Summer 2015 Employee Newsletter

A Word from our President

At our 42nd Commencement ceremony, I personally thanked our residential graduates for their patience over the last four years as their campus turned into a construction zone. Even though many of them had to switch to temporary classrooms or take new routes around campus, and some even moved to new housing, many have told me how exciting it has been to be a student here at this special time in Liberty’s history.

The construction is now a part of their memories here, and it is sure to be a part of the stories they will tell for decades when they reminisce about their alma mater. They will talk about how they were the first to use the Jerry Falwell Library, how they were the first to live in Liberty’s first high-rise dorm, or how they watched the steel being erected on the new Science Hall and Center for Music and the Worship Arts.

An Associated Press reporter visited campus a few months ago to interview me, telling me that all the construction on campus caught his eye while he traveled down U.S. 460 a few weeks earlier. He told me he just had to find out what all the growth was about and learn more about Liberty’s story. In his article, he wrote: “A half-dozen towering cranes compete with the hazy outline of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance as a $500 million construction program changes the once-modest skyline of the campus. … It’s all a stunning change from the tiny Baptist college Rev. Jerry Falwell founded in 1971.”

It is a stunning change, but while our new buildings are getting all the attention, I want to especially thank you, too, for your patience and hard work in giving our students the best overall college experience — one they couldn’t have found anywhere else. Thank you for adjusting your routines and moving to new locations. Thank you for going the extra mile to make sure these new facilities are world-class in every way and providing our students with the best equipment and the best learning environments possible.

No matter what day-to-day tasks each of us has, we are all here with the same goal — to support this institution as we Train Champions for Christ. You will no doubt be a part of our newest graduates’ memories, too. You have played an important role in helping them achieve their educational goals.

If you were unable to join us at Baccalaureate or Commencement, you can watch the services online. You can also view our Commencement 2015 photo gallery.

A Lot Can Happen in a Year!

The 2014-15 academic year has been a whirlwind of blessings! From the opening of new facilities such as the Center for Medical and Health Sciences to unprecedented success in athletics, Liberty University continues to expand its ability to impact the world for Christ.

To celebrate all that God accomplished at Liberty this past year, we’ve put together a special year-in-review video.

FLAMES Football Season Tickets for a Steal

It’s never too early to gear up for another exciting Liberty Flames Football season — especially when faculty and staff receive discounts of up to 40 percent off season tickets!

At these discounts, if you attend even three games, your season ticket will pay for itself!

After last year’s success — winning the Big South Championship and advancing to the FCS playoffs — game day at Williams Stadium is sure to be exciting for the entire family. Purchase your tickets today for great discounts.

To purchase General Admission season tickets, contact the Flames Ticket Office at 434-582-SEAT (7328), tickets@liberty.edu, or purchase online at www.LibertyFlames.com. For this season’s complete schedule, visit www.LibertyFlames.com/Football.

Red Reserved and Blue Premium season tickets require a Flames Club membership. Members enjoy preferred parking, seating, and pregame hospitality privileges (based upon membership level). Call 434-582-CLUB (2582) for assistance with membership or purchasing tickets.

GO FLAMES!

Summer Fun at Liberty University!

Summertime at Liberty is anything but lazy. Throughout June and July, the campus is bustling with students having a blast at one of the university’s many summer camps. From athletic camps featuring baseball, outdoor adventure, lacrosse, and snowboarding to academic camps such as aviation, debate, theater, and even a Helms School of Government camp for burgeoning spies, Liberty summer camps have something for everyone! Held in world-class facilities and led by experienced coaches, athletes, professors, and industry professionals, Liberty summer camps are an adventure students will never forget.

Visit www.Liberty.edu/SummerCamps for more information and a full list of available camps.

Healthy is a Way of Life

For years, Liberty University has participated in the Live Healthy Lynchburg campaign — encouraging one another and our community to eat right and stay active.

To better support this effort, the university has established Live Healthy Liberty, a campus-wide initiative empowering faculty and staff to maintain healthy lifestyles and achieve their exercise goals through both internal and external fitness challenges.

As part of this initiative, Liberty is covering the registration costs for all faculty and staff who accept the challenge to run the Virginia 10 Miler, the Virginia 4 Miler, or the Virginia 4-Mile Walk!

To secure FREE entry, register online here and apply the promo code livehealthyliberty15 at checkout.

For more information about the race, visit www.VirginiaTenMiler.com.

If you’re planning on participating in one of the Virginia 10 Miler events, don’t skip out on the 100 Mile Challenge. A great way to train for a race, the 100 Mile Challenge encourages people to walk or run 100 miles between July 1 and Sept. 26 — the day of the event. And keep logging your workout minutes for the Strive for 5 Challenge. Working out at least 30 minutes a day five days a week is a great way to cultivate an active lifestyle.

Keep living healthy, Liberty!

Employees Clean Up Campus!

Liberty University employees consistently display a commitment to Christlike service. All through the year — in big ways, small ways, public ways, and ways behind the scenes — Liberty faculty and staff live out the Gospel in everything they do.

A few weeks ago, about 100 employees from the Enrollment Management department took time to pick up trash across campus. In all, the employees collected about 100 bags of garbage!

Read the complete story

Ministry Spotlight: Dr. Ed Gomes

Dr. Ed Gomes is entering his 14^th year as director of spiritual development for the Flames Football program. Committed to the discipleship of student-athletes, Gomes builds genuine relationships with his football players — teaching them to understand who they are in Christ and how to use their talents to impact others for God’s kingdom.

Gomes recently completed a two-part discipleship curriculum for student-athletes: “Leaving a Legacy: Leader’s Guide,” a discipleship manual for those ministering to student-athletes, and “Building a Legacy: Student Guide,” practical steps for helping the next generation become Christian leaders. Suitable for multiple ministry contexts, including one-on-one, small group, or team discipleship, Gomes’ curriculum provides biblically based lessons for helping student-athletes develop a God-centered life.

Beginning June 23, you can purchase your copy of Dr. Gomes’ book on Amazon or at the Liberty University Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

Standout

*Remember, these tickets are redeemable for a Barnes & Noble gift card. Be on the lookout — you never know when someone might notice that You Stand Out!

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to our Employees of the Month. You are a tremendous blessing to this university, and we are thankful for you. This recognition is proof that you go above and beyond normal expectations to consistently produce excellent work with a Christlike attitude and spirit. Thank you for all you do to make Liberty a shining light.

Feedback

God has been doing great things around Liberty. We would love to hear your thoughts about how the You Matter campaign is affecting Liberty’s campus. Feel free to send us your feedback and ideas. Email us at youmatter@liberty.edu.