Regis College’s sixth annual Let It Shine Gala on October 27, 2021, raised nearly $700,000 for scholarships that will help provide greater access to higher education for deserving students.

More than 230 people attended the in-person event at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston, chaired by President of Congress Wealth Management and former Regis trustee Paul Lonergan and emceed by Boston radio personality and Regis parent Sue Brady Hartigan. Guests were required to be fully vaccinated to attend.

Regis honored trustee Thomas P. O’Neill III (pictured above) with the Shining Example Award for his dedication to public service, Catholic education, and the university. A former state legislator and lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, O’Neill’s work has long focused on the intersection of government, business, and nonprofit causes. He was instrumental in Regis’ successful $40 million Now We Fly comprehensive campaign, serving as one of the campaign’s co-chairs.

“I’m proud to be part of the family of Regis,” said O’Neill. “The Sisters of Saint Joseph created the mission, and it’s the very same mission today that it was back then. I’m proud to be part of the team and I’m proud to receive this honor.”

Since it was launched in 2016, Regis’ Let It Shine Gala has raised more than $4.5 million for student scholarships. “As a member of the Regis community for 35 years—and as president for more than 10 years—I have always known that an investment in Regis students is a strong investment in the future,” said President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN. “Our students graduate with a deep desire to serve others in a way that makes the world a better place for everyone.”

 

Meet the Student Scholars

As part of the dinner program, two Regis student scholars spoke to Let It Shine sponsors and guests about their journeys to and at Regis College—and the impact their scholarships have had on their ability to pursue their dreams. Read on to learn more.

 

ELLS MINE SAINT-PAUL
Class of 2023
Biomedical Engineering major

As an immigrant, I came to Regis because it offered me that sense of belonging and hope through the values and character that the school upholds. It was a place that saw me, and a place that I could strengthen the core of my personal norms and values.

Now in my junior year, I use my voice and confidence as a leader to advocate for myself. But I also advocate for and support other people of color and first-generation students through the peer mentoring program and my work at the Center for Inclusive Excellence and club e-boards.

I hope one day I will be able to make a difference in the world of science and help students achieve their goals just like you are doing for me. Because of you all, I am, and I thank you.

 

TIMOTHY O'BRIEN
Class of 2023
Neuroscience major

As a Presidential Catholic Schools Scholarship recipient, I’m fortunate to be part of a tight-knit community of scholars who are committed to helping those in need.

I currently work as a mental health specialist at McLean Hospital’s geriatric psychiatry unit, where I’ve gained experience providing excellent medical and psychiatric care to some of the most vulnerable populations.

All of my experiences have been guided by the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, caring for the dear neighbor without distinction.

 

 

To read the full speeches and watch videos, visit alumni.regiscollege.edu/gala21speeches.

 

 

THANK YOU TO OUR TOP SPONSORS

 

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Regis Board of Trustees

 

INSPIRED LEADERS

Regis Domitilla Society

Thomas and Shelly O’Neill

 

CHANGE MAKERS

Bank of America

Marshall-Glocker Family

Bill and Jane Mosakowski

Brian Young

 

To see all sponsors and to learn more about Let It Shine, visit alumni.regiscollege.edu/letitshine.

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