Regis College held its ninth annual Let It Shine Gala on October 30, at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston, raising more than $650,000 for scholarships that increase access to higher education opportunities for students of all backgrounds. More than 225 attended the event to celebrate the university’s transformative impact on students’ lives and honor the incredible achievements of Ophelia Dahl, Co-Founder of Partners In Health, with the Shining Example Award.
The evening’s emcee was honorary Regis College degree recipient and 7News anchor, Amaka Ubaka.
“I have seen firsthand Regis’ commitment to making higher education more accessible to students from all backgrounds—from first-generation students to veterans and their families, to children of immigrants and so many more,” said Ubaka. “Regis challenges and inspires its students—empowering them to make a difference in the world, and it is this collective spirit that has earned Regis a special place in the hearts of its supporters—myself included.”
University President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN, presented the 2024 Shining Example Award to Ophelia Dahl, honoring her lifelong dedication to health equity and social justice, which has delivered essential healthcare to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Dahl’s work with Partners In Health embodies the university’s values, driven by a relentless commitment to social advocacy and equitable healthcare.
“Ms. Dahl’s leadership has not only impacted global health but has also strengthened our work at Regis, particularly through the Regis in Haiti Program, launched in partnership with Partners In Health in 2007,” said Hays. “This initiative has improved healthcare and nursing education in Haiti, resulting in over 2,000 Haitian nurses earning bachelor’s degrees through the Ministry of Health and the University of Haiti.”
During the Gala, Regis students were celebrated as the true stars of the evening, including student speaker Isha Bhagat ’25, a Presidential Catholic Scholarship recipient majoring in nursing with a minor in women’s and gender studies.
"Regis has given me more than an education; it helped me find my voice, my purpose, and my confidence," said Bhagat. "The growth I’ve achieved, the connections I have formed, and the lessons I have learned are all a testament to the supportive Regis community. I look forward to becoming a nurse practitioner and work in underserved communities where I can make a meaningful impact."
Throughout the evening, donors, alumni, and friends of Regis were inspired by stories of students' journeys and achievements, each showcasing the university's commitment to creating positive change through accessible and impactful education.
“Regis isn’t just a university; it is a beacon of hope, igniting the flames of ambition within each student, and instilling lifelong values that compel them to better themselves and our world,” said President Hays. “Our mission to positively impact the world is not just words—it is our calling.”
Since it was launched in 2016, Regis’ Let It Shine Gala has raised nearly $6.5 million for student scholarships.
“Your support tonight is not just an investment in a university; it’s an investment in the future of healthcare, education, and transformational leadership,” said Hays. “Together, we are paving the way for a more compassionate, hopeful future.”
The Let It Shine Gala was attended by several notable individuals including Jim Ansara, Co-founder and Managing Director, Build Health International; Amy Bracken, Communications Officer at W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Jocelyn Bresnahan, President and CEO at Saint Rock Haiti Foundation; Stephen Brooks, VP Workforce Development & Talent Management at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center; Alix Cantave, Senior Program Officer at W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Jane Carroll, VP, Global Commercial and Medical Operations at Moderna; Allison Cartwright, Attorney-in-charge at CPCS Roxbury Defenders; Kevin Conroy, Partner at Foley Hoag LLP; Bill and Joyce Cummings, Co-founders of Cummings Foundation; Michael Eisenson, Managing Director and Co-Chairman at Charlesbank Capital Partners; Cara Grimard, Director of Nursing, Women's & Children's Services at Emerson Hospital; Vinicius Gorgati, Architect and Principal at Sasaki; John Gray, President and CEO of Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA); Kelly Harmon, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Emerson Hospital; Courtney Horvath, 2022 Shining Example Award Recipient and Head of Global Strategy at Novartis; Al Kaneb, Board of Directors at Partners In Health; Ellen Kearns, Partner at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP; Eva Kenneally, Head of Strategy and Operations at Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals; Barry Kitch, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Emerson Hospital; Mark Mahnfeldt, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Emerson Hospital; Joia Mukherjee, Chief Medical Officer at Partners in Health, Glenn Morris, Founder and Chairman of Morris Architects; Lynn Stofer, President of Mass General Brigham Community Physicians; Lisa Thompson, Partner at Axiom Consulting; Jim Walsh, President, Campaign for Catholic Schools; Charlotte Wagner, Founder and CEO at Wagner Foundation; Loune Viaud, Executive Director of Zanmi Lasante, Partners in Health's sister organization in Haiti; Jim Walsh, President of Campaign for Catholic Schools, and others.