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Support the Liberty University Flames Baseball Team
Be Our Guest at a Pre-Game Reception
You're invited to attend a reception for distinguished alumni and special guests before LU's nationally-ranked baseball team takes on the Old Dominion University Monarchs at ODU on March 31. This event, hosted by the LU Alumni Relations Office and alumnus Dr. Paul Hardy of Recovery for the City, is an opportunity to network with fellow alumni in the Hampton Roads area before you cheer the Flames on to victory. The free reception, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Webb Student Center (adjacent to ODU's baseball field), will include light refreshments, a special video presentation and fellowship. The game starts at 6 p.m. Please RSVP by calling (800) 628-7973.
Bringing Liberty University to Your Backyard
LU Creates Another Alumni Chapter
The LU Alumni Relations Office proudly announces the opening of its latest alumni chapter — the Detroit Alumni Chapter. Meet LU graduates near home and reconnect with old friends. A gathering is slated for Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. at Berean Bible Church (35375 Ann Arbor Rd.; Livonia, MI). Parking is located behind the church. Contact the Detroit Alumni Chapter Leader, Michael Joseph, at (734) 658-2954 or michael.joseph@oracle.com for more information.
Get Connected
Alumni Chapters Open to Online Students
LU Online alumni: have you joined your local Liberty University Alumni Chapter? Chapters are up and running in several areas, including Virginia, Washington D.C., North Carolina and California. To get connected to an alumni chapter in your area or to start one, please contact Mark Watkins at manwatki@liberty.edu.
Chick-fil-A and Conversation
LU Shows Appreciation for its Alumni Employees
Liberty University's Alumni Relations Office hosted an Alumni Employee Luncheon on Feb. 23 in the Schilling Center on Liberty's campus. Everyone enjoyed a free meal catered by Chick-fil-A and a brief speech from Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. Falwell asked alumni to support the university financially — even if it's only a dollar a month. Guests also watched a video presentation on the history of LU men's basketball and heard from Coach Ritchie McKay, who encouraged them to support the team. Senior Alumni Relations Officer Mark Watkins estimated that 450 people attended.
The Conservative Political Action Conference
The Conservative Political Action Conference held in Washington, D.C., Feb. 26-28, was a reunion of sorts for Liberty University students, alumni and friends. Approximately 80 students traveled to the event with LU's Student Alumni Association, and nearly 20 more students who are performing internships in D.C. joined them.
LU further rolled out the welcome mat at CPAC by hosting its own Liberty University reception for students, alumni and friends during the conference. Even if they didn't attend CPAC, friends of LU were welcomed to stop by and enjoy light refreshments — and nearly 150 people attended
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“We had a full room of Liberty friends, faculty, staff, prospective students and alumni,” said Melissa Small, LU's director of marketing and alumni relations. “It was great to meet the alumni in the D.C. area.”
CPAC is the largest annual gathering of conservative students, activists and policymakers in the United States. This year's conference drew well-known Republicans including Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Rush Limbaugh.
“Now more than ever, it's important with having a shift in the country's leadership to be involved in the conservative movement and aware of how changes can be made,” said Small.
This is the second year that LU's School of Law has hosted a reception at CPAC. The reception included speeches from an Arizona congressman and School of Law Dean Mat Staver, as well as booths representing the Alumni Relations Office, LU Online and the School of Law
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Read on for a firsthand experience written by Meghan Maginnis, an LU alumna and leader of the university's 200-plus member D.C. Alumni Chapter:
On Thursday night I journeyed downtown to attend a reception for Liberty University alumni, held during the annual CPAC Convention. Since Liberty is a sponsor of the annual CPAC Convention, they take advantage of the facility. I graduated from LU in 2004, and if I learned anything during my four years in college, it's that we are called to stand up for the truth, no matter the cost. For four years I sat in convocation (chapel services) three times a week, listening to [Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell], as well as many other conservative leaders.
During most of Dr. Falwell's messages, he stressed the importance of defending your faith and taking a stand on the moral issues. Dr. Falwell was criticized and mocked more than anyone else I've ever met for taking a stand for what he believed in. Because of his Godly example, I have spent the last five years (since graduating from LU) trying to stand up for the moral issues, no matter the cost. Sure, I make a fool of myself sometimes, but I believe that if we don't stand up for the truth, then no one else will.
After leaving CPAC on Thursday night I was once again faced with the opportunity to defend my faith, as well as stand up and proudly call myself a “Jerry's Kid.” As I stood on the platform of the Woodley Park Metro waiting for the train to arrive, a man in his early 50s began talking to me about his cell phone and the bad signal in the metro. As he was rambling on about the lack of signal on the platform, I noticed that he had a large bag draped over his shoulder. The bag had CPAC written all over the front; I believe it was given to the attendees as they walked around the exhibit hall. I'm one of those people who's not afraid to talk to strangers or even share my values. What do I have to lose? The likelihood that I'll see these people again is very slim. Well, when I noticed the bag, I decided to ask the man what he thought of CPAC this year. BIG mistake. Little did I know this would open up a can of worms, one that I would still be talking about today. The man began to go on about the arrogance of the Republicans, although he called himself a Republican. He proceeded to pull out some of the material he picked up from the CPAC booths. One of the pieces he pulled out was a book titled: “The Case Against Barack Obama.” As he held the book up in the air he began to complain about the Republicans' view of our new president and how many great things Obama is going to do for our country. At this point I felt like I might jump onto the tracks and begin walking if the train didn't come soon.
Within a couple of minutes our train did come. Unfortunately the train was packed, with no sitting room. So, I was forced to stand with “Liberal Man” and listen to him go and on about how wrong the conservatives are in regards to Obama and the state of our country. During this entire time I was fairly quiet. Occasionally I would shake my head, trying to indicate that I was listening. During my conversation with “Liberal Man” a group of college-age guys were standing right next to us in the aisle of the metro. As “Liberal Man” proceeded to try and persuade me toward his views, I could hear smirking from the group of guys. The more outraged the man became, the louder the laughter from the group of guys became. At one point I had to hold back my own desire to burst out in laughter. Sometimes it boggles my mind how liberal Americans can in good conscience stand up and defend the actions of our president.
After listening to “Liberal Man” go on and on about conservatives, I decided I needed to say something, especially since he was getting off at the next stop and I hadn't yet given my take on the issues. As we drew closer to the next metro stop I looked the man straight in the eyes and asked him if he knew who Jerry Falwell was. When he shook his head yes, I informed him that I was a graduate of Jerry Falwell's school, Liberty University, and I wasn't afraid to take a stand on the moral issues, much like Dr. Falwell did for most of his life. As I made this comment it seemed like the entire train car became quiet and all of a sudden cheering erupted in the packed car. “Liberal Man” become extremely quiet and all of a sudden became tongue tied.
As the train pulled up to the next station he practically ran off the train, without saying another word. After “Liberal Man” left the train I took a deep breath and looked up to find the group of college-age guys all looking at me and talking at once. They proceeded to ask what kind of agenda the man was trying to sell me and what an “awesome” comment I made back to him.
As the train drew closer to my station and I proceeded to get out, I couldn't help but think of the impact that Dr. Falwell had on my life and the thousands of Liberty alumni around the world. It's because of Dr. Falwell's conservative influence and stand on the moral issues that I'm the strong, outspoken person I am today.
SAA: Decision '09
Student Alumni Association Makes Positive Strides
In August 2008, the Student Alumni Association was founded. Almost nine months later with a membership of 143 students, the SAA is ready to take another step.
“The SAA needs student leadership,” said SAA Director Justin Terry. “This organization allows students the opportunity to connect with LU Alumni in their career fields, experience the tradition of Liberty University, and make a difference in the community.”
The last major piece of the building puzzle is to create an SAA Leadership Team comprised of four to six LU students. Being part of the SAA leadership will give students valuable experience and the opportunity to help pioneer an organization into the future.
“Connecting with students while on campus is so vital to the future of the Liberty University Alumni Association. Students are more likely to understand the role and potential of the impact of Alumni on Liberty,” said Melissa Small, director of Alumni Relations. “We look forward to seeing this program continue to grow over time.”
Good Manners Welcome
Students Participate in an Etiquette Dinner
At the beginning of the month, LU students had the opportunity to learn the “proper” way to dine in front of business executives. The Student Alumni Association sponsored the dinner, and the LU Career Center did a wonderful job at bringing in local business professionals to give the 35 students an authentic experience. Students learned the appropriate ways to eat and carry on conversation, and they also had the chance to ask the professionals about the current job market, interviews, and career possibilities.
Neighbor 2 Neighbor
Food Drive Will Help Those In Need
The Liberty University Alumni Relations Office is partnering with Spirit FM and God's Pit Crew on a food drive to provide vital aid to those affected by the recent economic down-turn.
March 16-21, Spirit FM and God's Pit Crew will visit six cities in Central and Southwest Virginia. At each location, nonperishable food will be collected and then redistributed through local food banks and charitable organizations.
Spirit FM Vice President and General Manager Barry Armstrong said, “Our goal is to meet a real need in our community and to show an example of generosity, even in the toughest times.”
The Neighbor 2 Neighbor campaign will be at the following locations:
March 16: Bluefield, W.Va. Wal-Mart, College Drive
March 17: Christiansburg, Va. Kroger, Franklin Drive
March 18: Bonsack, Va. Wal-Mart, Challenger Avenue
March 19: Lynchburg, Va. Grace Church, Timberlake Road
March 20: Waynesboro, Va. Foster's Grille, Rosser Avenue
March 21: Danville, Va. Sam's Club, Piedmont Place
Collection times will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Upcoming events:
Mar. 31- An alumni reception will be held at Old Dominion University before the ODU versus LU baseball game (see the story in our newsletter for more details).
Oct. 15-18 - Mark the 2009 Alumni Weekend — Oct. 15-18 — on your calendar! Some of the many Alumni Weekend activities being planned are: football, tailgating, ice hockey, class reunions, dinners and a Homecoming parade. Liberty's new snowless ski slope will be up and running by that time, so plan to do a little skiing or snowboarding during your trip! Look for a complete schedule in a future addition of this e-newsletter.
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