IMPACT SUMMER 2020
A P U BLICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
More Than Conquerors IT WAS A GRADUATION CEREMONY LIKE NONE OTHER. Regent University’s Library Plaza, typically filled with thousands of students, faculty, parents, and loved ones sat empty. Instead, graduates from across the nation and around the world gathered around their computers, phones and tablets to stream their firstever virtual graduation and Regent’s 40th Commencement. This historic online event drew an audience of over 50,000 as Regent welcomed nearly 2,300 graduates to the Regent Alumni family.
& Justice Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow (SBL ’04); Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham; Judge Ken Starr, J.D. (Ret.); former NFL linebacker Jason Carthen (SBL ’09); former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (LAW ’86); CBN President and CEO Gordon Robertson; and many more notable Regent alumni. “These are difficult days that you are graduating into,” Sekulow said, “but we’re convinced at Regent that you’ve been trained for this purpose.”
INSIDE:
Following the national anthem, sung by Campus Ministries Worship Coordinator Joy Windham, a video montage of industry leaders congratulated graduates including: worship leader Kim Walker-Smith; former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (LAW & RSG ’89); American Center For Law C H R I S T I A N
L E A D E R S H I P
Alumnus of the Year A Legacy of Faith Graduate Reflection Regent Graduates Serving on the Frontlines In Memoriam: Conoly Phillips Regent World Changer The Chancellor's Message
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Susan Bailey (SCA ’80), a member of Regent’s first graduating class (formerly CBN University), reflected on the history of the school and the significance of this year’s graduating class. “When we arrived at Regent University, there was no campus. It hadn’t been built yet,” recalled Bailey. “But we knew in our hearts that God was doing something new — something dramatically significant. We were the pioneers. You are the proof of our faith. Now, upon your class will be built the future of Regent, this nation and the world.” On behalf of Regent’s board of trustees, Chairman Phil Walker offered a video greeting of congratulations and encouragement. “As you go forth with a mission of Christian Leadership to Change the World, you’re about to join many Regent alums who are already having a major impact. I salute Eric Metaxas your accomplishments and challenge you to be leaders, knowing that the Scripture says you ‘are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.’” The commencement ceremony was streamed from Regent’s beautiful Shaw Chapel, where Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, Regent’s founder, chancellor and CEO, joined by all of the school’s deans and directors, opened with prayer and some good news surrounding Regent University and the Class of 2020. “In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Regent University among top national universities, like Harvard, 2
Yale and Princeton,” Robertson shared. “Regent is among the fastest-growing Christian universities in the nation, and our enrollment is nearly 11,000 with students from all 50 states and 90 different countries. Including this year’s graduates, we will have over 29,000 alumni. Our university is doing big things, and I’m so proud of each one of you,” said Robertson. Robertson then introduced this year’s commencement speaker, Eric Metaxas — a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author whose biographies, children’s books and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages. Metaxas has appeared as a cultural commentator on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, and is also the host of a nationally syndicated daily radio show heard on 300 stations nationwide and aired on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). “He’s a personal friend, an incredible supporter of Regent University, and we’re honored to have him join us today remotely from his home in New York City — one of the hardest-hit areas in the COVID-19 virus,” added Robertson. Metaxas began by encouraging the graduates that despite these unusual times, there is still reason to rejoice and embrace the calling of God on their lives. Citing Romans 8:28 that states, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Metaxas
asked: “Do you believe it? Do you love Him, and are you called according to His purposes? Because if you do, then all things work together for good. The Lord has called you to this time.” Metaxas discussed science’s role over the past several decades in making a case for the existence of God, and what it means for this year’s graduating class.
“The Apostle Paul, in writing about the troubles of his time said, ‘In all these things we are more than conquerors.’ You are facing a virus that has decimated the economies and the lives of everybody on this globe,” said Robertson.
“When you go into this world as our graduates, I want you to know that there’s nothing that can come against you. No disease, no death, no COVID-19, no disaster “The evidence for God has, over the years, … none of these things will deter you from become so overwhelming, the charge that you have,” that we can see now Robertson proclaimed. clearly it’s not a battle of “I congratulate you on “When you go into this logic, but it’s a battle of the achievement you have world as our graduates, wills, and it’s a spiritual made of being a graduate I want you to know that battle. God has called of Regent University. you to this battle.” My charge to you is there’s nothing that can very simple: Take your come against you. No Above all, he encouraged authority under the power disease, no death, no graduates to view this of the Lord Jesus Christ season of difficult COVID-19, no disaster … … you are more than a circumstances amid conqueror.” none of these things will COVID-19 as an deter you from the charge opportunity. “We now Class of 2020 have an opportunity to that you have.” representative Sabrina distinguish ourselves in Estrella (RSG ’20), echoed M.G. “PAT” ROBERTSON, J.D. the pages of history going Robertson’s remarks in FOUNDER, CHANCELLOR & CEO forward. The Lord Jesus REGENT UNIVERSITY her student reflection and has prepared you for this response to the chancellor’s hour, and He will anoint charge, adding: “We, the you for this battle to His eternal glory!” Class of 2020, never surrendered on this momentous goal … our education. I know Following the keynote address, Dr. Gerson we will overcome, because we have faith and Moreno-Riaño, executive vice president we believe in God.” for Academic Affairs, recognized the outstanding students graduating with Deans and directors from each of Regent’s honors, including those earning joint 10 colleges and schools — including the degrees. newly formed College of Healthcare Sciences and the School of Nursing — then Robertson then issued the chancellor’s presented their respective graduates to the charge to the graduates of 2020. chancellor for the conferring of degrees.
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Immediately following Robertson’s pronouncement and congratulations, a sea of green, blue and white balloons — along with confetti — fell from the chapel ceiling. Graduates were able to celebrate online with confetti and balloons, too, as these items were part of a special graduation package graduates received days before the event.
students academically, spiritually and financially during this pandemic.
These packages also included a personalized card from Robertson, copies of the commencement program, congratulations banners, tassels, a commemorative keychain, a Regent Alumni window cling, and more.
To meet the emotional and spiritual needs of students, alumni, and friends, faculty and staff reached out by phone, email, social media, and web-based video conferencing. The Regent team offer prayer, encouragement and valuable resources for navigating these challenging times. Efforts included: a Great Talks® series featuring leading scholars discussing how to traverse the challenges of COVID-19; online chapel and other ministry resources to students through Campus Ministries, such as the CM @ Home initiative; reaching alumni with support and prayers through the You Are Not Alone campaign.
Following a closing benediction by Robertson, and singing the Regent Song, the 40th Commencement ceremony concluded with the reading of names. Each graduate’s name was read aloud. As it appeared on the screen, the graduate’s accompanying photograph was displayed. This reflected a considerable effort on the part of Regent’s staff. “Our I.T. and media teams, as well as countless other Regent teams, were eager to help make this year’s graduation extra special,” said Jonathan Harrell, assistant vice president of Information Technology. “We spent many hours and late nights preparing for this day because our graduates and their hard work matter immeasurably. We hope the Regent Class of 2020 knows that we are with them, cheering them on, and that they are world changers.” In addition to the commencement ceremony, Regent held virtual commissioning services for all 10 colleges and schools the day prior. At the College of Healthcare Sciences commissioning, acting Dean William Hathaway, Ph.D., encouraged graduates to be change agents for the Kingdom, adding that God was present even in the midst of students and faculty being apart. “Across distance, the power of God is just as effective, because God isn’t limited by things like location. God is equally present to you as He is to us now,” shared Hathaway. In all, Regent’s historic virtual commencement was the culmination of months of concerted efforts to support
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In the wake of the country’s declaration of a national emergency, Regent successfully transitioned all academic programs and operations online on March 16, with no lapse in education for students.
Financially, Regent offered students living in on-campus housing a $500 rebate to assist with transition needs. The university set up a $250 Social Distancing Scholarship™ for new students pursuing online bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees. And to honor and support healthcare workers, Regent established a $5,000 Healthcare Hero Scholarship™ for registered, licensed nurses serving amid the coronavirus pandemic who wished to enroll in Regent’s bachelor’s or master’s nursing program. Additionally, Regent is freezing tuition for the 2020-21 Academic Year, allowing students to enjoy the same tuition rates as last year. In a final message to graduates, memorialized at the end of the printed commemorative program, the Class of 2020 was given a lifelong challenge: You exemplify the heart and grit of true heroes and world changers. We believe in you, and we are praying for you. Now, continue to work hard, rise above adversity, keep God first — and go change the world.
When it comes to taking down giants, Ann Buwalda has quite a few tools in her belt. Regent’s 2020 Alumnus of the Year is a triple-degree holder from Regent University, earning her Juris Doctor (LAW ‘90) and completing two master’s degrees the following year — one in public policy and the other in international cross-cultural communication. But Buwalda will be the first to tell you that knowledge is secondary to an even greater tool: faith.
Ebed-Melech for the persecuted church was God’s call on my life.” An Ebed-Melech for people like Ayub Masih, a Pakistani Christian accused of blasphemy by an Islamist mob, jailed and sentenced to death.
For five years, Buwalda worked on Masih’s behalf, advocating for his release with the U.S. Department of State, Pakistan government leaders, and petitioning the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Eventually, her efforts succeeded and he was acquitted. “Knowledge alone, Buwalda then went on to Human Rights Activist & as great as it is to coordinate with the U.S. Immigration Attorney have achieved and Department of State and conquered your Homeland Security to Named Regent’s 2020 textbooks and term help Masih successfully Alumnus of the Year papers, does not give immigrate to America, you the courage to where today he is a U.S. conquer your giant,” she citizen, happily married shares. “Prayer and relationship with a wife and children, and with God give you the faith that you most importantly — free. need to conquer your giant.” Buwalda’s dedication to the human rights field, Buwalda has been slaying “giants” since 1991 along with her outstanding and prestigious as executive director of Jubilee Campaign qualifications, earned her the recognition of USA, a nonprofit that focuses on international Alumnus of the Year — an award established religious freedom and advocating for the in 2004 by Regent’s Office of Alumni Relations release of prisoners of conscience; aiding in to recognize individuals who have gained elite the resettlement of refugees seeking asylum; distinction by their accomplishments and and combatting human trafficking — including brought positive change to the world. protecting vulnerable women and children and “It is definitely amazing to be selected amongst providing support to victims. such prestigious alums,” said Buwalda. I use the Buwalda is also a managing attorney and knowledge I gained at Regent every single day.” founder of Just Law International PC, a Fairfax, In her address to the Class of 2020, Buwalda Virginia-based firm, handling all aspects of encouraged graduates that if they take the immigration law, including asylum and refugee perspective of Joshua and Caleb — the two cases. spies who believed that with God’s help they The daughter of immigrant parents from the could take the Promised Land in spite of the Netherlands, Buwalda’s interest in law began at giants — they will be more than conquerors. nine years old — when she had to help interpret “Understand this: God has a plan for your life, for her parents with their American lawyer who but you’ll never fulfill it until you come into was settling her grandfather’s estate in Holland agreement with His Word. God uses imperfect after he passed away. people, and that makes us realize that He alone But her calling to seek justice for the oppressed is our source, our strength, our strategy, and the came years later in her final year at Regent. secret to our success,” said Buwalda.
Conquering the Giants
“I read in the Book of Jeremiah how Ebed- Melech intervened to rescue Jeremiah from a dungeon where he was kept imprisoned by a wicked king and other government officials for exercising his religious freedom,” explains Buwalda. “I knew then that being an
To learn more about Buwalda’s advocacy work with ethnic and religious minorities around the world, visit jubileecampaign.org.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
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SIBLINGS GRADUATE TOGETHER, FOLLOW IN THEIR FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS Growing up in a military family, siblings Abbie (CAS ’20) and Preston Braswell (SOD ’20) are no strangers to separation. When Preston began his first semester as an undergrad student in Georgia, his younger sister Abbie, who was in high school at the time, moved with their parents to Germany for their father to serve as a chaplain at Ramstein Air Base. Ironically, that time of separation was also when they became the closest. “During summer breaks, I went to Germany where our parents were stationed,” says Preston. “I interned with the youth group she was a part of and we had great times serving on the worship team together, doing ministry projects, and going on a mission trip to Hungary.”
William had a dream to become a chaplain in the United States Air Force. While serving as a full-time pastor at a church in Suffolk, Virginia, he also became a full- time student at Regent. Within a year of completing his M.Div. degree, William received his chaplaincy and is currently stationed at Camp Humphreys, Korea, where he serves as the deputy command chaplain for United States Forces Korea. It was his legacy that inspired both Abbie and Preston to follow in his footsteps.
Preston Braswell
Several years later, when he chose to pursue his divinity degree at Regent University, Abbie quickly followed suit after a semester of college in New Mexico. “I visited Regent during my brother’s first semester as a graduate student, toured the gorgeous campus, and realized I was called to Regent too,” says Abbie. Now, brother and sister are part of the class of 2020, graduating together — Abbie with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Preston with a Master of Divinity. It was the culmination of a legacy of faith that began 6
20 years ago with their father, William Braswell (SOD ’00).
“Dad would share stories about how great the professors were and how wonderful his education was,” shares Abbie. “I was inspired by his testimonies, and I wanted to experience the same thing — and I certainly have. Regent has deepened our family’s faith and walk with Christ … and opened doors to advance His kingdom through service to our community and our country.” Her brother Preston agrees: “I chose Regent to pursue my Master of Divinity in part to follow in my dad’s legacy and because I trusted the theology and faculty members associated with the school,” he says. “My father encouraged me to pursue the ministry. Regent served as a place for acquiring a top-quality academic experience. It also
brought spiritual transformation to my whole family — and numerous opportunities for leadership and vocation.” Now as graduates, the siblings are choosing to go their separate ways again. This time they are pursuing the individual callings God has placed on their lives — the military for Abbie and the ministry for Preston. Abbie plans to pursue her passion of opening a service dog organization for veterans. “My upbringing cultivated a passion for the military and working with dogs. I knew a business degree would help me bring these two interests together for the good of others,” she says. With his divinity degree, Preston hopes to help those in need of freedom: “I am still not sure what ministry the Lord has called me to, but at this time, I see myself pursuing a law degree to fight for religious liberty and human rights.” His wife, Lauren Braswell (CAS ’19), graduated from Regent last year with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and
In Pursuit of a Dream Graduate Says Hard Work and Faith are Keys to Overcoming
Abbie Braswell is currently working on her Juris Doctor at Regent’s School of Law. For the Braswell family graduates — father, son, daughter, and daughter-in-law — Regent has been an undeniable legacy of faith. It has prepared each of them to serve as Christian leaders in their respective fields. “I am forever grateful for the superb education I received,” says Abbie. “And I look forward to fulfilling the charge to be Christian Leadership to Change the World.”
just to be bilingual. She wanted an education. But first, she would have to navigate some major challenges, including becoming a U.S. citizen and also enlisting in the U.S. Navy. “I believe it is my strong work ethic and the ability to stay focused that has helped me to overcome,” she says. Estrella’s hard work propelled her through Regent University’s Robertson School of Government where she was enrolled as a full- time student in a dual degree program while also being a full-time mom to two toddlers. Estrella is the School of Government’s first combined bachelor’s and master’s student — graduating with a bachelor’s in international relations and foreign policy and a master’s in national security studies. Her extraordinary efforts earned her the nomination as student representative for the Class of 2020.
For Sabrina Estrella (RSG ’20), the journey toward success has been some 20 years in the making — beginning with a dream to learn English. But soon after immigrating to the U.S. and overcoming the language barrier, the native Brazilian decided she wanted much more than
In her response to the chancellor’s charge during commencement, Estrella spoke on behalf of her fellow graduates: “We, Class of 2020, never surrendered on this momentous goal … our education. In these trying times, I know we will overcome because we are more than conquerors. No matter what happens to us, if we have faith and if we have God, we will triumph.”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
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WE ARE MORE THA
ROMAN
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AN CONQUERORS
NS 8:37
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Every morning, Keshia Brown (SBL ’20) prays with her coworkers before putting on full personal protective equipment for the next eight to 10 hours. As a physician assistant working in an urgent care clinic that also serves as a testing site for COVID- 19, those daily prayers are just as critical as the gear she wears to go into battle against the virus and help patients in need.
“Caring for those with this virus has been like staring at a bear in the forest with its mouth open ready to devour you, yet knowing as you stand face-to-face with the bear, God won’t let him eat you,” explains Keshia. “It doesn’t change the trust or the terror, but it does offer a level of peace that only God could give in this season.”
serving on the
FRONTLINES
Keshia is one of nearly 150 Regent students who are part of this year’s graduating Class of 2020 and also directly serving those affected by this worldwide pandemic.
“Looking COVID-19 in the face has required me to trust God CLASS OF 2020 GRADS on a different level PROVIDE HELP AND HOPE and like no other time in my life,” IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19 says Keshia. “My These students team prays every include police morning before officers, teachers, counselors, healthcare our day starts as a reminder that we serve a workers, military personnel, pastors, retail God who goes before us.” employees, food service providers, nursing Having that kind of trust is paramount for and senior living facility workers, delivery Keshia and others who are serving on the drivers, and volunteers at homeless shelters. frontlines and exercising extraordinary faith And each is stepping up in an unprecedented in the face of fear. time to demonstrate Christian leadership that is changing the world.
Keshia Brown with family
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Keshia Brown
For Jerry Ajex Palvannan (SPC ’20) that often means answering the phone at 3 a.m. for someone in crisis. During the day, Palvannan pastors a church. At night he is a crisis suicide prevention specialist, working the for a suicide prevention hotline. “This pandemic has unfortunately caused tremendous stress in the lives of people,” says Palvannan. “For many, we are the first and even the only point of contact as they struggle to deal with the overwhelming uncertainties that the COVID-19 crisis has caused. It is heartbreaking to receive calls from countless individuals contemplating suicide due to the pandemic, yet equally rewarding to hear stories of resilience and hope.” Palvannan credits a large part of his ability to instill hope in the lives of affected individuals to the training he received at Regent. “My education and preparation at Regent University played a significant part in the work and service that I provide as an essential worker. The crisis and trauma classes that I took at Regent provided me with a strong foundation. I also learned a great deal about addressing compassion fatigue and implementing self-care,” Palvannan says.
Jerry Ajex Palvannan
Courtney Brown with family
Many of these frontline workers aren’t just heroes in their places of work. They are also heroes at home — caring for their families in a season of new routines and daily changes. Courtney Brown (SPC ’20) provides ongoing clinical care to the military veteran population. Brown also is part of a crisis support team to aid veterans in acute distress due to the profound impacts of social isolation from COVID-19. She has equally challenging work at home. “In addition to being a clinician, I am a wife and mother. My husband is a trauma nurse at a local hospital and has continually worked
as a first responder. As medical professionals working in hospitals, our greatest impact as a family has been navigating work while our children fully transitioned to remote learning from home. Even Courtney has had to partially transition to working from home, conducting counseling sessions from her new home office — her 9-year-old’s bedroom. “I tell my patients that we are all in this together and experiencing our own stressors, but that I’m happy to be a support for them during their time of need.” Like her fellow graduates, Courtney also acknowledges the role that her faith and Regent has played in helping her serve others during such a critical time. “First and foremost, God gives me strength to get through each day. I have found space to lean into Him like never before,” she shares. “Regent exposed me to wonderful friends and mentors who are continually available to help and support me and pray for me during this time, despite the distance.” Having a network of supporters near and far — from both the faith community and Regent — has been a silver lining for so many of these frontline servants. “The sense of community, the love and support for another, and the presence and visibility of the church has been like no other,” Keshia reflects. She adds, “Regent has equipped me to live out loud on a deeper level … including the solid biblical teaching in every class as preparation for how to apply God’s word to any circumstance or work situation. “As a healthcare worker,” continues Keisha, “I know one omnipotent Physician and the beauty of this pandemic reminds me that we’re all in need of the same thing — and that is His mercy.”
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Thank You
We want to take this opportunity to recognize our graduates who are serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your service and for demonstrating Christian leadership that is changing the world.*
Andrea Aguilar Cynthia Allen Heidi Ambrose Drake Anderson Phil Aspiras Michael Avallone Tasha Azor Johnelle Barley Jenniffer Maybeth Barrios Chanda Batiste Daphinee Baxter Linda Becker Jasmine Boone Mike Borrello Brenda Boston Shanega Bradshaw Courtney Brown Keshia Brown Robert Bryant Stephen Bundy Prentiss Burke Lauren Burns Brennen Buttram Jamal Callaway Gabriel Cerrillo Floyd Chambers Eric Chaplin Katherine Chatmon Monica Chavarria Dylan Collier Hana Cortista Kevin Cotter Eric Covington Chelsi Creech Theresa Creel Tammy Dallman Camille Davis Suzanne Davis Allan Day Ashley Dillard Latoya Dingle Carol Ditman Christian Dixon Phillip Dixon Leo Dobronski Michael Dunning Deborah Edwards Tracy Eubanks Stephen Fava
Joshua Fenelon Sharon Ferguson Stephanie Fink Toya Flowers Jason Fox Dana Galbraith Christina Gatti Amanda Gilliard Stacy Gonzalez Ruby Hall Ansley Hamby Candy Harmon Monica Harps-Wilson Curtiss Hartley Miracle Harvell Jamieson Herman Forin Hernandez Christine Hill April Hinton Monica Hockaday Brittany Holland Aaron Jacobs Keelay James Elyada Joesianta Anthony Johnson Evelynn Johnson Margaret Johnson Meredith Johnson Rosa Johnson Erica Jones-Williams Auldrick Joseph Fridah Kelley Chelsea Kiani Sharon Laclair Tiny Lefear Imani Lewis Alec Light Jarah Lindo Megan Longacre Christopher Lopez Cliff Lorzier Kristen Loughman Jalante Manns Lauren McCarter Caitlin Mchale Sharon McQueen Kevin Mikulka Hanna Mitchell Isaiah Mitchell
Tamara Nichols Trina O’Connor Mechelle Osby Tyanna Parrish Jerry Ajex Palvannan Ivan Vega Pacheco Laura Pickett Tomeka Prescott Keith Proctor Carlos Quijada Annetta Ravegum Ruth Reyes Robert Rice Rebecca Richard Lori Robinson Sarah Rolle Natalie Roth Gerardo Sanchez Shana Sandin Lawrence Schwartz Chara Scott Kimberly Searcy Laurin Shipley Buck Shockley Jordan Smelser Ashley Smith Cheri Smith David Smith Kenny Smith Lizzie Soles Alaric Southall Jordan Steel Geoffrey Still Leona Tatum Dashonte Temoney Sheri Terrillion Kenneth Thomas Alexander Tomren Jimmie True Keith Tucker Kimberly Tucker Ginger Vose Andenum Waquong Ronald Wheatley Georgette White Ciara Whitty Christopher Williams Nyasha Williams Krystal Wood
*The list above may not be inclusive of all graduates currently serving. It represents individuals who self-reported their service in response to an email inquiry that was sent to all candidates for graduation in preparation for commencement.
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In Memoriam
Regent remembers the life and service of Conoly Phillips
On April 22, 2020, heaven gained a most extraordinary man.
things he did and he was driven to do those things.”
Friend, civic leader, respected businessman, and Regent board member Conoly Phillips passed away at the age of 88 — leaving behind his wife of 63 years, Betsy Phillips, three children, and five grandchildren.
Phillips would open city council meetings with prayer, saying, “Never be anywhere of importance without a call from the Lord.”
“I am saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Conoly Phillips,” said Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, founder, chancellor and CEO of Regent University. “He has been a dear friend of mine for decades. I can say with great confidence that this wonderful man is now fully alive and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phillips was a successful businessman, working in the automotive industry for more than 40 years before retiring as the owner, president and chairman of Conoly Phillips Lincoln Mercury. He was also deeply invested as a civic and community leader, serving on the Norfolk City Council for 20 years, as well as past president of Union Mission, Northside Rotary Club and United Way of Virginia, to name just a few. Phillips also served as a Regent board member on several occasions beginning in 1991, including Chairman of the Board from 2009-11. Yet in everything he did — be it business, politics or community service — his family would agree that Phillips always brought his faith to bear. “He had a business life, a political life and a spiritual life,” said his son, Jim Phillips, in an article by The Virginian-Pilot. “I think it was his spiritual life that guided all the others. He did a lot, but he was asked to do a lot because he was a good leader. He had a calling to do the
According to his wife, Betsy, his service on Regent University’s board was a calling he accepted with great joy and purpose. “The Lord showed Conoly where he should serve, and so he would listen and serve passionately,” she said. “Conoly loved the board of trustees, the students and the university’s mission, and he wanted to glorify the Lord. It was a joy for him to serve on a board that was so dear to the Lord.” It was a joy for his fellow board members as well. “It has been my privilege to serve on the Regent University board of trustees with Conoly since 1991,” said David Melilli. “Intelligent, thoughtful and prayerful in all deliberations made him a strong, active and valuable member of the trustees. With a creative mind for business, Conoly helped steer the university through many challenges and thankfully lived to see many prayers answered and come to fruition.” “We are all grateful for the tremendous investment that Mr. Phillips made to Regent for so long and in the lives of many of us,” added Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Regent. “We will deeply miss his bold and obedient spirit, as well as his encouragement. Our prayers are with his wife and family.” A special scholarship fund has been set up in memory of Phillips’ service to Regent University. Gifts can be made at regent.edu/give by selecting “Scholarship Fund” and typing “In Memory of Conoly Phillips.”
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REGENT WORLD CHANGER Natasha Moore (CAS ’19 & RSG ’20) is on a mission to serve her country, community and fellow man — and it all started when she was a little girl.
Master’s student prepares to be a commissioned officer
When most kids were getting their faces painted with rainbows and animals, Moore was getting hers painted with camouflage. Her great-grandfather had served in the military, followed by her uncle, and then Moore had decided it was her turn — a decision she made as a child after talking with soldiers at a Veterans Day picnic. “They painted my face (camouflage) and told me about the military’s mission and what soldiers do,” says Moore.
Today, this Navy veteran of seven years has already accomplished a lot — from helping ready and commission the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, to serving on President Donald Trump’s security detail, to now working as a security specialist in the Navy Reserve. But those moments almost didn’t happen. Moore had dropped out of high school to join the workforce, so when it came time to enlist in the Navy, which required a General Educational Development (GED) diploma and 15 college credits, Moore had a decision to make. “That’s where I turned my life to focus on my education, as well as serving my country,” says Moore. She earned her GED and an associate degree while deployed with the Navy but didn’t stop there. Moore joined Regent University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, later separating from active duty in 2018 and going into the reserve to focus full time on finishing her bachelor’s degree — which she did with honors in 2019. But Moore wanted more for herself and her career with the military. She intends to return to the military, however, this time as a commissioned officer and with a second degree. Moore joins this year’s graduating Class of 2020, earning her Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Emergency Management & Homeland Security from the Robertson School of Government. Service, be it as a veteran or a volunteer, not only reflects Moore’s heart, but it’s also what drew her to Regent, along with the university’s tremendous support for military students. Moore says the relevance of her MPA program has prepared her for situations she may encounter in the field. The help she received through the Military Resource Center also was instrumental in her success. “It takes a village of support to provide the guidance to create a successful veteran,” says Moore. She adds, “Regent’s Military Resource Center stepped up to the role. They introduced me to a network of mentors and went the extra mile to support me.”
Leave a Legacy Your gift can help Regent World Changers build legacies that honor God and advance His kingdom. Visit regent.edu/worldchanger or call 800.335.4409 to sponsor a World Changer today; bless the next generation of Christian leaders who are making an impact.
The Chancellor’s Message Dear Friend, Although Regent’s campus has been quiet since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are a community of resolve. Many of our graduates are serving on the frontlines of this deadly virus and already fulfilling Regent’s mission as Christian leaders to change the world. Together with this year’s graduating class, we now have over 29,000 alumni. Even with these difficult days, Regent University continues to be a leader in Christian thought and action. The Princeton Review has ranked Regent’s School of Law Top 5 in the Nation for Teaching Quality (Interesting Professors) and Top 35 for Academic Experience. Regent also ranked #1 Best Accredited Online College (Study.com, 2020) and among the Top 10 Best for Vets Colleges (Military Times, 2020). I know we’re facing uncertain times in our nation. People are out of work. This great engine that we have as a country is suspended temporarily because of this virus. We’ve had trouble before — world wars, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other infectious outbreaks — but we survived, and we’re going to survive this. Take heart! Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you.” God will deliver us, He will protect us, and He will set us on high. The mission of Regent University has been Christian Leadership to Change the World, and that hasn’t changed. This country desperately needs Christian leaders in law, business, education and healthcare. Together, with your prayers and financial partnership, we can continue to send leaders and a message of hope all over the world. And I’m counting on you to do it! Sincerely,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ROMANS 8:37
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