ABOUTAbout the Reunion
Attending the Decade of the ’70s Liberty Reunion is a unique opportunity to reconnect with old friends, celebrate shared memories and honor the roots of Liberty’s legacy. It’s a chance to relive the spirit of the 1970s—a time of bold faith, lasting friendships and foundational moments in both personal and campus history. Whether you were a student or a member of the faculty and staff, you experienced the birth of the university firsthand. This reunion offers a meaningful way to reflect on how far we’ve come, rekindle community and be inspired by how God has worked through the decades.
The students from the beginning and early years of Liberty University hold a special place in the school’s legacy. As pioneers, we laid the foundation for what would become one of the largest Christian universities in the world. We embraced a bold vision, sacrificing comfort and resources to be part of something greater than ourselves. Our faith, resilience and dedication helped shape the culture, values and spirit that continue to define Liberty today. Our stories remind current and future generations of the power of purpose-driven education and the importance of building on a strong spiritual and academic heritage.
Where the past meets the present — join us for the Liberty Reunion | April 16-19, 2026
RECEPTIONReturn to Stewart Arms
So many of us spent memorable years at the Stewart Arms Hotel in the 1970s. We ate in the dining hall, studied in the side rooms, met our dates in the lobby, and avoided the floors where we were not allowed.
It first opened its doors in 1913 as the Virginian Hotel. For fifty years, it hosted numerous events, welcoming esteemed guests such as Eleanor Roosevelt (1940) and Ronald Reagan (1957). But after facing financial difficulties in the 1960s, it was renovated and rebranded as the Stewart Arms Hotel before eventually closing its doors.
In 1973, the Stewart Arms was repurposed as a dormitory for Lynchburg Baptist College and it became home to hundreds of students for the next eight years.
After being used for low-income housing for another 30 years, in 2018, following a four-year renovation, the Virginian Hotel was meticulously restored to its former grandeur.
Now we are returning to celebrate and relive the great era of the ’70s. The Virginian Hotel is our host hotel and the reunion will kick off with an elegant reception at the hotel we once called home.
Relive the glory days and reconnect with old friends at the Liberty Reunion | April 16-19, 2026
SCHEDULEEvent Schedule
Event: Registration Open
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: The Virginian Hotel (formerly the Stewart Arms)
Event: Opening Reception
Time: 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Location: The Virginian Hotel (formerly the Stewart Arms)
Enjoy reconnecting with old friends in the very place many of us lived when it was known as the Stewart Arms Hotel. Light refreshments will be served. (free parking for those staying at other hotels)
Event: Registration
Time: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: TRBC Main Street
Main Street will serve as our reunion headquarters and a place to hang out between activities or rendezvous with friends. The Lion and Lamb cafe is open daily until 3:00 p.m.
Event: LU Convocation
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Vines Center (with group seating)
Board buses to convocation from TRBC Main Street between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. Buses will return us to Main Street after convocation.
Event: Lunch
Time: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Location: TRBC’s Bruner Hall
The lunch will be hosted and sponsored by Jonathan Falwell and TRBC.
Event: Free Time
Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Event: Reception/Dinner
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: TBA
We’ll be serving an informal buffet while providing lots of time for conversations with old friends.
Event: Registration
Time: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: TRBC Main Street
Main Street will serve as our reunion headquarters and a place to hang out between activities or rendezvous with friends. The Lion and Lamb cafe is open daily until 3:00 p.m.
Event: Free Time
Time: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
You decide what you want to do and see on Saturday. Sign up for a campus tour, browse the museum, attend a sporting event, rediscover Lynchburg. If you’re planning to visit Treasure Island, be ready to swim—plans for a James River cruise were proposed but ultimately voted down by the committee.
Event: Dinner
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: TBA
This evening will be emceed by Mark Lowry. Mark’s charisma and warmth will not only entertain but also create an atmosphere of nostalgia, unity, and celebration for all who were part of Liberty’s formative years.
Event: TRBC Sunday Service (with group seating)
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Thomas Road Baptist Church, 1 Mountain View Rd, Lynchburg
PHOTOSImages from the Past
Mick Vigneulle
We are very excited about the Decade of the ’70s reunion! It was the most influential decade of our lives because our marriage, our best friends and our careers came out of Liberty. We are excited about reuniting with everyone and seeing the changes at Liberty over the years!
Years at Liberty 1973-1978
Gypsie Smith Arnold
Don and I are looking forward to an exciting time of renewing friendships and reliving cherished memories from those early pioneer days, while witnessing how God continues to work through the vision He gave Dr. Falwell as the campus keeps growing!
Years at Liberty 1973-1976, 1980-1982
Christine Benson Tice
Jerry Falwell, Doug Oldham, Gordon Luff, TRBC and Lynchburg Baptist College…what a privilege to be a part of it all during the ’70s. It changed our lives forever! Looking forward to reconnecting with lifelong friends and seeing all God has done and continues to do!
Years at Liberty 1972-1974
Daniel Henderson
This reunion will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on God’s goodness during our Liberty days, celebrate His faithfulness since that time, and rekindle the friendships that have shaped our lives. I hope you plan to join us and I look forward to seeing you there.
Years at Liberty 1976-1983
Ed Gomes
One of the main reasons to attend the Liberty reunion is to witness and hear about the incredible things God is still doing on the mountain—things you may not have even known were happening. Second, it’s an opportunity to see some classmates that you haven’t seen since college days.
Years at Liberty 1972-1986, 1995-present
Tim St. Clair
Pioneers need to reconnect! This is giving just such an opportunity to many of us. Nancy and I are looking forward to seeing, remembering and rejoicing in God’s goodness to allow us all to be “pioneers!” Just think of the stories to be shared! Please, come join us.
Years at Liberty 1971-1977
Mark Roberts
I’m very excited about the ’70s reunion at Liberty. Reconnecting with close friends will bring back great memories. Worshiping together in Convo will be a boost for our souls. Together we can give thanks for God’s faithfulness and for what He has done on the Mountain in the past five decades.
Years at Liberty 1973-1979
Paula Oldham Johnson
When I came to LBC in 1971, there was no campus. No dormitories. No cafeteria. But, today, I am stunned by its enormous size, and its state-of-the-art facilities. But, most of all, my heart is warmed by the Spirit of Liberty that still lives here! Come see for yourself!
Years at Liberty 1971-1974
Mark Lowry
I think the people who attended during the ’70s are the ones who really matter. And I can’t wait to see them all again.
Years at Liberty 1975-1980
Theresa Grassel Keener
I’m excited to attend the upcoming Liberty reunion — a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with lifelong friends, celebrate our shared legacy, and reflect on the university’s remarkable journey. Liberty has had a profound impact on my life, and it’s inspiring to see how far it has come, from Treasure Island to the Mountain!
Years at Liberty 1974-1978