“Massive Reports” As LU Alumni Converge On Campus For Largest Homecoming In School History

Alumni from all over the nation gathered on campus for Liberty University’s Homecoming this weekend, including Adam Moore (’17, ’20) and his wife Darcy, who traveled from Phoenix, Arizona.

Adam earned his undergraduate degree in pre-law and a graduate law degree through Liberty University Online Programs. He currently manages a medical IT organization in Arizona and also leads the Liberty Alumni Chapter in Phoenix.

Alongside reconnecting with their alma mater, the Moores took the opportunity during Homecoming to visit their daughter, who is a senior at Liberty. Both of their children graduated from Liberty University Online Academy, an online K-12 homeschool program.

“Every time we visit this campus, we feel the presence of the Lord,” he remarked. “It’s inescapable. When I felt called to Liberty, I committed fully—there was no halfway. We embraced it entirely and have never regretted it. The university has invested as much in us as I did in my studies and my kids did in theirs. As a family, we’ve gained more than we could have ever hoped for.”

The Moores felt privileged to participate in the largest Homecoming event in Liberty’s history, with over 11,000 attendees registered according to the Office of Alumni Relations.

“What a privilege to be part of this 2024 Homecoming weekend,” said Greg Tilley (’92), Executive Director of Alumni Engagement. “From welcoming our alumni on Friday to our wonderful Alumni Breakfast, Parade, and Tailgate on Saturday, this Homecoming was one of Liberty’s finest. We’re excited for the future as the Liberty Alumni family continues to expand and thrive.”

The celebrations began on Friday with the beloved Homecoming carnival, which was held for the first time on the Academic Lawn. Under sunny skies, families enjoyed inflatables, games, food trucks, a Ferris Wheel, a petting zoo, and live music from Strings and Heart and Valentines DEI.

The festivities continued on Saturday with the Alumni Breakfast, where Liberty honored Mark Roberts (’79) as Alumnus of the Year. Alumni also participated in the Homecoming Parade, featuring the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band, an “Alumni through the Years” float, and appearances by several members of Liberty’s executive leadership. Following the parade, Liberty Football took on UTEP, winning 28-10 to maintain an undefeated season at 3-0. During the game, special recognitions were given to alumni from the 2014 Big South Championship team and the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

Alumni also gathered at the Flames Fan Fest and Alumni Tailgate at the Liberty Indoor and Outdoor Football Practice Fields for lunch. Kids enjoyed inflatables and balloon animals at the Fan Fest, while families participated in games like cornhole outside.

Moore expressed his appreciation for Liberty’s focus on nurturing strong connections with alumni.

“It’s wonderful to see alumni included,” he noted. “Greg Tilley has done an incredible job with the Office of Alumni Relations. It has really progressed, and the term ‘alumni’ holds significance now. Being part of that and taking on a leadership role within the alumni association has been fantastic, as I’ve seen the continued support from the school even after graduating long ago.”

Liberty alumnus Chip Bonar (’87, ’22) made the journey from his home in Alexandria, Va. With a background in biology and a doctorate in educational leadership, he works as the Student Behavior Coordinator for Arlington County Public Schools and is the president of Liberty’s Washington, D.C., Alumni Chapter.

Joining Bonar on campus were 25 members of his youth group from Calvary Road Baptist Church. Each year, he brings students to give them the opportunity to explore Liberty.

“Liberty offers not just a great Christian education, but an excellent overall education as well,” he remarked. “It’s one of the top universities in the country. Many of these students can come to campus and truly experience what it’s like. I’ve had kids with me who hadn’t previously considered Liberty, and after visiting this weekend, they’re asking me about the majors offered. Just bringing them to The Mountain to see the facilities, meet the people, and witness the love the staff has for everyone… that experience makes a significant impact.”

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

“It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces from our undergrad and grad school days come back with their families and witness how much Liberty has changed,” Allie Forystek shared. “It’s exciting to see everyone reunited with their loved ones.”