Student Activities staff offer another fun semester on the Mountain

Every year at Liberty University, a dedicated team from the Student Activities Department plans over 70 events, helping to build community on campus and give students fun ways to share their varied interests with others.    

This year’s team of five full-time staff and 26 student-workers have packed a lot of fun into the spring semester. Whether students are looking to meet new friends or catch up with old ones, there are activities for everyone, from concerts and movie nights, to trivia, gaming, art, and more.

This semester’s concerts feature a mixture of rock, folk, and praise and worship from Christian artists and up-and-coming musicians, starting with contemporary Christian band We the Kingdom performing alongside LU Praise at 8 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the Vines Center.

“If you don’t know LU Praise and We the Kingdom, you’re still going to have one of the best concerts you’ve ever been to,” Student Activities Director Cort Comfort said. “They are both incredible performers. Anyone who comes to the Vines Center is going to be blown away.”

On April 5, contemporary Christian folk singer-songwriter Chris Renzema returns to campus at 8 p.m. in the Vines Center. Later in the month, singer-songwriter Abbie Gamboa, known for her work as a member of the music group UPPERROOM, will visit campus for the first time on April 19, leading a night of worship in the LaHaye Event Space at 8 p.m.

“If you are free on April 19, and you are willing to be brought to the foot of the cross for one night, this is the night,” Comfort said.

Indie pop singer-songwriter Jordy Searcy will close out the semester with a performance at After Party on April 27. The event starts at 5 p.m. and will include amusement park rides, concessions, and more. Student participants in Serve Lynchburg earlier that day will receive concession vouchers.

Students looking to take the stage themselves are encouraged to audition for Coffeehouse: Animated coming to the Vines Center on March 23. The event will highlight the history of animated films and include performances related to those masterpieces.

Singers and artists across campus can also demonstrate their talents during Open Mic nights in the Montview Starbucks throughout the semester.

The Student Activities team is intentional in planning unique events that cater to all interests so students can enjoy the thriving campus life Liberty is known for.

Last weekend, the team hosted “LeMonet,” a chance for art lovers to enjoy an evening of painting and lemonade at the Montview Starbucks.

The team has also planned events that give students a chance to test their knowledge and strategy skills during several game and trivia nights. On Feb. 2, students participated in Versus: A Night of Games in the LaHaye Event Space which included a combination of video games, board games, and puzzles. Last Thursday, Student Activities hosted a FIFA tournament, the second of three video game tournaments this semester. (The first was a Super Smash Bros. tournament on Jan. 25 and the next will be a two-on-two Call of Duty tournament on March 28.)

And this Saturday, a day before the Super Bowl, students can participate in “Trivia is the Guy on the Chiefs,” combining Taylor Swift and NFL trivia.

Bingo remains one of Students Activities’ most popular events. “Luck O’ The Bingo,” an Irish spin on a classic game, will be held in the LaHaye Event Space on Feb. 24. More activities and games such as Neon Mini Golf and Outdoor Movie Nights will take place throughout the spring.

Several of the events are planned around popular movies. Fans of the Shrek franchise will be treated to Shrek on Ice in the LaHaye Ice Center on April 6. Participants will be able to ice skate while watching Shrek and Shrek 2 and are encouraged to dress up as characters from the films.

Movie buffs will be excited for “Trivia Directed by Christopher Nolan” on April 13. Categories will revolve around the famed film director as well as some of his most famous movies and actor arsenals.

Student can present their own short films at the 5-Minute Film Festival April 8-11. Viewers can vote on ballots for best picture, acting, story, editing, and effects. On April 12, there will be an awards ceremony to honor participants and announce winners, complete with a red carpet and black-tie attire.

Comfort said Student Activities exists to engage students in events that leave them with fond memories of their college experience.

“We hope Students cherish the fun times they had in college and the great friends they made at some of our events,” Comfort said. “Nights like “Trivia is the Guy on the Chiefs” allow them to meet people who aren’t in their degree program and don’t cross paths with every day. These events are freeing because they aren’t mandatory but exist solely for students to have fun. We take fun very seriously, and we are not ashamed of it.”

View a full calendar of events, purchase tickets, and read student blogs on the Student Activities webpage.