As a symbolic reminder of those who have contributed to building up what Liberty University is today, a wall bearing over 14,000 names was recently built on the Academic Lawn near the Freedom Tower.
The 14,659 names were all members of previous brick campaigns, in which donors’ names are carved into the bricks at campus buildings, and came from structures that have since been renovated or rebuilt — the Worley Prayer Chapel, the old Schilling Center, and the former Fine Arts Hall.
“As part of the campus rebuilding, we have demolished quite a few buildings, and with the speed that we have taken these buildings down, we started documenting and collecting names from the buildings as we have always wanted to make sure these people receive our gratitude in symbolic form,” said Dan Deter, vice president of major construction. “We wanted to make sure that their future generations would be able to come here and see their names documented and honored.”
In addition to the names of these contributors, the wall includes a plaque inscribed with the following:
50 YEARS OF FAITHFUL FRIENDS: Since our founding in 1971 friends of Liberty University have contributed generously to help us continue our ongoing mission of Training Champions for Christ. This wall of recognition stands as a tribute representing the hundreds of thousands of donors who faithfully and prayerfully gave over the years in support of the miracle on Liberty Mountain.
“It always costs you something to do a work for the Lord. If it does not cost you anything, it is not worth doing.” — Dr. Jerry Falwell
A more comprehensive digital display of the names of Liberty’s supporters is currently in development and is scheduled to be available to view at the Hancock Welcome Center, Freedom Tower, as well as other yet-to-be-determined locations on campus.
“Since 1971, Liberty University has been prayerfully supported by friends who faithfully followed the Lord’s leading and gave consistently — and often sacrificially — to ensure that the mission of Training Champions for Christ would stand through the decades,” said Jim Nichols, vice president of development. “The new donor wall on the Liberty campus is a physical representation of the men and women who believed in the enduring vision of a world-class Christian university on this mountain.”
>> COMING UP:
Join Liberty alumni, parents, staff, and friends from around the world to raise funds that will build student scholarships, academic departments, and athletic programs through Liberty University Giving Day on Nov. 17.