Aviation program leader retires after 17 years at LU
U.S. Navy Capt. (ret.) Ernie Rogers retired from his post as associate dean of the School of Aeronautics (SOA) this spring, completing a 17-year career with Liberty University.
Before coming to Liberty, Rogers spent 27 years in the Navy as a helicopter pilot, flight instructor, squadron commander, and eventually air boss on an aircraft carrier. In 1998, Rogers joined Liberty as executive director of Enrollment Management at a time when Liberty was first establishing itself as an innovator in online education. He founded the Liberty traveling music ministry team Exodus, and in 2001, helped establish the Student Advocate Office.
Rogers had the opportunity to travel with Liberty’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, even co-piloting Falwell’s private flights on occasion.
Though aviation training is not what initially brought Rogers to Liberty, once he learned more about the potential for the aeronautics program — which initially was only a minor — he was determined to make it soar. At first, he volunteered to help grow the program on his own time. Then, in 2002, he transitioned to the newly formed School of Aeronautics full time. Now, the SOA is the largest faith-based aviation program in North America.
“We would not be where we are today, one of the country’s top university-level aeronautics programs, if it hadn’t been for Ernie’s dedication and tireless efforts,” said Dave Young, assistant provost for aeronautics education. “He will be long remembered by those he influenced, who will be leaders in the world of aviation.”
For Rogers, helping the SOA get off the ground satisfied more than his love for flying — it enabled him to pass that love on to other generations.
“I hope that I was able to inspire them with my love for aviation,” Rogers said of the students he has interacted with over the years. “But more than that, I sought to mentor them and invest in them. That is what gives me the most enjoyment.”
Uncompromising values
Rep. Lee Chatfield (’13), a Liberty alumnus and state representative in the Michigan House of Representatives (107th District), is a public servant who demonstrates strong convictions.
Shortly after earning his M.A. in Public Policy, Chatfield challenged the sitting incumbent to win the seat last November.
As a Michigan native, Chatfield fights for the hard-working people of his community. He strives to end job-killing policies, cut wasteful government spending, lower taxes, reduce debt, promote health care reform, and strengthen education.
“We are living in a society that is seeking to eliminate absolute truth and create a culture of complete relativism,” Chatfield said. “But resting on the unchanging promises of God’s inspired Word creates the stability and consistency needed for effective public policy.”
Chatfield said the courses he took in Liberty’s master’s program were vital to his current role in office.
“The education I received helped form a firm philosophical foundation that’s necessary for good governance and sound policy,” he said. “The Christ-centered approach that Liberty takes toward education helped establish a biblical worldview that I implement in every decision I make while in office.”
Chatfield said the only power that he has is gained from his faith in Christ and the consent of the governed. He believes America’s true power lies in the Constitution.
“As America strays farther and farther from our Christian heritage and the biblical principles upon which our system of government was founded, each one of us has been afforded more opportunities to shine as a testimony for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Chatfield said. “My prayer and aim in life is that God uses me as an instrument to bring honor and glory to His name.”
Chatfield lives in Levering, Mich., with his wife, Stephanie, and four children.
Lending a helping paw
Providing the disabled with a new way of life has become the primary goal of Amy Stickel (’93), who founded a nonprofit organization, PurposeFULL Paws, in West Virginia in 2013, after a long career in real estate.
Designed to raise and train service/assistance dogs, PurposeFULL Paws recently placed its first service dog with a veteran who has both physical disabilities and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
It takes six-24 months to train a dog to assist their owner with retrieving items, to calm someone with PTSD, to tend to the needs of persons with Autism, or to signal for help during a medical emergency. The cost to raise and train a service dog is between $20,000 and $25,000, but Stickel holds fundraising events throughout the year to provide dogs to the disabled for only a $500 placement fee.
Although Stickel began her nonprofit to help others in need, Stickel herself was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2014. She underwent surgery and intense chemotherapy and has been in remission for six months. The severity of the chemotherapy left her with physical side effects that may be permanent.
“I understand it now on such a personal level that I feel like I’m going to be able to show more compassion to the people we place service dogs with,” Stickel said. “I just see God’s hand in all of it.”
Stickel said her Christian upbringing and her time at Liberty, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, provided her with a strong foundation when her faith was tested by cancer.
“I would not want to go back and do it over, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything because I don’t think there has ever been a time in my life that I have had to cling to God so much and so completely,” Stickel said. “I feel like everything I learned growing up and at Liberty, I finally had to use. It finally became real.”
Stickel lives in West Virginia with her husband, Mark.
Vital intelligence: Seminary student protects our nation
The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) recognized Special Agent Emmanuel Merhan as one of its Ten Outstanding Young Americans for 2015.
Merhan is a 16-year member of the United States Air Force, currently serving in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He has developed and executed several strategic counterespionage operations, neutralizing certain terrorist groups. Merhan oversees an area covering 18 military installations and offices in more than 111 countries. He has published more than 1,200 criminal counterintelligence reports and special products for the USAF and Department of Defense that have been integral in protecting the interests of American citizens and the country. A number of criminals and corrupt organizations have been identified and prosecuted as a result of his work. Merhan regularly provides information in high-threat areas that are vital to maintaining national security.
Merhan and his wife, Bridgett, have four children.
In addition to serving his country, Merhan is pursuing a Master of Divinity.
“A couple of years ago, God called me into the pastorate, and I knew that meant pursuing an advanced degree from a sound and reputable Christian college. Liberty University was my first choice,” Merhan said. “The core requirements of the M.Div. have provided me with a foundation to build on, and the advanced courses have challenged me to go deeper with the Father. And that’s what it’s all about … not just the academic knowledge, but allowing that knowledge to transform my relationship with my heavenly Father.”
In addition to all of his professional and academic responsibilities, Merhan is committed to serving his community. He is actively involved in feeding the homeless and providing food and clothing for refugees, as well as volunteering with the Wounded Warrior Project and educating youth about the dangers of substance abuse.
President Falwell No. 8 in Newsmax’s Top 100 Christian Leaders
Liberty University President Jerry Falwell was listed No. 8 in Newsmax’s Top 100 Christian Leaders in America, released in April. Falwell was featured alongside other notable figures, such as Franklin Graham (No. 1), Mark Burnett and Roma Downey (No. 3), Billy Graham (No. 5), Mike Huckabee (No. 7), Hobby Lobby CEO David Green (No. 26), and Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy (No. 51).
Honoring the memory of 9/11
U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Justin Bernard (’06, ’08) is committed to honoring the lives of the first responders who died in the 9/11 attacks as he serves aboard the USS New York, an amphibious transport dock ship constructed, in part, from materials salvaged from Ground Zero.
“The motto of our ship is ‘strength forged through sacrifice … never forget,’” Bernard said, explaining that the vessel’s keel contains 7.5 tons of steel from the wreckage of the World Trade Center. “Our ship is somewhat of a floating memorial.”
Bernard was tasked a couple of years ago with finding a way to personally connect the crew with the ship’s history. The result was a nightly prayer for individual families of the rescue workers who lost their lives on 9/11. Bernard follows an alphabetical list, researching each victim’s life story to learn how to specifically pray for his or her family.
“My goal in praying for just one of their families every night is to remind our crew that we carry their torch of service, and that these families are our families now,” Bernard said in a U.S. Navy news release. “Thousands of lives were impacted that day, so we pray for one at a time so they will never be forgotten.”
He has also contacted the families to let them know their loved one is being remembered.
“Their sacrifice was not in vain,” he said. “Their loved ones know that the legacy is carried on and that people still care.”
The prayer time not only touches the families, but also the lives of the crewmembers.
“I have the amazing opportunity to pray over, pray for, and pray with some 1,000-plus sailors and Marines every night while we are away from port, and I love to see God move through the prayers of His people,” Bernard said. “Praying for the families of those who sacrificed their lives responding to 9/11 is our privilege, and I hope it sparks a desire in the lives of our crew to pray more fervently.”
Bernard graduated from Liberty University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in religion and in 2008 with an M.R.E. in chaplaincy and an M.A.R. in church ministries.
“Chaplain Bernard’s ministry in the Navy reflects well on Liberty University’s chaplain program, but most importantly it brings honor to the Lord,” said Dr. Steven Keith, director of Liberty’s Center for Chaplaincy. “His care for the warriors’ souls while underway is commendable. No doubt, he needs our continual prayer as he seeks to provide spiritual care to all aboard the ship.”
Graduate brings his values to West Virginia House of Delegates
Del. Joshua Nelson (’10) took his leadership skills to Boone, W.Va., after graduation, fighting to protect personal liberties and representing the needs of the working class, many of whom work in the coal and energy industry.
Nelson was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2012 and is currently serving his second term. While in office, he has helped propose and pass legislation to support veterans, including the “boots to business” bill, which provides a fee exemption to veterans who start their own businesses. He also sponsored a bill that established a framework for the restoration of elk populations in West Virginia and co-sponsored the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, a state law designed to lower emissions from coal-fired power plants by requiring the use of alternate fuels.
Nelson, a Republican, reaches across the aisle to help ensure that important legislation is passed.
“When you take the Democrats and the Republicans out of it, and you just bring your real message about what you want to try to do, and then actually go out and do it … I think every person, regardless of political affiliation, can appreciate that,” Nelson said.
Nelson graduated with a B.S. in Aeronautics from Liberty while serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He and his wife, Brittany (’10), have one son, Elijah, 3. They are expecting their second child in July.
As a student, Nelson served in several leadership positions, including class president his sophomore and junior years, as well as co-founder of the Liberty University Semper Fidelis Society, a fraternal organization for veteran Marine students.
He was granted a transfer from the Marines in 2011 and is currently a pilot for the 130th Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard.
Nelson said his time at Liberty was vital to his success, and the School of Aeronautics professors and staff helped shape him into the leader he is today.
“A lot of the things I learned at Liberty helped me prepare to work for something greater than myself,” Nelson said. “God doesn’t necessarily expect my perfection, but He absolutely does expect my excellence. I think that Liberty instilled that in me.”
Law graduate’s work leads to justice for eugenics victims
Under the Virginia Eugenical Sterilization Act of 1924, many mentally disabled individuals were deemed “unfit” to have children and were forcibly sterilized. Upon discovering the truth about this dark time in Virginia’s history, alumnus Mark Bold (’10, ’13) took up the cause, fighting passionately to propose — and ultimately pass — legislation in Virginia that would provide compensation to victims.
Bold earned a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies from Liberty in 2010 and graduated from Liberty University School of Law in 2013 with a Juris Doctor.
In 2011, he heard about the Buck v. Bell eugenics case and went on to establish the Christian Law Institute in response, while still taking classes at Liberty Law. The Christian Law Institute is a nonprofit think tank designed to promote Christian legal and public policy issues on the national stage.
Bold began by raising awareness in North Carolina, one of 33 states that participated in eugenics, traveling back-and-forth to attend classes on campus and speak to the state legislature. He campaigned on behalf of the victims, seeking funding for a bill and proper compensation. Because of his efforts, several Virginia delegates asked him to take up the cause in their state. Bold wrote and introduced HB 1529 to grant compensation to victims of forced sterilization in the commonwealth.
“I believe the Lord gave me this idea to compensate victims and advocate for their justice,” Bold said. “If the Lord is behind it, clearly it will work out.”
The Virginia General Assembly passed the bill this year, guaranteeing each surviving victim in Virginia $25,000 as a formal apology. Every state delegate and senator in the legislature voted in favor of the bill.
“This is one of the very rare times when the state said, ‘Hey, we did wrong and we are going to compensate,’” Bold said. “So it was exciting to be a part of. I know that’s what we’re called to do as a Christian body — to help others out. That was the goal here. So, I’m excited we got that accomplished this year.”
While working on the bill, Bold was awarded the honorary Defender of Human Rights Award from the School of Law at his graduation.
Bold is currently working to launch a law firm in Lynchburg with fellow Liberty alumnus Michael Lovell (’08).
Student kicks off new self-defense initiative
As a fourth-year member of Liberty University’s Tae Kwon Do team, Leah Deaton knows what it takes to fend off a potential attacker. She helped conduct several self-defense seminars led by Head Coach Jesse Wilson this school year, including one at a nearby high school.
This semester, Liberty’s Student Government Association gave approval for her to start a local chapter of Help Save the Next Girl, a nonprofit organization that cooperates with local media and law enforcement to quickly disseminate information about possible missing persons. The organization educates the public, provides victim support, and pushes for legislation.
“Leah saw our self-defense seminars as a way to help prevent these types of crimes and decided to start this new chapter,” Wilson said. “She has fought very hard to get this chapter started and is in the process of organizing events that will help ensure Liberty University students stay safe.”
Deaton is a health promotion major with a certified health education specialist (CHES) concentration and a minor in psychology. She plans to graduate in December. She also serves as a prayer and life group leader in her residence hall and has promoted the new club during hall meetings, as well as set up a table at the Jerry Falwell Library.
On April 19, Deaton and fellow Tae Kwon Do team members Riana Turner and April Lyn Handog traveled to Charlottesville, Va., to participate in a Stand Up Against Violence Community Day, attended by several Help Save the Next Girl chapter leaders.
“Every chapter has its own personality,” Deaton said. “For this chapter, I’d like to incorporate a lot more self-defense and public awareness for girls around campus.”
Next fall, Deaton plans to start a Hidden in Plain Sight campaign, posting photos around campus describing potential safety hazards students can experience if they are not aware of their surroundings. Deaton will also assist Wilson in hosting more self-defense seminars on campus and around Lynchburg, incorporating various martial arts techniques she has learned.
“Statistically speaking, one in four women will be sexually assaulted, and the majority of assaults that happen are by people they know,” Deaton said, noting that many go unreported. “It’s a very important issue that people don’t consider or talk about much. Hopefully, in a few years here, that will change.”
Students shine light to community through Beacon of Hope
Last semester, a group of Liberty University students helped local high schoolers pursue their dreams through the nonprofit Lynchburg Beacon of Hope.
Four Liberty students (Beth Joseph, Isaac Olson, Conner Richardson, and Olivia Steele) worked at E. C. Glass High School, while another four (Minerva Perez, Diamond Sciequan, George Knoth, and Joshua Turner) worked at Heritage High School. A ninth student, Loralei Whittaker, worked with Beacon of Hope’s executive administration team. Liberty placed these students with the nonprofit through the university’s work-study program.
Beacon of Hope provides resources to all students in Lynchburg City Schools, helping them prepare to attend a four-year college, community college or trade school, or enter the military. The nonprofit intentionally targets at-risk youths.
The program focuses on building relationships through mentorship. Liberty workers assisted with study skills classes, aided students with filling out FASFA and Financial Aid applications, and helped with ACT and SAT registration and preparation. They also participated in College Application Week events, where schools across the commonwealth waive application fees for all applicants.
“They are the best. They have stepped right into their roles with great and positive attitudes,” said Heidi Vande Hoef, Beacon of Hope’s Future Center director for E. C. Glass. “They really reach out to students and give them hope for their future, helping them to make plans and to understand the variety of choices they have post graduation for college and career fields.”
Joan Foster, an at-large member of Lynchburg City Council and the development director for Beacon of Hope, said the Liberty students have played a vital role in bettering the community.
“(Liberty’s students) are serving as peer mentors, which is a better way to reach young people,” Foster said. “They are very committed, very reliable, and very much invested in what they are doing to help our public school system. … They are giving back and paying it forward in our community.”
Liberty University has committed to matching Beacon of Hope scholarships for any students who choose to attend Liberty.
Students initiate campaign to provide water for those in need
Over the spring semester, a group of Liberty University students took the initiative to form the 10 Campaign. This ten-day project, in support of an international movement called The Last Well, seeks to provide clean water to communities in Liberia, Africa, one of the five poorest countries in the world. The Last Well drills wells, shares the hope of Christ, and plants churches in Liberia.
The 10 Campaign’s motto, “one student-one life,” encouraged students to see their generosity as a way of impacting lives on the other side of the world.
Through events such as a night of worship called “Revive Liberia” in the Towns-Alumni Lecture Hall and a sold-out formal gala in the LaHaye Event Space, at which Todd Phillips, founder of The Last Well, spoke, the 10 Campaign raised more than $21,500 in just 10 days. Some Last Well donors pledged to match the funds raised by the 10 Campaign, bringing the total to more than $43,000.
Plans for larger fundraising events over the coming school year are already in development. A new campaign slogan, “one birthday-one well,” encourages students to give up one year’s birthday gifts toward digging a well. More than 80 people have already pledged toward the cause.
Volunteer of the Year honored for work helping sexual assault victims
Halyna Donatelli was awarded this year’s Christian/Community Service (CSER) Volunteer of the Year Award during Liberty University’s Convocation on Monday, April 27. The award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates Liberty University’s mission to serve others and glorify God within the community.
Donatelli was recognized for her over 180 hours of volunteer work with Lynchburg’s YWCA Sexual Assault Response Program, where she would work with victims at the Emergency Room, supervise support groups, accompany victims during forensic exams, and provide emotional support to victims. She also provided childcare for parents and caregivers of child victims so they could attend monthly support groups.
