Gala 2024 Speeches

Check out our 2024 Gala speeches from our students! Click the name below of the speech you want to read:

Isha Baghat '25

2024 Let It Shine Student Speaker

Good evening, everyone! My name is Isha Bhagat, and I am a scholarship recipient studying nursing with a minor in women’s and gender studies. As I stand before you tonight, I feel an immense sense of pride––not only for what I’ve accomplished but for the journey that has brought me here.

My story is shaped by both the sacrifices of my family and the incredible opportunities that have come from being a part of the Regis community. My parents moved here from India, leaving behind everything they knew for a better future.

I’ve heard my dad’s stories about working at mcdonald’s to put himself through college and building businesses with the support of my mom, motivated by the intention of providing a life of opportunities for my sister and me. My parents are here tonight, and I am so proud to honor their sacrifices and hard work. Thank you, mom and dad.

From a young age, I was drawn to nursing. I was fascinated by the human body, but more than that, I loved the idea of creating personal connections with patients. Nursing is about more than just medicine; it's about compassion, and that’s what led me to choose it as my career.

My time at Regis has been transformative in ways I never anticipated. The exceptional nursing education and diverse clinical opportunities in the Boston area, including at Mass General Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center, have proven that Regis was the right school for me. I know I wouldn’t have experienced the same opportunities or support anywhere else. With its remarkable history of developing successful nurses, I knew I wanted to be part of that legacy.

I’ve been mentored by incredible professors and clinical instructors who have instilled a deep passion for nursing in me. Their guidance has shown me that uncertainty about my career path is okay; and what matters is my commitment to growth. This supportive environment has taught me that nursing is just one part of who I am, preparing me for a fulfilling life after graduation.

I am constantly inspired by my fellow nursing students, who share a deep commitment to transforming healthcare. Whether we're collaborating on projects to improve patient outcomes or discussing innovative ways to tackle healthcare disparities, their passion fuels my own. Together, we’re not just learning; we’re working toward a future where every patient receives compassionate, equitable care.

One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at Regis was participating in a service trip last spring to Jamaica at the Blessed Assurance Mustard Seed community. This is a home for children with disabilities, many of whom were abandoned by their families. This trip changed my life—teaching me more about myself and my role in the world than I ever could have imagined.

Before this experience, I had been wrestling with the idea of leaving my comfort zone. After realizing I was stuck in the comfort of routine, I decided to approach this experience with a mindset of embracing the unknown and seeking growth. At blessed assurance, I met residents who radiated joy despite their challenges. Through dancing, singing, and playing games, I witnessed the transformative power of connection, love, and grace. Their happiness wasn’t tied to material things or ideal circumstances—it came from a deep sense of community and appreciation for life, teaching me invaluable lessons about living fully—an extraordinary gift.

I also had the opportunity to meet monsignor Gregory, who founded mustard seed communities in 1978. He shared a message that left a lasting impression on me: “Some people have nothing and work toward everything. Others have everything and often do nothing with it.” This made me reflect on the privileges I’ve been given and the importance of using them to serve a greater purpose.

Mustard seed shows how great things can arise from adversity—imagine what we can achieve with all that we have.

This trip wasn’t just a service opportunity—it was a journey of self-discovery. I realized that I don’t want to remain comfortable.

I want to seek challenges that push my limits, not just as a nurse, but as a person. My aspiration is to become a nurse practitioner and work in underserved communities where I can make a meaningful impact, and I fully intend to return to the mustard seed apostolates one day.

Regis has given me more than an education. It helped me find my voice, my purpose, and my confidence. I have learned to connect with those around me and recognize my potential to positively impact my community. During my time at regis, i have been encouraged by my mentors to explore new activities and join various clubs, teaching me to trust and extend grace to myself.

I’ve discovered my ability to inspire others and am committed to continuing that path. Over the past few years, I’ve grown into someone proud of the diverse facets that make me whole, all thanks to the support of the Regis community.

Reflecting on my freshman self, I feel a deep sense of pride; I never could have imagined I’d be where I am today. None of this would have been possible had I not received the presidential catholic school scholarship, a four-year, full-tuition award, for which I am forever grateful. My experience at Regis has profoundly shaped who I am today.

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. And that is why I believe it is so important for other students like me to have the same opportunities to explore their passions at Regis.

So, to all of you here tonight, thank you so much for your support and generosity. Receiving this scholarship and studying at Regis has been a source of pride for my family and me. Easing their financial burden is a gift I cherish, and I’m proud to show them that their hard work has truly paid off.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and believed in me. Regis has given me so much, and I’m ready to give back to the world in ways I never dreamed possible. Thank you.

Princesa Gonzalez '26

Hello everyone, I’m Princesa Gonzalez, a proud recipient of the Puerto Rico Dear Neighbor scholarship at Regis College. This generous support has made my education in the United States possible, opening doors to opportunities I once only dreamed of.

From a young age, I’ve had a passion for helping others, which led me to Regis, where I found a community that shares my values of compassion and service.

My education in biology, along with a minor in lab operation management— one of only three such in-person programs in the nation—has equipped me with invaluable hands-on experiences, such as codesigning our new biosafety level 2 lab, which will allow us to research human cell lines.

Also, in our ovarian cancer lab we are dedicated to identifying a target that could detect ovarian cancer earlier—an innovation that has the potential to save countless lives. As I look forward to graduation, I am excited to use the skills and knowledge I've gained at Regis to make a positive impact in the world.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey—I couldn't have done it without you!

Aiden Charles '25

Good evening, my name is Aiden Charles, and I stand before you today with gratitude and pride.

This May, I’ll be the first black male to graduate from Regis with a degree in biomedical engineering, and I hope to inspire other black students to pursue careers in STEM and achieve their dreams here at Regis.

My journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from all of you. Your generosity has given my family and me a priceless gift—opportunity for a brighter future.

As a student-athlete balancing multiple extracurriculars, it hasn’t always been easy, but Regis has instilled in me the resilience to push through. With the guidance of my mentors, I’ve stayed focused on my future.

I am here to make a difference, accomplish my goals, and ultimately be the best person I can be. Thank you for believing in me.

Because of your support, I’m ready to make a difference!

Isabella Clark '26

My name is Isabella Clark, and I’m a proud member of the class of 2026, majoring in nursing with a minor in art. Thanks to my scholarship, I’m able to attend one of the best nursing schools in the nation—a dream that once felt out of reach. My time at Regis has transformed me. The connections I’ve made and the confidence my professors have instilled in me, both in the hospital and beyond, are invaluable. Regis has prepared me to care for patients with empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. I wouldn’t be here without your generosity.

Regis has given me incredible support and inspired me to step out of my comfort zone, showing me that true growth happens when I embrace challenges. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of the pioneering women who came before me.

Your belief in students like me empowers us to make a difference, and I’m honored to carry forward the Regis legacy.

Thank you!