IMPACT A P U B LICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
VOL. 5 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2014
EQUIPPING TOMORROW’S
WORLD CHANGERS TO DAY
Introducing the next generation of Christian leaders
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n his 1998 book titled The Greatest Generation, journalist Tom Brokaw wrote that the valiant men and women who overcame the Great Depression “answered the call to save the world from the two most powerful and ruthless military machines ever assembled.” As the U.S. economy struggles to emerge from the “Great Recession” and a powerful and ruthless terrorist group threatens millions with genocide, could the next “great generation” be emerging before our eyes? Regent University believes so, which is why Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, chancellor and founder, is committed to educating America’s — and the world’s — future Christian leaders.
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“Teachers and professors need to instruct students about the principles and philosophies that have made this society great,” Robertson says. “Young people today are very idealistic, much more so than we realize. They want a hope to believe in. They want a song to sing. They don’t want to be disillusioned. They want a cause. They want to believe in something.” Today’s Regent University students understand their greater, eternal purpose in
INSIDE: AMERICA ON THE EDGE?
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A LIFETIME OF LEADERSHIP
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EQUIPPING TOMORROW’S WORLD CHANGERS — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
impacting the law, media, theology, science and other fields of study. They embrace their calling to become Christian leaders to change America and the world. But equipping young men and women with the spiritual and intellectual tools they need to lead requires resources, which many of them simply do not have.
“I love Regent because it’s about a Christian education,” says Regent undergrad student Ariel Heinsius. “I want my entire life to be about Christ, and this university turns out individuals who put Christ as the highest calling in their life.”
Ariel says that once she stepped foot on the Regent campus, she knew she was meant to be here. And By providing $17 million in tuition discounts every “I want my entire life she’s fixed on a calling to defend justice: “My life year, and with more than to be about Christ, and is centered on Proverbs 80 percent of students receiving some form of this university turns 31:8-9 … ‘to speak up for who cannot speak for financial aid, Regent is out individuals who put those themselves, to judge fairly, doing everything it can Christ as the highest and to defend the rights to enable more and more young people to receive calling in their life.” of the poor and needy.’ As a future attorney, I intend an excellent, Christ-Ariel Heinsius to defend those who might centered education. But otherwise be trampled by with student-loan debt society. A little bit of justice here and there topping $1 trillion worldwide, generous can truly change the world.” scholarship programs are needed now more than ever before. Ariel understands that the donation to a Regent World Changer sponsors are making World Changer scholarship is not just about it possible for the university to attract the money: “It’s about empowering future exceptional students who will be able to generations to achieve the goals that God make an immediate global impact because has placed on their hearts. If I were not a they won’t be crushed by a mountain of debt. scholarship recipient, I would be that much World Changers scholarships, underwritten further from accomplishing my dreams and by Regent donors, alumni and friends, are calling.” equipping tomorrow’s leaders today.
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REGENT UNIVERSITY
Jonatas da Silva is a senior in the cinema/ TV program at Regent’s College of Arts & Sciences. Born and raised in Senegal, West Africa, by parents who are Brazilian missionaries, Jonatas describes himself as “a storyteller at heart.” A scholarship recipient, Jonatas believes that his Regent education has shaped his potential to become an exceptional filmmaker: “Regent’s scholarship has been a tremendous blessing to my family. It has allowed them to focus on their calling, while I am being trained to enter my own mission field.” Medina Elaasar, a senior in Regent’s College of Arts & Sciences majoring in Christian ministry, says she wants to grow increasingly firm in her faith and efficiently benefit the kingdom of God: “I want to change the world by being an example of what happens when you say yes to the call of God; no matter what background, circumstances or place you have come from!” But Medina says she wouldn’t be where she is now without the “amazing investments” of Regent donors: “I am a firm believer in seeding into others’ lives and educations. You never know … a simple donation can give somebody a chance at changing the world!”
A freshman in the university’s new Biophysical Sciences program, Jessica Torres-Cedillo has dreamed about attending Regent since she was 9 years old. “I plan to go on to medical school after graduating,” Jessica explains. “My education at Regent is equipping me to think critically yet feel deeply for the sick and broken. I do not yet know what path I will take in the medical field; but wherever God leads me, I desire to be His hands and feet.” Jessica calls her Regent scholarship “one of the most incredible blessings the Lord has given me.” She adds, “The scholarship did not appear out of nowhere! It came from generous donors who desire to honor the Lord and change the world by investing in the next generation. These men and women embody the very grace that has touched my life. I pray that the Lord continues to plant this seed of love in the hearts of many more donors.”
To support Regent University’s World Changer scholarship programs with your tax-deductible gift of any amount, call 800.335.4409 or visit regent.edu/worldchanger.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
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AMERICA ON THE EDGE? CLASH OF THE TITANS® PANELISTS UNANIMOUSLY AGREE ON OUR NATION’S FUTURE
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merica’s 40th president, Ronald Wilson Reagan, often referred to the United States as “The Shining City on a Hill.” For generations, America has been a beacon of light and hope, bringing strong, principled leadership and economic prosperity to the entire world. But over the past six years, President Barack Obama has been criticized for instituting domestic and international policies that have diminished the United States’ standing as a global leader. On October 24, 2014, a highly distinguished panel of experts gathered at the 12th annual Clash of the Titans® debate on the campus of Regent University to answer the question: “Has America Lost Its Leading Edge?” Dr. Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, moderated the 90-minute discussion between two heads of state, a business-media icon and a U.S. diplomat. The panel included former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney, former Mexican president Felipe Calderon, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media Steve Forbes, and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton. Mulroney was the first to offer his assessment of whether America had indeed lost its leading edge. The conservative leader who guided Canada from 1984 to 1993 was effusive in his praise of his nation’s southern neighbor, saying, “The United States of America is and remains the greatest democratic republic that God has ever placed on the face of this earth.” He continued, “Has the [Obama] administration lost its edge? Now that’s a different kettle of fish.” Calderon, president of Mexico from 2006 to 2012, agreed with his Canadian counterpart that America is “the greatest democracy on the earth.” He added, “By many measures, the United States remains the leading nation in the world.” The problem, Calderon said, is that our nation’s ability to marshal its “levers of power to protect its interest, people and values (is) diminishing.”
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“America can defeat almost any enemy in the world,” Calderon stated. “But its willingness to engage a particular adversary is in doubt. Everybody realizes that, including its enemies.” Two-time Republican presidential candidate Forbes analyzed the debate topic from an economic perspective: “In terms of America losing its leading edge, it’s been blunted, but that is only temporary. The so-called new normal — low growth, weakness in the world — is the new abnormal. It is a detour, not a destination.” Forbes also admitted, “The ‘edge’ may not be apparent now, but in a couple of years this country always renews itself. It’s going to be there and sharp — to the benefit of us and to civilization.” “The rest of the world has benefitted enormously from the United States,” Bolton insisted. “We have been the force for peace and stability in the world.” The popular FOX News contributor also said that “America has not lost its edge,” but it has a president who believes that the United States “is part of the problem in the world and not part of the solution.” In closing, he added: “America is never going to lose its edge, as long as it keeps its ideals.” At the closing event, Dinner With the Titans, panelists agreed that our nation’s best days are still ahead. Sekulow called guests to help Regent continue making a difference on a global scale: “What you saw [through this event] is an example of what we’re doing at Regent University every single day. This is the kind of education our students are challenged by here. This university is making a huge difference. … We heard from world leaders and world changers. But we’ve got to do our part to create world changers and world leaders. We have that opportunity at Regent University.”
For additional information about Regent University events, call 800.373.5504 or visit regent.edu/events.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
OPPORTUNITIES FOR A LIFETIME OF LEADERSHIP Scholarship recipient Roger Orozco advances from Nicaraguan orphanage to “Top 40 Under 40” business leader
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hen Roger Orozco was 9 years old, in his home country of Nicaragua, he traveled 2 1/2 hours every day to attend school. Part of that grueling journey included crossing a river while holding his books out of the water with one hand and swimming with the other. “The Lord made me cross a river to teach me a lesson,” Orozco says, “that the difficulties we face today will prepare us for the future.”
an international nonprofit organization in his home country.
But that trek to school wasn’t the only difficulty he faced growing up. Orozco’s childhood also included working 16-hour shifts at coffee plantations earning just $2 per day. Still, those challenges didn’t suppress his hunger for learning.
“Just One Opportunity was founded to transform poor, remote villages in Nicaragua into thriving self-sufficient ones,“ Orozco says.” It is deeply committed to helping people realize their God-given potential through the gospel, training and education.”
At the age of 13, Roger left his family to work in an orphanage in exchange for an education. Years later, in 2001, when Orozco was looking to attend college, he met a Regent alum who would literally change his life.
Through Just One Opportunity, he and his wife Mary-Blake serve 12 villages by training pastors, teachers and business owners: “When we started Just One Opportunity in January 2012, it was only my wife and I giving $50 a month to support a teacher. Now our reach has increased significantly. We are working with 12 pastors, supporting two full-time teachers and three college students. Fifteen small businesses have started through Just One Opportunity’s loans and business training. We have trained more than 2,000 people, equipping them with the skills necessary to become self-sustainable.”
“Congressman Scott Rigell ’90 (Business & Leadership) plays a big role in my life,” Orozco explains, “because he brought me from an orphanage in Nicaragua to receive an education in the United States. I lived with his family for three years, while I was attending undergraduate school. He invested so much time teaching me about family values and business.”
“The scholarship assistance was an incredible gift from God. I will be able to graduate on time and free from debt.”
Today, Orozco is still learning. With the help of a World Changer scholarship, he’s pursuing an MBA at Regent’s School of Business & Leadership: “I chose Regent to advance my education because of the biblical principles, high-quality education, teachers who really care for their students, and for a great community where I can feel connected. The scholarship assistance was an incredible gift from God. I will be able to graduate on time and free from debt.” Orozco says, already, he is a better-equipped employee at Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America, where he serves “the global leader in power transmission and innovation” as a strategic business analyst. He’s also running
Recognized last month by Inside Business as one of 2014’s “Top 40 Under 40” in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Orozco understands the need to equip other principled leaders: “I strongly believe that people should donate to the World Changer scholarships, because there are thousands of students like me who desperately need financial assistance to get an advanced education.”
For information about donating to one of Regent’s many scholarship programs, call 800.335.4409 or visit regent.edu/give.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
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Regent World Changers
The Promise of Hope for a Better Tomorrow
Is America headed in the wrong direction? Seventy percent of Americans think so. The good news is that Regent University offers hope — training thousands of leaders who are taking a stand for what is right and good in our nation and the world.
REGENT WORLD CHANGER
Stan Jeter
Christian World News Founder & CBN News Sr. Producer
As the founding producer of Christian World News, Stan Jeter ’87 (Communication & the Arts) was the center of attention back in September when the weekly CBN News program celebrated its landmark 20th anniversary. “Christian World News started with a volunteer staff of Regent University students,” Jeter says. “Now it’s seen in different countries and languages around the world.” Since Jeter graduated, he’s seen the Regent campus double in size and has watched students and fellow alumni build an impressive résumé. “Students have opportunities to learn from leaders in their fields, whether in Hollywood, Washington, or in countries around the world,” he explains. “I learned a lot through hands-on projects and from our connection with the Christian Broadcasting Network right next door.” Please join the entire Regent community in praying for Stan Jeter, November’s alumni World Changer.
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Become a World Changer Sponsor Today! regent.edu/worldchanger 800.335.4409
YOU CAN HELP CHANGE THE WORLD When you give to one of Regent’s many scholarship programs, you empower students and alumni to change the world. Sponsor a World Changer today! Call 800.335.4409 or visit regent.edu/worldchanger to help equip the next generation of Christian leaders at Regent University.
MAKE A HABIT OF GIVING Recurring gifts are a great way to make sure you never miss an opportunity to bless Regent University. The Office of Advancement can help you schedule automatic, monthly donations via debit/credit card or electronic funds transfer from your bank account. Call 800.335.4409 or visit regent.edu/give today!
REGENT UNIVERSITY
A Message From the Chancellor Dear Friend, Regent University wouldn’t be here unless it was a command of God. The Lord told me nearly 40 years ago, “Build a school for My glory.” That’s all He told me to do. And then, a couple of years later, God began to reveal what kind of school He wanted. As the years have progressed, He’s revealed other things to bring the university to where it is today. Make no mistake: Regent is a planting of God Almighty. I tell the students when they come here, “You are on holy ground. You are coming to a school that God Himself ordained. It’s the Lord who did it, and He’s going to continue to bless it. He’ll take us through difficult days, as well as good times, but He gets the glory for the whole thing. It’s His deal.” Since our first 70 students began classes in September 1978, Regent University has been equipping Christian leaders to change the world. We’ve been able to do that because of the grace of God and the help of people like you. Whether you’re a student, alumni, staff member, donor or friend of Regent, you play a key role in the university’s success. Your faithful prayers and generous donations are essential to Regent becoming the most influential, Christian, transformational university in the world. Your best gift today will ensure that this generation of World Changers receives the excellent, Christ-first education available at Regent University. Thank you for your continued friendship and support.
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO Regent University
“WHAT JOY AWAITS BOTH THE PLANTER AND THE HARVESTER ALIKE! YOU KNOW THE SAYING, ‘ONE PLANTS AND ANOTHER HARVESTS.’ AND IT’S TRUE.” JOHN 4:36-37 (NLT)
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Regent University’s Impact is published monthly by the university’s Office of Advancement, free of charge, for alumni and friends of the university. Regent University admits students without discrimination on the basis of race, color, disability, gender, religion or national or ethnic origin. Regent University is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate campuses within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University. Opinions expressed in Impact are those of individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of Regent University’s board, faculty, administration or staff. Regent University accepts news submissions from readers but reserves the right to edit based upon clarity, length and content. The university may decline to print material at its discretion. ADV141103
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