Welcome Home: Thousands of alumni return to Liberty Mountain for Homecoming 2022

Video by Logan Smith and Jared Devin

Alumni, students, and other members of the Liberty University community gathered over the weekend to celebrate 51 years on Liberty Mountain during Homecoming, Oct. 14-15, with over 10,000 guests to campus.

Actress and Christian media personality Priscilla Shirer was the featured speaker of Friday morning’s Convocation, talking about living “right-side up” in faith.

A wide variety of activities were held throughout campus on Friday, including a Homecoming luncheon, Carnival, Family Fun Friday at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, Alumni Reunion, Bonfire, and the Annual Homecoming Concert, “The Story of God’s Passion for His People,” featuring performances by multiple Liberty music groups, an alumni choir, and soloists.

Dennis Fields, Jr. (’88) and his family have been a part of Liberty University since they moved to Lynchburg in the mid-1970s. His father, Dennis Fields, Sr., filled multiple leadership positions at Liberty over the years. His mother, Glenna, was an English professor, and his sister Miriam graduated from Liberty in 1992. Fields said that the campus and all that the university has become have brought the vision of Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell to fruition.

“I was really glad to see so many fellow alumni during Homecoming Weekend,” Fields said. “It was great to reconnect with folks who attended LU in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. The campus growth is amazing (and is) truly a reflection of Dr. Falwell’s vision coming to be. I believe he would be pleased, but not surprised, because what we enjoy now is exactly what he could see (over) 50 years ago.  We continue to support Liberty University because we still believe in the Training Champions for Christ mission.”

Alumnus Tim Spencer and his wife, Shawna both 1985 graduates, attended Homecoming events, including the Alumni Reunion on Friday night.

“I had an amazing time at Homecoming this year,” Tim said. “(We loved) driving around in the car we dated in back in the early ’80s, playing our musical horn on the car and meeting people from all over. We can’t wait until next year.”

The influx of alumni on campus this weekend included many of Liberty’s former student-athletes, who had opportunities to reunite with their teammates. During Friday’s women’s volleyball game against Jacksonville, 11 members of the 1997 Big South Volleyball Championship-winning team were honored for the 25th anniversary of Liberty’s first conference volleyball title. The men’s lacrosse team held an alumni game on Friday night, pitting the past and present players against one another, and also joined for a tailgate party on Saturday.

Multiple academic groups held special gatherings as well, including a Debate team reunion and alumni tailgates hosted by the School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing.

Saturday’s events began with the Deep Hollow Half Marathon and 5K at Hydaway Outdoor Center. Guests lined up for the Homecoming Parade along University Boulevard and headed to the Alumni Tailgate and Flames Fan Fest for pregame activities before watching the Flames beat Gardner-Webb 21-20 at Williams Stadium.

“Homecoming was so fun,” said Ellie Towe (’20), who attended the football game with her 4-month-old daughter. “It is always such a joy to come back to LU and be on campus; it’s so nostalgic and special every time. I love the excited atmosphere, how family friendly it is, and how much it reminds me of my college days that I loved so much.”

“Having the opportunity to come back to Lynchburg for Homecoming is something I always cherish,” said Noah Chafin (’19). “Reconnecting with friends who were pivotal to my experience at LU is an annual reminder of the community I was blessed to be able to build here. Watching the Flames pull out a win just made it all the better.”

Liberty’s Director of Alumni Engagement Dr. Greg Tilley spent the weekend going from event to event and meeting alumni from throughout the decades.

“It was such a blessing to engage with all of the faithful alumni that came home to Liberty over this Homecoming weekend,” he said. “We are so thankful for those who have chosen to stay connected to our community and support the vision of our founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell. There is strength in numbers and encouragement with the fellowship of believers!”

Alumni, faculty, staff, and current students roasted s’mores at Friday night’s bonfire. (Photo by KJ Jugar)