How Online Students Can Build Real Community: LU Tampa Alumni Launched

Are you earning your degree online and wondering how to build real, lasting connections without the traditional college experience? You’re not alone. While online education offers flexibility, it often leaves students feeling isolated, missing out on campus events, in-person friendships, and those spontaneous networking moments.

Liberty University has officially launched a Tampa Alumni Chapter, a significant step forward for online students and alumni like us to build a genuine community.

From Disappointment to Action

When Trudy Beerman completed her master’s degree at Liberty University, she looked around Tampa and realized no Liberty alumni group existed. Feeling disconnected, she contacted the alumni office and offered to help. Years later, after completing her doctorate in Strategic Leadership, Liberty officially launched the Tampa Chapter.

PSI TV met with Dr. Greg Tilley, Executive Director of Liberty’s Alumni Relations Office, to celebrate this milestone and discuss the meaning of this new chapter.

Liberty Chapters Are Growing Nationwide

Dr. Tilley shared that Liberty currently has 15 alumni chapters across the U.S.—and even one in Canada. The goal is to launch 7–12 new chapters yearly, helping bring Liberty’s presence directly into local communities.

Why Alumni Chapters Matter

According to Dr. Tilley, the purpose is simple and powerful: to serve. The alumni office supports Liberty graduates and current online students by bringing Liberty to where we are. That includes:

• Creating opportunities for alumni to connect and fellowship
• Helping current students find local support systems
• Enabling community service and outreach projects
• Strengthening Liberty’s presence and mission in local areas

“These chapters aren’t cookie-cutter,” Dr. Tilley explained. “Each community is unique. What works in Charlotte might not work in Dallas or Tampa. So we partner with local leaders who understand their community and support them in creating events and connections that resonate locally.”

From Chiropractor to Alumni Leader

Dr. Tilley also shared a personal story of transformation. After practicing as a chiropractic physician for 25 years, God called him to return to Liberty—where he began as an undergrad—to help fulfill Dr. Jerry Falwell’s founding vision of training Champions for Christ. Today, he leads the alumni office with that same mission at heart.

What’s Next for the Tampa Chapter?

While the Tampa chapter is still new, Dr. Tilley outlined both short- and long-term goals:

Short-Term Goals:

• Get the word out to local alumni and students
• Build a strong, visionary leadership team
• Start planning a calendar of events for connection and service

Long-Term Goals:

• Grow a thriving, engaged community of Liberty alumni
• Foster mentorship opportunities, networking, and real friendships
• Serve the greater Tampa community in meaningful ways

“Like any plant, a chapter needs watering, grooming, and time to grow,” he said. “But we expect healthy chapters to take root and thrive.”

Real Stories of Real Impact

Dr. Tilley recalled a DC alumni mixer where a young graduate met a seasoned alum who was hiring. He introduced them, and a new career path was born. These kinds of connections happen regularly, both at chapter events and through the Champion Connect platform, which offers:

• Job boards
• Prayer boards
• Mentorship opportunities

“Alumni are not just a network,” Dr. Tilley said. “They’re a compass for Liberty’s leadership. Your voice matters.”

Who’s Invited?

You don’t have to be a graduate to be involved. The Virginia definition of an alumnus is anyone who’s taken even one class. Current, past, supporters, and future enrollees are welcome. “It’s a family,” Dr. Tilley said. “And Liberty wants to include you.”

Join Us

Whether you’re a recent online graduate, a long-time alum, or a current Liberty student studying from Tampa, this new chapter is yours. We’re building something special - a local, faith-driven community that grows together, supports each other, and makes an impact.

For more information or to get involved, visit liberty.edu/alumni and join the Facebook page to stay up-to-date with planned activities Tampa, FL Alumni Chapter - Liberty University | Facebook

Let’s make Liberty feel a little closer to home.