Sept. 23. Sign up for either the 10-mile or 4-mile race or the 4-mile walk. The race will take place at 8 a.m. at E.C. Glass High School on Saturday, Sept. 23. Visit VirginiaTenMiler.com for more information.
Commonwealth Games Recap
Thousands of athletes brought their best to Liberty University, July 21-23, for the 28th Annual Virginia Commonwealth Games! Participants competed in over 25 events, including baseball, basketball, lacrosse, paintball, and track & field. Highlights of the weekend included more than 20 powerlifting records being set — four by Liberty alumnus Javaz Williams — and an Opening Ceremonies speech from Virginia native Vernell Coles, a former Team USA basketball player and NBA veteran. Visit CommonwealthGames.org for weekend results.
Last fall, Liberty and the City of Lynchburg were chosen to host the 2019 State Games of America. The games are held every two years and are slated to come to Lynchburg July 31-Aug. 4, 2019. About 15,000 athletes from 32 different states are expected to participate in the 2019 State Games of America in Lynchburg.
Employees of the Month
Congratulations to our Employees of the Month. You are a tremendous blessing to this university, and we are thankful for you. This recognition is proof that you go above and beyond expectations to consistently produce excellent work with a Christlike attitude and spirit. Thank you for all you do to make Liberty a shining light.
July Employees of the Month were: Leanne Arrington, Caleb Childers, Lisa Curtis, William Dogan, Abby Faber, Brian Hinkley, Jonathan Ignacio, Maegan Immordino, Marcus Lau, Melanie Letterman, Ann Manuel, Caleb Nelson, Lauren Rock, Elisabeth Roselle, Samuel Spradlin, Kaleb VanDePerre, and Tristan Walter.
August Employees of the Month were: Kristie Beitz, Alexandra Burnette, Ryan Cardinale, Shannon Carroll, Katrina Chase, Ben Cruz, Rebecca de Rosset, Sheldon Farrington, Justin Gaver, Josh Gerstner, Kristen Hark, Daniel Hotelling, Lynn Kuhns, Sarah Marinkovich-Durfee, Joshua Marshall, Preston May, Brien Sabella, Caleb Spriggs, Kaycee Tripp, Ana Vangarde, John Webb, and Frances Wright.
September Employees of the Month are: David Allison, Bryan Beman, Mackenzie Case, Kati Charron, Toby Davies, Laura Frable, Jamie Holt, Christi Hurtak, Christiana LeoGrande, Kevin Martin, Pam McMurray, Samantha Newton, Claire Oliver, Valda Rowe, Lincoln Sprague, Todd Wetmore.
You Stand Out
Senior university leadership has been looking for staff members who exemplify exceptional commitment to Liberty’s customer service standards. Last month, tickets* were handed out as our way of thanking those whose hard work and dedication (often behind the scenes) make a difference.
Congratulations to You Stand Out recipients: Justin Wilson, Daniel Vinersar, Michael McBride, Aaron Coffey, Debbie Crouch, Tracy Price, Kristina Jennings, Kenneth Elder, Kenneth Tolley, Todd Carroll, and Brad Butler, Melanie Letterman, Renee Breen, Bryan Beman, Andrew Ackerman, Virginia Stainback, Allison Brooks, Tim John, Randy Campbell, Bert Locklin, Michael Golden, Joshua Walker, Houston Eldridge, Victor Nopolilo, Brittany Liberto, Serena Bledsoe, Julie Glover, Roland Parris, Amanda Stanley, MJ Jackson, Alisa Martin, Michaelle McCarthy, Ben Terry, Kristie Layne, and Juanita Cunningham.
*Remember, these tickets are redeemable for a Barnes & Noble gift card. Be on the lookout — you never know when someone might notice that You Stand Out!