Regent University Celebrates Second Annual Founder’s Day

March 26, 2026

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (March 26, 2026) — On Wednesday, March 25, Regent University gathered to honor the life and legacy of its founder, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, during the second annual Founder’s Day celebration.

Held at Shaw Chapel, the event brought together faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends to reflect on the university’s founding vision and reaffirm a shared commitment to its Christ-centered mission. William Hathaway, Ph.D., Provost of Regent University, opened the program with a warm welcome and prayer of reverence and gratitude for the university’s Spirit-led founder and his empowering vision.

Attendees watched a recording of Dr. Robertson delivering his first convocation address, in which he cast a God-given vision for a university built upon an unwavering commitment to excellence. His profound conviction for this vision served as a powerful reminder of the bold foundation of faith on which the university was built.

Panel Discussion

Following the video, Claire Foster, Ph.D., Regent’s Executive Vice President for Advancement & Enrollment, moderated a panel discussion about Dr. Robertson’s vision and legacy with other Regent University leadership members. Panelists included:

Gordon Robertson, J.D., Chancellor
Chris A. Mitchell Sr., Vice President and Chief of Police
Joseph Umidi, D.Min., Executive Vice President for Student Life

The panelists shared some of their most joyful memories with their beloved founder, reminiscing on the impact that Dr. Robertson and his wife, Dede Robertson, had on every ounce of life on the Regent campus. When asked about the feeling of hearing his father’s vision and seeing it come to life in the present, Gordon Robertson emphasized his father’s priority of keeping God at the center of every decision made at the university.

“The great thing about my father is that he was very bold,” Robertson said. “If God told him to do something, he would go out and do it.”

Mitchell, who led Pat Robertson’s Executive Protection Detail for many years, shared the character of the founder he came to know. The admiration he held for the founder was evident as he recalled the memories.

“Everything the Chancellor said was modeled before me. He was a very determined individual,” Mitchell shared. “He was such a man of great faith, humility, caring, and concern.”

Umidi, who, alongside his wife, shared a dear friendship with the Robertsons, spoke about the wonderful influence they had on him. He commended Dede Robertson’s commitment to prayer, recalling the many prayer meetings she facilitated over the years for the university.

“In front of the library, a lot of those bricks are stained with intercessory tears, soaked by the prayers and praise and the Word of God declared on this campus by those praying saints,” Umidi said. “Dede was not only behind the scenes leading that kind of foundational thing that has kept the fire of Regent University burning bright, but her heart for students is undeniable.”

Prayer Walk

As the panel discussion drew to a close, the Shaw Chapel chimes rang out 22 times, a moving tribute to Robertson’s birthday on March 22. Attendees then began a guided prayer walk, pausing at designated stops for reflection. Participants received prayer cards with suggested reflections, cultivating a spirit of prayerful remembrance on campus and in the Regent community.

In keeping with the spirit of Dr. Robertson’s vision, Founder’s Day serves as an opportunity for the university community to look forward. Alumni and friends are invited to honor the founder’s legacy by giving $22 per month in support of Regent’s mission: Christian Leadership to Change the World.

To give in honor of Dr. Robertson and support the mission of Regent University, visit regent.edu/give22.

About Regent University

Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with nearly 14,000 students studying on its 100-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online worldwide. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study, including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Regent University has been ranked the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for 14 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) and the #1 Best Christian College in America (Bible College Online, 2025).

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