Speeches

Speeches

Students Testify on Being Faithful, Honest, and Kind at University Forum

Feb. 13, 2024 — On Feb. 9, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear Student Body President Benjamin Whitted and students Addy Thorpe, Peyton Merwin, and Emmaline Merrill speak on the university’s Code of Conduct and what it means to be faithful, honest, and kind as individuals and as members of the community.

Speeches

Understanding and Overcoming Political Polarization with Constitutional Expert Dr. Verlan Lewis

Jan. 31, 2024 — On Jan. 26, the Southern Virginia University community gathered to hear Dr. Verlan Lewis, Stirling Professor of Constitutional Studies and associate professor of political science at Utah Valley University, speak on his recent co-authored book, “The Myth of Left and Right,” and how to be peacemakers in a polarized political nation.

Speeches

Keeping the Lord in Your Sights; A Welcome Back Forum with the Cordons

Jan. 17, 2024 — To kick-off the new semester, the Southern Virginia University community gathered on Jan. 12 for a welcome back forum with President Bonnie H. Cordon and Derek Cordon. Together, the Cordon’s spoke on the importance of keeping a narrow focus on the prophets and the Lord, having intentional prayer, and finding ways to serve others.

Speeches

Celebrating the Holiday Season in Song

Dec. 5, 2023 — To celebrate the holiday season, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on Dec. 1 for the annual Christmas musical forum. There, Accolade, Chamber Singers, and the Camerata Orchestra performed Christmas carols and holiday classics for the last University-wide gathering of the fall semester.

Speeches

The Healing and Unifying Power of Art with Artists Esther Hi’ilani Candari and Barbara Crawford

Nov. 15, 2023 — On Nov. 10, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear artists Esther Hi’ilani Candari and Professor of Art Barbara Crawford speak on their combined decades of artistic works and experiences and art’s healing and uniting power throughout life.

Speeches

Finding and Maintaining Happiness In Life with Alumni Scott (‘01) and Rachel (‘05) McKeon

Nov. 1, 2023 — On Oct. 27, the campus community and visiting alumni gathered in the Knight Arena to kick off the annual Homecoming Weekend and hear from alumni Scott (‘01) and Rachel (‘05) McKeon as they shared stories of their time as students and principles to find happiness throughout life.

Speeches

Understanding the History of Race and the Priesthood in Latter-day Saint Tradition with Historian Dr. W. Paul Reeve

Oct. 18, 2023 — On Oct. 13, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear Dr. W. Paul Reeve, Simmons Chair of Mormon Studies at the University of Utah, share his research and insights on the history of race and the priesthood during the early years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Speeches

Former Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon Testifies of the Blessings of Walking with the Lord

Oct. 3, 2023 — On Sept. 29, the university community gathered for a devotional to learn from Bonnie H. Cordon—former young women general president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—as she shared her testimony of the blessings of walking with the Lord and trusting His guidance.

Speeches

Acting President Eric Denna and Lyn Denna on the Blessings of Making Learning a Priority

Sept. 22, 2023 — On Sept. 22, the Southern Virginia University community gathered to hear Acting President Eric Denna and Lyn Denna speak on the blessings of pursuing learning and growth continuously.

Speeches

Letting God Prevail: Executive Editor of Church News Sarah Jane Weaver’s Personal Witness

Sept. 11, 2023 — On Sept. 8, the Southern Virginia University community gathered for a devotional to hear from Sarah Jane Weaver, the executive editor of the Church News for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as she spoke on the miracles of letting God prevail in our lives.

Speeches

Church Historian Richard Turley Jr.: “The Power is Not in the Object, But in God”

April 24, 2023 — On April 21, the campus community gathered to hear from Church historian Richard Turley Jr., the managing director of the Public Affairs Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as he spoke on God’s use of physical objects to help build and focus our faith in Him.

Speeches

Glade and Kathleen Knight: The Inspired Beginning of Southern Virginia University

April 18, 2023 — On April 14, the campus community gathered to hear from University Co-founders Glade and Kathleen Knight as they shared memories of Southern Virginia University’s early days, its rapid growth, and their excitement for the future.