Seniors celebrate with a picnic at the Falwell farm

The Class of 2010 at Liberty University was treated to a farewell from Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. and his family on May 8 in the form of a high-activity picnic at his farm in Bedford County, Virginia.

An estimated 750 students attended the picnic coordinated by Liberty’s Student Activities Office. Falwell started the tradition in his first year as chancellor for the purpose of giving seniors both a personal time to spend with his family as well as a final experience to seal their years at Liberty.

Senior nursing major Corinne Pogue said, “University chancellors usually seem distant, so to allow all the students in their senior year to meet him, walk around in his house and play with all of his toys makes the college experience more personal.”

Students were treated like royalty with free T-shirts and dinner for the first 500 guests, as well as a variety of outdoor games, including volleyball, Frisbee, horseshoes and tennis. The main attractions this year were horseback riding, provided by Reba Farms, and water sports donated by James River Float Company. Several competitions, including a hula-hoop contest, were held for prizes and an exhibition from Liberty dance crew D.O.A. was performed at the shore of the lake.

A unique highlight this year was an open-house style tour of the Falwells’ home.

“I loved that we could go anywhere we wanted in their house; to see where they live on a day-to-day basis made me feel like family,” Pogue said.

“It was fun just walking around and enjoying how beautiful their property was … very relaxing,” she added.

The Falwells said the relaxed atmosphere and perfect weather made for a successful event. They appreciated the hard work and dedication of Student Activities staff and said they have received many “thank you” messages from seniors.