Speeches

Speeches

Embracing Detours and Life’s Opportunities with Chad and Crystal Hirschi

Sept. 8, 2025 — On Sept. 5, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Chad and Crystal Hirschi, the owners and founders of Hirschi Companies, where they shared their story of creating the company, embracing detours in life, and jumping at opportunities.

Speeches

The Changing Power of the Lord in Your Life: A Welcome Back Forum with the Cordons

Sept. 3, 2025 — To kick-of the 30th year of Southern Virginia University, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on Aug. 29 for the annual Welcome Back forum with President Bonnie H. Cordon and Derek Cordon, who shared the importance of serving one another and trusting in the Lord during all times of life.

Speeches

Class of 2025 Encouraged to Continue Learning at the Annual Graduation Celebration

April 30, 2025 — As a precursor to Southern Virginia University’s upcoming Commencement ceremonies, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on April 25 for the annual graduation celebration–and last university forum of the academic year–to honor the Class of 2025, recognize senior awards, and hear from professors and a graduating senior.

Speeches

Launch Center Dedicated to Chairman of the Board Hugh and Cindy Redd at Annual Founder’s Day Forum

April 19, 2025 — On Apr. 18, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to celebrate the second annual Founder’s Day Forum and honor Chairman of the Board Hugh Redd and his wife, Cindy, for their nearly two decades of service and dedication to the university. 

Speeches

The Divine Unity of Faith and Freedom with Former Congressman Richard Swett and CEO Katrina Swett

April 8, 2025 — On April 4, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to listen to former congressman Richard Swett and CEO Katrina Lantos Swett speak on the importance of faith and the freedom to exercise it.

Speeches

Finding Fulfillment through Gratitude, Growth, and Giving with Entrepreneur Lloyd Roberts

March 19, 2025 — On Friday, March 14, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to listen to entrepreneur Lloyd Roberts speak on finding fulfillment through gratitude, growth, and giving.

Speeches

Leading Without Losing Yourself: Lessons from Reporting in Washington with McKay Coppins

March 7, 2025 — On March 7, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena for a University Honor’s forum to hear McKay Coppins, author and staff writer for The Atlantic, speak on upholding principles while pursuing personal ambitions.

Speeches

The Difference is in Christ with Tracy Browning of the Primary General Presidency

March 6, 2025 — On Feb. 28, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to listen to Sister Tracy Browning, counselor in the Primary General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, speak on creating a distinct life by centering the use of personal gifts on Jesus Christ.

Speeches

Finding a Testimony as a Skeptic with Judge Thomas Griffith

Feb. 26, 2025 — On Feb. 21, the Southern Virginia University community gathered for a devotional with Judge Thomas Griffith, former judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, as he spoke about how skepticism helped him develop his testimony of God and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Speeches

Finding Confidence in a Christ-Centered Identity with CEO Amy Antonelli

Feb. 20, 2025 — On Feb. 14, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear Amy Antonelli, CEO of Humanitarian HXP—an independent nonprofit that operates humanitarian expeditions for youth—speak on finding confidence in an identity developed in Christ. 

Speeches

Launching Into the Future: Celebrating the Launch Center’s Reopening

Feb. 7, 2025 — On Feb. 7, the campus community met in the Knight Arena to celebrate the official reopening of Southern Virginia University’s Launch Center, where professors Jared Covington and Ariel Clark Silver and the Launch Center director Tyler Orr shared personal stories, insight, and advice on finding one’s career. 

Speeches

Creating a Life of Abundance Through the Gospel with Kevin and Sydnee Calderwood

Feb. 6, 2025 — On Jan. 31, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear Kevin and Sydnee Calderwood, the recently released President and Relief Society President of the Provo Missionary Training Center, speak on how centering your life on Christ creates an abundant one.