To describe James Alexander Jr. as a self-motivated achiever doesn鈥檛 begin to scratch the surface of this remarkable young man who is enrolled in the dual-degree program offered by and . The J.D./M.Div. program allows a student to earn both the doctor of jurisprudence and master of divinity in five years.
鈥淚 used to preach at the coffee table when I was 2 years old,鈥� Alexander says. 鈥淲hen I was 7, I decided I wanted to be an attorney. I was around a lot of poverty growing up and just decided I didn鈥檛 want to live like that.鈥�
Alexander鈥檚 determination to achieve his goals was rewarded in the form of several university scholarships. He initially received scholarship support from both the divinity and law schools, and the awards and accolades have continued. He was named a and worked with the Children鈥檚 Defense Fund. His resulted in work with the U.S. attorney鈥檚 office. He is also a Harry Phillips American Inn of Court fellow, the ecumenical chair for the Methodist Student鈥檚 Association, and a chair in the .
鈥淭he generosity of others means more than words can express鈥攖he donations that have been given and the opportunities they鈥檝e opened up for me,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just a phenomenal thing that people are willing to give of themselves so that other people can have another opportunity.鈥�
Alexander is already giving back to express his gratitude. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to give back鈥擨鈥檓 happy to do it, and I will continue to do so,鈥� he says.
about how philanthropy helps 菠萝视频 educate, discover and lead.
鈥擭ICOLE SMITH