My time at Regent was formative. … I needed something to help me develop professionally and academically. The program was absolutely relevant to my real-life work experience.
Pastor James Ward (DIV ’13)
YOUR GENEROSITY IS CHANGING LIVES ” “
EQUIPPED TO HEAL A NATION
Thanks to your faithful partnership, Pastor James Ward is reaching hearts across America with a biblical call to healing and reconciliation.
Regent University is honored to recognize Pastor James Ward as its 2025 Alumnus of the Year. An accomplished author, nationally recognized thought leader, and senior pastor of Insight Church, with two campuses in the Chicago area, Pastor Ward has emerged as a powerful voice of reconciliation and healing in an often-divided nation.
His pioneering message of “Zero Victim” thinking—outlined in his best-selling book of the same name—provides a biblical framework that empowers individuals to reject a mindset of victimhood. Birthed through his own childhood experiences while growing up in segregated Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Ward’s “Zero Victim” mindset would take on new urgency amid America’s intensifying social, political, and racial unrest.
Your Support Fueled a Vision Beyond Victimhood
“In 2019, I sincerely felt the Lord stirring my heart to update the book and expand it,” Ward recalls. “There was a convergence of victimization in our nation—from COVID, the election, and the racial tension. The door was now open to deliver that message to the nation.”
That obedience to God sparked a divine moment of preparation, as Ward was about to reach a much larger audience via the mainstream media. His “Zero Victim” message would soon become a much-needed, alternative unifying perspective grounded in Scripture and theology, rather than a divisive socio-political ideology.
When attention turned to Kenosha, Wisconsin, after the August 2020 police-involved shooting of Jacob Blake—whose mother and
grandmother were members of Ward’s church—he was thrust into the national spotlight. Eventually, Ward was invited to serve on President Donald Trump’s advisory roundtable, an unexpected move that he says was “a Joseph moment… something God shows you years before and then uses under conditions that sometimes are unfortunate for something good to come out of it.”
Through media, government, and ministry, Ward’s influence continues expanding across the nation and around the world. He serves on numerous corporate, ministry, and advisory boards, including Regent University’s Board of Trustees. Ward is also the chairman and CEO of the TLN Media broadcast and digital media company. In all his endeavors, Ward serves alongside his wife of 25 years, Sharon, and together they have two adult children: Hannah and Jonathan.
You Laid the Foundation for a Life of Impact
In 2008, a random, online search led him to Regent University and its motto: “Christian leadership to change the world.” The School of Divinity’s master’s degree
program laid a foundation of faith that still shapes Ward’s ministry and service today.
“That motto is the thing that really connected with me,” he recalls. “My time at Regent was formative. It was tremendously impactful in my life. I needed something to help me develop professionally and academically. The MDiv. program was absolutely relevant to my real-life work experience. I felt it was perfectly designed just for me at that time.”
To donors who help make a Regent education possible, Ward offers this encouragement: “God is building His Church, but I believe that the faculty members in higher education are the actual architects of the Body of Christ to equip local pastors and missionaries to do the building. An academic, Spirit-filled institution, like Regent, is vitally important for the architecture of what God is doing.”
In honoring Pastor James Ward, Regent affirms the truth of its mission: Christian leadership truly can change the world.
BECAUSE OF YOU, WE’RE BREAKING GROUND!
Thanks to your generous support, construction gets underway this fall on Regent’s first-ever Athletic & Fitness Center! This is a major milestone—one you made possible. But we’re just getting started. Your partnership is building more than a facility—you’re
preparing strong, faith-filled leaders to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a world that desperately needs to hear it. Thank you for standing with Regent as we expand our reach, deepen our mission, and equip future generations to impact nations for Christ.
ANSWERING GOD’S CALL
Your support is equipping the next generation of Christian leaders to serve others and change the world for God’s glory.
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, thousands of graduates, family, and friends gathered under beautiful, blue skies at the Library Plaza for Regent University’s 45th Commencement in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This milestone event not only honored the academic achievements of the Class of 2025, it also underscored the university's unwavering commitment to equipping Christian leaders poised to make a transformative impact— both globally and eternally.
A Ceremony of Distinction and Inspiration
Chancellor Gordon Robertson congratulated the newest Christian servant-leaders before conferring degrees to 2,265 graduates. He also recognized the Class of 2025 as one of the largest and most diverse in Regent’s history.
The ceremony continued with a keynote address from the Honorable Winsome Earle-Sears, the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and a Regent alumna. Drawing from her experience in leadership and public service, she encouraged graduates to lead with courage, faith, and Kingdom purpose.
“We
are ambassadors of light in a world that desperately needs it. You are the salt of the earth.”
Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears
“All 50 states are represented. We have 19 different countries. We have China, India, Japan, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, just to name a few,” Robertson shared.
These achievements were built on a foundation of generosity—laid by devoted friends and donors, like you. Thank you for making this moment possible!
“Let me assure you, you are more prepared than you know,” Earle-Sears insisted. “We are servant-leaders. We are kingdomminded change agents. We are ambassadors of light in a world that desperately needs it. You are the salt of the earth.”
Answering God’s Call to Change the World
As the ceremony continued, Suraj Paul, who earned a master’s degree from Regent’s School of Divinity, received a standing ovation for his inspiring “Graduate Reflections.” Dr. Fernando Garzon was presented with the “Chancellor’s Award” for outstanding faculty, and Steve Best brought a message of congratulations and blessing to graduates from the Board of Trustees.
Best then introduced long-time Regent friend and generous donor Howard Long, who received an honorary
Doctor of Science degree. A leader in business and philanthropy for more than 50 years, Long called it an “overwhelming blessing” to help make Regent a reality.
“I want to congratulate all of you,” he said. “You heard the call of God; you came to Regent; you got trained; and you graduated. Now, go out and change the world. That's what Regent’s all about.”
Before the conferring of degrees, Robertson shared his “Chancellor’s Charge” with the Class of 2025. Then came the highly anticipated moment—graduates were invited to “turn their tassels,” followed by an explosion of blue and green confetti over the Library Plaza.
As the excitement culminated, the Regent anthem rang out, and the Chancellor closed the ceremony in prayer: “Lord, may they seek Your face. And in all that they do, may they seek Your glory. Ad Gloriam Dei. Let us do everything for the glory of God. God bless you!”
A Call to Continued Partnership
Regent University’s 45th Commencement ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the collective effort required to fulfill Regent University's mission. Friends like you play an indispensable role in this endeavor, providing the means to educate and equip leaders who are committed to transforming society for God's glory.
As Regent continues to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of its students and the world, your ongoing partnership remains crucial. By investing in Regent, you are not merely contributing to an institution but are actively participating in a movement to instill Christian values in leadership across all spheres of influence.
The Class of 2025 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community unites in purpose and faith. Faithful mission partners like you have been instrumental in this success, paving the way for graduates to embark on their journeys equipped with knowledge, faith, and a commitment to serve. As these new alumni step into their callings, they carry forward the legacy of Regent University and its supporters as Christian servant-leaders ready to change the world.
Your sacrificial giving plays a vital role in empowering Regent students and alumni to fulfill the Great Commission and to bring the love, hope, and light of Jesus to the world. That’s why we’re so grateful for your friendship and for your commitment to advancing God’s work. Thank you!
THANK YOU!
Every cap, every gown, every life transformed—your generosity helped make it happen. Thank you for empowering 2,265 graduates to step boldly into their God-given calling. Let’s keep going! Together, we’re raising up leaders to change the world for God’s glory.
For God’s Glory
Learn how your generosity empowered four Regent University
“Inspiring Graduates” to step boldly into their God-ordained calling.
Shortly after Commencement, the atmosphere of celebration and thanksgiving carried over to the Chancellor’s Luncheon inside Founders Inn. The transformative work of God and the impact of your support were on full display through the lives of four “2025 Inspiring Graduates.” Alexis Kelly, Jonathen Loxley, Danielle Wong, and Suraj Paul are living testimonies to faith, perseverance, and the power of Christian education.
Their words, delivered to Regent leadership, faculty, donors, and distinguished guests, echoed the heartbeat of the university’s mission: Christian Leadership to Change the World.
Alexis Kelly (SOE, ’25)
“ Generosity from friends like you made it possible for me to attend school…”
Alexis Kelly, a single mother of four, full-time teacher, and children’s-book author, graduated with her Master’s of Education through the university’s Career Switcher Program. Her journey was anything but easy.
“After my divorce a few years ago, I lived in an uncomfortable place,” she recalled. “As a stay-at-home mom with four children amid COVID-19, working only part-time, I needed to figure out what my next steps were. With God by my side, I knew I would conquer my next chapter.”
A former Crisis Response Victim Advocate, Alexis found her true calling in teaching. “The Career Switcher program at Regent won me over. The fact that it was one of the only Master’s programs of its kind in Virginia was a plus.”
She continued, “Terrified, but feeling the Holy Spirit’s nudge, I leapt into the program and never looked back.”
Then came a life-changing diagnosis: Aortic Valve Regurgitation. “Worrying about how I would get through school with hospital visits and medical bills added a bit of stress, but God provided through Regent in many ways,” Alexis told the luncheon crowd.
“One semester, I wasn’t sure where I would get the funds to continue my Regent education. I got an email acknowledging my good standing and offering me a donor-funded scholarship. Generosity from friends like you made it possible for me to attend school that semester.”
Jonathen Loxley (CAS, ’25)
“ God has called me to make an eternal impact in the lives of others.”
Jonathen Loxley stepped to the luncheon podium next, having earned his bachelor’s degree from Regent University’s College of Arts & Sciences. Jonathen carried with him a legacy dating back to before the American Revolution. One of his ancestors even served under George Washington.
“Per Aspera ad Astra is Latin for ‘From adversity to the stars,’” he began. “I am not a Loxley by blood. I was adopted by the last Loxley man, my grandfather Sidney, and his wife Carol Loxley, my maternal grandmother, who sits here today. I am the last surviving Loxley able to pass on our family name.”
Sadly, Jonathen’s grandfather passed in 2009. “It was just my grandmother and me against the world,” he shared. “We fell on hard times financially. We wandered—moving from place to place, like sojourners without roots.”
Thankfully, they would find their way through hardship, and Jonathen arrived on campus from nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, in 2021. As a first-generation
college student, he had no idea what to expect: “It’s hard to believe now, but I nearly dropped out before the start of my first semester at Regent because of how alien and strange this ‘college thing’ was. But, as always, the Lord had His call on my life.”
Through God’s faithfulness and the support of Regent donors, Jonathen has been able to look toward his future with hope, purpose, and confidence.
“By all accounts, I should not be standing here before you today,” he explained. “Through the faithful prayers and generous support from friends like you, God has called me to make an eternal impact in the lives of others. … Per Aspera ad Astra. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Danielle Wong (LAW ’25)
“ I
want to continue (my great-great grandmother’s) legacy, give survivors a voice, and help them find their future.”
Regent Law graduate Danielle Wong’s speech traced a legacy born of suffering and redemption. “My law school journey began when I was about ten years old—after I heard the word ‘trafficking’ for the first time.”
Her great-great-grandmother had been trafficked from China in the early 1900s before being rescued by missionaries, moving to Minnesota, and becoming the first Chinese woman in the state. “She spent the rest of her life helping Chinese immigrants by teaching them English and helping them find community.”
That story shaped Danielle’s life and purpose: “The Lord began to plant a seed in my life … a seed that I needed to help trafficking survivors in a similar manner as the missionaries who helped my great-great grandma. But I didn’t quite know what that would look like as a career.”
During the COVID pandemic, Danielle felt led to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT): “I didn’t know how that connected with helping trafficking survivors at the time, but I listened to the Lord and I obeyed. I took the LSAT and did well.”
After more prayer and seeking the Lord about her next steps, Danielle applied to Regent University School of Law. “I knew I wanted to go to a law school that taught law from a strong, Christian foundation,” she recalled. “I didn’t even have a chance to apply to any other law schools. About a week after I sent in my application, the Associate Dean at Regent Law, Ernie Walton, gave me a call. He said, ‘Your application has been accepted, and the school is providing a full scholarship.’”
Though terrified of public speaking AND litigation, Danielle said the Lord made it “abundantly clear” that He wanted her to attend law school and provided a way to do it. At Regent Law, she worked for the university’s Center for Global Justice to fight human trafficking, served on Regent Law’s Moot Court Board, and interned with the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
Through that internship, God revealed his purpose for Danielle’s life: “The Lord made it so abundantly clear that
this is what I was called to do—that I was called to help survivors through civil litigation.”
In closing, she added, “I am deeply honored and humbled that I got to attend Regent University School of Law. Thank you to those of you who helped make it possible for me to attend.”
Suraj Paul (DIV, ’25)
“ The increase of God’s glory is His ultimate goal and humankind’s ultimate purpose.”
Suraj Paul, a Master of Divinity graduate who plans to use his education to serve the Lord in his home country of India, attended the luncheon after speaking earlier on the main platform at Commencement. He delivered a “Graduate Reflection” that earned, not just one, but two standing ovations.
“My journey to Regent was marked by clear direction from the Lord and a series of miracles too numerous to recount here. From the moment I began my studies, God began a transformative work in me.” Suraj insisted. “At Regent, we don’t just learn about the renewing work of the Holy Spirit; we experience it both on campus and online.”
As he continued, Suraj’s words began resonating deeply with his fellow graduates and others gathered at the Library Plaza: “God is doing something unique, truly unique, in and through Regent, and it is tangible—all glory to God. …Why does Regent exist? Our founder (Dr. M.G. ‘Pat’ Robertson) dedicated this university for the glory of God. Why do you and I exist?”
“The scriptures describe how God does everything for the sake of His glory. He created humankind for His glory,” he added. “The increase of God's glory is His ultimate goal and humankind's ultimate purpose.”
Suraj ended his moving and inspiring “reflections” with a powerful prayer that perfectly captured the sacred moment: “Lord, glorify Yourself at our expense. Here we are. Oh, God. All this is for Your glory, and I pray that
everything we do, we will give You glory and we will point the world to the Father.”
For the Glory of God—Because of You!
These four graduates—Alexis, Jonathen, Danielle, and Suraj—represent the living fruit of your generosity. Because of your ministry through giving, each of them stand tall, testify boldly, and are walking into a God-ordained future equipped and empowered to do His work.
Your giving makes it possible for Regent students to fulfill their calling with hope and purpose. Thank you for your faithful prayers and your unwavering commitment to investing in world changers for Christ. The impact of your support will echo into eternity.
ARE YOU THE MISSING
PIECE?
EXCLUSIVE OFFER
With your donation of $50 or more to the Regent fund, you’ll receive a beautiful, limited-edition Regent puzzle as our gift. Like every piece in this unique design, your generosity helps complete something greater: a student’s future shaped by faith, learning, and purpose.
Claim your puzzle at regent.edu/puzzle and help change a life today—while supplies last!
regent.edu/puzzle
Wrestling for God’s Blessing A Message from Chancellor Gordon Robertson
I had the great honor of delivering the charge to Regent University’s Class of 2025. After opening our 45th Commencement Ceremony with a prayer inspired by the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24–26), I asked the Lord to bless our graduates and keep them. To make His face shine upon them and be gracious to them. To lift up His countenance upon them and give them peace.
So, I urged Regent graduates to seek the face of God in success and hardship. Both can be equally dangerous— because either one can draw our attention away from Him. But when we humble ourselves and pray, in times of triumph as well as in times of great tribulation, we invite God to be present in it all.
“Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
Psalm 27:8
But that kind of blessing doesn’t happen passively. In the Christian life, there’s a sacred duality: God shines His face on us—but we must also seek His face. As David wrote in Psalm 27:8, “Your face, Lord, I will seek” (NKJV).
My father, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, taught me that the only position no one will try to take from you is when you’re on your knees seeking God. That is where strength is found. That is where blessings are wrestled for.
(NKJV)
I believe the Class of 2025 is the generation of Jacob. Like the son of Isaac, they’ll need to wrestle for their blessing. It won’t come easily. It will take determination, humility, and relentless faith.
And this is true for us as well. We must keep seeking, keep wrestling, and not let go until we see the face of God. No matter the cost. No matter if you’re going to walk away lame. Wrestle for the blessing. Let the King of Glory come. Finish the task. Bring glory to God. Hallelujah.
CHANGING THE WORLD 365 DAYS A YEAR
Make an impact for God every day by becoming a monthly Regent partner!
You can help keep tuition affordable, provide life-changing scholarships, and sustain our critical mission year-round through monthly giving. It takes just minutes to set your gift schedule, and you’ll play an even bigger role in forging the next generation of Christ-centered servantleaders for God’s glory!