Liberty University receives grant from Boeing to support DC-8 Overlook project

Liberty University has been awarded a grant from Boeing to support the construction of a public pavilion on the site of the university’s planned DC-8 Overlook at Preston Glenn Field at Lynchburg Regional Airport.

The DC-8, donated to Liberty by Samaritan’s Purse, was the last flying U.S.-registered DC-8 before it was retired in December after more than 60 years of service and nearly a decade of impactful global relief missions. The historic aircraft will become the centerpiece of an aviation STEM and workforce-development destination, expanding hands-on learning and career awareness for K‑12 students, postsecondary learners, veterans, and families, especially those from economically disadvantaged, underserved, and rural communities, while preserving a powerful story of humanitarian aviation for future generations.

The pavilion will be the educational center of the DC-8 Overlook experience, offering events and programming, interpretive exhibits, humanitarian aviation content, and hands-on STEM learning modules tied to aviation careers (pilot, technician, air traffic control, military aviation, and UAS).

Through early engagement and exposure, the project will encourage pursuit of these high-demand career pathways. The facility will host guided tours, field trips, camps, and STEM and workforce events for schools and youth-serving organizations across Central Virginia. Liberty faculty, veterans, Boeing employees, and other industry professionals will make career presentations, hold mentoring sessions, and give technical demonstrations. Additional plans for the site include an airplane-themed playground, runway dash, and food cart.

“Boeing is proud to support Liberty University’s DC-8 Overlook project, which brings together STEM education, workforce development, and community engagement in a meaningful way,” said Lacey Pittman, Vice President of Global Aerospace Safety for Boeing. “By helping preserve this historic aircraft and creating hands-on learning opportunities, this initiative will inspire future aerospace professionals and honor the important role aviation plays in serving communities around the world.”

Boeing is committed to preparing and inspiring the next generation of innovators and explorers through close collaboration with schools, community organizations, and industry partners. The company contributed nearly $50.8 million in 2025 across hundreds of grants in support of STEM education and workforce development programs.

Boeing’s grant toward the DC-8 Overlook project underscores Liberty’s commitment to further aviation education through practical, hands-on initiatives that equip future pilots, technicians, and air traffic control professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the aviation industry.

Over its years of service to Samaritan’s Purse, the DC-8 logged more than 55 million miles and 100,000 flight hours while transporting more than 9.2 million pounds of lifesaving cargo to communities affected by disasters around the world. The aircraft will now stand as a permanent, mission-focused landmark honoring the vital role aviation plays in humanitarian aid worldwide.

“We are grateful to Boeing, Samaritan’s Purse, and our generous partners who are helping to make this new vision a reality in Central Virginia. As a premier Christian institution of higher learning, our focus will always be to educate, equip, and inspire the next generation,” said Liberty Chancellor Jonathan Falwell. “Through the interactive displays and educational programming at the new DC-8 Overlook, all ages will be able to experience the exciting world of aviation and will no doubt be inspired to become Champions for Christ in the skies while sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

To support the DC-8 Overlook project and the LU Missions Aviation Initiative, visit the website or email development@liberty.edu.