The annual Christmas Tree Lighting last week was spectacular. Student clubs hosted activities and treats for students afterwards, while faculty, staff, and Trustees gathered in the Foyer for a lovely evening of companionship. Thanks to all who had a hand in making the event wonderful! Here is a video recap in case you missed it.
Student News and Achievements
I'm so proud of our student leaders and advocates! Here are some examples of recent student accomplishments.
Andre Rodriguez '25, public health major and political science minor, is serving as an environmental justice intern with Climate Action Now, contributing to a statewide project to expand protection for wildlands in the Commonwealth. In this role, Andre translates official complex documents focusing on environmental issues about the campaign into layman’s terms to appeal to a greater audience. What a great experience!
Katherine Trach '26, elementary education and humanities major, attended the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Conference at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston which focused on K-12 social studies and civics education.
Katherine also founded a new student organization this semester, the Women Empowerment Club, which focuses on the empowering women through social and educational resources and events.
Another new student organization, the Mock Trial-Moot Court Club founded by Paige Ritchie '26, gives students the opportunity to enact court cases, and teaches students' critical thinking skills, public speaking, and advocacy.
Faculty and Staff News and Achievements
Faculty from the School of Health Sciences hosted a luncheon for Novartis Fellows this week. The program will culminate in a certificate in clinical research management for the fellows.
Edward Hunt, assistant professor of political science, has written an article about U.S. planning for the compact states that has been published by Limes, an Italian magazine of geopolitics. The article, available in Italian, is titled "L'impero americano passa per l'Oceania."
Last week, Criminal Justice Program Director Kelly-Anne Doherty and faculty Phillip Terenzi hosted an all-female, women of color law enforcement panel at Regis. Boston Police’s Chief of the Bureau of Field Service Lanita Cullinane and Deputy Superintendent Nicole Grant, along with Detective Samantha Jones, Springfield Police, and Jenny Valdez, MSW & former Boston Crisis Team Senior Project Manager, shared details about their professional career paths and the rewards derived from protecting and supporting their local communities. We thank these dedicated women for their service, for sharing their stories, and for their willingness to provide our Regis criminal justice students with mentoring and internship opportunities.
On December 7, the Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations and the Regis Children's Center hosted a festive Brunch with Santa event. Over 100 attendees, including alumni and families from the Children's Center, joined in the holiday cheer with fun activities like cookie decorating, arts and crafts, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus (thanks to Leslie Bishop and Brian Lane). The event was a heartwarming celebration of the season, bringing together the Regis community in joyful holiday spirit!
Also last weekend the Regis Glee Singers and Community Chorus joined together to perform the annual Christmas concert of angelic music. The first piece on the program was the beloved Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi. Accompanying the choirs on this piece were several local musicians, including some talented high school students. The other pieces featured both choirs, handbells, and Regis music minor Anna Miles who conducted as well as sang. The concert ended with Regis' traditional performance of Silent Night by candlelight.
At Christmas, we pause to reflect on the past year and our many blessings, especially our faculty, staff, and students. An enduring tradition at Regis is forming students’ character and building their confidence as we prepare them for careers and lives of meaning. This could not be possible without our dedicated faculty and staff. I wish you holidays of joy, peace and love, and a happy new year.