NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon, William Byron to kick off fall Convocation schedule

With a new school year beginning at Liberty University this week, the first Convocation is planned for Wednesday, starting at 2 p.m. in the Vines Center. Convocation remains the largest weekly gathering of college students in the world. The venue gives students a chance to hear from influential people from all walks of life and from various vocations.

Wednesday will feature four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, along with Liberty sophomore and NASCAR driver William Byron, the Xfinity Series rookie who is driving the No. 9 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro for JR Motorsports this season. It was announced earlier this month that Byron will race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports beginning next season.

The two drivers will sit down with Hendrick Motorsports owner, Rick Hendrick, to discuss family, faith, NASCAR, and what Byron can expect in the driver’s seat of the No. 5 Liberty University Chevrolet when he makes his debut in the Cup Series at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18.

On Friday, Convocation will return to its regular 10:30 a.m. slot in the Vines Center. Students will hear from Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, along with Redskins’ chaplain Brett Fuller, to talk about life in the NFL. Cousins, a committed Christian, is outspoken about his faith and will discuss using his platform as a quarterback to glorify God on and off the field.

Next Wednesday, on Sept. 6, “American Ninja Warrior” co-host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and competitors Grant McCartney and Meagan Martin will talk about life on the NBC series and the “Ninja Warrior” circuit. The Warriors will show off their skills on a friendly course during Convocation, and students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to run the course afterward.

Due to the Labor Day holiday, there will be no Convocation on Sept. 4.

An upcoming 10-day Convocation schedule is announced each Monday.