Since its founding in 1977, Regent University has been dedicated to training and equipping “world changers” – men and women whom God has called to lead on a global scale. Proof of the university’s success was clearly evident at the Chancellor’s Luncheon, held in The Founders Inn ballroom immediately after commencement. Members of Regent’s board of trustees, deans, vice presidents and honored guests were introduced to five graduates who are poised to change the world. Each one of the newly minted alums shared compelling stories about their Regent experience and how it prepared them to answer God’s call to become Christian leaders to change the world.
Just minutes before addressing those gathered at the luncheon, Abraham Haven had received his diploma for his juris doctorate from the university’s School of Law. But his journey to Regent actually started 17 years ago, when he visited The Founders Inn with his family as a boy: “During those intervening years, it became clear to me that God’s calling on my life was to go into the field of law. What stood out to me about Regent Law was … our motto ‘Law is more than a profession; it’s a calling.’”
“At Regent,” Haven explained, “I was able to learn what it was like to be not just a Christian who is a lawyer, but a lawyer who is a Christian. It was a tremendous opportunity to learn from professors who are great legal scholars and also men and women who are on fire for God.”
Meredith McCarty and Timothy Pettman are fellow Regent Law graduates, engaged to be married in the fall. McCarty, who was interviewed for the December 2014 issue of Impact, earned a joint degree in law and government. The Washington-state native said she first learned of Regent University when she searched the Internet for Christian law schools: “I’m very thankful for Google today, because I wouldn’t have received this amazing education, and I wouldn’t have met Tim.”
Once she read the School of Law’s motto, McCarty said she knew that Regent was exactly where she was supposed to be: “Regent was the only university that I applied to for law school. It has a joint degree program, which is exactly what I wanted. Everything that I’ve experienced here has far exceeded my expectations.”
Pettman was born and raised in Florida. But after attending Regent, he now aspires to be the governor of Virginia someday. The new law grad thanked those in attendance for their support of the university. “Regent has a wonderful scholarship program,” Pettman explained. “I didn’t want to drown myself in debt to go to law school. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for (my scholarship). I want to thank all of you who donate to the scholarship program, because it does a lot to bring people here.”
Angela Buckler is a second-grade teacher in Pennsylvania, who earned her doctorate in education after finishing her dissertation in less than three years – a feat described as “incredible” by School of Education dean, Dr. Alan Arroyo. Even as an online student, who spent just one week each summer on campus, Buckler still was able to form strong relationships with professors and especially her fellow students. “We supported and encouraged one another through the highs and lows; the late nights and early mornings; assignment due dates; and what seemed like never-ending research questions,” Buckler shared. “Everything was just so enriched by the love of Christ and the connection that we have as fellow believers.”
Roger Orozco’s amazing journey from poverty in Nicaragua to an MBA at Regent was featured in the November 2014 issue of Impact. The outstanding graduate representing the School of Business & Leadership used his brief platform at the Chancellor’s Luncheon to thank those who invest in the university and to assure them that they are changing people’s lives.
“When I applied to Regent, I knew that the university had the values I was looking for. The values that allow me to be a man of integrity, a man that would help others realize their God-given potential,” Orozco said. “Regent has equipped me to be a leader, and therefore, I must go into the world, train others, and make a lasting impact.”
You can play a crucial role in equipping Christian leaders, like these young men and women, with your tax-deductible gift to Regent University. Please consider becoming a World Changer Sponsor by calling 800.335.4409 or visiting regent.edu/worldchanger.
