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| Dr. M.G. "Pat" Robertson presents award to Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (Photo: Patrick Wright) |
Announcement of the award was made during this past weekend's commencement ceremony. The governor received the award during a campus visit April 13 when he spoke at Regent's Executive Leadership Series.
"After being out of Regent for 21 years and using my training to serve others, I'm flattered to be honored with this award," McDonnell said.
"Bob's dedication to serving the citizens of Virginia has been evident for years, and his election as governor is an outstanding example of Regent's motto of Christian Leadership to Change the World," said Regent Founder, Chancellor and President Dr. M.G. "Pat" Robertson, who presented the award to McDonnell. "We're proud of all that Bob has accomplished and delighted to bestow this honor upon him."
McDonnell was inaugurated as the Commonwealth's 71st governor in January, making history for Regent as the school's first graduate to begin service in the highest office of any state. In the November election, McDonnell won by 19 percentage points, receiving more votes than any other gubernatorial candidate in Virginia's history.
"Bob McDonnell, like so many Regent University grads, has had an immediate, positive impact on his community, and he will surely serve as a role model for our students well into the future," said Regent President-elect Dr. Carlos Campo.
Born in 1954, McDonnell was raised in northern Virginia. He attended the University of Notre Dame on an ROTC scholarship and continued serving on active duty and in the Reserves, retiring in 1997.
Besides two decades as an Army officer, McDonnell's professional experience includes four years as a manager with American Hospital Supply Corp., and two years prosecuting crime in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's office.
McDonnell began his political career in 1991 running for the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years representing the 84th District in Virginia Beach. He was elected attorney general in 2005.
The Alumnus of the Year award was established in 2004 by Regent's Office of Alumni Relations to recognize individuals who have gained unique distinction through their accomplishments and have brought positive change to the world through Christian leadership.