Homecoming 2025: Blessings on the Mountain

Through the familiar favorite Homecoming traditions that bring thousands of visitors to campus each year, Liberty University welcomed over 12,000 alumni and their families to celebrate another year of God’s blessings on Liberty Mountain.

Some alumni started the weekend early by attending Friday morning’s Convocation featuring champion pitmaster Christopher Prieto. Members of the Classes of 1974 and 1975 were invited to attend the first Golden Alumni Luncheon on Friday at the estate of Liberty’s late founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, where they reunited with former classmates, met with Chancellor Jonathan Falwell and other members of university administration, and toured the home.

Liberty offered many family-oriented and student events throughout the day on Friday, including hayrides at the Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center, a Family Fun Day at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, Kids Karnival in collaboration with Thomas Road Baptist Church, roasting s’mores at the Hydaway Outdoor Center, bowling under blacklights in the Montview Bowling Alley, and the movie “Hotel Transylvania” in the Vines Center.

Also on Friday, Liberty Athletics inducted seven new members into the Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame during a banquet in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom.

Over 500 alumni and family members attended the annual Alumni Breakfast on Saturday morning, where they met fellow graduates, connected with the Office of Alumni Relations, and more. Greg Petroff, Esq. (’91), was recognized as Alumnus of the Year.

In the hours leading up to the Flames Football game on Saturday afternoon, families had multiple opportunities to join in Homecoming festivities. The traditional Homecoming Parade down University Boulevard featured the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band, various floats from different departments, and university leaders, including Liberty President Dondi E. Costin and his wife, Vickey, and Chancellor Jonathan Falwell and his wife, Shari, tossing candy to the crowd.

Before the gates opened, families participated in the Alumni Tailgate on the Outdoor Football Practice Field and the Flames Fan Fest at the Indoor Football Practice Field.

For many guests, Homecoming is a family affair each year, as generations of alumni, current students, or potential future Flames share in the celebration. Nursing graduate Erin Winkels (’04) was on campus with her brother, Tim Sperling (’07), and her daughter who is a current freshman. She said her family makes a point to travel from New Jersey to celebrate together each Homecoming.

“It’s a good time to come every year and connect with everybody, connect with the school, and see the growth in the campus,” Winkels said. It’s refreshing to be back on campus and (witness) all that God has been doing at Liberty.”

Dana Davidson (’89) from Roanoke, Va., has attended every Homecoming since she graduated with a bachelor’s in finance, and she is also a season ticket holder for Flames Football. She was one of many who attended the Flames’ 59-30 victory over Delaware in Williams Stadium.

“It’s amazing how much Liberty changes from visit to visit,” she said. “I love seeing it, it’s incredible. Dr. Falwell would be so proud of what we have here.”

For many alumni, Homecoming is a fixture on their calendars that they look forward to year after year.

Sheila Williams (’21, ’23) earned her two degrees through Liberty University Online Programs (a bachelor’s in education and master’s in special education), but she still registers for Homecoming as soon as possible so she can return to her alma mater.

“I enjoy coming here every year to meet new people and see new faces,” she said, noting that she attended Saturday morning’s Alumni Breakfast and interacted with many fellow graduates. “As soon as I hear when it is, I sign up right away so that I can get a hotel and get (ready). I love seeing all that Liberty has to offer, including the camaraderie and the niceness of the people who also come.”

Homecoming involves the work of many departments to make the celebration a grand success. Liberty’s Student Activities Office plans events every year that cater to alumni of all ages, their families, and current students, making sure everyone has the chance to celebrate together.

“For decades, young Christians from around the world have chosen Liberty University to help further their education. That drive and intentionality are illuminated during Homecoming weekend when thousands of excited alumni return to their alma mater,” said Director of Student Activities Cort Comfort. “For many alumni, Liberty University houses incredibly fond memories and reignites the calling to be a Champion for Christ.”

“From the first-ever Golden Alumni Luncheon to the sold-out Alumni Breakfast event, Liberty University had a fantastic Homecoming weekend,” added Director of Alumni Relations Dr. Greg Tilley.

For more upcoming alumni events and opportunities to connect with fellow graduates, visit Liberty.edu/Alumni.