Learn how your generosity empowered four Regent University “Inspiring Graduates” to step boldly into their God-ordained calling.
Shortly after Commencement, the atmosphere of celebration and thanksgiving carried over to the Chancellor’s Luncheon inside Founders Inn. The transformative work of God and the impact of your support were on full display through the lives of four “2025 Inspiring Graduates.” Alexis Kelly, Jonathen Loxley, Danielle Wong, and Suraj Paul are living testimonies to faith, perseverance, and the power of Christian education.
Their words, delivered to Regent leadership, faculty, donors, and distinguished guests, echoed the heartbeat of the university’s mission: Christian Leadership to Change the World.
Alexis Kelly (SOE, ’25)
Generosity from friends like you made it possible for me to attend school…”
Alexis Kelly, a single mother of four, full-time teacher, and children’s-book author, graduated with her Master’s of Education through the university’s Career Switcher Program. Her journey was anything but easy.
“After my divorce a few years ago, I lived in an uncomfortable place,” she recalled. “As a stay-at-home mom with four children amid COVID-19, working only part-time, I needed to figure out what my next steps were. With God by my side, I knew I would conquer my next chapter.”
A former Crisis Response Victim Advocate, Alexis found her true calling in teaching. “The Career Switcher program at Regent won me over. The fact that it was one of the only Master’s programs of its kind in Virginia was a plus.”
She continued, “Terrified, but feeling the Holy Spirit’s nudge, I leapt into the program and never looked back.”
Then came a life-changing diagnosis: Aortic Valve Regurgitation. “Worrying about how I would get through school with hospital visits and medical bills added a bit of stress, but God provided through Regent in many ways,” Alexis told the luncheon crowd. “
One semester, I wasn’t sure where I would get the funds to continue my Regent education. I got an email acknowledging my good standing and offering me a donor-funded scholarship. Generosity from friends like you made it possible for me to attend school that semester.”
Jonathen Loxley (CAS, ’25)
God has called me to make an eternal impact in the lives of others.”
Jonathen Loxley stepped to the luncheon podium next, having earned his bachelor’s degree from Regent University’s College of Arts & Sciences. Jonathen carried with him a legacy dating back to before the American Revolution. One of his ancestors even served under George Washington.
“Per Aspera ad Astra is Latin for ‘From adversity to the stars,’” he began. “I am not a Loxley by blood. I was adopted by the last Loxley man, my grandfather Sidney, and his wife Carol Loxley, my maternal grandmother, who sits here today. I am the last surviving Loxley able to pass on our family name.”
Sadly, Jonathen’s grandfather passed in 2009. “It was just my grandmother and me against the world,” he shared. “We fell on hard times financially. We wandered—moving from place to place, like sojourners without roots.”
Thankfully, they would find their way through hardship, and Jonathen arrived on campus from nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, in 2021. As a first-generation college student, he had no idea what to expect: “It’s hard to believe now, but I nearly dropped out before the start of my first semester at Regent because of how alien and strange this ‘college thing’ was. But, as always, the Lord had His call on my life.” Through God’s faithfulness and the support of Regent donors, Jonathen has been able to look toward his future with hope, purpose, and confidence. “By all accounts, I should not be standing here before you today,” he explained.
“Through the faithful prayers and generous support from friends like you, God has called me to make an eternal impact in the lives of others. … Per Aspera ad Astra. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Danielle Wong (LAW ’25)
I want to continue (my great-great grandmother’s) legacy, give survivors a voice, and help them find their future.”
Regent Law graduate Danielle Wong’s speech traced a legacy born of suffering and redemption. “My law school journey began when I was about ten years old—after I heard the word ‘trafficking’ for the first time.”
Her great-great-grandmother had been trafficked from China in the early 1900s before being rescued by missionaries, moving to Minnesota, and becoming the first Chinese woman in the state. “She spent the rest of her life helping Chinese immigrants by teaching them English and helping them find community.”
That story shaped Danielle’s life and purpose: “The Lord began to plant a seed in my life … a seed that I needed to help trafficking survivors in a similar manner as the missionaries who helped my great-great grandma. But I didn’t quite know what that would look like as a career.”
During the COVID pandemic, Danielle felt led to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT): “I didn’t know how that connected with helping trafficking survivors at the time, but I listened to the Lord and I obeyed. I took the LSAT and did well.”
After more prayer and seeking the Lord about her next steps, Danielle applied to Regent University School of Law. “I knew I wanted to go to a law school that taught law from a strong, Christian foundation,” she recalled. “I didn’t even have a chance to apply to any other law schools. About a week after I sent in my application, the Associate Dean at Regent Law, Ernie Walton, gave me a call. He said, ‘Your application has been accepted, and the school is providing a full scholarship.’”
Though terrified of public speaking AND litigation, Danielle said the Lord made it “abundantly clear” that He wanted her to attend law school and provided a way to do it. At Regent Law, she worked for the university’s Center for Global Justice to fight human trafficking, served on Regent Law’s Moot Court Board, and interned with the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
Through that internship, God revealed his purpose for Danielle’s life: “The Lord made it so abundantly clear that this is what I was called to do—that I was called to help survivors through civil litigation.”
In closing, she added, “I am deeply honored and humbled that I got to attend Regent University School of Law. Thank you to those of you who helped make it possible for me to attend.”
Suraj Paul (DIV, ’25)
The increase of God’s glory is His ultimate goal and humankind’s ultimate purpose.”
Suraj Paul, a Master of Divinity graduate who plans to use his education to serve the Lord in his home country of India, attended the luncheon after speaking earlier on the main platform at Commencement. He delivered a “Graduate Reflection” that earned, not just one, but two standing ovations.
“My journey to Regent was marked by clear direction from the Lord and a series of miracles too numerous to recount here. From the moment I began my studies, God began a transformative work in me.” Suraj insisted. “At Regent, we don’t just learn about the renewing work of the Holy Spirit; we experience it both on campus and online.”
As he continued, Suraj’s words began resonating deeply with his fellow graduates and others gathered at the Library Plaza: “God is doing something unique, truly unique, in and through Regent, and it is tangible—all glory to God. …Why does Regent exist? Our founder (Dr. M.G. ‘Pat’ Robertson) dedicated this university for the glory of God. Why do you and I exist?”
“The scriptures describe how God does everything for the sake of His glory. He created humankind for His glory,” he added. “The increase of God’s glory is His ultimate goal and humankind’s ultimate purpose.”
Suraj ended his moving and inspiring “reflections” with a powerful prayer that perfectly captured the sacred moment: “Lord, glorify Yourself at our expense. Here we are. Oh, God. All this is for Your glory, and I pray that everything we do, we will give You glory and we will point the world to the Father.”
For the Glory of God—Because of You!
These four graduates—Alexis, Jonathen, Danielle, and Suraj—represent the living fruit of your generosity. Because of your ministry through giving, each of them stand tall, testify boldly, and are walking into a God-ordained future equipped and empowered to do His work.
Your giving makes it possible for Regent students to fulfill their calling with hope and purpose. Thank you for your faithful prayers and your unwavering commitment to investing in world changers for Christ. The impact of your support will echo into eternity.
