Liberty awards 20 students Green Cord Scholarships for outstanding service in community

Twenty Liberty University students were honored during Convocation on Friday as recipients of the 2025-26 LU Serve Green Cord Service Scholarships, given to students who exemplify the school’s mission of service to others.

The scholarships are awarded annually. This year’s students each received scholarships of various amounts up to $2,000. The scholarships are funded through the LU Serve Green Cord Campaign, in which Liberty graduates can purchase a green cord to complement their Commencement regalia.

To qualify for the scholarship, students were asked to fill out an application earlier this semester in which they outlined their current service activities, including their Christian/Community Service (CSER) hours, for either the current or preceding semester. They also submitted a letter of recommendation from their CSER supervisor. The scholarship winners are chosen by a selection committee from the Office of Spiritual Development.

All full-time residential undergraduate students are required to complete 20 CSER hours per semester for graduation. The CSER program pairs students with approved organizations and service projects, sending students out into the community to love their neighbors. CSER sites include churches, schools, food banks, libraries, pregnancy centers, Serve Lynchburg, and more. The program trains students to apply a biblical worldview as servant leaders, transform their communities for the glory of Christ, and use their academics and passions to win at work.

LU Serve Senior Director Chad Nelson said the main tenants required of scholarship recipients are outstanding character, work ethic, community impact, personal initiative, and selfless service.

“I am so very grateful for our 20 students who won a scholarship — for their passion and effort to glorify Christ in their service to others through CSER,” Nelson said. “I am also thankful for all of our students who serve communities throughout the world through CSER and magnify the Lord through their service.”

Vice President of Spiritual Development Josh Rutledge honored the recipients during Convocation and asked them to stand.

“Each of you represented not just Liberty (well), but the Lord Jesus Christ in how you served in this city with various partners. Thank you so much,” he said.

2025 Scholarship Winners

Josiah Farinacci — Love of Christ Church; The Liberty Champion

Ryan Hostetter — Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Gray Court

Ryleigh Rothert — Young Life Botetourt

Karissa Smith — Culpeper Christian Fellowship; Office of Spiritual Development (LU Shepherd)

Grace Steiner — LU Nursing Student Association (LUNSA)

Natalie Barker — Illinois State Police Academy

Elizabeth Dushaw — TRBC Student Ministry Middle School

Matthew Wright — Office of Spiritual Development (LU Shepherd); Liberty University American Sign Language Club and Honor Society

Drew Lundeen — Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Saint Simons

Sarah Thomas — Hospitality and Sport Management; College of Applied Studies & Academic Success (CASAS)

Joshua Harrell — LU Club Sports Synchronized Skating

Alaina Every — LU Serve Now

Madison Wilson — Liberty University Honor Society Kappa Delta Pi

Jewel Kodavatikanti — LU Department of Modern Languages

Gabriella Chester — SGA Manna Club

Wilson Dick — LU Serve Now

Reece Mininger — Amherst County High School

Jenna Lucas — LU Office of Business Relations

Caleb Behrens — LU Community Group Leader

Carl Zimmerman — Thomas Road Baptist Church