'Role Model' Kirk Cameron to Speak at Liberty University's Convocation
Actor and devout Christian Kirk Cameron will be speaking at the Liberty University Convocation Homecoming ceremony tomorrow, Oct. 5, an event which university president Jerry Falwell Jr. describes as a special experience for the school's film program.
"Liberty University recently launched the Zaki Gordon School of Cinematic Arts to train the next generation of filmmakers," Falwell, who is also the university's chancellor, said in an emailed statement to The Christian Post.
"Kirk Cameron has been a longstanding Christian voice in Hollywood. Our film students look up to Kirk as a role model – someone who has succeeded professionally without compromising his faith," he added. "Kirk's influence also transcends the generations and this Friday's Convocation will kick off our Homecoming weekend. Many of our visiting alumni grew up watching Kirk act and will welcome the opportunity to hear him speak in person."
Homecoming weekend at Liberty University welcomes the school's alumni and hosts an array of events from Oct. 4-6.
Cameron started his acting career as a teenager in the 1980s sitcom "Growing Pains." Converting from atheism to Christianity in his early 20s, Cameron, 41, has become an outspoken proponent for Christian values, including traditional marriage.
In his adult life, the actor has starred in the Christian film "Fireproof" and directed his own documentary, "Monumental."
Cameron did not respond to requests for comment by The Christian Post. Friday's visit will be his first to Liberty University.
Following Cameron in speaking at the Liberty University Fall 2012 Convocation will be economic commentator Ben Stein on Nov. 5 and Fred Luter, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, on Nov. 28.
Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, real estate mogul Donald Trump, and evangelical Christian pastors Rick Warren and Mark Driscoll have all previously spoken at the university's convocation.
Liberty University is a private, Christian university located in Lynchburg, Va. The school was founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell senior, a Southern Baptist pastor who made a national name for himself as a conservative political commentator.
The university holds a Convocation ceremony three times a week. The event has been described by the university as "North America's largest weekly gathering of evangelical young people."