Graduation is Around the Corner

Those of us who work for Liberty University Online love the month of May. It is the one time of year when we can meet many of the students we have spoken to on the phone, emailed, or chatted with online.

In May, thousands of Liberty Online students come to our campus to participate in Commencement. For many students, graduation is the first time they have visited the Liberty University campus in Lynchburg, Va., and most are surprised at how expansive it is! I am a former Liberty University Online student who had never seen the campus prior to graduation. It is difficult to describe how I felt as I entered campus, but if I were to point to a particular emotion it would be pride in my school. I felt honored to earn my degree from a university that is so dedicated to its Christian mission and to serving others.

I want you all to experience the same feeling of accomplishing something that literally changes your life. We at Liberty Online want to see you on Saturday, May 11, for graduation. We want to celebrate your accomplishments and have the unique privilege of congratulating you in person.

Tamela Crickenberger
Executive Director of Enrollment

Graduation 2013

Commencement on Liberty Mountain is always an exciting time, and we look forward to meeting many of you when you arrive on campus in May. Be sure to mark your calendars for these important events:

Friday, May 10

• Commencement Check-In from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the LaHaye Student Union
• University Online Graduation Reception from 2-4 p.m. at the Williams Stadium Club Pavilion
• Baccalaureate Service at 6 p.m. in the Vines Center

Saturday, May 11

• Commencement Exercises at 10 a.m. at Williams Stadium
Gates open at 7 a.m. and graduates will arrive at Osborne Soccer Stadium by 7:30 a.m. Student processional begins at approximately 9 a.m.
• Degree Awarding Ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

For more information on all the weekend's events, visit www.Liberty.edu/Commencement.

Spiritual Encouragement

My present season of life has found me facing a lot of unknowns. If I give way to the flesh, this period of uncertainty could lead to anxiety, frustration, and a host of other emotions I certainly don’t have time to deal with. Sometimes it’s overwhelming, especially when I don’t know the way to go until I’m literally tripping over my next step.

“Think of the last thing you prayed about — were you devoted to your desire or to God? Was your determination to get some gift of the Spirit for yourself or to get to God?" – Oswald Chambers

I don't know where the journey is leading, I just know I am on this path to get to Him. That requires movement on my part to draw unto Him. If I am waiting for God to reveal His will to me before I move, then I will never take the next step. Where I'm headed is not where I want to go. My aim and mission is to get to God.

"The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer.” – Chambers

I don't pray to ask Him for things I want. I pray to get to know Him better. I don't seek Him for what He can give me. I seek Him to become like Him. I delight in Him and I desire Him.

I still don't have a road map. I don't know the final destination. God hasn't revealed His great and mighty plan to me. But He has called me to an intimate walk with Him so that even though the way may be hidden, He is not.

Looking Ahead

As many of you are wrapping up a degree program this spring, consider extending your journey with us and taking advantage of the newest programs offered at Liberty Online.

We have over 40 certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Whether you are looking to supplement your education or increase your marketability, Liberty Online has extensive offerings in areas like communications, business, Christian ministry, education, and more. To see a full list of the available certificate programs, visit www.LUOnline.com/Certificate.

Study Tours

Looking to earn college credit while traveling this summer? Liberty University Abroad is touring Israel and Athens, Greece.

This two-week course includes an optional tour of Jordan from June 20-24 and provides the chance to earn three credit hours in BIBL 434-001, GOVT 497-001, or OBST 597-001.

For more information or to register, visit www.Liberty.edu/JudaicStudies and World of the Bible Tours at www.worldofthebible.com. You may also contact Ken Stanford at (512) 557-3140 or (512) 396-3799.

Register by April 30.

Athens, Greece Study Tour

There are three trips to Athens, Greece available this summer (please note the corresponding course credit):

• June 25-July 4 (HIEU 201, HIEU 321, HIEU 497, HIEU 697)
• (GOVT 497)
• July 17-26 (DSMN, PLED, CLED, NBST, OBST elective for 597 or 697)

While there, you will have the opportunity to explore sites such as Mars Hill, The Acropolis and Museum, Corinth, and more.

For more information, email studyabroad@liberty.edu.

Don’t miss out on these educational travel experiences!

Talk Back

With Commencement 2013 right around the corner, there are many details that we will be continually updating on Facebook and Twitter. Stay up-to-date on all the information and don’t forget to Tweet your suggestions or encouragement for fellow graduates, using #LUgrad13.