IMPACT FALL 2019
A P U BLICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
University to recognize Dede Robertson by renaming Regent Theatre in her honor Regent University’s board of trustees has announced it will recognize the significant impact and substantial contributions of longtime board member Dede Robertson. In a ceremony on October 25, 2019, the Regent University Theatre will be renamed in her honor. As the wife of the school’s founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, the mother of four, grandmother of 14 and great-grandmother of 14 has been a key figure at Regent since its founding more than 40 years ago.
all around campus. It’s just magnificent. But that theatre, it’s her baby. She put that whole thing together. It’s absolutely gorgeous.” In the spring of 2019, when the board suggested renaming the Regent University Theatre to honor his 91-year-old wife, Robertson admits he was on the verge of tears. “I choked up, frankly, thinking about it,” he recalls. “It was very emotional for me to see her being honored in that fashion. …
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“She’s the one God planned for me,” Dr. Robertson insists. “She’s been supportive all the way. It’s been a wonderful experience.” He adds that his wife of 65 years is also extraordinarily creative, “You see her touches C H R I S T I A N
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For His Good
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Regent Court of Benefactors
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Defending the Defenseless
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Regent World Changer
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The Chancellor’s Message
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C H A N G E
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The fact that she would be recognized for the work she’s done is very satisfying. Very heartwarming.” The stunning 700-seat theatre has been the centerpiece of Regent’s Communication & Performing Arts Center since the 135,000-square-foot facility opened in 2002. Also housing the School of Communication & the Arts, the center enjoys a stellar reputation for acoustic sophistication, audience comfort, and aesthetic beauty. Like its designer, it also possesses an inspired elegance. Its marble-floored entry foyer welcomes visitors with crystal chandeliers, a sweeping iron staircase, and other exquisite features. The theatre hosts Broadway-style musicals, classic plays, dramas, comedies, and a variety of special events. They include the Virginia Symphony, Tidewater Stage, student film festivals, holiday concerts, award-winning music artists, notable speakers, and more. Gordon Robertson, CEO of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), says renaming the Regent University Theatre for his mother is a “very special” way to honor her: “When you walk in and see all the decorations and the chandeliers and the marble floor ... all of that is my mother’s touch. So, to have the theatre named after her is a recognition that her sense of style is everywhere in that building.”
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But Gordon insists that his mother’s spiritual legacy is even more important than her gifts as a designer and decorator: “Many people don’t know her spiritual impact on my father, and how often they prayed through significant decisions. Dad would regularly use her as a sounding board. When they would come into agreement, that would be the ‘Yes, let’s move forward.’” “We pray together, and when I have a difficult decision to make, I ask her to take her Bible and I take mine,” Dr. Robertson confirms. “Then we go, and we pray together. I ask the Lord to speak to each one of us. The Lord leads us to certain scriptures, and then we share them together.” “My mother has been a pillar of strength, wisdom, and stability for my father, our family and all of the Regent/CBN community,” says Elizabeth Robinson, the second oldest of the Robertson siblings. “Her tenacious and steadfast faith has been the anchor through many storms, adversities and trials. … Her life exemplifies Micah 6:8: ‘… to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.’” “She has tremendous creativity,” Robinson continues. “Her attention and eye for detail are extraordinary. My mother has impeccable style; exuding elegance and simplicity. … Her artistic gifts have enriched all of our lives and the lives of generations to come.”
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Robinson adds, “Naming the theatre after my mother is a beautiful tribute to her. My family and I are humbled and honored by this. She has been such an integral force behind all that has been done at Regent and CBN; it is wonderful to see her appreciated and recognized for her contributions.” Ann LeBlanc, the youngest of the Robertson children and vice president of Regent University’s Office of Alumni Relations & Events, says her mother’s “designer touch” and “artistic influence” are evident across the entire campus. “Her ‘pixie dust’ is sprinkled all over Regent and CBN,” LeBlanc explains. “We often attribute the decorating to her, but Mom was in every architect meeting for the basic construction of each building. She did indeed beautify the campus as an act of worship to God. She was intent on having the grounds and building bring glory to Him in their beauty and grace.” LeBlanc adds that the Communication & Performing Arts Center is her mother’s “pride and joy” — but not only because it’s a “cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facility.” It also reflects her flawless attention to detail.
Gloria Slosser, wife of the late Bob Slosser — a former Regent University president — has known Dede for nearly 50 years. She describes her friend as a “bulwark,” a strong supporter and protector, of the university with “innate abilities” to choose everything from furniture to color schemes that complement the campus. “Dede Robertson is a person of true sincerity, with a great sense of humor. It’s been a wonderful friendship for me,” Slosser shares. “She is just a very sincere and remarkable woman.” Another close friend of Robertson’s, Jacquie Visser, expressed her support for renaming the Regent University Theatre as a fitting tribute: “Dede has been a role model and friend for close to 40 years. I have always admired her many talents in the many roles she has played as a mom, on the CBN and Regent University boards, and as a Bible teacher.” Current and former members of Regent University’s board of trustees also shared their thoughts on their longtime colleague being honored in this way.
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Board Chairman Phil Walker says Mrs. Robertson has served an integral role at the university since its very beginning: “Her significant input and leadership in the development and growth of Regent has been key to its success! Naming the Regent Theatre in her honor is most appropriate! We thank God for Dede and her many contributions to Regent University.”
“From the small beginnings of Regent University and CBN, Dede has been an intelligent and committed partner with Dr. Robertson, together insisting on excellence in every area,” says David and Darrellyn Melilli. “We credit Dede Robertson with the elegant architectural style and corresponding interior designs of the campus. The colors, furnishings and accessories of every building coordinate to create an atmosphere of beauty and appropriateness for each school.” According to Howard Long, a rotating member of Regent’s board since 1983, “Dede was probably the most influential person that Pat listened to during Regent’s entire life. Just a few words will not be enough to recognize how much she has given to help Pat fulfill his vision.”
Longtime family friend and board member Conoly Phillips says, “Pat is the driving force and the visionary, while Dede is the heart and soul of CBN and Regent University.” When asked to share the most important thing for which his wife is remembered, Dr. Robertson admits that it has little to do with the beauty she has helped create on the Regent/CBN campus. “I think her legacy is going to be the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” he says. “She’s a faithful wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. I think that that will be more important to her than anything else.”
Bob Snelling, a university trustee since 1989, admires Mrs. Robertson’s boldness to speak her mind. “Her strength is that she is not and never will be a ‘yes’ person,” he explains. “She has made a continual and lasting impression as someone who is ready, willing and able to give her well-thought-out opinion on any subject having to do with the university.”
GIVING HONOR TO
Dede Robertson
Help us honor Mrs. Robertson and continue her legacy of elegance and beauty with a special gift to the Regent Fund. Make a gift in her honor and leave a special message for her today at regent.edu/legacyofbeauty.
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For His Good A Regent alumna who survived a mass shooting shares how God is using her experience
Jennifer Bennett (CAS ’07 & SBL ’11) was humming the hymn It Is Well With My Soul as she tried to exit Navy Yard Building 197 in Washington, D.C., on September 16, 2013. A federal civilian employee, Bennett thought she was responding to a fire drill and didn’t know the complex was under attack by a mass shooter. In a back stairwell, Bennett came face-to-face with the gunman who had already shot and killed several people. “When I turned the corner, the shooter was standing on the stairs with the gun pointed up, and I walked into him,” she recalls. “Fear was absent, and darkness was absent from my experience. … In the stairwell, I was aware first of God. I could feel him in my spirit. I knew His presence. The next thing after I got shot was this audible voice from above me, and it said, ‘You are to call out to Me.’ At that moment, I knew the presence of Christ.” Miraculously, Bennett survived a shotgun blast from point-blank range. The shrapnel that dug into her shoulder and chest above her heart almost severed her left arm and seriously injured her left hand. After being helped to the roof of the building, first responders were able to place Bennett in a rescue basket. But to transport her to the hospital as quickly as possible, the emergency personnel left it hanging below the helicopter for the entire trip. “That voice came back,” she remembers. “And it said, ‘You are to thank me for all things. And I said, ‘You’re right.’ And I prayed my way across Washington, D.C., flying in a basket, 70 miles an hour, not belted in and praising God for the opportunity He was giving me. I looked forward to how He would use me for His good.”
Twelve people died at the hands of the shooter that day. Bennett was one of three who was wounded but survived. Over many months, she endured three surgeries and intense rehabilitation to heal from her wounds. Constant physical pain has become part of her daily routine. Today, this wife, mother and grandmother is a sought-after speaker who bears no emotional or spiritual scars from her ordeal. “I have always referred to myself as a warrior and a lion chaser,” Bennett explains. “I’m all in. I don’t want to be a ‘fuzzy’ Christian. I want to be on the path God has made for me. … In 2013, I asked Him to reveal how He was going to use me. Eight weeks later, He allowed me to be shot.” She adds, “Regent is where God set my path, so he could use me for right now. … I am speaking into a culture that is bankrupt in how it approaches people of faith and what’s right and wrong, and I am unafraid.” Asked if she has ever been mad at the Lord for having to walk through such a painful experience, Jennifer replies, “There was no reason to be angry. If I’m God’s and He has me where I am supposed to be, I trust Him. He’s going to use this for His purpose. I am thrilled, delighted and honored to be used for His purpose.” To learn more about Jennifer Bennett’s experience and how God is using her for His good, visit navyyardsurvivor.com. Her recently released book Standing Still in a Culture of Mass Shootings is available on her website and through several online retailers.
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Regent Court of Benefactors Scripture tells us “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt 6:21). Members of the Regent Court of Benefactors have chosen to place their treasure in the form of their time, talents and finances with Regent University. As co-laborers who share our heart for equipping Christian leaders to change the world, these individuals and organizations play an active role in shaping both the history and future of Regent University. It is our honor and privilege to recognize the 2019 Regent Court of Benefactors.
SOCIETY OF THE CROWN AND SHIELD $1 Million+ Lifetime
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Drs. Kenneth A. and Roberta E. Eldred Mr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Gregory Dr. Kay P. Khoo Mr. & Mrs. Howard W. Long Ms. Betsy N. McCormack
Mr. & Mrs. Marvin E. Orr Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Saltsgiver Mr. & Mrs. Jack E. Shaw Anonymous Donors (4)
DONOR ORGANIZATIONS A merican Center for Law and Justice, Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel
CHANCELLOR'S COURT $100,000+ Lifetime
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Mr. & Mrs. Howard Ahmanson Mr. Arthur L. Allen Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey P. Anderson Mr. & Mrs. John L. Bailey Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Baker III M r. John Sainsbury & Ms. Susan Boarman-Sainsbury Mr. Frederick D. Bornman Mr. & Mrs. Matthew J. Brown Ms. Dianne Cash Admiral & Mrs. Vernon E. Clark Estate of Mr. & Mrs. E. Milton Cole Mr. Richard C. Csaplar Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Daugherty Mr. Brian R. Dinning, Esq. Mr. Ralph R. Domdey Ms. Eleanor L. Dooner Mr. & Mrs. Ronald L. Fick Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Flynn, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. William P. Fricks Mr. & Mrs. Foster Friess Mr. Winthrop W. Gilman Mr. & Mrs. G. Royden Goodson III Mr. & Mrs. James M. Gregory Ms. Joan L. Ingram Mr. & Mrs. Keith L. LaFrance Estate of Ms. Ruby C. Lawrence Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Levy Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Aubrey E. Loving Jr. Mr. John H. Martinson Sr. Mr. William L. Maynard Ms. Cheryl P. McLeskey
S en. & Mrs. Jeffrey L. McWaters Mr. & Mrs. David V. Melilli Ms. Nancy Ann Ranken Moffitt Mr. B. F. Moomaw Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Lowell W. Morse D r. Elizabeth Norman and Mr. Ronald Norman Mr. & Mrs. Walter H. Pilcher Mr. & Mrs. William J. Quinn Dr. & Mrs. John E. Reese Mr. Carl R.G. Renoud T he Honorable & Mrs. E. Scott Rigell Dr. & Mrs. M. G. Robertson D r. & Mrs. William E. Rodriguez-Hirsch M r. & Mrs. Robert O. Snelling Sr. Mrs. Patricia L. Stallings Captain & Mrs. Luther J. Stallings III Dr. Joseph B. Stokes Jr. M r. & Mrs. Nahum and Laura Tate Dr. John M. Templeton Jr. Mr. & Mrs. George E. Tragos Mr. & Mrs. R. Peter Vann Dr. & Mrs. Roger L. Visser Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Waites Mr. Robert C. Walker Dr. & Mrs. Don C. Warrington Mr. & Mrs. Fred R. Waugh Dr. & Mrs. Richard K. White
M r. Jack B. Burton & Ms. Jennifer L. Whitelaw Mr. & Mrs. S. Tucker Yates Mr. & Mrs. Benny L. Yount Anonymous Donors (1) DONOR ORGANIZATIONS Allen Systems Group, Inc. A merican Association for the Advancement of Science Beazley Foundation, Inc. Benny Hinn Ministries Charles Koch Foundation Chatlos Foundation, Inc. C lancy & Theys Construction Company Clapham Group, LLC Cox Communications, Inc. Edgar & Elsa Prince Foundation Fieldstead & Company H igh Pressure Equipment Company Hon Foundation John Templeton Foundation Life Enrichment Foundation Lilly Endowment Inc. Maclellan Foundation, Inc. McLeskey & Associates, LLC Mychal Institute, LLC N ewington Cropsey Foundation Office of Justice Programs TowneBank W arwick Plumbing & Heating Corporation
LEGACY CIRCLE $25,000-$99,999*
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Estate of Eldon Tharon Carroll
TRINITY FELLOWS $10,000-$24,999*
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Mr. & Mrs. Bradley L. Knox Mr. & Mrs. Timothy S. Harris
Dr. & Mrs. Marcus D. Lamb Estate of Archer Z. Crut Estate of Ms. Jane T. Moulton
DONOR ORGANIZATIONS Daystar Television Network
WORLD CHANGERS SCHOLARS $1,000-$9,999*
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Mr. Michael A. Aiello Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Atkinson Mr. & Mrs. James M. Bakke, Esq. Captain & Mrs. Thomas H. Barge III Ms. Rosalinda L. Baron Mr. & Mrs. James F. Bednar Mr. & Mrs. Blair A. Bower, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Brauch Mr. & Mrs. Jerry D. Bringard Ms. Annigje J. Buwalda, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Chalfin Mr. Yan-Zhong Chi & Mrs. Xiao Fei Jia Mrs. G.G. Conklin Mr. Nathan L. Cook Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Coughlin Dr. Mara T. Crabtree Mr. & Mrs. Arun Daniel Ms. Sandra K. Dodge Mr. & Mrs. T. Taylor Fain Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Dale L. Fenwick Mr. & Mrs. Randall S. Finck Mr. & Mrs. Jay V. Garriss Mr. & Mrs. Samuel S. Gaston Ms. Melinda J. Gibson Dr. Doris Gomez & Mr. Nile Gomez Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey E. Gossmann Mr. & Mrs. Duane R. Hammer Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Cynthia Haugen Dr. & Mrs. Robert W. Herron Mr. & Mrs. Louis K. Isakoff
Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Jenkins R ev. Linda A. Jennings & Mr. Thomas M. Jennings Mr. & Mrs. Sean M. Knox M r. & Mrs. Mark & Michelle Knudsen Pastor & Mrs. William Krause Ms. Robin C. Kunikis Mr. Willie Lee III Mr. & Mrs. Stephen C. Lowe Mr. Bertram E. MacColl M r. & Mrs. George & Susan Moritz Dr. & Mrs. John E. Mulford Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Aaron I. Mullen Mr. John Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Gregory W. Page Mr. & Mrs. Stephen P. Pfeiffer Mr. & Mrs. Gordon P. Robertson Dr. & Mrs. W. George Selig Dr. Magda M. Serrano Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Shafer Dr. Jeffrey Sim Mrs. Gloria Slosser Dr. Kevin P. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Maria Jo Smith Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Martha Smith Ms. Carolyn V. Smith
Mr. Colin Smith M r. & Mrs. Charles W. Steenrod Dr. & Mrs. Kaare Strom Mr. & Mrs. John J. Sullivan Ms. Lois M. Summersgill Dr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Umidi M r. & Mrs. Carlos and Lynne Vaz Mr. Bryce K. Vinson Mr. Woodrow W. Wagner Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Dean Walker Mr. Gary L. Weeks H on. & Mrs. Gregory E. Wilhelm Mr. & Mrs. Matthew M. Wilkins Mrs. Leona Wilkinson Mr. William J. Eisemann Dr. & Mrs. Bruce E. Winston Anonymous Donors (1) DONOR ORGANIZATIONS Acton Institute C aptain and Mrs. Thomas H. Barge III Barnabas Foundation Law Firm of Colin F. Smith U nited Way of South Hampton Roads Foundation V irginia Department of Motor Vehicles
*With the exception of the Society of the Crown and Shield and the Chancellor's Court, membership in the 2019 Regent Court of Benefactors is based on giving during fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019). †Deceased
Defending theDefenseless Regent’s School of Law opens community law clinic branch in downtown Norfolk to help underserved families “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble” ( James 1:27). With that in mind, Regent University School of Law recently launched the Grace Community Law Clinic in downtown Norfolk. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 12 brought together Regent faculty, staff and students, along with local leaders, judges, attorneys and other VIPs from all over Coastal Virginia.
“The Grace Community Law Clinic will provide free legal services to individuals and families of modest means for domestic violence and family crisis issues,” he explains. “Regent Law is honored to support our local community in this way.” By empowering Regent University law students to learn as they serve, those men and women will become advocates who defend those who can’t defend themselves. They will become equipped to serve as Christian leaders to change the world — one case at a time.
Strategically located across the street from the City of Norfolk Kristy Spurgeon is a Courthouse, the Regent Law student Grace Community with a Virginia Law Clinic is the new Third-Year Practice branch of the Regent Certificate, which University School of allows her to appear Law Clinic Program, before local courts which provides pro and administrative bono legal services to agencies. “I became the Hampton Roads involved with the law community with the clinic because I wanted help of Regent law “The Grace Community Law to fulfill my calling to students and local law help others who need Clinic will provide free legal professionals. This important initiative services to individuals and families a voice,” she explains. “I have a passion for offers support to of modest means for domestic helping those who need struggling and the greatest advocacy: violence and family crisis issues.” underserved families our nation’s children, who have pending and MARK MARTIN, DEAN, REGENT LAW domestic violence ongoing cases before SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE survivors and military OF NORTH CAROLINA (2014-2019) local juvenile and heroes.” domestic courts. The assistance available Spurgeon adds: “The clients I have assisted through the clinic will focus primarily on have all had their lives impacted for the better family-related issues and is free of cost. through these free services. The law clinic provides me the ability to complete God’s The dean of Regent’s School of Law and calling daily while pursuing my legal career.” former chief justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, Mark Martin, says this important initiative will enable students to gain valuable experience and allow them to make a difference in the lives of others.
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Master of Arts in Law student and soon-to-be graduate, Robin Ireland, plays a vital role in assisting the clinic and Regent students pursuing their Juris Doctor degree. “This
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program has given me practical experience in applying my knowledge of the law and the opportunity to network with business and legal professionals in the Hampton Roads area,” she says. The Grace Community Law Clinic is made possible through the efforts of Regent’s School of Law and the generous support of Dr. John and Beverly Reese III. Before the grand opening, the longtime friends of the university were asked what has led them to so boldly and generously donate to this initiative. “Just before Christmas a few years ago, I heard the Lord say, ‘Set the captive free,’” Mrs. Reese remembers. “Then I heard Him say Regent was to be the catalyst! So, I called the School of Law and asked what the university could do to set free those with legal issues who didn’t have the money or the knowledge of the law.” She continued, “Throughout the years we have helped many impoverished people who just don’t know what to do. With a little assistance, they can support their families and have a fruitful life.” The School of Law has been providing pro bono legal services to the economically disadvantaged for 20 years. “The clinic was established to serve the low-income community on civil matters,” explains Regent Law Associate Professor Kathleen McKee. “To be eligible for the clinic’s services, the client’s income must be at or below the federal poverty line. Among the areas in which the clinic provides legal assistance are consumer matters, family law issues, landlord/tenant issues, government benefits, and limited services, such as powers of attorney.” McKee points out that, for years, the community clinic operated out of limited on-campus space. Students often arranged to meet with clients at the offices of community partners, such as legal and domestic violence organizations. Among the clinic’s partners are Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, Genieve Shelter, Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters, the city of Norfolk’s housing department and others.
“The new office space in Norfolk will provide space to host meetings with community partners as well as meet with clients,” McKee says. “Because it’s directly across from the Norfolk courts, it also will afford the clinic an opportunity to arrange for students to observe court proceedings at the different court levels. The size of the space and its location provide better access to the clinic by our community partners and to the clients they refer to us.” Regarding the generosity of the Reeses, McKee says, “It is impossible to quantify what their gift means. The offices provide a professional workspace for students. It has strengthened our connection with the Hampton Roads community. Moreover, it allows us to access experienced attorneys who are knowledgeable about both the practice of law and the management of a law firm.” More than 40 years ago, God gave Regent’s founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson a vision to build the most influential, Christian, transformational university in the world. Providing legal expertise to families who need it but can’t afford the cost helps accomplish that goal. It not only enables the university to fulfill the biblical mandate found in James 1:27; it also empowers the School of Law to provide hands-on, real-world experience for students who are training to become future attorneys and Christian leaders to change the world. For information about pursuing a law degree at Regent’s School of Law, call 877.267.5072 or visit regent.edu/law.
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REGENT WORLD CHANGER On March 5, 2019, President Donald Trump nominated Regent University alumnus Timothy J. Downing (LAW ’10) to serve as United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. Downing passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 9 and was confirmed by the full Senate via voice vote on May 23. He took the oath of office on June 5. Timothy J. Downing LAW ’10 U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
According to the Justice Department’s website, “As the United States Attorney, Mr. Downing is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the Western District of Oklahoma.” Prior to becoming a U.S. Attorney, the Oklahoma native served in that state’s House of Representatives from 2016 to 2018. He was an assistant attorney general for the Sooner State from 2011 to 2016 and has served as a judge advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2011. Downing grew up in a small town in rural Oklahoma. After high school, he worked his way through college and served in the ministry. “I always had a strong sense of calling for public service,” Downing explains, “which was bolstered by two major formative events in my life: the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing and the attacks on September 11, 2001. After years of feeling led to go to law school, my wife and I prayed and decided to move our young family halfway across the country so I could attend Regent Law.” While the husband and father of four admits that pursuing a law degree at that stage in life was challenging, it’s a decision he doesn’t regret. “Regent has an outstanding record of preparing students for incredible success,” Downing insists. “While it’s important to pass the bar and get a job, Regent goes much further by intentionally preparing its law students to be leaders and world changers in whatever career path they choose to use their law degree.” Calling the practice of law a “sacred duty,” he says, “Regent professors challenged me not just to be the best I could academically, but also to be the best leader I could in the legal profession and in public service. To this day, there are still quotes and conversations with Regent faculty that come to mind when I am faced with challenging circumstances.” Downing adds, “God called me to a place where I could be equipped and surrounded by mentors who believe law is more than a profession, it’s a calling.”
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The Chancellor’s Message Dear Friend, Throughout the grounds of Regent University and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), you can see the beauty and inspired elegance of my wife, Dede. The stunning designs outside and the gorgeous decor inside every building are part of her legacy. So much of Regent and CBN carry her fingerprints as an artist and designer. I’m so grateful for how God has gifted and used Dede to create such a magnificent setting and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to being married for 65 years, she and I have served together on the school’s board of trustees since I founded Regent as CBN University nearly 40 years ago. When God told me to build a school for His glory, it was Dede whom the Lord led to 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” That verse was the confirmation we needed to go forward with the school. Today, it’s inscribed on a brass plaque set across the entrance of the Administration Building as a reminder to all who enter: Regent University is equipping Christian leaders to change the world. But in order to teach even more students and empower more men and women to attend this leading, global center of Christian thought and action, we need your support. Please use the postage-paid envelope at the center of IMPACT to make your best tax-deductible donation by check or debit/credit card today. Visit regent.edu/worldchanger to donate online or call 800.335.4409 to learn about the many opportunities available to support Regent University. Thank you in advance for your faithful prayers and generous financial gifts Sincerely,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO
O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? MICAH 6:8, NLT
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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
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