IMPACT SUMMER 2019
A P U BLICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
For Such a Time as This A HISTORIC GRADUATING CLASS IS CHALLENGED TO FIND PURPOSE & GO BOLDLY INTO THE FUTURE
B
efore the weekend even began, Regent students, faculty and staff knew it would be historic. With more than 2,000 graduates set to receive associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, the Class of 2019 would be the university's biggest ever — nearly 40% larger than the previous year. Regent's 39th Commencement Weekend kicked off Friday, May 10, with its eight schools of study holding commissioning services to pray over the graduates and hand out awards. It was a busy day for Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, Regent’s founder, chancellor and CEO. He presented a tailored message for each commissioning service. Robertson told School of Communication & the Arts graduates how in 1960, God called him to Portsmouth, Virginia, with only $70 in C H R I S T I A N
L E A D E R S H I P
his pocket, to buy a television station. He confessed, “I didn’t even own a television set!” At the School of Business & Leadership’s commissioning service, Robertson shared how in 1975, the Lord worked miraculously in the purchasing of 145 acres in Virginia Beach. It was on this property that God would empower his people to build the Christian Broadcasting Network’s headquarters and “a school for His glory.” Other highlights included new Regent Law dean, Mark Martin, retired chief justice of
INSIDE: My Seat at the Table After Turning the Tassel Marrying Faith & Art Regent World Changer The Chancellor's Message T O
C H A N G E
T H E
Page 6 Page 10 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 W O R L D
the Supreme Court of North Carolina, telling his school’s graduates: “Congratulations, not just because you’re about to receive a postgraduate degree, which is an honor in its own right, but also because you’re about to join an ancient and noble profession. Our nation was founded, in no small part, by lawyers.” He added, “What remains the same, more than two centuries later, are those timeless values and fundamental principles that you have learned at Regent. Among them: logic, reason and faith.” In his charge to current and future educators, Dr. Kurt Kreassig, who was named the School of Education’s dean in June 2018, said, “The Lord has prepared you not just over these past few years at Regent in the discipline you studied, but for a lifetime of service to come.” New York Times best-selling author and Regent alum Charles Martin (’00) was a special guest at the School of Communication & the Arts commissioning service. He shared, among other things, about overcoming struggles: “There will be moments when life is hard, and nothing explains it, when you have reached the end of you, when you're in pain. … When that moment comes, I pray you hold on to your Bible. It’s light to those who find it. It will revive you. It lasts when nothing else does. And it will accomplish the purposes for which He sent it, and it will not return void.”
2
Less than 24 hours later, Commencement 2019 drew a crowd of more than 10,000 graduates, family members, friends, faculty, staff, current students and distinguished guests to the Library Plaza. Robertson welcomed everyone and shared an impressive list of recent Regent accomplishments: ¡ R anked Among Top National Universities, U.S. News & World Report, 2019 ¡ O ne of only 24 universities nationally with an "A" rating for comprehensive liberal arts curriculum, American Council of Trustees and Alumni, 2019 ¡ C urrent enrollment exceeds 10,000 students representing 90 countries ¡ Th e Class of 2019 will bring the number of Regent alumni to over 27,000 Phillip Walker, chairman of Regent’s board of trustees, congratulated the Class of 2019 for their “significant accomplishment” and encouraged them to celebrate the people in their lives who helped make this day possible. He challenged graduates to hold the words of Philippians 1:6 close to their hearts: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Robertson returned to the microphone to introduce the commencement speaker, Dr. Ken Eldred. An investor and founder and CEO of Living Stones Foundation, Eldred,
REGENT UNIVERSITY
along with his wife Roberta, is a former and Work, is used as a textbook at a number of member of Regent’s Board of Trustees. universities. During an iconic, global business career that Eldred began his commencement address by has spanned more than five decades, he has asking graduates: “Has there ever been such founded numerous successful companies, a time as this? Today, you'll have in hand a including Ariba Technologies (now SAP coveted possession, which no one can take Ariba). Ariba was the first internet businessaway from you. You worked for it. You've to-business company to go public and was earned it. ... Congratulations!” valued as high as $40 billion. Eldred is also co-founder and director of Epicenter Eldred also shared the Technologies, a call story of how at age 27 he center with more than received a big promotion "Today, you'll have in hand 2,500 employees based while working at a a coveted possession, which in India. Fortune 500 company. no one can take away “As I went to bed that Recipient of the Silicon from you. You worked night, I began to lay Valley Entrepreneur of out my career from that the Year Award (’88), for it. You've earned it... newly elevated position. Eldred served on the Congratulations!” I planned the next step up board of advisors for the rung of the ladder,” Crosspoint Venture DR. KENNETH A. ELDRED he recalled. “By the end Partners, which Forbes of the night, there were named the most no more rungs on the ladder for me to climb. successful venture firm three years in a row. I'd worked through my entire career and worn He was also a member of former President myself out.” George W. Bush’s IT Advisory Committee and Commerce Department Transition Committee. His book, God Is at Work: Transforming People and Nations Through Business, has been translated into seven languages. While another critically acclaimed work, The Integrated Life: Experience the Powerful Advantage of Integrating Your Faith
Mentally exhausted from planning his next 40 years, Eldred heard a still, small voice: “So, Ken, is that all there is to life?” He instantly felt sick inside. “I thought, 'What if I wake up 60 years older and realize I've missed it?' ... My dreams had me climbing the ladder of success, but was I on the wrong ladder? ... the wrong building? ... the wrong foundation?”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
3
blessing of God. I want you to be bold as you This startling realization put him on a path go into the future,” Robertson insisted. to finding the Lord’s ultimate plan. “God is very clear in the Bible. He's given us work “For every person who thinks you could do to do,” Eldred said. “In Ephesians 2:10, Paul something, there'll be at least a thousand says that we are saved for a purpose. He who say you can't do it. ... Do not be timid. writes, ‘For we are His workmanship created ... When you leave this school, realize that in Christ Jesus for good works, which God you have been anointed prepared beforehand as the agents of change that we should walk — Christian leadership to in them.’” "When you leave this change your world.” place, I want you to open In closing, Eldred In response to the your mouth wide and challenged the Class chancellor’s charge, of 2019 to write a receive the blessing of God. Lauren Dennis, who was mission statement for I want you to be bold as receiving her bachelor’s in their life, to pray for the biophysical sciences from you go into the future.” Lord’s direction, and to the College of Arts & discover His assignment DR. M.G. “PAT” ROBERTSON Sciences, spoke on behalf as they leave Regent. of her fellow graduates: “Do you know what “Mighty is the God we your purpose is? What serve, and great is the work He has prepared God has planned for you?” Eldred asked. for us to do. ... It is so fitting to reflect on the “Consider taking some time out of your busy story of Esther as the theme of this ceremony lives and write down what you believe God is because her life and actions proclaimed calling you to do. Take the first step of faith the Lord’s faithfulness. ... She chose to and begin walking in your plan. Esther did, strategically speak up and use the position of and God orchestrated the rest.” her leadership ‘for such a time as this.’” When Robertson returned to the lectern, he shared from Psalm 81:10: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.” “When you leave this place, I want you to open your mouth wide and receive the
4
The graduates then heard from the 2019 Alumnus of the Year, Bruce Long (SCA ’01), an award-winning producer of Broadway and off-Broadway plays. (See page 13 to learn more about Regent’s 2019 Alumnus of the Year.) He arrived at Regent in the mid-90s with “clipped wings,” a young man who “didn’t know how much I didn’t
REGENT UNIVERSITY
know.” Long said his time at Regent wasn’t a restoration project; it was a new construction. “The Holy Spirit was preparing to do a new thing in my life that would require an intimate marriage of faith and art; a fusion of theology and theatre,” he explained. “The Lord used Regent to lay a solid foundation on which He would continue to construct a rather unique and multifaceted ministry and career, spanning nearly every component of the theatrical ecosystem for the single purpose of caring for a degenerative global culture,” added Long. After the deans of each school presented their candidates for graduation, Robertson conferred degrees upon the Class of 2019 and proclaimed, “Congratulations! You may now flip your tassels!” Immediately, the commencement crowd was showered with 70 pounds of blue, green and silver confetti. For the benediction, Regent’s patriarch prayed the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) over the graduates: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace. In Jesus’ name, amen and amen! Hallelujah and congratulations to all!” Regent offers affordable, top-quality graduate and undergraduate degrees in 135+ areas of study. To learn more, visit regent.edu.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
5
LESSONS LEARNED FROM A REGENT LEGACY FAMILY
My Seat at the Table BY ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY (CAS ’17)
Photo Courtesy of Mary Kaitlin Photography
and I met in 2014 when we were J ustin both undergraduate students at Regent.
We became close friends and started dating about two years later. Meeting his family was overwhelming at first since they’re 10 strong — I fell in love with them all! Justin and I wed in November 2018. What I’ve learned from the Montgomerys has been very consistent with what I learned at Regent: Every person serves as a unique part of the body of Christ, and each part is valuable and necessary in the Kingdom of God.
Regarding her own Regent experience, she said, “I didn’t have to sort through my academic studies to determine what was consistent with my faith and what was not. I mean, if the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then how can education void of God fully grasp truth?” Both parents experienced Regent for themselves and say they grew in their passions and talents. Michelle even taught for a year at Regent and
The family’s Regent story begins with Eugene Jahn, Justin’s maternal grandfather. When Regent was founded as CBN University in 1978, Jahn was hired as the financial manager — the school’s second employee. He served in this key role for 10 years. He recently had the chance to explore his old stomping grounds when two of his grandsons, Jason (LAW ’19 & CAS ’16) and Noah (CAS ’19), graduated. A decade after his Regent legacy began, it expanded with my in-laws, Ken (SOD ’90) and Michelle (SBL ’89) Montgomery, and their amazing kids. Michelle homeschooled the family’s eight children until 2013. Education has always been one of her core passions in life. I asked Michelle what she thought about Regent and she answered, “I prayed that my children would attend Christian schools from preschool through college, and God is answering my prayers.”
6
now runs her own business as a CPA. Ken has done various kinds of ministry outreach for more than 20 years, while also working at Regent and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) to provide a way for their children to receive a Christian graduate and undergraduate education.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
The RN to B.S. in Nursing at Regent University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Ken and Michelle’s love of education, teaching, ministry and hard work have been etched into their children's DNA. As the most recent addition to their family, I've watched them pursue their own callings — all with a passion for truth in learning and humility in leadership. By year’s end, the four eldest Montgomery children and I will have all graduated from Regent. Jason was the first, receiving his bachelor’s in 2016 and his Juris Doctor this year. I graduated in 2017 from the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and currently serve as Regent’s Office of Alumni Relations & Events marketing manager. Justin graduated last year with his bachelor’s in communication and is working as an electrician’s apprentice. Noah just graduated with a bachelor’s in government, after interning for several months at the White House this past fall. After completing his student teaching, Nathan will receive his bachelor’s in education from CAS this winter. As for the remaining Montgomery children — Rebecca, Ryan, Caleb and Christopher — we all hope and pray they will experience Regent in their own unique way too.
institution. The next generation will do even greater things.” “Mr. Ken” is the perfect example of a man of service to this school. For 21 years, he’s worked at Regent and CBN in building and HVAC maintenance. He carries the treasure of Jesus with humility and joy. That is his legacy. His life
“I prayed that my children would attend Christian schools from preschool through college, and God is answering my prayers.” MICHELLE MONTGOMERY (SBL ’89)
reminds me of what this school and what each of our lives is all about — God’s glory, not our own.
When I look at my second family, I marvel at their deep history and what it’s taught me about my place in their family, in the body of Christ, and in the Regent community. While each would humbly say, “I’m no one important or special,” their story has made me realize that every person, no matter their position, status or relation to Regent, has played a part in making this great university what it is today.
More than 40 years ago, God called Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, Regent’s founder, chancellor and CEO, to "build a school for God’s glory." But that’s not only his calling. It’s the calling of everyone affiliated with this university. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (NKJV). Our responsibility is to give the Lord every ounce of glory generated by this university and to pass down that truth to the next generation.
Even I have a role in fulfilling Regent’s vision to be the most influential, Christian, transformational
If I’ve learned anything from this personal legacy experience, it’s this: Don’t underestimate
university in the world. As a student, I poured my heart into this community through spiritual leadership. Now, I have the privilege of serving fellow alumni daily at work. In the grand scheme of things, sometimes I feel so small. But, as my father-in-law says, “We have His treasure in our earthen vessels, as individuals and as an
the power of family, because it matters — and so do you! There’s a seat at the table that no one else can fill but you. If you need to know where your seat is and how to fill it, Regent can help. To learn about Regent’s enrollment process, call 800.373.5504 or visit regent.edu/apply.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
7
ESTHER 4
For S T ime a
4:14, NKJV
Such a as T his
After Turning the Tassel In what has become a post-commencement tradition at Regent, six outstanding graduates spoke about their journey at the annual Chancellor’s Luncheon. The following accomplished graduates have overcome obstacles, thrived in their field of study and exhibited great potential as rising world changers.
her own. Little did I know, God would use this situation to help me as a wife, mother and educator.”
ALLISHA BEERWART Originally from Hampton Roads, Allisha persevered through many trials to earn her doctorate in special education. She also found her passion and calling in the process.
Allisha is grateful for Regent’s rigorous, Christ-centered Special Education program. She says her education makes her “feel equipped in the educational field.” Adding, “I look forward to a career in higher education, where I can share my passion and experience with the next generation of special education teachers. I’m also excited to continue my research on educational practices utilized in public schools.”
When she was 16 years old, her stepfather attempted to murder her mother. A quiet, well-behaved student, she was shocked when a police officer picked her up from school and brought her to the family’s bloodstained home. Terrified, she packed a bag and joined her severely injured mother at the hospital. “During those moments of watching my mother in her physical therapy sessions, my heart was softened to circumstances I had never experienced before,” Allisha recalled. “I could not recall any exposure to people with disabilities until my mother acquired 10
CHRIS HOLDORF Chris earned his doctorate in strategic leadership from the School of Business & Leadership. He shared that he has seen the
REGENT UNIVERSITY
Lord open doors all his life. He serves as the CEO of the National Christian Foundation, one of the largest Christian nonprofit organizations in the world. But his path to Regent began with an unlikely plug from the dean of graduate studies at another university. “He knew the journey of my life was in the intersection between ministry and the marketplace,” Chris explained. “He said to me, ‘You need Regent University's Doctor of Strategic Leadership program.’ And how right he was.” His Regent journey may have taken six years, but it changed Chris’ life in ways he could have never imagined. “Has it been rigorous? Yes, at points. Has it been difficult or overwhelming at times? Absolutely. Has it been humbling? One of the most humbling things is when you end a session online with a cohort of students and you say, ‘Wow, those are some of the smartest, brightest people I've ever been involved with.’ But one of the greatest experiences is … a professor regularly, earnestly, genuinely praying for you. They are rooting for your success.”
journey of faith and allow God to lead us wherever He desired,” she explained. “We’ve experienced things that we never would have if we had stayed in Singapore — the education we’ve received, the friendships we’ve forged, and the global community we are now a part of — we would do it all over again.”
ROB HESS Rob has faced the frontlines of battle through his ministry to the military. His hope and joy in the Lord are contagious. This made him an incredible chaplain for 10 years, counseling and caring for service members of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. After realizing he needed to be better trained and equipped for God’s call on his life, Rob discovered Regent. A former psychology professor and mentor suggested he check out Regent because, in his words, “They have a solid and reputable program with great people and are doing some great things.”
CHERYL YOU God told Cheryl and her husband, Jasper, to “Go!” So, they obeyed and trusted Him every step of the way, moving their entire family from Singapore to the U.S. In terms of miles, her Regent journey was the longest, and she’s thankful to the Lord for His faithfulness in bringing her so far to achieve her dream of receiving a Master of Divinity degree. “Life was comfortable, we had stable jobs and a great church community in one of the best nations to live in,” shared Cheryl. “In 2015, the Lord began stirring our hearts that it was time to leave everything familiar behind and move here to pursue our degrees at Regent.” The mother of three said they wrestled with their decision, which was both exciting and terrifying. “But the call was clear: Take a
“He couldn’t have been more right,” Rob insisted. “First and foremost, the people here at Regent, both faculty and staff, have been incredible: professional, intelligent, attentive, and deeply committed to our personal and professional growth.” As a Navy chaplain, he also appreciated how his master’s program integrated the best of science with faith and how it was designed with the flexibility he needed: “I was literally completing assignments for my courses right in the middle of global war and crises.” Rob concluded, “I am so grateful for your passionate investment in me and my fellow students. Because of you, we can better part the clouds, snatch a piece of heaven, and share it with the world. Because of you, we can bring shalom (peace). Because of you, we can change the world.”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
11
INNA IURTSEVA Inna enjoyed being a Regent Royal by competing on the university’s track and field team. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology but hopes to continue her education. Her goal is to minister to orphans in her home country of Ukraine — children just like her. “When I think about my life it becomes evident that God’s hand was with me even through the hardest times,” Inna said. “Growing up in a small village in Ukraine, I never knew what it meant to be loved, cared for or protected. My dad died from alcohol poisoning when I was five, and my mom was left with my two brothers and me without money or a job.” Taken from her home in the second grade by government workers, Inna spent several years in an orphanage. As a young adult, she went to a vocational school and met a Christian couple who became her forever family. “Through their love and acceptance of me, I found my salvation in Jesus and my purpose for life,” she explained. “With my new family, I started as a volunteer and soon became the first employee in a new project of Orphan’s Promise (a sister ministry of CBN) in the central part of Ukraine.” The Orphan’s Promise staff helped her apply for a student visa, and Inna eventually received a Chancellor’s Scholarship to attend Regent. “God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams, and He gave me a future,” she insisted. “He turned my eyes to the needs of many vulnerable children around the world who need someone to care for and love them unconditionally. I am ready to follow God wherever He leads me, and I am grateful that He turned my pain into compassion for other people.”
12
JOE ADDINK Five years ago, Joe was living in an Omaha, Nebraska, homeless shelter. He is a recovering addict who lost his marriage, his children and his job to alcohol. “I was severely depressed,” Joe shared. “I was convinced God had given up on me, and I was of no value whatsoever, especially to my children. Life was very dark. … I moved into the homeless shelter so that I could join a substance abuse treatment program, where I would spend the next eight months. While I was there, I got sober — and I also made a decision to turn my life over to Jesus.” Joe said that’s when miracles began to happen. At the homeless shelter, he felt God calling him to become an attorney again. Years earlier, after earning his bachelors, he rejected the Lord’s initial leading to pursue a law degree in favor of the money and prestige promised by a career in financial services. After leaving the homeless shelter, getting a job, and moving to Pittsburgh, he applied to Regent’s School of Law, was accepted, and even received a scholarship that makes it possible for him to earn his Juris Doctor degree. “Shortly after getting here, I heard Dr. Robertson speak,” Joe recalled. “Someone asked him why he decided to start Regent, and he said that God had called him to do it, and it has been a huge blessing. I knew I was in the right place because that was exactly how I felt about law school. I knew God had called me to do this, and now, I’ve been blessed to graduate towards the top of my class.” To become a World Changer sponsor, visit regent.edu/worldchanger or call 800.335.4409.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
Marrying Faith & Art Award-winning Broadway Producer Named Regent’s 2019 Alumnus of the Year
R
egent’s 2019 Alumnus of the Year wasn’t expecting to be recognized by the university for his work in theatre arts. Minutes before his commencement address to graduates, Bruce Long (SCA ’01) told Impact, “I’m still a little surprised because I've never considered myself someone who might be worthy of this distinction. I'm just doing what I believe God has called me to do.”
Long explained that he attended Regent with the goal of marrying faith and art by combining theatre and ministry work. But God had an even bigger plan: “At the end of the day, what brought me here — I'm 100% convinced — was the Holy Spirit working, moving and directing some of my desires. There was a plan that was unfolding, but I didn't realize it then.”
What Long has been called to do is make an impact on Broadway, off-Broadway and on London’s West End — among other places. His affiliated theatre productions have garnered four Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards while collecting 15 Tony Award nominations and eight Olivier Award nominations. He is a published author and the founder of The Repertoire Fund, a $100 million commercial theatre investment collective.
The Alumnus of the Year award was established in 2004 by Regent’s Office of Alumni Relations to recognize individuals who have gained elite distinction by their accomplishments and have brought positive change to the world. Upon receiving his award during Regent’s commencement, Long addressed the graduates. He urged his fellow “artists of faith" to contemplate three words: silence, beauty and improvisation.
“I don't feel like I'm necessarily doing anything special,” Long said. “I know it is when I put it on paper, but the reality is, I wasn't expecting it. I'm really honored by the recognition that the work we're doing is significant to the kingdom.”
“Our culture completely disregards the power of silence,” he insisted. “I encourage you to schedule recurring retreats of silence into your life." He continued, "Beauty is oxygen. We cultivate culture by infusing our world with beauty. Craft a beautiful life and the world becomes a better place.”
The Alabama native now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife Michelle (who’s also a Regent alum) and their three children. But when he applied to Regent in the early ’90s, Long was doing Christian stand-up comedy. At that time, well-known comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Roseanne Barr, Tim Allen and others had their own television shows. “I thought, if I go to Regent, I'll be close to CBN, and maybe I can parlay my stand-up into a Christian sitcom,” he recalls. “Why I came here was really quite surface but what ultimately happened was I went deeper into theatre and got the training I really desired; and I believe that was a God thing. I've been working in theatre ever since.”
In closing, Long spoke about the importance of improvisation. “When the triune God is your improv partner, you can safely say, ‘Yes, and …’ — accepting what He offers and expanding the opportunity He’s afforded you. ... You can trust the Creator to form a masterpiece from the ad-libbed scenes of your play as well. Now, Christian leaders, walk humbly in your calling, and change the world.” The Office of Alumni Relations helps Regent graduates stay connected to the university and to each other. Visit regentalumni.org for more information.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
13
REGENT WORLD CHANGER
Ashley Smith SCA ’13
Co-anchor, 13News Now “Daybreak” Norfolk, Virginia
Every weekday from 4:30-7:00 a.m., Ashley Smith (SCA ’13) serves as co-anchor of 13News Now “Daybreak” for WVEC-TV, Tegna’s ABC affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia. She joined the broadcast as a traffic reporter in 2013 — the same year she graduated from Regent. After growing up in Hampton Roads, Smith earned her bachelor’s from Old Dominion University (’10). A year later, she applied to Regent’s School of Communication & the Arts with the goal of pursuing a journalism career.
“The warmth, encouragement and genuine interest in my journey, before I was even accepted, convinced me that I needed to become a part of the Regent family,” Smith remembers. “The education was invaluable; I gained the skills I needed to be successful in my career in an environment that fostered my beliefs and values.” A former Miss United States, Smith was nominated for a regional Emmy Award in 2017. Her other responsibilities at WVEC include contributing stories to 13News Now's Making a Mark franchise, which highlights inspirational moments and people in Hampton Roads. She’s also the host of Coastal Connections, a monthly community events program. “I truly believe God called me to be a journalist,” Smith explains. “Perhaps one of the most important lessons that I learned from Regent is to tell stories as best as I can through the lens of God.” In addition to serving as president of Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, Inc., Smith is the minister of music at New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Chesapeake. She says it’s important for her and other alumni to live out Regent's motto of Christian Leadership to Change the World as representatives of the body of Christ. “We symbolize the work and power of God in our respective fields,” Smith insists. “We have to strive for success in all we do to command attention and ultimately win more souls for Him. And in that way, we can and will change the world.” PLEASE JOIN THE ENTIRE REGENT UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY IN PRAYING FOR ALUMNI WORLD CHANGER ASHLEY SMITH.
Train Future World Changers Your continued prayers and financial gifts are crucial to training the next class of Regent World Changers. Please use the postage-paid envelope at the center of IMPACT to make a tax-deductible donation or give online. regent.edu/worldchanger
14
REGENT UNIVERSITY
The Chancellor’s Message Dear Friend, We are thrilled to see everything the Lord is doing at Regent University. Our 39th Commencement was a glorious occasion with marvelous graduates who leave here fully equipped to serve God’s kingdom as Christian leaders to change the world. Our 2,762 newly minted alumni earned associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from among more than 135 fields of study offered. But the Class of 2019 is not historic just because it was our largest ever. These men and women know they have been called “for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14 was the theme verse for this year’s graduating class because they understand that our world needs bold leadership to point people to Jesus Christ. That’s why I told the graduates to be bold, not timid, when they leave Regent and to not listen to anyone who says you can't do it. I urged them to surround themselves with people who have faith and believe God. All things are possible with the God we serve (Matthew 19:26). But that’s good advice for all of us. Our heavenly Father is the author of everything. So when we open our mouth wide, He will fill it (Psalm 81:10). Don't be afraid. Move boldly. Dream big dreams! Have big plans. God wants to fill your plans and your dreams. That was my charge to the Class of 2019, and it’s my charge to you too. God has done so much since telling me “to build a school for His glory” more than 40 years ago. And we’re not slowing down. Regent keeps getting better. Please consider what role you can play, financially and prayerfully, to help equip the next class of Christian leaders. Thank you for your faithful friendship and generous support. Sincerely,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO
Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? ESTHER 4:14, NKJV
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
15
Regent University’s Impact is published monthly by the university’s Office of Alumni Relations and Special Events, free of charge, for alumni and friends of the university. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University. Regent University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, age or veteran status in admissions, treatment or access to its programs and activities, or in the administration of educational policies, scholarships, loan programs, athletics or other University programs. In addition, Regent does not discriminate based on religion, except as necessary to comply with Regent’s Standard of Personal Conduct and Statement of Christian Community and Mission. View the full nondiscrimination policy at regent.edu/nondiscrim. Questions or concerns regarding discrimination based on sex may be directed to the University’s Title IX Coordinator at T9Coordinator@regent.edu, or the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at OCR@ed.gov. To learn more about Disability Services or to contact Regent's Section 504 coordinator, visit regent.edu/disability. Regent University is authorized to operate in the state of Virginia and is exempt from the requirements of certification by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Opinions expressed in Impact are those of individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of Regent University’s board, faculty, administration or staff. Regent University accepts news submissions from readers but reserves the right to edit based upon clarity, length and content. The university may decline to print material at its discretion. ADV190451
REGENT.EDU/IMPACT
Christian Leadership to Change the World
1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Norfolk, VA Permit 91
PAID
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage