The 43rd Commencement Ceremony of the 19,430 students of Liberty University on Saturday was a truly special event, not just because it marked the culmination of their academic achievements but also because of the celebrity guest stars who graced the event.
Over 35,000 guests were in attendance, according to CBN News. One of the first surprises of the day was the spectacular fireworks display from pyrotechnic flame projectors positioned around the stage.
Celebrity guests Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn then appeared onstage alongside screenwriter and director Randall Wallace. The three men shared personal stories and encouraged the audience to live by faith. They also discussed their new movie project called "Hacksaw Ridge," a World War II biopic focusing on the life of medic Desmond T. Doss.
Gibson also announced that he is planning to do a sequel to "The Passion of the Christ," and it will be about the Christ's resurrection.
Following the trio, "Duck Dynasty" reality star Willie Robertson went on stage and told the graduates to be ready to make their marks on the world. He was followed by Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., who used part of his address to give honour to the brave men and women serving in the military, as well as their spouses.
He bestowed on Penny Young Nance from the class of 1988 an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for excelling in her career and for being a true advocate of Christianity and family values. Nance is the president and CEO of Concerned Women for America, the nation's largest women's public policy organisation.
Another person Falwell gave distinction to is New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings, an alumnus from the 2009 class. He was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for showing true leadership "both on the athletic field and through his philanthropic endeavours."
In his speech, Jennings encouraged the graduates to become champions for Christ by developing a "simple, childlike, Christ-centred faith."
