Senior Convocation features panel of successful alumni

A panel of Liberty University alumni — including (from left) Alison Howard, Penny Nance, D.J. Jordan, David Benham, and Jason Benham — discussed habits for success during Senior Convocation on Monday.

With graduation on the horizon, a panel of accomplished alumni gave Liberty University’s senior class advice, life wisdom, and encouragement during Monday’s annual Senior Convocation, hosted in the Williams Stadium Club Pavilion by Alumni Relations.

The panel included Penny Nance (’88), president and CEO of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest women’s public policy organization; D.J. Jordan (’02), communications director for U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.); and twin entrepreneurs David and Jason Benham (’98).

The panel was moderated by alumna Alison Howard (’11), the director of alliance relations for the Alliance Defending Freedom. Howard has been named a rising star by the Republican National Committee and among Christianity Today’s “33 under 33” list of emerging leaders.

Each of the guests briefly shared some of the things that led to their success before fielding questions from the audience, who sent their queries via a Twitter hashtag. Questions focused on keys to success in regard to career, faith, and society.

The panelists talked about essential habits to thrive in any area of life, and, unanimously, daily Scripture reading was the No. 1 discipline suggested.

“If you are always ready, you never have to be ready,” Jason Benham said on how Christians can be prepared to stand for their faith when put on the spot.

Jordan reminded the seniors that not only is it important to prioritize spending time with God, but it is also important to truly know God.

“You can know the about Bible and know Scripture,” Jordan said. “Even Satan knows Scripture. But if you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that is what matters.”

Jordan said it is also vital to surround yourself with people who will lift you up and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

David and Jason Benham pose for photos with members of Liberty University’s senior class.

David Benham pointed out that in addition to growing in one’s faith and personal relationships, it is important to be disciplined financially and to prioritize physical health.

“There is no such thing as neutral,” David Benham advised the seniors. “You are always moving forward or moving backward.”

As culture grows increasingly hostile toward faith, Jason Benham said that personal character becomes that much more important. He and David discussed how two years ago HGTV canceled their reality show, “Flip It Forward,” while it was filming due to pressure from activist groups that did not like their beliefs.

Though it would be easier sometimes to be silent, Jason Benham said that Christians have a responsibility to speak out on cultural issues and to stand up for the truth.

“The minute someone is silent when they shouldn’t be silent, they have no ability to be courageous,” Jason Benham said, adding that no matter what your profession is, God wants you to see it as a ministry. “You are a minister. You are on mission. And your work is worship. It doesn’t matter what your work is. … The devil knows that how you see yourself will determine how you conduct yourself. … If you see yourself as a minister of the Gospel to extend God’s Kingdom, then you will end up entering conversations on hot topic issues.”

David Benham added that to be successful, a Christian needs “a soft heart and a hard head.”

He explained that means loving individuals while maintaining a firm stance on the truth of God’s Word.

Concerned Women for America President Penny Nance greets Liberty University students and poses for photos as she signs copies of her book, “Feisty & Feminine.”

Nance added that part of having that hard head is growing in knowledge so that you have the ability to speak wisely when called to defend your position.

The panel also reminded the crowd that not every day is going to be easy.

David Benham shared how before he and his brother started a successful real estate business, they had failed in their dreams to play major league baseball. He used the point to illustrate that God does not guarantee earthly success to those who faithfully follow Him.

“(God) stripped me of my identity of being a professional athlete, of being a successful Christian, so I that I could bring God glory,” David Benham said.

Nance encouraged the seniors while reminding them that life will surely bring some struggles and disappointments. Still, she said, it is important to keep striving, even on the difficult days, because that is what will separate you from everyone else in the long run.

“There are going to be days when all you can do is get out of bed,” Nance said. “And that is OK because you are going to get out of bed and you are going to move forward.”

After the Convocation, Nance and the Benhams signed copies of their books, “Feisty & Feminine” and “Whatever the Cost,” respectively, while interacting with the students and taking photographs with them.

Tyler Falwell, director of Alumni Relations, said that he is grateful these distinguished alumni took the time to pour into the senior class.

“Each one of them is worthy of leading their own Convocation,” he said. “That they would take to time to do this shows that they really have a passion and a love for Liberty University and Liberty students and that they want to give back to you.”

He encouraged the “next generation of Champions for Christ” to stay involved with their
alma mater, to be ambassadors for Liberty as they join a family of over 250,000 alumni who represent a plethora of careers across the professional spectrum.

The seniors were also encouraged to visit Liberty.edu/GreenCord and participate in the senior gift, which will go toward a scholarship fund and an award for the CSER Volunteer of the Year. Those who make a minimum donation of $40 will receive a Liberty blanket as well as a green cord to wear at Commencement.