Student Activities

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with three people who help us bring events to you. Kristian Stevenson of Event Production, Katrina Chase of University Events Office, and Bobby Keating of Broadcast Communications. Each of these departments play a crucial role in making your college experience special. Check out this episode for an in depth look into what makes events at Liberty so great! This podcast features Steph Ward (Director of SA), Drew Snavely (Assistant Director), Katrina Chase (Associate Director, University Events), Kristian Stevenson (Manager, Event Production), and Bobby Keating (Manager of Campus Production, Broadcast Communications). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

The spring semester is finally in motion, and with that we have a jam packed calendar of events for you and your friends to enjoy. From the classics like Open Mic and Coffeehouse, to exciting new events like... Well, give the episode a listen for details on these new events! This podcast features Steph Ward (Director), Drew Snavely (Assistant Director), and Kaitlyn Skarstein (Event Supervisor). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

On this episode of the podcast we preview our virtual concert series, Couch Acoustics, featuring Jordy Searcy, Jenny & Tyler, Josh Garrels, and Rivers & Robots. These shows are personalized and free to stream for all LU students. Listen along for an inside look into their history, and what you can expect when joining in on each of these talented artists sets! This podcast features Drew Snavely (Assistant Director), Landen Swain (Event Staff), Andrew Reynolds (Event Supervisor), Kaitlyn Skarstein (Event Supervisor), and Mike Tammaro (Event Supervisor). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Josh and Becky Kirk, owners of MayLynn's Creamery here in Lynchburg. They lend insight to the journey that made them small business owners and how they connect with the community through their creamery. We learned a lot about one of our favorite local businesses on this podcast. Be sure to check it out! This podcast features Steph Ward (Director of SA), Drew Snavely (Assistant Director). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

On this episode of the podcast we get to know some of the writers for the SA blog. Kaitlyn Skarstein and Andrew Reynolds have been writing on the blog for years, contributing pieces that discuss everything from coping with grief to frisbee golf. We get the inside scoop on why they decided to contribute and what motivates them in their passions and active consumption of culture. We know you'll enjoy listening to these conversations, so put on those headphones and press play! This podcast features Steph Ward (Director of SA), Drew Snavely (Assistant Director). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

On this week’s podcast we chatted with LU Alum and Marketing Coordinator for Downtown Lynchburg Association, James Ford. We talked about his time as a student here at Liberty, his career and life move to Arkansas, and his return to Lynchburg. He offers insight into what is happening downtown and his role at the Downtown Lynchburg Association, as well as some of his favorite things to do around town. We had a blast learning more about our friend and are sure you’ll enjoy the listen! This podcast features Steph Ward (Director of SA), Drew Snavely (Assistant Director). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

As we approach one of our favorite events, Block Party, we had the opportunity to chat with three of the artists who will be performing. This podcast sheds light on GAWVI, Angie Rose, and NICE.'s upcoming performances as well as their lives as performing artists. We had a blast interviewing such talented acts for the podcast and know you'll enjoy the listen! This podcast features Steph Ward (Director of SA), Drew Snavely (Assistant Director). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

With the semester about to kick off, we sat down to chat about our Fall 2020 calendar. While continuing to make improvements to our mainstay events, we have also added some new events to our schedule like the SA Workshop series and the Homecoming Carnival. With nearly 40 events this semester, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy! Give it a listen to find out specific details about our upcoming events, as well as what we are doing to ensure the safety of all our guests. This podcast features Steph Ward (Director of SA), Drew Snavely (Assistant Director), and Avery Watts (Special Events Coordinator). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

We recently had the chance to sit down with Tom Hayman, the founder and roaster at Grains of Sense Coffee Roastery. Over a cup of iced coffee, Drew and Tom discuss what brought Tom to set up shop in Lynchburg, social responsibility within the coffee industry, and much more. This episode is worth checking out, and pairs well with a cup of coffee! This podcast features Drew Snavely (Assistant Director), and Steph Ward (Director of SA). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Special Events Coordinator). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

On our latest episode, we had the honor of talking with Joy Cover, the President of Freedom 4/24. In addition to discussing all that Freedom 4/24 does in the fight against human trafficking, we also learn how Joy ended up at the local non-profit. She also goes through a few different ways you can get involved with Freedom 4/24 to help put an end to human trafficking domestically and internationally. We loved the conversation and know you will too! Enjoy!

SA Conversations - Kelli Diaz, Recruitment Coordinator at CASA of Central Virginia by Student Activities

Recently on the podcast, we chatted with Geoff Kershner, the Executive Director of the Academy Center of the Arts. We had great conversation with him about what made him become interested in crossing over his passion for the arts and his career. He has transformed the Academy into what it is today, which is something we discuss as well. Check it out! This podcast features Erin Diaz Cleveland (Assistant Director of Programming), and Steph Ward (Director of SA). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Event Supervisor). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

We recently had a conversation with our old friend, Joel Coleman, who works as Managing Photographer in the Marketing department at Liberty. If you’re unsure of what exactly a Managing Photographer does, you’re in luck! In this episode, Joel discusses what he does day in and day out, how he got his start in photography, and why he was fearful to turn his passion into his day job at first. We had a great time catching up with him about his current entertainment interests and hearing about the concerts he’s attended lately. Tune in to learn more about Joel Coleman! This podcast features Erin Cleveland (Assistant Director of Programming) and Steph Ward (Director of SA). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Event Supervisor). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

Have you ever thought to yourself “it would sure be nice if Student Activities highlighted some upcoming events this semester on their podcast”? If you have, you’re in luck! We have recorded a short and sweet conversation about the events and concerts we have coming up this semester so that you’re in the know. At the end of the day, we all just want to be up to date on what’s going on around campus, right? This podcast features Erin Cleveland (Assistant Director of Programming), Steph Ward (Director of SA), and Avery Watts (Event Supervisor). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Event Supervisor). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

This episode of SA Conversations is a special one to us for the reason that our boss, Chris Misiano, is the interviewee! Chris has been a part of Student Activities for enough time to see it change drastically into what the department is now. He has also gained quite a bit of responsibility during his time at LU, causing him to now oversee many more departments than just SA. We chat with Chris about not only SA and Campus Rec, but also about his advice for keeping up productive habits. We especially enjoyed hearing him discuss some of his favorite podcasts, music and books, which are great recommendations for listeners. Happy listening! *We are also now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts – woohoo! Just search SA Conversations to see the episodes we have to choose from. This podcast features Erin Cleveland (Assistant Director of Programming) and Steph Ward (Director of SA). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Event Supervisor). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

Our friends Jordan and Holly Nickerson came by to chat with us about your favorite dessert bar, Rookie’s! We were able to have a conversation with the owners to learn more about how they met (which is a pretty interesting story, trust us!), where the inspiration for Rookie’s came from, and where they want to go from here. They even spill the beans on a new project they’re working on for Rookie’s, so if you want to be in the know, you’ll give it a listen! They also brought us homemade chocolate chip cookies, and we were able to partake in more of them than we feel it necessary to share. We love supporting local Lynchburg businesses, and we know you do too. Rookie’s is one of our favorites, so when you’re finished listening, make sure to go grab an ice cream sandwich and a nice glass of almond milk! This podcast features Erin Cleveland (Assistant Director of Programming) and Steph Ward (Director of SA). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Event Supervisor). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

We’re so thrilled to share our newest podcast episode featuring Jamie Swyers, Director of Rec Centers. Jamie has been our friend for years, and we look to her as our guide for all things career advancement, resumés, fitness and health. She is a refreshing example of a leader as she has transformed Rec Centers in the last three years to be the most inviting, welcoming gym for everyone. We discuss what “eating healthy” really means, why your social media matters, and the age-old question: should I have a picture on my resumé? Give it a listen! This podcast features Erin Cleveland (Assistant Director of Programming) and Steph Ward (Director of SA). The episode was produced and edited by Clay Copper (Event Supervisor). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

Judd is one of our favorite friends and our go-to for any concert availabilities we have. His amazing hair and contagious laugh have nothing on his outstanding character. You probably know him because he’s a student here at Liberty and he’s also a part of the Liberty Worship Collective, BUT did you know he’s been crowned the King of Lynchburg? Tune in to our latest SA Conversations episode to hear us chat with Judd about how he became the King, his experience at Liberty, his hometown of Okeechobee, Florida, his passion for making music, and of course, why he thinks Applebee’s is amazing.

Adam Shurr is the co-founder and co-owner of Golf Park Coffee. Golf Park began in 2014 as strictly a cold brew company here in Lynchburg, but it has since grown into what has probably become one of your favorite coffee shops. Also, if you’ve come to our SA events, you may have come in contact with their cold brew – we give it out often because we love supporting the shop. Adam is a longtime friend of Student Activities (his sister was actually on our event staff back in the day!) and we knew his story would be one that resonated with a lot of Liberty grads. He has stuck around since he graduated from LU and now works full time at Moore & Giles, the leather company that is featured in stores like West Elm, Crosley and more. Adam stays busy and has an entrepreneurial spirit, but the most important part of his life are his relationships and creating community wherever he can. This podcast features Erin Diaz (Assistant Director of Programming), Marissa Kusayanagi (Event Supervisor) and Steph Ward (Director). Our jingle was created by Judd Harris.

Erin Cleveland (Assistant Director) and Marissa Kusayanagi (Event Supervisor) sat down with Steph Ward, our fearless Director of SA. It was important to us that we started our podcast with Steph. She oversees our whole team, manages all of the event planning for our department, and continues to push us towards making Student Activities bigger and better year after year. On the podcast, we discuss topics such as Steph’s favorite event to work, how she made it through grad school while working full time, the Enneagram, and the best parts about working with your best friends. We actually kick off the conversation by discussing for a whole minute how Steph never gets sick, and cottage cheese slips its way in at around minute 38. Only the most important topics to cover!