Liberty University went full force in celebrating this year’s Homecoming, Oct. 8-9 — an occasion made even more special by the school’s 50th Anniversary. Guests enjoyed a stacked lineup of events and ceremonies leading up to Flames Football’s 41-13 victory against Middle Tennessee State.
The weekend’s festivities were headlined by a Convocation message on Friday morning from “Fox News @ Night” host and alumna Shannon Bream (’93). Following Convocation, all 15 schools opened their doors for the Meet the Deans and Academic Open Houses, where alumni and guests met with school administration and reminisced about Liberty’s past.
The Student Activities Office organized the weekend’s events, offering plenty of fun for entire families. A carnival was held on Friday afternoon, complete with games, food trucks, and rides. A bonfire was held in the evening.
Many of the events centered on Liberty’s golden anniversary, with the chance to look back at the past and praise God for all the work He’s done on campus and, most importantly, in the lives of thousands of students who have become Champions for Christ. The Alumni Relations Office celebrated the anniversary with an Alumni Reunion in the LaHaye Multipurpose Center Friday afternoon, featuring a panel of alumni who told stories of Liberty’s humble beginnings and the vision being
fulfilled today.
Friday’s festivities also included the School of Music’s Homecoming Concert: Celebrating 50 Years of Music, hosted by alumni Guy Penrod and Meredith Andrews and featuring alumni from Liberty’s music programs throughout the decades, including Christian singer and comedian Mark Lowry.
Saturday’s events brought a parade down University Boulevard, featuring NASCAR driver and current student William Byron, along with Miss Virginia Tatum Sheppard, a 2020 Liberty alumna.
Guests then gathered for Fan Fest and the Alumni Tailgate as they prepared to cheer on the Flames Football team. During the game, Liberty’s first class of students, who came to Lynchburg in 1971, were honored for being pioneers and laying the foundation for what the school is today. The night was capped off by a fireworks show above Williams Stadium.
NASCAR driver and current student William Byron waves to Homecoming visitors during the Homecoming Parade.
“Homecoming has been wonderful. We try to come every year,” said Rachel Vetley (’17), who received a degree in accounting from Liberty’s online program. “We love it, and now my son is a student here as well, so it’s become a family tradition.”
“It’s great to just walk around and see a new generation of people, all who are hyped to be here,” said James Russell (’18), who studied social sciences with a secondary teacher licensure. “I’ve seen how much Liberty has grown just since I’ve been here.”
