VIDI aquam egredientem de templo, a latere dextro, alleluia: et omnes ad ques pervenit aqua ista, salvi facti sunt, et dicent: Alleluia, Alleluia.
I SAW water flowing from the temple on the right side, alleluia: and all those to whom this water came were saved and they shall say: Alleluia, Alleluia.
AMEN
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 1971 UNIVERSITY BLVD. LYNCHBURG, VA. 24515
LIBERTY.EDU LIBERTY.EDU/50
Fifty years ago, Liberty's first students came to Lynchburg, Virginia. They had heard the Rev. Jerry Falwell, talk about this new school and it was his words that inspired them. They wanted to be part of that vision and become, as our founder called them, Champions for Christ.
What these students and generations after them went far beyond all the books and lectures in their chosen degree programs. They would leave with a diploma in hand, but also with so many lessons about living the Christian life and sharing God's precious Word wherever He led them.
DID YOU KNOW? Liberty University was originally founded as Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971. The first classes were held on September 13, 1971, with 154 students. It was renamed Liberty Baptist College in 1975 and became Liberty University in 1985.
On Sept. 3, 2021, inside Williams Stadium, students watched scenes from throughout Liberty's history, narrated in the words of founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, which illustrated the God-inspired vision and tremendous growth of the university over the last 50 years. Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell said the day was the culmination of all that his father spoke of when he founded Liberty in 1971.
"What you just saw was talking about vision - a vision that came from the heart of God and was given to the heart of a man, and that man was simply saying, 'God, here I am, use me.' We sit here now, today, 50 years later, and we see what God can do with anyone who says, 'God, here I am.'"
Falwell said that while the year is a special time to look back at the school's beginnings, it is also about looking forward.
"We celebrate, this fall, 50 years on this mountain, 50 years of what God has done through Liberty University. And while we take a moment to look back at what God has done in the past, what we really need to be focused on is what God is going to do in the future... through you (student)," he said, "We're excited about what is ahead for Liberty University, but we are more excited about what is ahead for each and every student who is a part of this campus today as they are becoming Champions for Christ in our world."
DID YOU KNOW? When Liberty first opened in 1971, students could choose from about 25-degree programs. Now, the choices have expanded to more than 700 unique programs of study, from the certificate to the doctoral level. Over 450 programs are offered online.
Over the last 50 years, Liberty created a diverse, faithful, and global community of Champions for Christ. That community includes student-athletes from Liberty's 20 NCAA Athletics programs and 42 Club Sports teams who have gone from being game-changers to world-changers in their chosen fields.
A major reason why Liberty was started was to impact the lives of young people, and a true testament (of that) is the student-athletes who come through here and are sent out and make an impact in the world as Champions For Christ through their careers and lives."
DID YOU KNOW? All past editions of the Selah Yearbook, dating back to 1973-74, are available to view online! Reminisce about your favorite professors, clubs, and those stylish hairdos. Visit Liberty.edu/Yearbook.
"FAITH TO MOVE MOUNTAINS" By Jerry Falwell, founder of Liberty University, this column is an excerpt from "Stepping Out On Faith," co-authored by Dr. Elmer Towns (1984, Tyndale House Publishers). -
"For by grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Faith was simply putting my trust in Jesus Christ to save me from sin. My faith became effective by its object, Jesus Christ. That initial act of faith molded my whole perspective of living for Christ and serving Christ. I learned that I not only had to be saved by faith but live by faith and serve by faith.
JUST FOR YOU, Download computer wallpaper images with a Falwell quote featuring his own handwriting at Liberty.edu/50. See how many places you can find the new Falwell fonts used around campus and on the website!
NEWS ANCHOR SHANNON BREAM ('93) ON FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS OF DEPRESSION. Shannon Bream ('93), anchor for "FOX News @ Night," helped kick off Homecoming during the Oct. 8 Convocation. Even though she has risen to broadcast journalism fame, Bream said she has not forgotten her alma mater. "I want you guys to know I pray for you," I pray for this campus, I pray for every student, every teacher, administration worker, and staff member who works here because there is no other place like this in the world, ...I am confident in the future of this country and in this world because of you." Bream has played an active role as a LIbery alumna in Washington D.C., She regularly meets with students and alumni interning or working in the capital and takes students on tours of the network's studio.
AS A 30-YEAR-OLD ARMY VETERAN WITH A WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN, ANTHONY CUCI ('75) WASN'T THE TYPICAL COLLEGE STUDENT WHEN HE CAME TO LIBERTY IN 1973. Cuci had been a drummer in a premier Army band, and he wanted to funnel his love of music into a career as a music teacher. After being turned down by other Christian colleges due to his age, he heard about a new school in Lynchburg, VA. -
In spite of the big changes and even the hardships that have come over five decades, "It's still God's school," he said.
"Maintaining the vision of the founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty University develops Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world. "Through its residential and online programs, services, facilities, and collaborations, the university educates men and women who will make important contributions to their workplaces communities, follow their chosen vocations as callings to glorify God, and fulfill the Great Commission."
CONNECT WITH US - Alumni: Where in the world has God taken you? We'd love to know! Update your contact information and learn more about becoming a mentor to future Champions for Christ. Email alumni@liberty.edu or call (800) 628-7973.
FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN BY DR. ED HINDSON "I Want That Mountain" was the popular gospel song that expressed the vision of Dr. Jerry Falwell as he launched the new college in 1971. By that time, he was already pastoring one of America's largest churches and preaching the Gospel on television to a national audience of thousands. As he shared his vision to build a world-class Christian university, God began calling students, teachers, and staff from all over the world to fulfill his dream.
Jerry Falwell was a bigger-than-life in those days. A big man with a big heart, he had an irresistible and captivating presence. He also had a photographic memory and never forgot a name or phone number. He was personable, passionate, and powerful all at the same time. He could make total strangers feel like they were his best friends. For those of us who were privileged to spend time with him personally, every encounter was a learning experience. He was the epitome of grace on fire. Constantly in motion, Jerry moved from one challenge to another with undiminished energy.
"HEARING THE AUDIENCE LAUGH ... I know they're hanging on every word, and I'm fixin' to lay them at the foot of the cross and they're not going to see it coming, and I love that, 'THAT IS MY FAVORITE THING TO DO. " Mark Lowry's greatest spiritual gift may be the gift of gab. Known for his humor and harmony, Lowry said he has used comedy as a ministry to reach more people with the Gospel message than he has through his baritone ballads with the Gather Vocal Band. God told him to go into the music industry, which he did upon graduating from Liberty University in 1980 with a degree in youth ministry.
Lowry said his comedic means for communicating the Gospel came from a God with a sense of humor since laughter is both good for the soul and as effective as medicine for those who are hurting. It's a universal language, even transcending denominations. "Every good and perfect gift comes from Him, and humor - oh my Lord, -- during this time of the plague (COVID-19) and all the other stuff we've been going through - humor really helps," Lowry said.
"I don't consider myself a comedian. I've been labeled that and that's fine, but I'm a storyteller, That's the reason it takes so long for me to come up with new material because I have to go through a dysfunctional childhood, a van wreck, tumor surgeries, a tornado on a houseboat, I mean all of these horrible events. Breaking my leg on a motorcycle, that's one of the funniest stories I've ever told. But it was a tragedy, so I don't ask the Lord for anything except, 'Can I have some new material that doesn't hurt?" Mark Lowry. - MarkLowry.com
"Dr. Falwell would not be surprised by what the realm of music at Liberty has turned into. If he was still alive today, he would have said, 'I told you." Dr. John Hugo.
A CHAT WITH MALIK WILLIS, LIBERTY QUARTERBACK FOCUSES ON FAITH RATHER THAN FLEETING FAME - "I feel like I was blessed with this ability and this platform to bring people to Him. 'That's what we were put on earth to do, to point others to God." Malik Willis, "Winning games is cool and fun and we get to glorify God, but I feel like growing with each other in the little Bible studies we do and building those relationships and getting closer to God with each other is way more valuable, " he said " We're going to forget how many touchdowns we scored, and we'll forget how many games we won, but those relationships won't be forgotten.
FLAMES CLUB - Fans can support Liberty men's and women's basketball and enjoy special game-day privileges by joining the Flames Club. The Flames Club exists to underwrite Liberty Athletics' three-fold mission to Train Champions for Christ, provide a world-class student-athlete experience, and achieve victory with integrity. Membership starts at just $60. and members can enjoy preferred parking, seating, and pregame hospitality benefits, based upon membership level. Call 434-582-CLUB (2582), email FlamesClub@liberty.edu, or visit Liberty.edu/FlamesClub. The Flames & Lady Flames - men and women's basketball. Single-game and season tickets: LIBERTY.EDU/TICKETS 434-582-SEAT (7328).
NEW & EVENTS - New Global Center for Mental Health, Addiction, and Recovery take aims at widespread crisis. With the goal of creating an educational epicenter on its campus for the combining of faith and worldwide advancement in mental health care, Liberty University launched the Global Center for Mental Health, Addiction, and Recovery this fall - 2021. Visit Liberty.edu/Mental-Health to learn more. Dr.Tim Clinton serves as executive director. He is the president of the American Association of Christian Counselors and serves as a co-host of "Family Talk" with Dr. James Dobson. Also, Dr. Ron Hawkins, a longtime counseling professional, and LIberty administrator has helped to launch the center.
As new residential students began moving in on Aug 18, 2021, Liberty University President Jerry Prevo announced that the university had hit an enrollment record. Liberty welcomed its largest incoming class for fall residential enrolment in school history, with nearly 5,500 new and transfer students.
"We have the greatest number of first=time enrollees in the history of our university," Prevo said. "What's more, our retention rate has increased over the last year, which is all the more remarkable because so many institutions of higher education are struggling in this very area. I believe God has great things in store for Liberty University."
Liberty University's Helms School of Government welcomed two new professors this fall who each have 30 years of robust experience in policy and intelligence at the top levels of our nation's government and military - Rear Admiral Tony Cothron, 62nd director of Naval Intelligence (ONI) in the Pentagon and more; and Scott Roenicke retired from a 30-year career at the Pentagon as a Senior Advisor for Russia Affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in addition to more also.
RESPONDING TO A NEED -
Disaster relief team dispatched to Louisiana after Hurricane Ida
Students assist Afghan refugees living on an Army base
Convocation guests educate, motivate, and inspire
Just as it has since the very beginning, Liberty University created opportunities in the fall semester for students to become inspired to be Christian ambassadors in their future careers - CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST - as they listened to pastors and other influential Christian speakers share this unified message.
LIVE STREAMS: CONVOCATIONS ARE BROADCAST LIVE ON THE LIBERTY UNIVERSITY FACEBOOK PAGE.
DO YOU REMEMBER? While the venue may have changed over the years. Liberty University has always made it a priority to provide special times to gather as a student body for praise and worship and to hear impassioned messages based on the Word of God.
ALUMNI: What are some of the favorite messages you heard as a student that helped shape your life after graduation? Share them with us. Email news@liberty.edu.
DHS grant supports research on the opioid epidemic.
LIberty opens a new Pediatric and Young Adult Medical Clinic. LibertyMountainMedical.com. or call (434) 404-7200
Colonial-era property designated state historical landmark - Mead's Tavern purchased.
Liberty Athletics retires Jennings' #23
Letterwinners have more chances to show their support of LU Athletics - email Letterwinners@liberty.edu or call (434) 582-3505.
The newly renovated weight room pays homage to the MEN of ARMOUR MINISTRY.
MAKING HEADLINES - Read these stories and more at Liberty.edu/news/alumni:
COURTESY OF LIBERTY JOURNAL FALL 2021 - A SUMMATION OF.
Typed By:
Debbie Kim B-Kennedy
11/14/2021
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF TRAINING CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST
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