Prayer is a vital part of the Regent University community, and on Thursday, May 4, several Regent professors and alumni participated in a National Day of Prayer observance at City Hall in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Law (LAW) Patricia L. West was the coordinator for this annual event. Although West has participated in the ceremony previously, this year marked her first time in the role of coordinator, a position she looks forward to continuing in the future.
Other Regent-connected participants included Dr. Joseph Umidi, executive vice president for student life, who served as master of ceremony; Dean Michael Hernandez (LAW), who offered remarks and prayed for the education system; former Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell ’89 (LAW and GOV), who prayed for local, state and national leaders; and Bishop B. Courtney McBath ’98 (DIV), pastor of Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, who prayed for houses of worship.
“Regent contributes much to the Virginia Beach community, through our employees, alumni and students who live, work and volunteer here,” said West. “We believe in the power of prayer and it’s our privilege to join our friends in the community to support the National Day of Prayer observance.”
Also, Reverend Joel Palser, chaplain of the Christian Broadcasting Network, prayed for the media. Other elements of the service included reading of a Mayor’s proclamation, prayers for the military and business community, and musical performances featuring local school students and others.
By Mindy Hughes