THE IMPACT OF GIVING
Celebrating 20 YEARS of the Girls Division
OUR MISSION
Regis Jesuit High School
—a Catholic educational community— engages the gifts of young men and women in a single-sex environment, fosters faith in Jesus Christ and promotes justice and mercy, develops critical minds and nurtures compassionate hearts to serve others –all for the greater glory of God.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
AT THE DOORWAY OF POSSIBILITY
The 2023-24 school year was one of great celebration as we marked the 20th anniversary of the Girls Division, the opening of our new Science & Innovation Center, the completion of our new tennis facility and new hands-on learning opportunities for our students thanks to your support of the Inspire & Ignite 2025 campaign and its ongoing progress.
If you will indulge me for a moment, one of the things that I am most proud of in my professional career is that I was on the team that brought the vision for the Girls Division to life. Almost 25 years ago, Regis Jesuit's president, Fr. Walter Sidney, SJ, hired me to lead the school’s fundraising operation. At that time, I had no idea that establishing the Girls Division was the project I would be working on.
Our commitment to expand the mission to include young women was one of the most courageous and faithful moments in our school’s history, and we are absolutely a better Regis Jesuit as a result. Despite the unknown on the other side of the threshold, the decision was anchored in values such as responsibility, service and justice. It was also anchored by faith in the opportunity this expansion would provide to girls in metro Denver. With our commencement ceremonies last spring, we have now graduated and proudly sent more than 3000 alumnae who are formed as women with and for others into the world.
Our Catholic, Jesuit tradition encourages us to approach each new threshold as a doorway to possibility and perhaps a deeper fulfillment of our mission. The opening of the Science & Innovation Center indeed represents a new
threshold, and thanks to the support of our community, we are building on our foundations of active and interactive learning and going deeper. We are creating new opportunities for our students to develop the problem-solving skills needed to address challenges to humanity and the natural world and to use their imaginations to formulate solutions. Today, our students, including more students than ever who would not be able to attend without financial aid, are practicing design-thinking and iterative experimentation in multiple disciplines, preparing to be leaders for the world of tomorrow.
When we draw upon the deep well of our Ignatian tradition as we approach a doorway, we are invited to allow our consciousness to be awakened and to imagine something else–not at all to contradict the journey we have made to this point, but to respond to how we may best prepare our students for the signs of our times. This spirit remains alive and well at Regis Jesuit! I hope you enjoy the stories inside that describe how our alumni, parents, grandparents and other mission champions have modeled commitment and generosity. And I thank you for helping us continue to animate our bold vision of access, innovation and excellence.
AMDG,
David Card '87 President
2023-24 GIVING IMPACTS
$1.3M
IN NEW GIFTS TO THE ENDOWMENT
which includes 6 new endowed scholarships, bringing RJ closer to our endowment goal of $35M by 2025.
On December 5, the RJ community gathered during the school day for the Blessing & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Science & Innovation Center.
The Raider Opportunity Fund provided 240 awards to 166 students , totaling $195,663 which assisted them with schoolrelated costs beyond tuition, including: meal plans; school transportation; uniforms; school supplies; and sport, club or service fees/travel.
The Rudy Cup Golf Tournament raised $80,640 in support of the Rudy Brada Scholarship.
Gifts to the Innovation Fund helped to provide
30 3D printers in the Innovation Center, along with laser cutters and engravers, vinyl printer and cutters, woodworking and metalworking machinery, a casting kiln, plasma cutters, a paint booth, and soldering and welding stations.
70% NEARLY 900 personalized pavers to date are featured on McNicholas Plaza supporting Inspire & Ignite 2025.
109 alumni and industry partners participated in RJ Connect programs, engaging with more than 400 students. OF ALUMNI GIVERS HAVE GIVEN TWO OR MORE CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
MORE THAN 75 MISSION PARTNERS to date are recognized with naming dedications throughout both the new Science & Innovation Center and Tennis Facility.
The Raider Partnership Program has raised $26,500 to date for RJ athletics, promoting businesses and corporations to the larger Regis Jesuit community.
182 DONORS gave a total of $168,668 on Colorado Gives Day.
132 MEMBERS
in the St. John Francis Regis Legacy Society who have made a commitment to include the school as a recipient in their estate plans.
REGIS JESUIT NAMES MISSY FRANKLIN POOL
—the first named building for an alumna, and in honor of six-time Olympic medalist Missy Franklin Johnson ’13. An endowed scholarship in Missy's name was also established by a fellow alum in celebration of our Girls Division.
LARK Prom, Regis Jesuit’s annual dinner and auction, raised nearly $700,000 in support of our students and mission.
It is through the generosity of our mission partners –alumni, parents, grandparents, students, faculty, staff and friends – that Regis Jesuit High School continues to thrive in our commitment to forming Men and Women with and for Others. We are grateful for the 2028 donors who, during the 2023-24 school year, gave more than $5.8 million to enrich the lives of our students, enhance our programs and campus and advance the school’s strategic vision.
To view a complete list of Regis Jesuit’s mission partners scan the QR code or visit » regisjesuit.com/2324donorlist
FUNDING AREAS OF SUPPORT
2023-24 Total Cash Gifts
IVONNE AND ANDRES OSUNA
THEIR
GENEROSITY LASTS BEYOND GRADUATION
The Osuna family has a strong culture of philanthropy, and for the past few years their generosity has extended to Regis Jesuit High School, first as parents and now also as past parents. Their sons, Andres Jr. ’22 and Lenny ’24, both thrived at the school and remain connected to their many RJ friends.
Ivonne says, “We receive so many blessings. Every year we look for ways to give back, and we’ve always taught our children to give. When they were young, if we gave them $20 we told them, ‘This is your money, but you need to save 10 percent, and give 10 percent to charity. The other 80 percent you can spend.’”
The couple has supported the Inspire & Ignite 2025 vision with a multi-year gift to the Science & Innovation Center (SIC), including a named editing room for RJ Media, where Lenny spent much of his time as the editor-in-chief for the RJ’s ELEVATE magazine. He is now a first-year student at University of Washington in Seattle, where he will study aerospace engineering thanks in part to the time he spent in the SIC, which opened when he was a senior. Andres is now a social justice-oriented pre-law sophomore at the University of Denver. He donated a campaign paver located on the patio of the new McNicholas Plaza just outside the SIC.
The Osunas, both accountants, came to America from Mexico when their boys were toddlers. Andres Sr. was transferred by Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua (GCC) of America, where he now serves as VP of Planning. The family’s Hispanic heritage continues to be important. Ivonne served as a Parent Navigator with the Hispanic community, translating materials, answering questions and helping new families find their footing at the school. They also support the Centro San Juan Diego, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver that promotes the common good of the Hispanic community through education, family support, integration and leadership formation.
Although their sons have both graduated, the Osunas plan to continue supporting the school. Ivonne says she always will remember how happy her boys were every day when they came home. But it was the Jesuit philosophy that initially drew her family to RJ. “We love what Jesuit teaching says about educating the whole person. How can you be better? What can you offer the world? We both love that part.”
Andres added, “We saw our sons grow and mature, not only physically, but spiritually, emotionally and intellectually. To this day we see the Catholic, Jesuit values reflected in them every day, from introspection, to wanting to make the world better for everybody, to the beautiful Jesuit motto of doing all things ‘For the Greater Glory of God.’ We could not have hoped for a better place to allow our kids to become their better selves.”
PARENT PARTICIPATION
The partnership and generosity of our current parents is essential in the success of Regis Jesuit’s fundraising and Advancement Office efforts. Thank you to each of the families who attended, volunteered and donated time and talent this past year. We are also grateful to those families that made philanthropic contributions to Regis Jesuit during the 2023-24 school year.
547
Families made a philanthropic gift
$2,107,867 Contributed by parents
78 Senior Parents
became members of the Men and Women with and for Others Society, which honors families from the most recent graduating class (2024) who made philanthropic contributions each of the four years their student attended RJ.
To view a complete list of Regis Jesuit’s mission partners scan the QR code or visit » regisjesuit.com/2324donorlist
TIME, TALENT & TREASURE
The entire Regis Jesuit community benefits from the leadership and volunteer opportunities provided by our Raider Parent Association (RPA). We thank them for their generous service and commitment to the school.
2024-25 RPA Board of Directors
Shannon R. Bell, School Events Co-chair
Scott J. Blechman, Fundraising Chair
Nicolle E. Davies, Spiritual/ Service Co-chair
Amanda Dougherty, Chair
Maria S. Dutmer, Spiritual/ Service Co-chair
Eric C. Edwards, Men's Club
Jaime Edwards, School Events Co-chair
Shasta M. Fisher, Chair Elect
Molly O. McGill, Communications Chair
Catherine A. Moran, Mom's Club
Aileen Paez, Parent Diversity Chair
Catherine Winter, Treasurer
BUILDING AN ENDOWMENT TO SERVE OUR STUDENTS
Endowed scholarships at Regis Jesuit High School help provide financial aid to talented students with qualified need. We are so grateful to the donors of these scholarships who have made a significant investment to ensure future generations of Raiders can attend and benefit from a Regis Jesuit education. A named endowed scholarship requires a minimum contribution of $100,000 over five years.
Agape Scholarship
Alumni Class Scholarships
Armijo Family Scholarship
Armistead Family Scholarship
Belibi Family Scholarship
Vincent J. Boryla Scholarship
Rudy Brada Memorial Scholarship
Dan Campbell '54 Scholarship
Amanda Carlson Memorial Scholarship
Kate Carroll '11 Memorial Scholarship
Chairmen's Scholarship
Peter Chapman '98 Raider Scholarship
Clark Family Scholarship
George '56 & Mildred Coughlin Scholarship
Marshall '62 & Jane Crouch Family Scholarship
Robert '48 & Annabelle Deline Scholarship
R.J. Demps '09 Memorial Scholarship
Ernie DeNapoli Scholarship
Michael Doherty Scholarship
Doty Family Scholarship
Jim Dunn '75 & Mike Dunn '78 Scholarship
Karyn Errington Memorial Scholarship
Clyde J. Fava Scholarship
Missy Franklin '13 Scholarship
Paul & Dolores Fry Family Scholarship
Paul & Helen Gargaro Scholarship
Guy Gibbs ’47 Memorial Scholarship
Brenda Goscha Bright Minds Scholarship
Edward Hanifen '44 Scholarship
Charles A. Haskell '55 Scholarship
Michael ’67 & Maureen Hendricks
Theology & Science Scholarship
Barbara May Hoffmann Scholarship
Fr. Ralph Houlihan, SJ Scholarship
Ignatian Scholarship
Jake Jarman '12 Memorial Scholarship
Jesuits of the Central & Southern Province Scholarship
Kessenich Family Scholarship
Kessler Family Scholarship
Alfred Kubiak Scholarship
Bill '66 and Sandy Lamberton Scholarship
Melvin H. Levy '40 Memorial Scholarship
Fr. Edward Maguire, SJ & Br. Joseph Gockel, SJ Memorial Scholarship
Thomas J. Mahon '42 Scholarship
Tony Mangus '88 Memorial Scholarship
Brian Massey '97 Memorial Scholarship
Blessed Rupert Mayer, SJ Scholarship
Charles '50 & Mary McFadden Scholarship
Jane McLaughlin Davis Scholarship
Kevin & Mary McNicholas Scholarship
Matthew Mikulich Memorial Scholarship
Milinazzo Family Opportunity Scholarship
J.K. Mullen Scholarship
Murray Family Scholarship
Fr. Chris Pinné, SJ Scholarship
Hayley '14 & Kat '17 Purcell Scholarship
Reidy Family Scholarship
Reinert Brothers Scholarship
Mary Elaine Reum Scholarship
Tom Robinson '64 Scholarship
William J. & Bernice T. Sanko Memorial Scholarship
Saracino Family Scholarship
Charlie Saulino Scholarship
Scarth-Fr. Charles Shelton, SJ Family Scholarship
Schuler Family Foundation Scholarship
Sherpa Scholarship
Rev. Walter Sidney, SJ Scholarship
Walter T. & Mary Jane Sidney Scholarship
Smallwood Family Scholarship
Colette Smith Scholarship
St. Michael's Scholarship
Steele Hope-Challenge Scholarship
Pat & Aja Stokes Scholarship
Margaret J. Susac Sofia Scholarship
Three Presidents Scholarship
Geneva Walbrach Trust Scholarship
Richard G. & Karen L. Walker Scholarship
Rev. Dave Wayne, SJ Scholarship
Parker Bailey Witt '09 Memorial Scholarship
Cale Woodley '16, Love in Action Scholarship
In
MIKE ’67 AND MAUREEN HENDRICKS
NEWLY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP HONORS THE INTERSECTION OF THEOLOGY AND SCIENCE
After spending his formative years attending Catholic schools, Mike Hendricks ’67 attended seminary, taught theology at Regis Jesuit and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in geology at the Colorado School of Mines. When he became a geologist, he noticed that many of his fellow professionals were agnostics, if not atheists. But Hendricks never wavered from his Ignatian belief that God reveals himself in all things, and that faith is a gift that can help humans understand the natural world.
“They were looking for proof that God exists,” he said, “but it’s not just A plus B plus C. You can be a scientist and still believe in God. The role of science is to ask how things happen. How do chemical reactions occur? The role of theology and religion is to ask why. Why did God create the universe? A lot of scientists have only been schooled in science. They haven’t been introduced to theology, so they function without any view of God.”
With the newly endowed Michael ’67 & Maureen Hendricks Theology and Science Scholarship at Regis Jesuit, the couple hopes to change that. Recipients will be young women and men who need financial assistance to attend RJ and are interested in joining the seemingly disparate disciplines of theology and science. One in three RJ students receives financial aid, thanks to annual giving to the school and also to
the nearly 80 endowed scholarship funds that are a permanent source for aid.
Maureen, who taught in Catholic schools for eight years, said: “It’s a gargantuan task to marry the two disciplines, but hopefully we can plant the seeds.”
Before endowing the scholarship, the Hendricks family, including their son Mike Jr. ’01, supported the school in many ways. Most recently, they contributed to the completion of the Science & Innovation Center. The new main entrance to campus is named Hendricks Gate. The family’s name is also on the Science Department Faculty Hub, in part because of Mike’s years as a teacher at RJ, and in part due to the relationship he had with Bob Guptill, the “marvelous earth science teacher who got me thinking about the natural world.” When Hendricks returned to teach at RJ, the two had lunch together many days and their conversations deepened well beyond the high school level.
“In the seminary, we read a lot of theology and philosophy, and talking with Bob inspired me to keep learning. Creation and evolution are complicated subjects, but there’s a gentle way to embrace them both. You might have to go to poetry to understand.”
One of Hendricks’ favorite resources is the book The Phenomenon of Man by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Jesuit priest, paleontologist, theologian, philosopher
and teacher. In his work, Chardin blended scientific thought with Christo-centric theology.
Hendricks, too, thinks deeply and across disciplines. Throughout his 35-year career as an oil and gas geologist, Hendricks also has been an active Catholic and supporter of Regis Jesuit. In 1999, he helped to start the tradition of First Friday Mass at Regis Jesuit, to bring fathers and sons together for liturgy. He still plays the guitar at RJ’s monthly morning Mass, which celebrates the Jesuits' long-held dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
As a geologist, Hendricks has a special love for Colorado’s mountains. He now knows how rocks were formed by different earth processes, including modifications by glaciers and rushing rivers. He’s been happy to share that knowledge with his family, including six grandchildren (four boys and two girls).
Though his two daughters went to Mullen because RJ didn’t yet have a girls’ school, he hopes that all members of the third Hendricks generation will attend Regis Jesuit.
“Every family needs a geologist,” says Maureen, who sees RJ as an extension of her family. “We think the scholarship is a great way to aid students and at the same time help them find God in all things, including natural processes.”
THANK YOU FOR
MAKING ANOTHER MILESTONE MOMENT POSSIBLE
On August 22, tennis families, faculty, staff and donors celebrated the ribbon cutting and blessing of the new tennis courts, which were relocated and enhanced to make way for the newly opened Science & Innovation Center. The Boys and Girls Tennis programs are now enjoying seven new courts, spectator seating, a shade structure and a lighted walking path from the school to the tennis facility. This milestone moment completes phase one of a two-phase athletic development on the southeast part of campus.
UPDATE ON OUR BOLD MOMENTUM
ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY » MEETING THE NEED
By enrolling an economically-diverse student body, we create a learning environment that is reflective of the world in which our graduates will live, work and serve. Last year alone, thanks to the continued generosity of our community, we removed financial barriers and provided one in three students with financial aid to ensure a Regis Jesuit education is accessible to every qualified Denver family. The need does not stop there. We continue to push forward to ensure the next generation of Regis Jesuit students have the same access by striving to meet this year’s nearly $8 million financial aid need and working towards our $35 million endowment milestone.
Our Inspire & Ignite 2025 vision is an ambitious, tangible and modern example of what is possible when Catholic, Jesuit education combines excellence in the liberal arts with innovation in learning and a commitment to access for all students. Thanks to our generous alumni, parents and friends, Regis Jesuit High School is bringing our transformative vision to life, in service of our mission and the school community we love.
Based on our exciting progress to date, at $34M, we are closing in on our $42.5M comprehensive goal, but we still have some critical work to do. Our students and mission need you!
SCIENCE & INNOVATION CENTER »
TRANSFORMING LEARNING!
The 65,000-square-foot state-of-the-art building is now open and alive with scientific and creative applied learning that is preparing our young women and men for the future. We continue to welcome donor support for a variety of naming opportunities in the Science & Innovation Center to ensure our 1700 students benefit from a college-prep experience every day.
CARRY REGIS JESUIT FORWARD
ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE » SUPPORTING OUR STUDENT ATHLETES
When our spirited community comes together in support of our more than 1,000 student athletes, we celebrate our excellence. With the tennis project now complete, we turn our sights to funding phase two of our plan that will add two multi-sport synthetic fields and campus parking to the undeveloped land positioned at Lewiston Way and Arapahoe, and adjacent to the tennis courts.
Generations of visionary alumni, parents and friends have made strategic investments to ensure the growth and success of Regis Jesuit High School. In the final phase of Inspire & Ignite 2025, please invest in our Strategic Initiatives Fund to help us fulfill these campaign promises.
Alumni,
Friends and Family Come
Together to Honor Kate Carroll ’11
The Regis Jesuit community came together to celebrate the memory of Kate Carroll ’11 , a beloved alumna whose legacy continues to inspire. The initiative to name a tennis court in her honor was lovingly led by her parents, Tony and Elizabeth Carroll, along with her brother, Matt. The overwhelming support from family, friends and alumni is a testament to the deep impact Kate had on our community.
In addition to naming Kate’s Court, the Kate Carroll '11 Memorial Scholarship was established and will ensure that Kate's legacy lives on in the halls of Regis Jesuit through the students who benefit from the support.
As a standout athlete on the Varsity Girls Tennis Team from 2007 to 2011, Kate earned State Titles in both doubles and singles. Her senior year was historic, as she became the first player in the Girls Division to win a Singles State Championship, earning MVP honors.
Kate’s humbleness and accomplishments continue to inspire current and future Raider tennis players, serving as a lasting tribute to her memory and reminding us all of the strength and compassion that define the Regis Jesuit community.
To support the Kate Carroll '11 Memorial Scholarship and students today, visit RegisJesuit.com/KateCarroll
HONOR & MEMORIAL GIVING
This list represents gifts made to Regis Jesuit in memory of deceased members of the community or in honor of individuals who continue to advance the mission of the school.
Megan Bain
Henry J. (Hank) Bangert '27
Amanda† Carlson Baskay
Rudy Brada†
Daniel† P. Campbell '54
Kate Carroll† '11
Peter† Chapman '98
Joseph† P. Chirichigno '58
Joseph† F. Cleary '24
Richard† A. Cornish
George† F. '56 and Mildred W. Coughlin
Marshall† '62 & Jane Crouch
James† P. Curran '62
Matt Darr
Robert† E. '48 and Annabelle† Deline
Ernest† DeNapoli
Michael Doherty
Paul† A. and Geraldine† V. Fisher
Missy Franklin '13
Paul† & Helen† Gargaro
Guy† H. '47 and Joan† Gibbs
Joseph† Gockel, SJ
Ella '27 and Lily '27 Goodwin
Brenda Goscha
Jeffrey Harrison, SJ
Harald† Hasselbach
Ralph D. Houlihan, SJ
Jacob† S. Jarman '12
Walter† L. (Kip) Kautzky '61
Gretchen Kessler
Frank† R. Lucas
Edward† Maguire, SJ '43
Tony† Mangus '88
Brian† P. Massey '97
Linda† J. Massey
Robert McPhee
Rex '28 and Christian Meirink
Matthew Mikulich†
Kevin† D. Monahan '17
Charles C. (Tripp) O'Brien '02
Rick† O'Dorisio '70
Benjamin† M. Pauka '21
Christopher† P. Pinné, SJ
Eric Ramirez, SJ
Mary† Elaine Reum
Thomas† E. Robinson '64
Daniel† G. Sarlo
Charles Saulino
John Leo '14 and Michelle Schmidt
Charles† Shelton, SJ
Walter† T. Sidney, SJ
Colette† Smith
Philip G. Steele, SJ '66
Nicholas Steiner '96
Ryan† P. Sullivan '03
Andrew† P. Vander Ploeg
David† A. Wayne, SJ
Karson '22 and Nolan '25 Williams
Parker† B. Witt '09
Cale† D. Woodley '16
† = Deceased
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR
RAIDER PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Partnering with Regis Jesuit exposes your business to thousands of Raider fans and a global network of alumni, parents, past parents, grandparents and friends! Your dollars will directly benefit athletic enhancements for our 70 sports teams. Packages start at $1000. Get your business in front of the Regis Jesuit community!
For more information visit regisjesuit.com/RaiderPartnershipProgram. Or reach out to Kelsey Greiner at kgreiner@regisjesuit.com or 303.269.8040.
RECURRING GIVING IS AN EASY WAY TO MAKE AN IMPACT!
Monthly recurring gifts provide a sustainable source of support for Regis Jesuit’s students and ensures your giving remains current for as long as it continues. Start or increase your monthly giving and receive your choice of RJ socks or beanie!
Set up your monthly gift today » regisjesuit.com/ AlumniMonthlyGiving
ALUMNI LEADING THE WAY WITH GENEROSITY
We are profoundly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni and the lasting impact you have on the next generation of Regis Jesuit students and the school's enduring mission. From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, alumni contributions totaled an impressive $2,318,062, making alumni the largest philanthropic supporters of Regis Jesuit for the second consecutive year.
Thank you for your steadfast commitment and support!
Alumni Giving Areas of Support
Alyssa and I are extremely grateful for our Regis Jesuit education we were fortunate to receive. Many of our close friends to this day are from the bonds and friendships formed while at RJ. Serving on the Advancement Committee to help provide others the opportunity to receive a Jesuit education is something we are passionate about, and we want to ensure financial status does not hinder access to that experience. Making a monthly recurring gift is an easy and meaningful way for us to help make this possible.”
– ZACH '07 & ALYSSA '08 FENOGLIO
Alumni Giving Participation
761
alumni donated in 2023-24
$673,791
$1,086,781
549
alumni are members of the Raider Club, which honors loyal alumni who have supported RJ for two or more consecutive years.
To see a complete list of alumni contributors and their years of consecutive giving, visit regisjesuit.com/AlumniDonors
BRYAN ZERR ’05 GIVING TIME, TALENT AND ALSO TREASURE
At Regis Jesuit, Bryan Zerr ’05 was valedictorian of his class and president of the National Honor Society while also helping fund his tuition through a work study program. In his last two years in high school, thanks to a degree of financial freedom that came as a result of receiving financial aid from the Fr. Edward Maguire, SJ & Br. Joseph Gockel, SJ Memorial Scholarship, he became vice president of Student Government and Varsity captain of both the Wrestling and Track & Field teams. In just four years, he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, as well as his CPA license, at Gonzaga University. As a working professional, he parlayed his early career as a CPA to start his own boutique real estate firm, Greenwood Estates Realty, where today he continues to grow the business.
On paper, Zerr’s story seems like super-human success, yet he is softspoken and modest. He says he still sees himself as “a kind of an underdog.”
“I was a quiet kid who put his head down and worked hard,” says Zerr. “There was discipline in every minute of my day, and I found meaning in the grind.” He learned about drive from his father who grew up on a farm in Kansas. When Zerr brought up the idea to attend Regis Jesuit to his parents, he knew they would need financial aid. The work study benefit along with financial aid from generous donors meant he could attend. “My parents worked diligently to make my dream of attending RJ a reality. They raised me with the ethos of giving back with
what you have, whether time, talent or treasure.”
Zerr has been giving back to RJ for nearly two decades. “At different points in our lives, we may have more of one thing than the others,” he says. “In our 20s, we mostly have time. In our 30s and 40s, the heyday of our career, we have the highest energy level for our professions, and we can share our talents. The treasure component typically comes later in life.” But, perhaps not surprisingly, Zerr is way ahead of schedule when it comes to the gifts he shares with RJ.
After college, Zerr gave his time as a volunteer wrestling coach and through service on the Ignatian Identity Committee of the Board. Today, Zerr contributes annually to the financial aid program that changed the trajectory of his life. He also serves as a member of the Fr. Edward Maguire, SJ & Br. Joseph Gockel, SJ Memorial Scholarship oversight committee, helping to steward the scholarship recipient process.
About his talents? He shares those by opening doors for graduates who are interested in accounting or real estate. Most notably, he handled the transaction for RJ, when the school bought a property adjacent to campus to use as affordable housing for faculty and staff.
Zerr and his wife Brianna, a clinical pharmacist at Craig Hospital who graduated from Holy Family High School in 2008, decided to gift the real estate commission to Regis Jesuit. This gift was larger than they imagined
making at this stage of life, though both are dedicated to the school. Brianna’s father, Ernest Sanelli ’76, is “one of the most loyal RJ alums you’ll ever meet,” says Zerr. They also have a five-year-old daughter, Emilia, who was baptized at the Blessed Rupert Mayer Chapel in 2019.
“When Dave Card called and asked me to handle the real estate transaction, I was more than happy to, of course,” he said. “I saw that as sharing my talent. But when we thought about it, the deal had a deeper, more meaningful purpose. We learned from our Jesuit education that our gifts and talents were freely given to us by God. And we’re asked by God to give back in different ways. The commission Bri and I donated was never ‘ours,’ it was God’s, and we felt grateful to be stewards in gifting it to Regis Jesuit.”
Zerr now hopes his example of hard work, discipline, and generosity will motivate other RJ alumni to think about ways they, too, can give to the school.
“I would love nothing more than to inspire someone to develop their God-given gifts to their fullest potential. By example, maybe I can show them they can blaze their own path if they work hard. At Regis Jesuit, they can grow in all aspects of their life and then at some later point, they’ll be able to give back,” he said. “Something like that would bring me a lot of joy.”
MEGHAN NEMECHECK ’15 FAITHFULLY SERVING HER ALMA MATER
Though money and religion rank at the top of society’s taboo subjects, Meghan Nemecheck ’15 is happy to talk about both. As a person of deep faith who is working her way up in the world of finance, she believes that “financial success is only possible through a faithful life.”
Meghan is the third generation in her family to attend Regis Jesuit High School. Her grandfather Dick ’54 began the tradition along with his two brothers. Next came her father Jeff ’80 and his three brothers. By the time Meghan was about five years old, she was attending football games and dreaming of attending the school. “I was excited when I saw the students dancing in the stands, and I wondered what it would be like to be one of them. Our father worked on the board decision to accept women, so my sister and I were optimistic.”
By the fall of 2010, Meghan and her sister Erica ’12 and brother Alex ’14 were all at the school at the same time. “For one year we had a great family carpool. My sister was driving, and we would stop for Starbucks in the morning and go for ice cream after school. We knew that things would change soon, but we loved every minute of that time.”
Meghan recalls: “My Latin teacher used to say: ‘You can’t throw a stick in this school without hitting a Nemechek.’ It wasn’t just the five of us at school at the same time (me, my siblings plus my cousins, Nicole ’12 and Catherine ’15), it was my dad in for a meeting or my grandparents attending First Friday Mass or my mom and aunt volunteering in the cafeteria. My uncle, Tim ’79, coached my Mock Trial team when we won the state competition.”
However, Meghan says she had no trouble finding her own path. While her siblings were serious athletes, she discovered mock trial and played a bit of golf. She was drawn to history and English and appreciated that “Theology was taught as seriously as all her other
subjects.” But it was an economics elective in her senior year that set her on her path to a bachelor’s degree in business, followed by her MBA, both from CU Denver. After interning at UBS during college, she joined the firm where she is following in her father’s footsteps to become a financial advisor.
“When I was little, I didn’t know exactly what my dad did, but people would come up to us at church and say, ‘Oh your dad has helped us so much’ and that always resonated with me,” says Meghan. “I saw how people received the work he did, and I learned by osmosis that financial advising isn’t just about money. Money is part of it, but it’s also about helping people. Being a Woman with and for Others is something I take very seriously.”
Today, as a proud alum, Meghan gives back to RJ by serving on RJ’s Investment Committee where she provides oversight for the school’s endowment that’s critical to sustaining mission. Additionally, through the school’s alumni engagement program, RJ Connect, she meets with students, especially young women, who are considering careers in business and finance and other male-dominated fields. She hosts students through the Job Shadow Program in her office. She exudes confidence as well as the grounded demeanor of a woman of faith. She is grateful for the “invaluable advice” she received from RJ graduates, and that’s why she wants to pay it forward.
“It was so amazing to me how many in the RJ community were willing to take time to have coffee or lunch with me during my undergraduate and graduate programs,” she said. “They answered every question I could think of, which helped me make very strategic decisions for my future. They made the transition to adulthood and independence more empowering, and now I want to provide the same kind of help. Jesuit education really is about being Men and Women with and for Others and I’ve seen that firsthand time and time again.”
UCHE AGWU ’14, PH.D.
ENGINEERING A GENEROUS LIFE
When Uchechukwu (“Uche”) Agwu ’14 arrived at Regis Jesuit High School in the fall of 2010, he recalls feeling nervous and awkward, despite the fact that his older brother Nnaoma ’12 was there to help smooth his way. Later, his two younger brothers, Chibueze ’16 and Chidera ’ 17, followed in his footsteps. Now, there are two young aspiring doctors and two engineers in the family. Their parents, Bridget, a nurse, and Greg, a math teacher, emigrated from Nigeria to Denver in the 1980s to give their boys a strong faith-based education and a bright future. Without financial aid, none of the boys could have attended Regis Jesuit.
Despite feeling awkward in the beginning, Uche thrived on campus. He was active in the Diversity Action Group (DAG) and made friends in his classes. He played soccer his sophomore year, ran track and field in his junior year, and played ultimate frisbee his senior year. Thanks in part to his hard work and recommendation letters from his teachers at RJ, including one from Christina Vela, the DAG advisor and Director of Diversity & Kinship, he was accepted to Santa Clara University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Next, he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and recently started a plum position at The Aerospace Corporation, a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) in Los
Angeles. His passion is building and testing lightweight parts that can be metal 3D printed for spacecraft.
Uche, who has mentored many young students and served as president of Santa Clara University’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, was happy to discuss his education, his career path and his faith. Additionally, he values the importance of vulnerability. “To me, vulnerability means being honest with yourself and being willing to share true experiences and feelings with others,” he says. “It’s very easy to gloss over negative experiences, but sharing them can make others more comfortable around you.”
About failing a math test in college, he said, “At that moment, I didn’t think I’d ever be an engineer.” But after sulking, feeling distraught and dropping the class, Uche attended for the rest of the semester. He even took the final before enrolling in the class again for credit. He said, “God was helpful in that moment because he showed me that I had to do everything I could on my end, in order to turn things around.” On a more mundane subject, he added, “Whether it’s having an uncomfortable social experience or failing a test, I have to be honest about how I feel. Sharing these feelings can connect me to other people who feel the same way.”
Uche’s Jesuit values have also kept him grounded. “Cura personalis has always stuck with me,” he says. “It expands into so many areas: care for others of course, but you’re also a person, so how you treat yourself also matters a lot.” He says that giving back to his high school alma mater and his universities connects him to that important Jesuit value of caring for the whole person.
Uche makes an annual gift to the financial aid program at RJ as a way to express his gratitude to the school. He also gives to both of his universities and hopes one day to be able to increase the size of his gifts.
“People in the Regis Jesuit community invested in my education, my livelihood and my faith,” he says. “Some people I’ve met, and some I may never meet. So when I give, it’s the same thing. I hope my gifts will lead to something better, even if I don’t know what that is.”
ST. JOHN FRANCIS REGIS LEGACY SOCIETY
We extend our deepest gratitude and honor our donors who have made the ultimate gift by recognizing Regis Jesuit and indicating in writing that they have made provisions for the school in their wills and estate plans.
During the 2023-24 fiscal year, five individuals joined the St. John Francis Regis Legacy Society. These new donors join the existing members of the Society, helping to ensure the long-term viability of the school. If you have already included Regis Jesuit in your estate plans, please let us know by emailing Mary Zimmerman at mzimmerman@regisjesuit.com.
We would enjoy welcoming you into the SJFR Legacy Society and sharing membership benefits.
Anonymous
Don and Julie Alcorn
Tony and Christine Arnese
Gerald A. Baer, Jr. '65
Emily S. Ballinger
Tyler Ballinger '16
Vince and Mary Bartholomew
Robert and Anne Beletic
Stephen D. and Marnie M. Bell
Randy and Karen Blach
Leo J. Boyle '64
Keven A. and Lisha B. Burnett
Wayne and Roberta Buser
James P. '84 and Debra A. Campbell
Stephen '88 and Kendall Carbone
David A. Card '87 and Janalee Chmel
Rev. Ronald W. Cattany '71
Kenneth J. and Eileen C. Cavanaugh
Patrick J. and Mary K. Chandler
Glenn G. Churchill '69
Robert J. and Susan B. Clark
Robert L. and Molly J. Cohen
Donald R. '57 and Sally† Cunningham
Mary V. Dancs
James M. Davis
Frank† C. Davis, Jr. '42
James M. '59 and Cynthia DeFrancia
Martha Diss Sundby
John Donnellon
William V. '73 and Donna A. Dunn
Richard M. '57 and Patricia W. Dutton
Joseph E. Esposito '69
Robert† L. Ezkorn '56
James D. and Diane S. Evans
Katherine Fay
Lawrence P. '74 and Lori D. Finch
Stephen A. Finn
Steven R. Forness '57
Thomas† A. Fortune '28
Paul† J. and Delores† L. Fry
V and Jan Gaines
Donald E. '51 and Cheri Gallegos
Guy† H. '47 and Joan† Gibbs
Pamela Gosda
John† T. Grace '52
Donal and Lindsey E. Grogan
Laurence† M. '28 and Zena† Guilford
Rich Hamilton '53
Edward† F. '44 and Iris† Hanifen
David† L. Harris '69
James M. and Carleen V. Haselden
Charles† A. Haskell II '55
Russell K. '57 and Susan Haskell
Thomas† V. '30 and June† Healy
William† F. Hoover '47
John B. and Charlotte B. Jackson
Rev. Walter† R. Jaeger '40
David P. and Annette Jewell
Charles L. '58 and Debra† Johnson
Thomas J. and Pamela A. Kammer
David J. Kasik '66 and Jan Levine
Joseph† D. Keating
Diane Keller
Margaret Kelley (DWK Foundation)
Frank Kelly '67
Richard† J. '48 and Mary† Kemme
Gretchen M. Kessler
Dorothy† W. King
Ellen L. Kiniry
Gerald J. and Alice L. Laber
William '66 and Sandra Lamberton
Robert S. and Elizabeth K. Lazzeri
Robert Lovelace '84
Lori R. Mahan
Thomas† J. Mahon '42
David A. '78 and Michelle Maybury
Daniel J. '67 and Eileen McCallin
Conor '98 and Heather McCallin
Christopher A. '78 and Collette M. McConnell
Anne McConnell
William P. '45 and Jeanne M. McDonald
Charles† A. '50 and Mary† P. McFadden
Rob R. McGregor '87
Dr. Brian M.'63 and Patricia McGuire
Terry '63 and Kay McManus
John E. and Cheri Meyer
Paul L. '04 and Abbey Miller
Robert and Terri Monahan
Martin J. '66 and Cordelia Mooney
Gerald† A. Mornin '65
Daniel P. '74 and Denise Murray
Warren J. Olsen '74
Brian M. '66 and Bonnie O'Meara
Lee J. '78 and Olga L. Payne
Robert N. and Camille A. Pinkerton
David A. and Dinah Powers
Dennis K. '59 and Linda Primavera
George '58 and Maureen Reid
Michael L. '72 and Jean F. Reidy
Rev. James ReVello '65
Andrew F. Rogers '67
Lon V. Saavedra '72
Samuel F. Saracino '69 and M. Victoria Ries
Richard A. '66 and Linda F. Schierburg
Martin J. '75 and Megan Schmitz
Vincent† N. '44 and Marilyn† Schmitz
Lawrence† E. Schneider
Daniel Sheehan '70 and Cecilia Prinster
Patricia† A. Shepherd
John F. Sheridan '76
Kevin H. and Katherine E.Sherrard
Walter† T. and Mary Jane† Sidney
Kenneth P. and Katherine I. Simmons
Robert† E. Simons
Helen† M. Simonson
Frank R. Smith '83
Kathryn L. Smith
Anna E. (Gough) Storjohann '07
Elsie† Stucka
Rick P. and Donna T. Sullivan
Rev. Robert† M. Syrianey '38
Michael and Betsy Tapp
Richard M. and Joan L. Todd
William† J. Webster
Rick and Linda Werbylo
Michael† J. Werito '65
Timothy J. and Carmen Willard
John W. and Mary T. Zimmerman
Michael A. '74 and Nancy A. Zoellner
DR. RICHARD KEMME ’48 A LEGACY OF ADVENTURE & GIVING BACK
Dr. Richard Kemme ‘48 was born March 20, 1930, in Denver, Colorado, the youngest child to Theodore and Sarah (Clark) Kemme. Richard earned his pilot's license at the age of 15 and flew solo across the skies of Colorado. During high school and college, he enjoyed skiing at the Winter Park Ski Area, a love he passed down to his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Richard also enjoyed climbing most of Colorado's fourteeners.
Richard graduated from Regis High School in 1948 and pursued his dream of being a physician. Richard married Mary Juliana Carney in 1957 in Cleveland. He completed a residency training in orthopedic surgery at Saint Louis University then joined the Greeley Medical Clinic in 1961 as their first specialist in orthopedic surgery. Richard attributed much of his academic and medical success to the rigor of his Jesuit education.
In 1978, Richard helped start the Greeley Area Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving on its board for ten years. For 25 years after retirement, Richard traveled annually to Malawi, Africa, working with an orthopedic training program. He served 12 years as chairman of
Malawi Orthopedic Overseas. In 1994, Richard chaired the Northern Colorado Medical Center Foundation and helped raise funds to build and operate the Monfort Children's Clinic. Richard led a Greeley Rotary Club fundraiser for a small business loan program, Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA) in Malawi. In 2012, Richard was honored at the White House for his work in Malawi. He was a charter member of the St. Mary Catholic Church in Greeley and served on the committee that developed the St. Mary Catholic School. He and Mary established a scholarship program for St. Mary's students.
Richard included Regis Jesuit as a beneficiary of his IRA. The school was humbled and honored to receive this IRA legacy gift after his passing in March 2024. Richard’s gift supported Inspire & Ignite 2025 and the school's vision for access, innovation and excellence.
We are grateful to Dr. Richard Kemme ‘48 for including Regis Jesuit’s mission in his gift planning and are inspired by his legacy of serving others with his many gifts and talents.
Richard’s family chose to honor his legacy by naming a chemistry classroom in the new Science & Innovation Center, recognizing his love of science and Jesuit education.
2024-25 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rowena Cipriano-Reyes
Thomas B. Curran, SJ
Kevin B. Dyer, SJ
James Goeke, SJ
Polica Houston
Conor McCallin '98
Irene D. McPhail May
Jacqueline A. Millet
Christian S. O'Dwyer '04 Treasurer
Drake R. Powell
Vickie Puchi
Diana R. Rael Vice Chair
Robert J. Reich '88 Chair
Kathy J. Toole
David Card '87 Ex-Officio
Gerard E. Menard, SJ Secretary, Ex-Officio
2024-25 COUNCIL OF REGENTS
Gregory Armstrong
Julie Bunsness
Richard O. Campbell '54
Molly J. Cohen
Kristin R. Cully
Marion G. Curtis
Lawrence P. Finch '74
Patrick F. Gartland '65
Ralph D. Houlihan, SJ
Gerald J. Laber
William R. Leer
Daniel J. McCallin '67
Eileen McCallin
Caleb Meyer '93
John E. Meyer
Daniel P. Murray, Sr. '74
Eugene A. Naes, Jr. '80 Chair
Margaret Nemechek
Michael L. Reidy '72
Thomas Rochford, SJ '64
John M. Schmidt
John F. Sheridan '76
Philip G. Steele, SJ '66
Philip F. Vottiero
2024-25 ADVISORY COMMITTEES
To help facilitate the decision-making process of the Board of Trustees, these subcommittees advise the Board on various focus areas identified from the priorities of the school’s Strategic Plan. Regis Jesuit is grateful to these individuals for their time, dedication and expertise.
ADVANCEMENT
Kathryn Bentfield
Lisha B. Burnett
David Card '87
Travis Crowe, SJ
Nicolle E. Davies
Zachary T. Fenoglio '07
Jordan M. Hooper '11
Jonathan R. Kraus
Carla D. Little
Vickie Puchi*
Diana R. Rael
Robert J. Reich '88
Mindae Russell
ADVISORY STAFF
Mary Zimmerman
AUDIT & FINANCE
Bryan Armstrong '99
David Card '87
Justin Carter '98
Neal D. Dermer
Thomas Dobbins
Charles H. Kay '07
Andrea M. Lassen '09
Gerard E. Menard, SJ
Jeffrey L. Nemechek '80
Ashley C. Nuss '12
Christian S. O'Dwyer '04*
Eric Ramirez, SJ
Robert J. Reich '88
Matthew J. Vandal '04
ADVISORY STAFF
Stacey Fania
Mindae Russell
EXECUTIVE
David Card '87, Ex-Officio
Irene D. McPhail May
Gerard E. Menard, SJ
Christian S. O'Dwyer '04
Vickie Puchi
Diana R. Rael
Robert J. Reich '88*
GOVERNANCE
David Card '87
Rowena Cipriano-Reyes
Kristin R. Cully
Polica Houston
Irene D. McPhail May*
Robert J. Reich '88
Thomas Rochford, SJ '64
Mindae Russell
John M. Schmidt
ADVISORY STAFF
Liane Cattelino
INVESTMENT
(Subcommitee of Audit & Finance)
Bryan Armstrong '99
David Card '87
Justin Carter '98*
Thomas Dobbins
Garrett T. Fitzgerald '03
Jordan M. Hooper '11
Christopher D. Milinazzo '09
Christian S. O'Dwyer '04, Ex-Officio
Nicholas J. Pavlakovich '82
Robert J. Reich '88
Steven G. Rotello '88
John L. Schmidt '14
ADVISORY STAFF
Stacey Fania
Paul Miller '04
Meghan A. Nemechek '15
Jeffrey L. Nemechek '80
MISSION & IGNATIAN STEWARDSHIP
David Bluejacket
Eric Brown
David Card '87
Colleen B. Kessenich
Gerard E. Menard, SJ*
Robert J. Reich '88
John M. Schmidt
Kathy J. Toole
ADVISORY STAFF
Timothy S. Bauer '88
Sajit U. Kabadi
Kristen P. Kraus
Jimmy Tricco
PLANNING & MAJOR PROJECTS
David Card '87
Anthony De Simone
Lawrence P. Finch '74
Kevin Foltz
Jacqueline A. Millet
Christopher Nehls
Drake R. Powell
Diana R. Rael*
Robert J. Reich '88
Robert M. Rydel
Jeffrey D. Willis
ADVISORY STAFF
Thomas Dobbins
Mindae Russell
* denotes Chair
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP & ADVANCEMENT TEAM
PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP TEAM
David Card ’87, President
Jimmy Tricco, Principal
Thomas Dobbins, Chief Financial Officer
Mindae Russell, Vice President of Advancement
Charisse Broderick King, Director of Communications
Katherine Fay, Director of Human Resources
Sajit Kabadi, Assistant Principal for Mission, Ministry & Diversity
Paul Muller, Director of Admissions
Liane Cattelino, Executive Assistant to the President
ADVANCEMENT TEAM
Shannon Aquino, Advancement Gift Processor
Bethany Carmellini, Director of Annual Giving & Scholarships
Kelsey Greiner, Director of Donor Engagement & Events
Gretchen Kessler, Alumnae Liaison
Paul Miller, Director of Alumni Relations
Mindae Russell, Vice President of Advancement
Trina Sandler, Data & Information Engagement Manager
Mary Zimmerman, Director of Philanthropy & Legacy Giving
MARKETING TEAM
Kristen Morrison, Multimedia Graphic Designer
Jessica Riles, Director of Marketing
This report honors those individuals and organizations who made gifts to Regis Jesuit High School between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. If your gift was omitted or improperly recognized, please accept our sincere apology. If you do notice such an oversight, please contact the Advancement Office at 303.269.8022 so that we may correct our records.
