Feature Story
Launch Center Dedicated to Chairman of the Board Hugh and Cindy Redd at Annual Founder’s Day Forum
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.
Highlighting Hugh’s leadership as chairman of the board during the past five years and trustee of the board for 12 years prior, VP of Strategy Christ Pendleton emphasized how Hugh wisely led the school during the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, and university presidential transitions.
In honor of Hugh and Cindy Redd’s charitable donations and emphasis on career outcomes for students, Pendleton announced that the university’s recently revitalized Launch Center had been named the Hugh and Cindy Redd Launch Center.
“Going forward, the Redd’s name will be associated with all of us as we land jobs, pursue graduate degrees, and find success in our lives and careers,” said Pendleton. “And I can’t think of a more fitting tribute.”
“Hugh and Cindy’s name now stands on this Launch Center, not because he sought recognition, but because he quietly helped to build a legacy that will launch dreams for generations,” said President Bonnie H. Cordon. “When we walk through the doors of the Hugh and Cindy Redd Launch Center, remember what these names represent: courage, kindness, faith, hard work, and the quiet discipleship of Jesus Christ that will change the world.”
Hugh expressed his gratitude for the university and the students, faculty, and administration who have helped it grow over the years and spoke on the divine inspiration many feel when they are drawn to it.
“When Elder Rasband was on campus almost 10 years ago, he got a group of students together and asked them why they were here. And across the board, people said, ‘I just felt led here,’” said Hugh. “For most of us, the stories are a little different, but the underlying theme is that God led us here. And the reason we do what we do is because we feel God’s love here.”
Cindy Redd shared that what initially attracted her to Hugh was that he worked hard, loved the Lord, and made her feel special. She explained that those qualities have helped him serve the university through the years.
“He works hard, and he has stick-to-it-ness, meaning he sticks to things until he’s finished,” said Cindy. “He loves the Lord…and he loves people. That is what makes him successful: he wants all of you to feel the success of the university by being successful yourselves.”
One of the two winners of the Founder’s Day annual student essay contest, Heidi Barton (‘25), spoke on the example of her teachers, peers, and track coach, who taught her to use her education to uplift and serve others rather than simply focus on what she could earn out of college.
“This university has prepared me for a life of service, a life that’s not just about what I know but how I can use that to lift and help others,” said Barton. “It taught me that happiness doesn’t come from checking all the boxes or staying busy. It comes from lifting others, loving genuinely, and living like Christ. It taught me that when I focus on the one, I find joy, peace, and purpose.”
The university featured a musical number by the Concert Chorale of “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” directed by Mackenzie Romriell and accompanied by Jonathan Clawson. It ended with the traditional singing of “Love One Another.”
