Regent University Confers Nearly 2,300 Degrees to Class of 2025
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (May 10, 2025) – Today, nearly 2,300 Regent University students joined the ranks of the university’s 40,000 accomplished alumni after an eventful 2025 Commencement ceremony in the Library Plaza on the Virginia Beach campus.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
Cloaked in pomp and circumstance, students took their symbolic walk across Regent University’s scenic grounds and into the next chapter of their lives.
Regent University Commencement 2025: God’s Promise Realized
The Procession
The Hilton Brass provided a live and majestic soundtrack to formally usher in the Chancellor and the deans donned in their gowns, hoods, and mortarboards signifying bachelor’s or master’s, and tams denoting doctoral degrees.
Sprinkles of applause and cheers joined the instruments in the brass band to announce the arrival of the guests of honor—the graduates in the Class of 2025.
Nearly 2,300 graduates paraded into the venue in a coordinated fashion, providing the audience of family and friends with the picture-perfect moment they’d longed for.
The National Anthem, sung powerfully in woven harmony by a trio of Regent University students, called the event to order.
The Welcome
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3
A greeting from Chancellor Gordon Robertson inspired cheerful smiles and a few timely chuckles as he touched on the complex mix of emotion evoked by this level of achievement. He also mentioned to the audience that in the Class of 2025 sits a 17-year-old and an 82-year-old who have both completed their studies and have earned their chosen degree.
Dr. Claire Foster, Executive Vice President for Advancement & Enrollment, echoed his sentiments as she announced the Commencement Speaker and how her historic journey to excellence qualifies her as the person of choice for this audience—and this moment.
“Winsome Earle-Sears earned her M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership in 2003, was named the Regent University Alumna of the Year in 2022 and was selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Statesman Award from Regent University’s Robertson School of Government in 2023,” Dr. Foster lauded. “Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears brings a treasure of knowledge that is sure to inspire our Regent Class of 2025, and we are honored to have her join us today.”
The Commencement Address
The Honorable Winsome Earle-Sears, 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, stood before the students and their audience of support reminding them that she too lived this very experience as a member of the Regent University Class of 2003.
The university now celebrates this former Marine, Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education, and presidential appointee to the U.S. Census Bureau as a servant who took the charge of being a Christian Leader to Change the World as her Kingdom assignment. She then pointed out that greatness isn’t a choice. Instead, it’s an assigned duty that requires you to act.
“Victory! The battle has been won. Your battle has been won! My word for you today is ‘go!’ Moses asked God, ‘Please send someone else.’ I too have said that. But God said, ‘Go!’ So, he did. Many have done their part to get you here. Now, it is your turn to go. God is calling you to go. Go wherever He sends you. No excuses. Go. Remember who you are and whose you are. You have not come this far to only go this far. Go! Go and do even greater things! Your God is with you. Go!”
The Recognitions & Reflections
Enthusiastic applause erupted as the Honorable Earle-Sears concluded her speech which could be characterized as both a sweet embrace as well as the wisdom you gift to a contender just before he or she clinches the victory.
“My experience at Regent University has been truly enriching,” said Emma Grace Pratt, a 2025 M.S. graduate of the School of Psychology & Counseling. “From the supportive faculty to the diverse and engaged student body, I’ve had the opportunity to grow academically, socially, and spiritually like never before. I know I am equipped to make a powerful global impression and impact the world.”
Provost William L. Hathaway approached the mic to acknowledge the 2025 Outstanding Graduates.
Provost Hathaway educated the attendees on the undergraduate Latin honors of scholarly achievement: Cum laude, Magna cum laude, and Summa cum laude—which are identified by gold honor stoles and an additional tassel. He went on to mention that those wearing red, white, and blue honor cords and an additional tassel are military graduates. He also recognized the 2025 joint degree candidates who have completed a combination of two degrees.
Provost Hathaway made yet another introduction before taking his seat.
“And now please welcome to the stage, Suraj Paul, a graduate from the School of Divinity, for today’s Graduate Reflection.”
Suraj Paul approached the mic to greet the crowd and discuss the knowledge and growth attained on his journey to a Master of Divinity. Paul graciously thanked all of the faculty, staff, mentors, fellow students, family, and friends for willing the Class of 2025 to this achievement. Paul went on to inspire with these deeply insightful words.
“I’m confident that many of you would echo this sentiment. The mission and vision of Regent are evident in every aspect of its operation…The enduring legacy of our founder is powerfully reflected. God is doing something truly unique in and through Regent, and it is tangible…Whatever we find ourselves doing, and wherever we are on life’s journey, let us make it a habit to pause and examine our hearts. Let us ask ourselves the simple yet profound question: Why? And may our answer always be the same—ad gloriam Dei—for the glory of God.”
Paul’s bold closing prayer for his classmates was embraced by all in attendance.
“Lord, glorify Yourself today and every day at my expense! For Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, from this time and forever—Amen!”
Paul’s thoughts covered his classmates with an anointing that further equipped them for new chapters.
Dr. Hathaway thanked Paul for his dynamic words and transitioned to his presentation of the Chancellor’s Award, an achievement given annually to a faculty member for his or her extraordinary support of the Regent University mission.
“The 2025 recipient of the Chancellor’s Award is Dr. Fernando Garzon of the School of Psychology and Counseling in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.”
Dr. Hathaway shared a robust list of honors, accolades, and even the high marks recorded on Garzon’s student evaluations. He then concluded:
“Dr. Garzon’s invaluable contributions to Regent, his discipline, and to the Lord’s kingdom over these many years reflect his deep commitment to promoting leadership to change the world. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Fernando Garzon.”
Dr. Garzon humbly accepted the honor and the generous round of applause.
Next on the program was Regent Trustee Mr. Steve Best who provided greetings from the Board of Trustees and words of wisdom for the Class of 2025.
“Graduates, please accept my warmest congratulations as you celebrate this momentous achievement. Your degree is the fruit of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to a noble purpose…The Lord is now calling you to step into the next chapter—to be world-changers, Gospel-bearers, and faithful servants in every sphere of society.”
Best also had the privilege of presenting this year’s honorary degree to a most deserving recipient, Mr. Howard W. Long, the founder of the globally successful company Coronet Foods, faithful Trustee of Regent University, and lifelong friend of its founder, Dr. Pat Robertson.
“Mr. Long supported the founding of CBN, The 700 Club, and Regent University. He joined the first Founder’s Weekend and gave generously…He established the Howard Long Award for MBA students and donated Coronet’s original building to Regent…With deep appreciation and in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and generosity, the Regent University Board of Trustees bestows the Honorary Doctor of Science to Mr. Howard W. Long.”
The 90-year-old confidante of Dr. Pat Robertson and valued leader of Regent University’s Board of Trustees approached the mic and offered these insightful thoughts:
“I feel the love of Jesus and the peace of the Holy Spirit. I was called to support Pat Robertson and the vision that God gave him. He had unwavering focus. Even in the midst of opposition, he never strayed from the vision. In this short amount of time, Gordon (the Chancellor) has stepped in, and I know his father is proud. I want to thank our Lord God, the Chancellor, and the Board of Trustees for this honor. To the graduates, go out and change the world!”
The Message
“The hard work, dedication, and perseverance of you and your peers have brought you all to this milestone,” gushed the parents of Dikachi Opaigbeogu, who earned his B.S. in Business Administration. “We celebrate with joy and deep admiration the man that you have become and can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store!”
Chancellor Robertson approached the podium to issue some final words of guidance and a call to action for the future of the Class of 2025.
“I have one final charge to the Class of 2025. As you go forward in life you will find that life can come at you very hard. I want to tell you the secret to perseverance. David gave us the secret, and you will find it in Psalm 27. God said, ‘Seek my face.’ David answered, ‘Your face I will seek.’ Whether you are experiencing blessings or tragedy, please seek the face of God. You are the generation of Jacob. Actively seek God’s face and wrestle for His blessing and do not stop until you receive it. Wrestle until you see the face of God!”
The Conferring of Degrees
Chancellor Robertson looked out into the crowd of bright faces and announced that the members of the Class of 2025 who are in attendance have successfully completed their education and are now eligible to receive their degrees.
He welcomed each of the university’s deans to stand to offer an official award of these desired credentials.
One-by-one, each dean took to centerstage to call on their worthy scholars to stand together to be formally acknowledged and approved before their contemporaries.
Onlookers grabbed their phones and hurried to get as close as they could to grab a picture of their scholar and preserve this treasured moment in time.
And then the most significant part of the day’s ceremony finally arrived.
Chancellor Robertson stood at the mic and finally uttered the sweet words that all within the sound of his voice had been waiting to hear.
“Congratulations, graduates! You may now turn your tassels!”
The very second after the tassels were moved from the right side to the left, it happened!
The explosion of the prized confetti cannons sent green and blue confetti into the air that rained down on the graduates—creating a visual spectacle of excitement and blanketing the plaza in the university’s regal colors!
“This weekend of commissioning and commencement was a time to celebrate outwardly the personal, inward journey I’ve completed,” summarized Karen Waddell, 2025 graduate with an Ed.D. in Educational Technology and Online Learning. “To spend the time honoring my family and their sacrifices through the process, as well as celebrating with the classmates and faculty that helped me throughout my journey was truly the best culminating event I could have imagined.”
The Closing
In that moment, the scholars became graduates and each of them was entering a new season.
The Regent Song rang out as an exclamation point on the day and Chancellor Robertson marked the end of graduation with a benediction that expressed gratitude and called upon God’s divine direction to cover all of the paths represented.
Finally, the Class of 2025 aligned in an orderly fashion to exit the plaza to attend celebrations with loved ones.
To Regent University’s Class of 2025:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. – 3 John 2
The Epilogue
Scripture references God’s promises as treasured rewards gifted to all who surrender to Him. Yet, God’s relationship with each person is as distinctive as a fingerprint.
This journey to God’s promise can be characterized by unique periods of waiting, challenged faith, anguish, endurance, perseverance, and trust in His faithfulness and timing. As each pressed towards the mark, from 50 states and 19 countries, memories of that labor are honored and remembered.
But today, God’s masterful work is sure: “He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion.” (Phil. 1:6)
Because God is able—the Regent University Class of 2025 will triumph!
“As Professor David Velloney always says, ‘The hard is what makes it good.’ Law school is challenging, but it refines you in a way few things can,” said Danielle Wong, 2025 Graduate of Regent’s School of Law. “The Lord used law school to grow my leadership skills and trust in Him, and I believe I have come out of law school with a better understanding of who He is and who He has called me to be.”
Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with more than 13,000 students studying on its 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online around the world. 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 Accredited Online College in the United States (Study.com, 2020), the #1 Safest College Campus in Virginia (YourLocalSecurity, 2021), and the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for 13 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).
To support the Royals Rise capital campaign for campus expansion, visit www.regent.edu/royalsrise.
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