How Your Generosity Changed the Lives of Three “Inspiring Graduates” From the Class of 2024
Regent University celebrates every graduate in the Class of 2024—and friends like you who helped make their journey possible. Thank you for empowering our students and Regent’s vital mission of equipping Christian leaders to change the world through your faithful gifts and prayers.
In an after-Commencement tradition, a group of newly minted alumni were recognized as “inspiring graduates” during the annual Chancellor’s Luncheon at the Founders Inn. Each of these new alums have overcome obstacles, thrived in their coursework, and showed great potential as servant-leaders ready to make an impact in their chosen field.
Hailey Todd, B.A. (CAS ’24)
…my scholarships made Regent a possibility. It allowed me to walk through open doors without fear because I had some assurance I could survive, financially, on the other side. So, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Having just received her bachelor of arts in government from the College of Arts and Sciences, Hailey Todd was the first to address Regent’s Chancellor, Gordon Robertson, members of the university’s Board of Trustees, several deans, VIPs and honored guests.
Hailey earned admission to Regent’s highly competitive Honors College in 2020, intending to pursue a career in law and politics. But during her time at Regent, she developed a love for Israel that changed her career path. She shared how the Lord has called her to serve on the frontlines in the battle to protect religious freedom for God’s Chosen People.
“In my gut, I feel like I have no choice but to stand with them. I can’t ignore the feeling in my stomach that I have to do something,” Hailey said. “When I think of all the things the Lord has done over the past four years, it feels like this beautiful mansion, where I walk through one door and enter a hallway with a million opportunities.”
She continued, “For those of you in this room who have so generously given your time, money, and prayers, you unlocked the first door for me. Everything that has come since is only because my scholarships made Regent a possibility. They allowed me to walk through open doors without fear because I had some assurance I could survive, financially, on the other side. So, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
LaShaun Daniels-Edney, Ph.D (SPC ’24)
I extend my deepest gratitude to the university donors. I am humbled by your sacrifice. Your generosity has opened doors, transformed lives, and created opportunities for students like me.
The next “Inspiring Graduate” speaker endured painful challenges on her road to becoming equipped as a Christian leader to change the world. Thankfully, those obstacles are behind LaShaun Daniels-Edney. After earning her Ph.D. from the School of Psychology and Counseling, she is celebrating the bright future that lies ahead of her.
LaShaun firmly believes that God has placed “a sacred calling” on her life and on the life of every Regent graduate. As a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on the advocacy and education of students with disabilities, she strives to shine the light of divine grace, healing, and hope in a darkened world. She spoke about how her Regent journey was marked by heartbreak and loss, including the death of her husband in a senseless act of violence.
“Despite these trials, I remained unmoved in my pursuit of this degree. In the face of unimaginable grief and despair, I found solace in my faith. I clung to the promise that God would never forsake me,” she explained. “In 2021, I heeded a divine call to attend Regent University—a decision that would change my life forever.”
As a widowed, single mother raising two sons, LaShaun said a part of her journey attending Regent was made possible through a scholarship, awarded for her dedication to advocacy and public service: “I extend my deepest gratitude to the university donors. I am humbled by your sacrifice. Your generosity has opened doors, transformed lives, and created opportunities for students like me. You enabled God’s work to flourish. May your kindness be multiplied sevenfold, and may you reap abundant blessings for your selfless contributions.”
Arjola Mullaj, B.S. (CAS ’24)
Your support is changing the world. I know because it definitely changed mine.
The final “2024 Inspiring Graduate” speaker arrived in the United States from Albania in 2019. Even before coming to America, Arjola Mullaj wanted to attend a Christian university. Yet, despite living only a few miles from campus, she didn’t even know Regent existed.
Ironically, a Muslim friend told her about an “incredible university” in Virginia Beach. Arjola applied, was accepted, and enrolled in Regent’s Honors College in 2020. Just minutes after the conferring of her bachelor
of science in business, Mullaj spoke about her transformative journey, which was made possible by Regent donors and friends.
“I want to thank every donor who has given and continues to give to support this university. Your donation, no matter its size, has touched lives here on campus and around the world,” she insisted. “It is incredible to see what God can do with the faith of a mustard seed and five loaves and two fish.”
Arjola added, “What an incredible joy it is to partner with the Lord to make disciples all over the world. Truly, my friends, your donation is ministry; it is evangelism. I could not be more grateful. Your support is changing the world. I know because it definitely changed mine.”
Our Job Is Not Yet Finished
These three women are among the university’s newest and most inspiring members of the Class of 2024. Your generosity opened the door for these and other graduates to say “Yes!” to God and answer His call to attend Regent University. Your faithful prayers and gifts are essential to this great work, but our job is not yet finished.
With your continued help and support, many more Regent students can become servant-leaders in media, education, business, ministry, government, law, health care, and other key areas of influence. By donating generously to our efforts, you are standing with us to equip Christian leaders who can change the world for God’s glory.
