Celebrating the Class of 2024
A Legacy of World Evangelism
Faithful donors played a vital role in equipping this Regent alumni family to proclaim the gospel to the nations.
During this year’s Commencement Week events, the School of Divinity (SOD) honored Rev. Felix Prakash (SOD ’03) and Dr. Edith Prakash (SOD ’03 & ’13) as their Alumni of the Year. Felix and Edith were recognized for “their tireless labor for the Lord’s Great Harvest and their embodiment of Regent’s call to glorify God.”
Originally from India, Felix and Edith moved to the United States in 1996. Three years later, God called them to Regent University to pursue graduate studies and become equipped as global evangelists. With the help of donorfunded scholarships, they both graduated with a Master of Divinity in Practical Theology, and Edith later earned her Ph.D. in Renewal Theology.
“Both my parents were mass evangelists converted from Hindu families. I grew up seeing thousands of people getting saved all my life,” she says. “So, the passion I had was to take the gospel and bring the lost into the kingdom. The very essence of my life was evangelism. So I said, ‘OK, Lord. I want to take the gospel of Jesus around the world.’
Empowered by the support of Regent donors and friends like you, Edith and Felix graduated from Regent and founded Prakash Ministries, a nonprofit ministry that seeks to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of people in the most unreached places. Through their multiple outreaches, they have a vision to take the gospel to all nations and all generations. Their efforts are, quite literally, a family affair.
“God is taking me, and our family, around the world,” Felix explains. “We’ve traveled as missionaries to more than 30 countries. When God called me to ministry, He asked me, ‘What do you want to do?’ I said, ‘God, I want to go to the most difficult parts of the world, where the gospel has not been heard.’”
The Prakash children—Elijah, Shannon, and Hadassah— all participate in global evangelism efforts and have from a very young age. Elijah graduated from Regent’s College
of Arts & Sciences in 2023 with dual bachelor’s degrees in business and Christian ministry. He’s currently studying to receive his Master of Divinity degree from SOD and is expected to graduate in 2027.
“I’m at the beginning of my journey,” Elijah shares. “But when I see mom and dad, as I’ve joined with them throughout my whole life and have seen how their ministry works, I also see how amazingly God uses them. So, I say, ‘Lord, I see what you’re doing for them. I also want to grow in that as well.’”
“The generous support donors provide to help students follow their calling will bring many into the kingdom, so it’s a good investment.”
Dr. Edith Prakash (SOD ’03 & ’13)
Prakash Ministries meets physical needs by providing food to the hungry, wells for clean water, disaster relief, and by supporting orphanages in several countries around the world. Through open-air crusades, they build up the global church by preaching the Word of God and inspiring corporate worship of Jesus Christ.
“Edith and Felix have gone around the world,” notes Regent Chancellor Gordon Robertson, who has known
the Prakash family for more than 20 years. “They’ve gone to the hard places. They don’t shrink back. They want to preach the gospel.”
“My passion is always, wherever I go, I make sure people have Bibles,” Felix says. “We have given more than 70,000 Bibles around the world, where people have no access to them. I have been to countries where people are waiting for a lifetime to get ahold of the Bible.”
Felix, Edith, and Elijah understand the significance of being a Regent University “Legacy Family.” They are also grateful to the generous donors who helped make their Regent education possible and who fuel their success today in “reaching the world with the Word.”
“People who gave to Regent and my scholarship, they invested in me,” Elijah says. “Today, I can do what I’m doing by faith. I can bless others and trust in God that it’s not by my might; it’s not by my power but by the spirit of God. When it’s His will, it’s His bill.”
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” Edith explains. “Education is needed for the challenges ahead, for global evangelism. The generous support donors provide to help students follow their calling will bring many into the kingdom, so it’s a good investment.”
“The people who have supported us and made a way for us to go through school here have helped us go around the world,” Felix says. “Every soul we impact adds into the kingdom, and the investment they have made is reaching thousands and thousands of people.”
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2024
You empowered the next generation of Christian leaders to answer God’s call and serve others for His glory.
In Virginia Beach, thousands gathered for Regent University’s 44th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024. For the first time as Chancellor, Gordon Robertson stepped to the Commencement podium to confer degrees to 2,279 graduates who are now fully equipped to change the world for God’s glory.
“The enthusiasm from all the graduates was infectious,” Robertson told IMPACT. “I could feel how joyful everyone was and how much anticipation they had for this major milestone in life. They’re prepared for life after graduation and how God is going to use them. I was greatly encouraged.”
One of the largest graduating classes in Regent history, the Class of 2024 included representatives from 49 states and 13 countries. The crowning achievements for this new generation of Christian leaders were built on a cornerstone of generosity laid by faithful friends and donors, like you—thank you for helping make this pivotal milestone possible!
The procession of soon-to-be graduates, Regent faculty, and university administrators began promptly at 9:15 a.m. with The Hilton Brass Quintet playing “Pomp and Circumstance.” Once everyone was seated, Robertson opened the ceremony with prayer and a welcome message to honor the Class of 2024.
““I could feel how joyful everyone was and how much anticipation they had for this major milestone in life.”
Gordon Robertson Chancellor,
Regent University
““We see the hand of God on every graduate today, and we will pray that hand stays with you throughout your life,” he said. “May you go from this place and carry out the mission of Christian leadership to change the
world. … I commend you for your tenacity, for your strength, for your academic achievements. We're also very, very proud of you.”
The Chancellor then introduced the 2024 Commencement speaker: Virginia Attorney General Jason S. Miyares. The first Hispanic American elected to statewide office in Virginia and the first child of an immigrant to serve the Commonwealth as attorney general, Miyares’ keynote address urged graduates to let faith, family, and friends “anchor” their lives. “To change the world, you must always keep (these) pillars,” the Attorney General insisted. “First, anchoring in your faith means you’ll have to listen to God’s calling, even if it means for you to do things you never thought possible.”
Founder Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, on June 8, 2023. (See page 12 for highlights of his charge.)
Later, after Robertson announced that graduates could now “change their tassels,” the blasts of air cannons immediately showered the plaza (and everyone in it) with confetti. As the excitement died down, the crowd sang the Regent anthem, and a benediction dismissed the Class of 2024.
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“Anchoring in your faith means you’ll have to listen to God’s calling, even if it means for you to do things you never thought possible.”
“You must never, ever, ever sacrifice your family,” he continued. “Your family will anchor you almost as much as your faith as you go through your career. … Finally, your friends. You cannot change a world in any field without friendship. ... Your friends can speak truth to you in your life’s most important moments.”
Jason S. Miyares, Virginia Attorney General
”Before the conferring of degrees, Robertson shared his first-ever “Chancellor’s Charge” with the Class of 2024. He said presiding over the ceremony was “bittersweet,” remembering the passing of his father, Regent University
“As these men and women face trials, challenges, and successes in life,” Robertson added, “they need to keep in mind that the best place you can be is on your knees. Everything you're going to get in life is going to come from God.”
Reflecting on Attorney General Miyares’ message to this year’s graduates, you can’t change the world without the pillars of faith, family, and friends. That’s why we’re so grateful for your friendship and support. Your sacrificial giving plays a vital role in mobilizing Regent students and alumni to fulfill the Great Commission and to bring the love, hope, and light of Jesus to the world.
The more we give, the more we delight in giving and the more we reflect the very heart of God. By supporting Regent, you are investing in education that glorifies God and equips men and women to lead with excellence, innovation, and integrity. Thank you!
THANK YOU! Your faithful prayers and gifts helped forge 2,279 new alumni to change the world for God’s glory.
Equipped to Change the World
How your generosity changed the lives of three “Inspiring Graduates” from the Class of 2024.
Regent University celebrates every graduate in the Class of 2024—and friends like you who helped make their journey possible. Thank you for empowering our students and Regent’s vital mission of equipping Christian leaders to change the world through your faithful gifts and prayers.
In an after-Commencement tradition, a group of newly minted alumni were recognized as “inspiring graduates” during the annual Chancellor’s Luncheon at the Founders Inn. Each of these new alums have overcome obstacles, thrived in their coursework, and showed great potential as servant-leaders ready to make an impact in their chosen field.
Hailey Todd, B.A. (CAS ’24)
Having just received her bachelor of arts in government from the College of Arts and Sciences, Hailey Todd was the first to address Regent’s Chancellor, Gordon Robertson, members of the university’s Board of Trustees, several deans, VIPs and honored guests.
“ ...my scholarships made Regent a possibility. It allowed me to walk through open doors without fear because I had some assurance I could survive, financially, on the other side. So, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Hailey earned admission to Regent’s highly competitive Honors College in 2020, intending to pursue a career in law and politics. But during her time at Regent, she developed a love for Israel that changed her career path. She shared how the Lord has called her to serve on the
frontlines in the battle to protect religious freedom for God’s Chosen People.
“In my gut, I feel like I have no choice but to stand with them. I can’t ignore the feeling in my stomach that I have to do something,” Hailey said. “When I think of all the things the Lord has done over the past four years, it feels like this beautiful mansion, where I walk through one door and enter a hallway with a million opportunities.”
She continued, “For those of you in this room who have so generously given your time, money, and prayers, you unlocked the first door for me. Everything that has come since is only because my scholarships made Regent a possibility. They allowed me to walk through open doors without fear because I had some assurance I could survive, financially, on the other side. So, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
LaShaun Daniels-Edney, Ph.D (SPC ’24)
The next “Inspiring Graduate” speaker endured painful challenges on her road to becoming equipped as a Christian leader to change the world. Thankfully, those obstacles are behind LaShaun Daniels-Edney. After earning her Ph.D. from the School of Psychology and Counseling, she is celebrating the bright future that lies ahead of her.
LaShaun firmly believes that God has placed “a sacred calling” on her life and on the life of every Regent graduate. As a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on the advocacy and education of students with disabilities, she strives to shine the light of divine grace,
“ I extend my deepest
to the
university donors.
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gratitude
am humbled by your sacrifice. Your generosity has opened doors, transformed lives, and created opportunities for students like me.”
healing, and hope in a darkened world. She spoke about how her Regent journey was marked by heartbreak and loss, including the death of her husband in a senseless act of violence.
“Despite these trials, I remained unmoved in my pursuit of this degree. In the face of unimaginable grief and despair, I found solace in my faith. I clung to the promise that God would never forsake me,” she explained. “In 2021, I heeded a divine call to attend Regent University—a decision that would change my life forever.”
As a widowed, single mother raising two sons, LaShaun said a part of her journey attending Regent was made possible through a scholarship, awarded for her dedication to advocacy and public service: “I extend my
Regent University Commencement 2024
deepest gratitude to the university donors. I am humbled by your sacrifice. Your generosity has opened doors, transformed lives, and created opportunities for students like me. You enabled God’s work to flourish. May your kindness be multiplied sevenfold, and may you reap abundant blessings for your selfless contributions.”
Arjola Mullaj, B.S. (CAS ’24)
The final “2024 Inspiring Graduate” speaker arrived in the United States from Albania in 2019. Even before coming to America, Arjola Mullaj wanted to attend a Christian university. Yet, despite living only a few miles from campus, she didn’t even know Regent existed.
Ironically, a Muslim friend told her about an “incredible university” in Virginia Beach. Arjola applied, was accepted, and enrolled in Regent’s Honors College in 2020. Just minutes after the conferring of her bachelor of science in business, Mullaj spoke about her transformative journey, which was made possible by Regent donors and friends.
“I want to thank every donor who has given and continues to give to support this university. Your donation, no matter its size, has touched lives here on campus and around the world,” she insisted. “It is incredible to see what God can do with the faith of a mustard seed and five loaves and two fish.”
Arjola added, “What an incredible joy it is to partner with the Lord to make disciples all over the world. Truly, my friends, your donation is ministry; it is evangelism. I could
“Your support is changing the world. I know because it definitely changed mine.”
not be more grateful. Your support is changing the world. I know because it definitely changed mine.”
Our Job Is Not Yet Finished
These three women are among the university’s newest and most inspiring members of the Class of 2024. Your generosity opened the door for these and other graduates to say “Yes!” to God and answer His call to attend Regent University. Your faithful prayers and gifts are essential to this great work, but our job is not yet finished.
With your continued help and support, many more Regent students can become servant-leaders in media, education, business, ministry, government, law, health care, and other key areas of influence. By donating generously to our efforts, you are standing with us to equip Christian leaders who can change the world for God’s glory.
Regent Students Honor God
Celebrating the fruits of your generosity at Regent University.
Graduation ceremonies at several of our nation’s “elite” universities have exposed the shocking truth about the state of American higher education. Student-led protests and walkouts made national headlines for their anger, hatred, and vitriol.
By contrast, Regent University’s Class of 2024 honored God and country at this year’s Commencement ceremony. They celebrated their academic achievements and embraced their calling to serve as Christian leaders to change the world.
The need for strong leadership has never been more urgent. Your continued support is vital to ensuring Regent remains one of the most influential, transformative, Christian universities in the world. Thank you!
DEFENDING THE DEFENSELESS
You prepared human-rights lawyer and social entrepreneur
Ashleigh Chapman (LAW ’12) to lead a global anti-trafficking movement.
Even before Ashleigh Chapman graduated from Regent University’s School of Law in 2012, she was already a Christian servant-leader in the fight against the global crisis of human trafficking. As a student, she co-founded the university’s Center for Global Justice (CGJ), serving as its first director.
“Attending Regent Law and launching the CGJ was a pivotal experience. I gained an excellent education alongside an amazing faculty and student body, and I was able to pursue my calling and make an impact in the world at the same time.”
Chapman, a human rights lawyer and social entrepreneur, is being recognized as Regent’s 2024 Alumna of the Year for bringing positive change to the world through her Christian leadership. She has dedicated her life to building solutions to end and prevent human trafficking.
and Justice U,™ which educates frontline professionals and concerned citizens to recognize and respond to human trafficking.
The global human-trafficking crisis is growing exponentially—up 25% to 50 million victims worldwide in just the past five years. Much more needs to be done to protect life and liberty and to end the pain and exploitation from this $236 billion industry.
Thanks to the support of friends like you, Regent University equipped Chapman to build solutions, partnerships, and technologies that are impacting and accelerating the global anti-trafficking movement. Your generous gifts can help us equip even more Christian leaders just like her, who are determined to confront the world’s injustices with courage and compassion.
Chapman was one of USA Today’s “Women of the Year” in 2022. She currently serves as President of the Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and Justice® (AFRJ), a global, nonprofit network she established in 2013. In 2019, Chapman also founded Altus,™ a “business for good” that scales social justice solutions through impact investments. Solutions include Engage Together,® which strengthens statewide and community-based strategies,
Reflecting on the power of your support, Ashleigh shares, “Every dollar that God stewards through you into scholarship programs and sponsoring initiatives results in a return on your investment that is both exponential and eternal.”
For more information about Regent University’s Center for Global justice, visit globaljustice.regent.edu
Ashleigh Chapman (LAW ’12)
Take Your Cross With You
Chancellor Gordon Robertson shares his challenge to Regent University’s Class of 2024.
During Regent’s 44th Commencement on May 4, I had the privilege of delivering my first charge to graduates as Chancellor. I’m confident those men and women will take what they learned here and apply it out in the real world. But I wanted to give them a “secret weapon” as they commenced with the rest of their lives.
I told them how, on April 29, 1607, a group of 144 Englishmen landed at Cape Henry, Virginia, which is now Virginia Beach. After spending four months crossing the Atlantic, one of their first actions was raising a wooden cross and dedicating this land, not to the king of England, but to the King of kings.
gospel of the kingdom would go around the world. Regent University is their legacy because we are fulfilling that prayer.
“But with God, all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)
My father and Regent’s founder, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, once told me that the only position no one will ever want to take from you is when you’re on your knees. But it’s also the position that determines every success in life. So, I told the Class of 2024 that their secret weapon for life after graduation was doing what the English settlers did: Take your cross with you.
Those brave and faithful men bent their knees, bowed their heads and prayed for God to bless their venture into the New World. They also asked that, from these shores, the
I urged them to set up their cross and bow their knees in prayer every time they face a moment of testing, doubt, or unbelief. Our modern culture wants to convince you that you can’t do it, that you're going to fail. But God sees you and knows exactly what you’re going through. On our own, we can’t succeed. But with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
You will always be part of the Regent Family. Now, it’s time for those in your family to join as a Legacy student. An eligible grandchild, child, or sibling of a CBN or Regent University alumnus will receive an award of $2,000 toward their tuition.
Lorraine Bailor ’10 with daughter, Petra Bailor ’24