Boeing Awards Grant to Liberty University for DC-8 Aviation Project

Liberty University has received an undisclosed grant from Boeing to support the construction of a public pavilion at its planned DC-8 Overlook in Lynchburg, Virginia. The project, situated at Preston Glenn Field near the university’s School of Aeronautics, will feature a historic DC-8 aircraft donated by the humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse in December 2025.

The aircraft, which served in global relief missions for over 60 years, was the last U.S.-registered plane of its model in operation before its retirement. The new facility is designed to serve as an educational space, offering interactive exhibits on the history of humanitarian aviation, community engagement areas, and hands-on learning modules for students and the public.

Boeing officials stated that the grant aims to promote STEM education and workforce development while honoring the role of aviation in humanitarian aid. Liberty University Chancellor Jonathan Falwell expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that the project is intended to inspire future aerospace professionals to integrate their technical skills with their Christian faith.