"Jerry's Kid's" - The Term Affectionately Given to Liberty University Students

"Jerry's Kids": The term affectionately given to students who attend Liberty University, a Christian college founded by Reverend Jerry Falwell.

Many students pass through the doors of Liberty University and while attending the college; they become one of "Jerry's Kids." All LU students have the opportunity to hear the school's chancellor speak many times at the weekly, mandatory convocation services. In addition, students may attend Reverend Falwell's church, Thomas Road Baptist and hear him preach.

Before attending Liberty, I knew of the controversial reverend and I respected him. I possessed excitement over the prospect of being in such close proximity to a famous religious and political figure. I accepted my role as one of "Jerry's Kids" with pride.

The first time I had the opportunity to hear Rev. Falwell speak at a Wednesday morning convocation service, I prepared to hear the same man I had heard many times on television discussing controversial religious and political topics. However, that day the new students at Liberty became acquainted with another side of Rev. Falwell; a softer, more fun- loving side. He spoke about his early college days at Lynchburg College. Students laughed in amused disbelief as he reflected on how he came to be with his beloved wife, Macel: He was originally the messenger in charge of passing notes between Macel and his college roommate who had a crush on her. However, the young Falwell soon fell for Macel and stopped delivering his roommate's love notes, instead replacing them with his own. After describing the story, he urged students never to give up on their one true love if they happened to meet a husband or wife while at Liberty.

As I continued at Liberty, I enjoyed taking part in the big picture that Rev. Falwell worked so hard to accomplish. Though his influence permeates the university's campus, many of "Jerry's Kids" pass through Liberty without ever actually having the chance to meet their "academic daddy" personally. I am grateful to say, that I am one of those fortunate students who did have an opportunity to meet Rev. Falwell face to face.

One evening as two friends and I sauntered through a nearly empty Demoss Hall, one of LU's main academic buildings, we heard some voices and a booming, deep belly laugh. As we rounded a corner, the Chancellor laughed again, gave us a wink and said, "What are you three ladies still doing in here? You should be out having fun!" Right away, I was struck with the unique presence that the man exhibited. It was powerful, his stature seemed to tower over mine. Yet it was also kind, fun and gentle. I soon, became very comfortable and began understanding why we were all called, "Jerry's kids". He took on sort of a father role with us and all students attending Liberty. As we stood there, he asked us all how we liked his college, what our majors were, and promised me, a journalism major, a quote for a story that I had been working on for one of my classes. A smile remained on his face and he laughed spontaneously during the whole exchange. He joked with my friend when she mentioned honestly how large his hands were. We all laughed as he discovered that his hand far out- sized my friend's head.

As we returned to our dorms after meeting Rev. Falwell, I realized that his characteristics; powerful, sure, dominant and yet gentle, kind, and fun at the same time reflected the God that he lived so diligently for.

The death of Reverend Jerry Falwell marked the start of the evangelist's eternal life in heaven. When he passed away, the Reverend surely received his ultimate goal in his life and career when God told him, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21).

I am grateful to have been one small piece of Reverend Falwell's legacy and will always refer to myself with pride as one of "Jerry's Kid's".