LU alumni converge on campus for largest Homecoming in school history

Alumni from across the country traveled to campus to take part in Liberty University’s Homecoming this weekend, including Adam Moore (’17, ’20) and his wife Darcy, who made the trek from Phoenix, Ariz.

Adam Moore earned his undergraduate in pre-law and graduate law degree through Liberty University Online Programs and now manages a medical IT organization in Arizona. He also serves as a chapter leader for the Liberty Alumni Chapter in Phoenix.

In addition to connecting with his alma mater, Homecoming also provided the Moores with the opportunity to visit their daughter, a senior at Liberty. Both their son and daughter are graduates of Liberty University Online Academy, an online homeschool program for K-12.

“Every time we come to this campus, the presence of the Lord is here,” he said. “You just can’t escape that. When I knew the Lord called me to Liberty, there was no turning back and there was no being half in and half out. We went all in and have not regretted a day of it. The school has poured as much into us as I poured into the studies and my kids poured into their studies. We have gotten as much from it as a family as anyone could expect.”

The Moores were proud to be a part of the largest Homecoming in Liberty’s history. According to the Office of Alumni Relations, over 11,000 people registered to attend.

“What a blessing to be a part of this 2024 Homecoming weekend,” Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Greg Tilley (’92) said. “From welcoming our Alums at check-in on Friday, to our fantastic Alumni Breakfast, Parade, and Tailgate Saturday, this Homecoming was one of the best in LU’s history. We look forward to the future as the Liberty Alumni family continues to grow and gain momentum.”

The festivities kicked off on Friday with the traditional Homecoming family favorite, the carnival, held for the first time on the Academic Lawn. Under blue skies, families enjoyed inflatables, games, food trucks, a Ferris Wheel, petting zoo, and live music by Strings and Heart and Valentines DEI.

The celebration continued on Saturday with the Alumni Breakfast, where Liberty honored its Alumnus of the Year Mark Roberts (’79). Alumni also took part in the Homecoming Parade, with the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band, an “Alumni through the Years” float, and appearances by several members of Liberty’s executive leadership, before Liberty Football faced off on the gridiron with Conference USA foe UTEP. The Flames defeated the Miners 28-10 to remain undefeated on the season at 3-0. During the game, Liberty Football honored some special alumni: members of the 2014 Big South Championship team and the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

Alumni also attended the Flames Fan Fest and Alumni Tailgate at the Liberty Indoor and Outdoor Football Practice Fields, where they were treated to lunch. Children enjoyed Inflatables and balloon animals at Flames Fan Fest, and families joined for games like cornhole outside.

Moore said he appreciates Liberty’s emphasis on developing strong relationships with alumni.

“It’s great to see the alumni have a role,” he said. “Greg Tilley has done so much with the Office of Alumni Relations. It has just really taken a step forward, and it feels like ‘alumni’ means something now. It’s been great to be a part of that and to be a leader within an alumni association group, to be here and see the support we get and to see the school continue to pour into us even though I have long graduated by now.”

Liberty alumnus Chip Bonar (’87, ’22) traveled to Liberty from his home in Alexandria, Va. Bonar, who received his undergraduate in biology and doctorate in educational leadership, works as the Student Behavior Coordinator for Arlington County Public Schools. He also serves as the president for Liberty’s Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter.

Accompanying Bonar to campus were 25 members of his youth group from Calvary Road Baptist Church. He faithfully brings students each year to give them a chance to explore Liberty.

“Liberty is not only a great Christian education, but a great overall education as well,” he said. “This is one of the greatest universities in the country. And a lot of (the students) can come on campus and experience what it is really like. I’ve had kids with me now who have never really thought about Liberty, and they came this weekend, and they are asking me what majors Liberty has. Just getting them on the Mountain to see the facilities, the people, and the love that staff have for everybody … that experience makes a big difference.”

John Forystek (’11), director of project development for the Liberty Music Group at the School of Music, and his wife Allie (’11), said they took advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with former classmates over the weekend. They spent their Friday evening watching their four kids play on the inflatables at the carnival.

“You know so many people from when you were in undergrad or grad school, so to have them come back with their families and see how much Liberty has transformed is wonderful,” Allie Forystek said. “It’s cool to see people come back together with their families.”