Regent Theatre Renamed in Honor of Dede Robertson
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (October 25, 2019) — Regent University held a special dedication ceremony for the school’s theatre renamed in honor of Dede Robertson, wife of Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, Regent’s founder, chancellor and CEO.
The dedication ceremony was held in the Communications Building lobby that Mrs. Robertson personally decorated. The stunning 700+ seat theatre has been the centerpiece of Regent’s Communication & Performing Arts Center since the 135,000-square-foot facility opened in 2002.
As she arrived, Robertson was encircled by her extended family and friends while Regent University Singers performed Blessed Assurance.
Ann LeBlanc, the youngest of the Robertson children and vice president of Regent University’s Office of Alumni Relations & Events, welcomed attendees including members of the Robertson family, Regent’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees Philip Walker; former Virginia governor and Regent alumnus, the Honorable Bob McDonnell; and the Honorable Judge Richard Bray. Other cherished guests included members of Dede’s Garden & Bible Study groups, as well as board members and faculty.
Walker shared a personal tribute on behalf of the board of trustees: “Dede Robertson began her board service to Regent in 1977 and was part of the first board’s regents — CBN University. She’s been a faithful board member all these years until she resigned this past spring. During her tenure on the board, Dede served on various committees: Building & Grounds, Public Relations & Development, School of Communication & the Arts, and College of Arts & Sciences.” Adding, “Her Williamsburg-style interior design can be seen all over campus. … She’s done a marvelous job.”
The Robertson’s youngest son, Gordon Robertson, chief executive officer of the Christian Broadcasting Network and president of Operation Blessing International, shared the legacy his mother handed down to him and his family. He praised her faithfulness as a wife, mother and board member; and how this dedication is a very special way of honoring her. “When you walk in and see all the decorations … all of that is my mother’s touch.”
Dr. Robertson added touching remarks about his devoted bride, followed by a prayer of dedication: “Thank you, Lord, for my wife Dede and the many gifts you’ve given her. As we dedicate this magnificent theatre in her honor today, we ask for a special blessing on this beautiful, loving and talented woman of God. Father, from this day forward, we pray that the Dede Robertson Theatre brings joy to all who enter here and even greater glory to your name. We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen!”
Then Dr. Robertson gave a cue for the unveiling of the dedication plaque and new box office signage: “And now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for, I present to you, The Dede Robertson Theatre!”
Help us honor Mrs. Robertson and continue her legacy of elegance and beauty with a special gift to the Regent Fund. Make a gift in her honor, and leave a special message for her today at regent.edu/legacyofbeauty.
ABOUT REGENT UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1977, Regent University has nearly 11,000 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 from a Christian perspective in 135+ program areas including business, communication and the arts, divinity, education, government, healthcare and nursing, law, leadership, and psychology. Currently, Regent University is ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report and is one of only 23 universities nationally to receive an “A” rating for its comprehensive liberal arts core curriculum.