Liberty University gets grant from Boeing for Samaritan's Purse's DC-8 aircraft project

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, has received a grant of an undisclosed amount from aerospace company Boeing to help build a public pavilion at the school’s planned DC-8 Overlook. The project will feature the historic Samaritan's Purse DC-8 aircraft, which the Evangelical Christian humanitarian aid organization gave to the school in December 2025.

The DC-8 Overlook project, located at Preston Glenn Field within Lynchburg Regional Airport, sits next to Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics. The public educational pavilion is expected to feature interactive exhibits on the history of humanitarian aviation, hands-on learning modules and a community space.

The DC-8 was used in global relief missions for more than 60 years. When it retired in December after 60 years of service, it was the last U.S.-registered aircraft of its kind still flying. It will serve as a permanent reminder of aviation's role in humanitarian aid around the world.

“Boeing is proud to support Liberty University’s DC-8 Overlook project, which brings together STEM education, workforce development, and community engagement in a meaningful way,” Lacey Pittman, Boeing’s vice president of global aerospace safety, said in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

“By helping preserve this historic aircraft and creating hands-on learning opportunities, this initiative will inspire future aerospace professionals and honor the important role aviation plays in serving communities around the world.”

Liberty University did not immediately respond to CP’s request Tuesday for the exact amount of the grant. Liberty University Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, son of the university's founder Jerry Falwell Sr., said he was grateful to Boeing, Samaritan’s Purse and other donors helping make "this new vision a reality." 

“As a premier Christian institution of higher learning, our focus will always be to educate, equip, and inspire the next generation,” Falwell said. “Through the interactive displays and educational programming at the new DC-8 Overlook, all ages will be able to experience the exciting world of aviation and will no doubt be inspired to become Champions for Christ in the skies while sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

The Boeing grant comes as Liberty University announced that it welcomed 4,838 new residential undergraduate students this year — the largest incoming undergraduate class in the university’s history.

More than 16,000 students are living on campus for fall 2026, thanks to a new residence hall called North Suites.

With more than 167,000 students registered on campus and online, including through Liberty University Online Academy (K-12), Liberty is Virginia's largest university and one of the largest private nonprofit universities in the U.S.

“Liberty University’s growth is a tremendous testament to God’s faithfulness and His blessing upon this place,” Liberty University President Dondi E. Costin said in a statement to CP. “Every student who chooses Liberty represents a family who has placed their trust in us to provide an education that develops the whole person academically, professionally, and spiritually. We are deeply grateful that more families are choosing an education grounded in biblical truth and academic excellence.”