Inaugural Founder’s Day Celebration Honors the Legacy of Dr. Pat Robertson & His Vision for Regent University
Regent University has introduced a new tradition: Founder’s Day. The inaugural event occurred on March 21, 2025, at Shaw Chapel. This celebration honors the remarkable legacy of Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson and his vision to establish an institution that would train Christian leaders to change the world. Future Founder’s Day celebrations will be held on or around March 22 each year, a date of special significance as it marks Robertson’s birthday.
The Founder’s Day event brought together faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends to reflect on the university’s history and reinforce a shared commitment to its mission. Steve Bruce, executive vice president for Finance & Administration at Regent, welcomed attendees and opened the program with a prayer of remembrance for the university’s unwavering founder and wisdom to carry his vision forward.
To help showcase Robertson’s legacy, attendees watched a video of Robertson giving his first convocation address. With profound clarity, he communicated his God-sized dream that established the university’s purpose while decreeing the highest standards of excellence and innovation.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Following the video, Dr. Claire Foster, executive vice president for Advancement & Enrollment at Regent, moderated a panel discussion about the founder’s vision and legacy with other Regent Leadership members. Panelists included:
- Gordon Robertson, Chancellor
- Chris A. Mitchell Sr., Vice President and Chief of Police
- Joseph Umidi, Executive Vice President for Student Life
The discussion was lively and joyful as the panel shared stories that many had never heard. One memorable tale involved Dr. Robertson and his wife, Dede, who walked the campus grounds before any buildings were constructed and marked the trees they wanted to preserve.
Another story highlighted how Regent’s founder came up with the idea to build a Christian university: In 1975, “over prayer and a simple lunch of cantaloupe and cottage cheese,” Robertson received a profound mandate from God to “buy some land and build a school for His glory.”
Gordon Robertson was asked about some of his father’s habits he put into practice in his walk with God, sharing, “My dad prayed for three things: wisdom, favor, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He began every morning with prayer. He and my mom devoted themselves to prayer and studying the Word of God.”
Chief Mitchell, who spent considerable time with Dr. Robertson, was asked about the founder’s character in real life. Pausing in a moment of emotion, the chief replied with great reverence: “He was kind. He was humble. He was sincere. … He was a man of hope, and his perspective never wavered.”
Dr. Umidi responded to a question about developing students to become world-changers for Christ and what he wants students to remember about Regent’s founder. He said, “Dr. Robertson was a man of deep abiding faith. He became a world-changer because of his relationship with the Lord. Regent students are called to change the world by first having a relationship with God.” Adding, “Spiritual development is the fuel.”
BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE, PRAYER WALK & RECEPTION
Upon concluding the panel discussion, the chapel steeple chimes rang 22 times in a heartfelt birthday tribute to Robertson. Attendees then embarked on a guided prayer walk, pausing at meaningful stops on campus for reflection, highlighting key verses and prayer points.
Afterward, a reception was held on the chapel steps, which included cantaloupe and cottage cheese to celebrate the lunch, which has become a cherished tradition in Regent’s history.
SATURDAY’S CELEBRATION: FOUNDER’S FUN RUN
The celebration continued with the Founder’s Fun Run on Saturday, March 22. The inspiring 5K raised money to help support the construction of Regent’s 31-acre expansion, which includes a state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facility that will support the health and well-being of all students, Royals athletes, and the entire Regent community.
Please help us create a brighter future for Regent by donating to the Athletic & Fitness Center building fund. You can make your best gift at regent.edu/royalsrise.