Liberty University honors military graduates during special recognition ceremony

Liberty University held its 13th annual Military Graduate Recognition Ceremony on Thursday morning, honoring over 7,000 service members, veterans, and military spouses who earned their respective degrees during the 2024-25 academic year.

Hosted in the Thomas Road Baptist Church Worship Center, the ceremony recognized all graduates with military ties for their amazing accomplishments in light of all the difficulties in balancing military service and schoolwork. Over 500 graduates participated in the event, with over 2,000 total guests in attendance. In the Class of 2025, there are 2,426 graduates serving on active duty around the world.

Virginia Army National Guard Chaplain (Maj.) Brian Harvey, who serves as the assistant director for Liberty’s Center for Chaplaincy, welcomed guests before Liberty President Dondi E. Costin led a prayer of dedication.

Retired U.S. Navy Chief Musician and School of Music Associate Professor E. Daryl Duff led attendees in singing the national anthem and performed a rendition of “A Hero for Today.”

The 29th Infantry Division Band of the Virginia Army National Guard performed the Armed Forces Medley, during which attendees were encouraged to stand and be recognized with their respective service branch.

Helms School of Government Dean Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jason Q. Bohm provided a keynote address to service members and veterans. His wife, Katrina, shared a special message for graduates whose spouses are serving our country. Referencing the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 from Matthew 14, she compared the gifts God has given each graduate to the 12 remaining baskets of food left after Christ’s miracle. She urged them to use their gifts to positively impact others.

“Today is a celebration of your accomplishments and successes as an individual and as a military family,” she said. “Today is also a celebration of the abundant and overflowing basket God has given you as a Champion for Christ. Our prayer for you is that you would take your basket and feed the world. Congratulations. Thank you for your service to our country. God bless you.”

Jason Bohm likewise commended graduates, noting that U.S. military personnel embrace a life of challenge and hard work. He asked each graduate to consider the reasons they pursued their respective degrees and encouraged them to use this new education to live out Christ’s command to love God and love others. He likened this commandment to a commander’s intent given to service members.

“As you receive your diplomas and you travel home, please take the time to contemplate how you intend to use your newly acquired knowledge and wisdom,” he said. “I encourage you all to pay it forward and use God’s gifts to you to coach and mentor others. Regardless of the paths you choose, do so with a commitment to apply our Great Commander’s intent into your hearts, souls, minds, and with all your strength. Seek Him first and allow Him to guide you in the performance of your duties as you seek to glorify Him in all that you do.”

“You are now and will forever be part of the Liberty family, which is growing stronger every day,” he added. “We all stand ready to support you in your future endeavors, but never forget that God’s strength, mercy, and grace are eminent. He will never leave or forsake you. May God bless you all and your families. Semper Fidelis.”

Following the keynote addresses, each graduate received a commemorative coin made specifically for the ceremony. This challenge coin reminds graduates to be steadfast in their commitment, service, sacrifice, and honor. Military veterans who now work in Liberty’s faculty and administration participated in the coin presentation.

Thursday’s ceremony was one of 30 events which will be held on campus Thursday-Saturday as part of the Liberty’s 52nd Commencement, celebrating the largest graduating class in university history with over 30,000 total conferred degrees. On Wednesday, 14 graduates of the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine participated in a private ceremony in which they were commissioned into service through military medicine. LU will also hold Army and Air Force ROTC Commissioning Ceremonies for graduates on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Center for Music and the Worship Arts Concert Hall and Thomas Road Baptist Church, respectively.

Liberty will host the Commencement Main Ceremony in Williams Stadium on Friday evening, featuring a keynote address from 74th Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin.