IMPACT A P U B L I CAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
VOL. 6 ISSUE 4 JUNE 2015
A Call to
GREATNESS Distinguished alum Dr. Jay Sekulow challenges graduates to become the next great generation
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orning clouds gave way to sunshine and a beautiful spring day on Saturday, May 9, for Regent University’s historic 35th commencement ceremony. Nearly 1,000 of Regent’s 1,500 graduates – the largest class ever – participated in the ceremony to receive their associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Their achievements were recognized by an audience of 7,500 family members, friends, faculty, staff and honored guests.
Among those honored guests was commencement speaker and Regent alumnus Dr. Jay Sekulow. The chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice and the European Centre for Law and Justice has presented oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He told Impact that address-
C H R I S T I A N
L E A D E R S H I P
ing Regent’s Class of 2015 was different than those other experiences, because his focus was on the graduates: “A commencement speech … takes on more of a role of an exhortation and a charge, rather than a legal argument.” That charge evoked World War II’s “greatest generation” and challenged the university’s graduating class to accept that same mantle of leadership: “I believe that your generation has that same responsibility — to be the greatest generation. Because the threats, the level of engagement, the adversaries are sophisticated, are here, (and) are in your country of origin.”
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STANDING READY
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TRUE HUMILITY
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20,000 World Changers A CALL TO GREATNESS — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“We are supposed to be Christian leaders to change the world,” Sekulow continued. “How do you change the world when the world is changing so rapidly around you? How you change is by adapting to the situation you find yourself in. You rely on all of the knowledge that God has allowed you to acquire. But maintain a degree of flexibility and humility as you exercise those gifts you’ve been given.” The best-selling author and international litigator further encouraged Regent’s newest alumni to be flexible and “molten.” He said it was crucial for each of them to allow the Lord to “create in you the unique work that only you have been created to do.” “Never look at your circumstances and say, ‘I can’t do this,’” he explained. “Look at your circumstances and say, ‘With God I can do anything, especially those things according to His will and plan.’”
Sekulow closed his commencement address by reminding graduates that they are God’s agents for change, hope, compassion and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. “We have to be the communicators of that message,” he said. “Resist evil; reform society; restore relationships; and persevere in the fight, as we proclaim the King of kings and the Lord of lords.” Regent’s founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson then issued his 2
challenge to the Class of 2015, saying: “Be strong. That is the charge that God Almighty gave to His servant Joshua when he was ordered to go into the Promised Land. God said, ‘Be strong and courageous’ ( Joshua 1:9, NIV). I don’t minimize the dangers that are set before you. I don’t minimize the problems that are out there. As you leave here, don’t minimize the strength that you have. You have strength in Jesus Christ. You have strength that
“Look at your circumstances and say, ‘With God I can do anything, especially those things according to His will and plan.’” -Dr. Jay Sekulow
God has put inside of you. You have strength in the Holy Spirit, and more than anything, you have the strength of the Word of God. … Whatever endeavor you step into, be strong!” Also during the ceremony, Dr. Gary Roberts, a professor at the Robertson School of Government, was recognized as the university’s outstanding faculty member with the annual Chancellor’s Award. Graduates also heard from 2015 Alumnus of the Year, U.S. Congressman
REGENT UNIVERSITY
Equipped Since 1978 Scott Rigell ’90 (Business & Leadership), who called receiving the award “humbling.” “There are many, many thousands of Regent graduates who are serving with excellence and changing the world,” Rigell said. “So often in our Christian life, we elevate the need for humility, and we should never lose hold of that truth. But there’s an equally important principle. … As Christian leaders, in whatever field you are in, we are to reflect confidence and boldness and our creator God.” (Read more on p. 5 about Rep. Rigell’s Alumnus of the Year award.) During the event, Regent also celebrated an important milestone — the graduation of its 20,000th graduate, Lydia Crutchfield. As she crossed the stage, confetti cannons burst with green and blue ribbons, and a special banner was revealed: “Celebrating 20,000 Graduates and Counting.” (Read more on p. 6 about Regent’s “milestone” alum.) When asked, after the ceremony, why it’s so important for Regent to continue equipping the next 20,000 Christian leaders to change the world, Sekulow replied, “The world is facing unprecedented problems, all of which are unfolding on a global scale. Regent’s commitment to training a generation of leaders to confront these problems with bold initiative and concrete plans is paramount.”
For more information about enrolling in a Regent degree program at one of the university’s eight schools, call 800.373.5504 or visit regent.edu/apply.
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STANDING READY
Five of Regent’s newest alumni are poised to change the world
learned of Regent University when she searched the Internet for Christian law schools: “I’m very thankful for Google today, because I wouldn’t have received this amazing education, and I wouldn’t have met Tim.”
Once she read the School of Law’s motto, McCarty said she knew that Regent was exactly where she was supposed to be: “Regent was the only university that I applied to for law school. It has a joint degree program, which is exactly what I wanted. Everything that I’ve experienced here has far exceeded my expectations.” Pettman was born and raised in Florida. But after attending Regent, he now aspires to be the governor of Virginia someday. The new law grad thanked those in attendance for their support of the university. “Regent has a wonderful scholarship program,” Pettman explained. “I didn’t want to drown myself in debt to go to law school. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for (my scholarship). I want to thank all of you who donate to the scholarship program, because it does a lot to bring people here.”
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ince its founding in 1977, Regent University has been dedicated to training and equipping “world changers” – men and women whom God has called to lead on a global scale. Proof of the university’s success was clearly evident at the Chancellor’s Luncheon, held in The Founders Inn ballroom immediately after commencement. Members of Regent’s board of trustees, deans, vice presidents and honored guests were introduced to five graduates who are poised to change the world. Each one of the newly minted alums shared compelling stories about their Regent experience and how it prepared them to answer God’s call to become Christian leaders to change the world.
Just minutes before addressing those gathered at the luncheon, Abraham Haven had received his diploma for his juris doctorate from the university’s School of Law. But his journey to Regent actually started 17 years ago, when he visited The Founders Inn with his family as a boy: “During those intervening years, it became clear to me that God’s calling on my life was to go into the field of law. What stood out to me about Regent Law was … our motto ‘Law is more than a profession; it’s a calling.’”
“At Regent,” Haven explained, “I was able to learn what it was like to be not just a Christian who is a lawyer, but a lawyer who is a Christian. It was a tremendous opportunity to learn from professors who are great legal scholars and also men and women who are on fire for God.”
Meredith McCarty and Timothy Pettman are fellow Regent Law graduates, engaged to be married in the fall. McCarty, who was interviewed for the December 2014 issue of Impact, earned a joint degree in law and government. The Washington-state native said she first
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Angela Buckler is a second-grade teacher in Pennsylvania, who earned her doctorate in education after finishing her dissertation in less than three years – a feat described as “incredible” by School of Education dean, Dr. Alan Arroyo. Even as an online student, who spent just one week each summer on campus, Buckler still was able to form strong relationships with professors and especially her fellow students. “We supported and encouraged one another through the highs and lows; the late nights and early mornings; assignment due dates; and what seemed like never-ending research questions,” Buckler shared. “Everything was just so enriched by the love of Christ and the connection that we have as fellow believers.”
Roger Orozco’s amazing journey from poverty in Nicaragua to an MBA at Regent was featured in the November 2014 issue of Impact. The outstanding graduate representing the School of Business & Leadership used his brief platform at the Chancellor’s Luncheon to thank those who invest in the university and to assure them that they are changing people’s lives. “When I applied to Regent, I knew that the university had the values I was looking for. The values that allow me to be a man of integrity, a man that would help others realize their God-given potential,” Orozco said. “Regent has equipped me to be a leader, and therefore, I must go into the world, train others, and make a lasting impact.”
You can play a crucial role in equipping Christian leaders, like these young men and women, with your tax-deductible gift to Regent University. Please consider becoming a World Changer Sponsor by calling 800.335.4409 or visiting regent.edu/worldchanger.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
TRUE HUMILITY
U.S. Congressman Scott Rigell (R-Va.) named Regent University’s 2015 Alumnus of the Year
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hen Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson introduced this year’s outstanding alumnus during commencement, Regent’s founder, chancellor and CEO noted that it’s difficult to say who the best is, because there are so many excellent graduates of the university around the world. The recipient of the 2015 Alumnus of the Year award, U.S. Congressman Scott Rigell, representing Virginia’s second district, could not have agreed more.
“I am truly honored and grateful for this,” Rigell said. “I accept this award with true humility. I was genuinely surprised to have been selected, and I accept it on behalf of all the 20,000 graduates serving around the world.” Before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2010, the 1990 graduate of Regent’s School of Business & Leadership (SBL) owned a highly successful automotive group in the Hampton Roads area and served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. In a short time, Rigell became known as a lawmaker who’s not afraid to “reach across the aisle” for solutions to our nation’s problems. His top priorities are creating jobs, strengthening the U.S. military, controlling federal spending and changing Congress. “I came to Regent for one reason,” Rigell explained to the Class of 2015. “I was having real difficulty reconciling what I heard on Sunday and what I was reading in the Bible with what was happening in the workplace.”
The third-term Republican lawmaker said that throughout his professional and public career, he has heard the phrases, “It’s just business,” and “It’s just politics,” used as a way to set aside our principles and our faith. But Rigell said Christians don’t need to operate the way the world does in order to succeed. “I’m so grateful for what I learned at Regent about the value of servant leadership. That civility is not weakness. That we can love our neighbor and fight for our country. They are not mutually exclusive.”
Less than 24 hours earlier, Rigell displayed both his appreciation for Regent and love for his neighbor by donating $100,000 to fund an endowed scholarship at the School of Business & Leadership. The gift was presented at SBL’s commissioning service the night before commencement to honor Roger Orozco. Not only was the young man from Nicaragua soon to receive his MBA, but he also was being recognized as the school’s outstanding graduate.
“I was getting ready and was thinking about what a special and joyous day it was going to be,” Rigell told Impact. “I was also remembering the series of remarkable, far-beyond-coincidental events that led to that day with Roger graduating and receiving that distinction. I really just got a sense that we were supposed to endow a scholarship to honor him.” “Scott Rigell plays a big role in my life,” Orozco explained in the November 2014 issue of Impact. “He brought me from an orphanage in Nicaragua to receive an education in the United States. I lived with his family for three years while I was attending undergraduate school. He invested so much time teaching me about family values and business.”
“Regardless of how little or how much he has, Roger is seeking to be a conduit of whatever he has so that it flows through him to the betterment of others,” Rigell said. “My first thought was that I didn’t want to give the gift in public. So I had to wrestle with that. But I was led to see it differently — to see it as the need to acknowledge Roger’s exceptional achievement. So we are taking what the Lord has blessed us with to endow an inspirational leadership scholarship.” Dr. Doris Gomez, dean of SBL, said of Rigell: “He has a heart for people and carries with him the very principles we teach: servant leadership, business excellence, strategic thinking and innovation.” She added that the school was humbled by his generous gift: “It will allow us to provide scholarships to qualified students who would otherwise not be able to pursue their education at Regent. Additionally, it greatly encourages us to continue the very mission that God has called us to accomplish: to train Christian leaders to change the world.”
The congressman’s final words to graduates in his Alumnus of the Year acceptance speech are ones that he obviously lives by, and others would be wise to heed as well: “Cast a worthy vision and a bold vision. Believe that God is going to equip you along the way in whatever path He takes you.”
For additional information about Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership, visit regent.edu/sbl or call 757.352.4400.
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Regent World Changers
The Promise of Hope for a Better Tomorrow Regent’s historic 35th commencement ceremony produced the university’s 20,000th World Changer. This milestone would never have been possible without the support of Regent friends and alumni. Thank you for partnering with Regent to ensure that our graduates continue to make an impact around the world.
REGENT WORLD CHANGER
Lydia Crutchfield
Director, Carolinas Health System, Charlotte, NC After a successful nursing career that spanned more than 35 years, Lydia Crutchfield ’15 was ready for a new challenge. She watched behavioralhealth services expand in the health care system where she currently works and decided to pursue her master’s in human services counseling. “It has always been a personal goal of mine to obtain a graduate degree,” Crutchfield explains. “When that time came, there was no question in my mind that I would pursue this degree at a Christian university, where a Christian perspective was incorporated into academia. I could freely express my Christian values and be supported by caring and praying professors. Regent fit nicely into this expectation.” Crutchfield hopes to combine her experience in nursing leadership with her newly acquired knowledge and skills in counseling. “There are many hurting people in the world,” she says. “Many people need someone to talk to (who can) offer caring help. Regent University has laid the groundwork, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will immerse myself as a ‘people helper’ to bring hope and spread the love of Christ.” Please join the entire Regent community in praying for Lydia Crutchfield, June’s Alumni World Changer.
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Become a World Changer Sponsor Today! regent.edu/worldchanger 800.335.4409
READY AND ABLE TO HELP
Regent’s Office of Alumni Relations is ready and able to help graduates stay connected to the university and each other. Regentalumni.org provides an interactive online community where you’ll find news updates, event information and job listings. For more information, log on to regentalumni.org. Or contact the Office of Alumni Relations by phone at 888.294.ALUM and by email at alumni@regent.edu.
SPONSOR OUR NEXT WORLD CHANGERS
Now that the Class of 2015 has “turned their tassels,” Regent University is focused on equipping current and future students to become Christian leaders to change the world. You can help by supporting vital scholarship programs as a World Changer Sponsor. Visit regent.edu/worldchanger, or call 800.335.4409 to make your best taxdeductible gift today.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
A Message From the Chancellor Dear Friend,
When I prayed for the graduates at the close of Regent’s 35th commencement on May 9, I asked the Lord to bless and lead them into the perfect will that He has for their lives. I also asked for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be upon them so that, when they see a turn in the road, they will hear a voice in their ear saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
Commencement speaker and ACLJ chief counsel Dr. Jay Sekulow, U.S. Congressman Scott Rigell (R-Va.) and I had just charged these men and women to be great, to be bold and to be strong. They left Regent fully aware of the call on their lives to make a godly impact in the fields of communication and the arts, education, business and leadership, ministry, government, law, psychology and counseling, and health care. It’s a great time to be part of Regent University! This year’s graduating class was the largest in our history and pushed the total number of alumni past the 20,000 mark. If you supported any of these students prayerfully or financially in the past, you played an important role in helping equip them to become Christian leaders to change the world.
Looking ahead, current and future students urgently need your help. In honor of the university’s 35th commencement ceremony, please prayerfully consider making your best tax-deductible gift to Regent today. Thank you for your continued friendship and generous support. Sincerely,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO Regent University
“HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE AFRAID; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.” JOSHUA 1:9 (NIV)
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Regent University’s Impact is published monthly by the university’s Office of Advancement, free of charge, for alumni and friends of the university. Regent University admits students without discrimination on the basis of race, color, disability, gender, religion or national or ethnic origin. Regent University is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate campuses within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University. 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. ADV150413
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