Stand Up and Shout Out!
Rev. Franklin Graham, Keynote Speaker
Well the big day dawned early. Most of the people in the Microtel were going to the same event, so we were all eating breakfast at the same time. We only had a 10 minute drive to the U, but with 60,000 plus people, we wanted to be early for a parking place and a seat! Not a worry! People were on patrol everywhere. They were giving directions, answering questions, finding spots, and answering the same questions repeatedly-with a smile! After all, this was their 50th time they did this. They have experience.
We made our way to the Vines Center, where the ‘Degree Presentation Ceremony’ would be held for Interdisciplinary Studies, and Jaron would be receiving her diploma. Up the steps and into the sports stadium we went. No pushing or toe stepping. There was enough room for everyone! We found our seat at the very top of a set of seats and watched for her as she found her place on the ‘field’.
A beautiful ceremony commenced as each graduate was called, walked across the stage and received her/his diploma. Jaron did it flawlessly, though I wondered how when every eye in the place was on her! A nice feature was that if more than one family member was graduating, you could choose to all receive your diploma’s together, regardless if you should have been graduating in different places, at different times. For example, a mom receiving her doctorate chose to walk with her son who was receiving his associates. Truly a family event!
Before long this ceremony was over and we had to make our way back through the crowds. No problem! Again, helpful people who had the answers were there to guide when needed. Thousands of people were safely and pleasantly ushered out of the University and off into the real world to navigate lunch.
We went to ‘O’Charlie’s’ for a great lunch, fast service, and good prices!
Then the wait began for the evening Commencement Main Ceremony at ‘Williams Stadium’. Imagine an NFL football stadium and finding a place to see your one graduate out of thousands! I was never more happy for a jumbo-Tron! We were able to pick Jaron out when she walked right in front of us, but on the field she was just another royal blue mortar board!
We enjoyed participating in the Worship Band and Chamber Choir, made up of Liberty U students. This was the ‘warm-up’ event as we waited for the graduates to proceed into the stadium from the soccer field next door. We felt like we were watching the Olympians walk into their main venue as they proceeded to walk in for almost 2 hours while Pop and Circumstance played continuously by the LU Orchestra!
Finally the main event began! Remarks were given by Rev. Jonathan Falwell, the son of the founder, Jerry Falwell. The President of the University gave his remarks, encouraging the students to ‘go be champions for Christ’. Rev. Franklin Graham gave the keynote speech. It was very motivational! His memorable quote was ‘Stand Up and Shout Out!’ Almost last, Dr. David Jeremiah prayed the Benediction over the crowd. You could hear a pin drop in a 60,000 plus group of people.
The Grand Finale was a firework display that was magnificent and went on for an hour, at least.
I hope you feel like you were there with us, and if you have anyone thinking of college, you will check out LU before you make your choice.
More later…it’s not over yet!
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