Military Insider: Fall 2023 Delta Edition
November is Military Appreciation Month
November is Military Appreciation Month! We use this month to raise awareness and show our appreciation for those who have served and are serving in the U.S. military. Our founder, the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, led Liberty University by example, demonstrating the consistency of Christianity, patriotism, and love of country. Military Appreciation Month seeks to carry on this legacy. Once a one-day event on campus, Military Appreciation Month has been expanded to a month-long celebration in order to give greater visibility, support, and recognition to our military and veterans. Events are planned throughout campus during this month to show appreciation for the men and women who have served and are serving this great nation. Join us at the events we have planned this year!
The George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award
The George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award is given annually to a man or woman who served in the United States military and went above and beyond the call of duty by displaying extraordinary heroism while in the service and by continuing to serve as an outstanding ambassador in their community. Nominations are collected every year from the Liberty community and the selection is made for the worthiest veteran to receive this prestigious award. This year’s award will be presented at the November 11 Flames football game during Military Appreciation Month. This year’s recipient is Vietnam War Army Veteran, David Stokes. Join us at the November 11 game to help show your appreciation for him, and for all of our nation’s servicemembers.
Get to Know Major General (Ret.) Dondi Costin, LU’s New President!
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dondi E. Costin, Ph.D., came to Liberty as a continuation of a lifetime dedicated to service. Prior to joining LU, Costin served as the president of Charleston Southern University (CSU), which was preceded by 32 years of commissioned service in the U.S. Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he represented the Liberty Baptist Fellowship as an endorsed chaplain. He completed his military career as Air Force Chief of Chaplains at the Pentagon. President Costin was a Liberty University military student, earning two degrees from Liberty. He understands the heart of our military and veteran community and is committed to serving you and helping you reach your goals.
He recently sat down for an extended interview with Ryan Helfenbein, Liberty’s Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement, to discuss his philosophy as a leader, Liberty’s role in the evolving climate of higher education, goals for reaching the current student body’s generation, and the ultimate goal of sending forth Champions for Christ into the world with each coming year. Watch the interview and get to know President Costin better!
Student Spotlight
Would you like to share your story about what God has done in your life through your education? Reach out to us at militaryoutreach@liberty.edu. We’d love to hear your story, and to possibly feature it in a future newsletter or on our social media accounts!
Resource Spotlight: The Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS)
To help make sure we meet the needs of all our students, Liberty University has The Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS). ODAS exists to coordinate support services for our online students with documented disabilities. The office works in conjunction with our students and faculty to ensure that reasonable accommodations are made for students who may need or would like extra accommodations for their specific disabilities. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them and learn more about ODAS and how they can help you on their webpage.
