The Raider - 2023

A Conduit for Mission

Also in this Issue

A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH AND FRIENDSHIP BUILDING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A FAREWELL SONG FOR FR. JIM GOEKE, SJ

The Raider

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

DEAR REGIS JESUIT COMMUNITY,

When summer began this year, I took time to reflect on the school year and all that has happened here at Regis Jesuit. In any given year, I expect highs and lows, wins and losses, moments of triumph and failure. We had every one of those, but I can confidently say this has been one of the best, most hope-filled years in my time as president. Our community has come together in an unprecedented way to support our funding initiatives for Inspire & Ignite 2025, our vision for access, innovation and excellence, and the impacts are coming to fruition. Our dedicated faculty guided our students more deeply into our tradition of academic excellence and formation through retreats and new immersion experiences. And the Raiders, supported by its “Red Sea” of fans, presented a formidable challenge to opponents in almost every sport. I’m grateful for the talented educators who mentor our students through these experiences and for how the RJ community honored those deserving faculty at our 50th anniversary of LARK.

These are all reasons to celebrate, but I am even more excited about what is on the horizon. The 2023-24 school year will mark 20 years since we embarked on a journey, opening the doors of the newly-christened Girls Division providing the opportunity for a Jesuit education to generations of young women. This year, we will celebrate this milestone and, more importantly, honor the alumni, faculty, staff and community members who have made Regis Jesuit a welcoming, formative home for hundreds of young women to receive a Catholic, Jesuit education each year. We will proudly honor and celebrate the contributions of women to the mission, life and success of RJ.

If you have been on campus in the last year, you’ve seen the progress made on the new Science & Innovation Center on the west end of McNicholas Green. Last summer we officially broke ground, and now we have a stunning accomplishment of glass, brick and metal surrounded daily by men and women working in hard hats. The building remains on schedule, and we expect to be moved in and presenting transformational opportunities in it by January 2024. Each of our students will have opportunities in this new space for hands-on learning and proposing creative solutions to problems in service to others and our natural world. This building represents the Regis Jesuit commitment to delivering a Catholic, Jesuit education for students entering the modern world.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Girls Division and opening the Science & Innovation Center is enough to look forward to this year, but what gives me the greatest feeling of hope is the progress we have made in the formation of our students. Every aspect of the RJ experience is crafted toward relationship, reflection and action, inviting students to greater purpose – for themselves, for their world and for the greater glory of God.

Through every imaginable avenue, we seek to form Men and Women with and for Others. I hope you enjoy the testimonials of student-athletes like MaryKate Berg ’23 and Zion Taylor ’23 - two great examples of what I am talking about. It’s an exciting time to be at Regis Jesuit, and we look forward to the ever-greater fulfillment of our mission in the year ahead.

Welcome to this edition of The Raider

AMDG, DAVID CARD ’87

ON THE COVER: RJ student-athletes

MaryKate Berg '23 and Zion Taylor '23. Photograph by Kristen Morrison.

The Raider is published annually by the Regis Jesuit High School Marketing Office. Your comments, opinions and inquiries about the magazine, Regis Jesuit High School, its programs or community members including alumni are welcome to marketing@regisjesuit.com. Story ideas and submissions are welcome as well.

Send correspondence and address updates to advancementoffice@regisjesuit.com Also, if you are not receiving our monthly email newsletter, The Raider Connection, and would like to, please update your email address with us. Contact the Advancement Office at advancementoffice@regisjesuit.com or 303.269.8022

REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL,

—a Catholic educational community— engages the gifts of young men and women in a single-gender 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.

Regis Jesuit High School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Arthur Knapp

Director of Marketing

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Nicolette Howell ’07 Marketing Manager

PUBLICATION DESIGNER

Kristen Morrison

Multimedia Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTORS

Charisse Broderick King

David Card ‘87

Christina Ortiz

Fr. Eric Ramirez, SJ

Sofia Rivera ‘24

Tina Schaaf

Paul Soriano

Jimmy Tricco

PRESIDENT

David Card ’87

PRINCIPAL

Jimmy Tricco

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

Mindae Russell

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Tom Dobbins

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Paul Muller

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Charisse Broderick King

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Katherine Fay

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR ACADEMICS

Ryan Williamson

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR FACULTY & CURRICULUM

Tim Bauer '88

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR MISSION, MINISTRY & DIVERSITY

Sajit Kabadi

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR STUDENT LIFE

Bryan Timme

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR STUDENT SUPPORT

Dana Bauer

BOYS DIVISION HEAD

Karen Wuertz

GIRLS DIVISION HEAD

Adam Lomas '10

INTRODUCING OUR NEW SENIOR IMMERSION PROGRAM

By Christina Ortiz DIRECTOR OF THE IGNATIAN IMMERSION & SOLIDARITY PROGRAM

For many years, our juniors and seniors have participated in the traditional twoweek winter immersion program with our local community partners. Through this program they’ve been invited to engage more deeply and wholeheartedly with one community for two weeks at a time, and every winter we see incredible growth on the part of our upperclassmen as they learn from our community partners in nonprofit work and education. Historically, we’ve also invited upperclassmen to travel for overnight service immersion experiences in diverse locations such as Guatemala, Nicaragua, New Orleans, Belize and Alaska, however these opportunities were only available to up to 20% of the senior class.

When the pandemic forced us to put a halt to these endeavors for nearly two years, we took that as an opportunity to reimagine what’s possible. Rather than repeating the same immersion model two years in a row, we asked ourselves how we could instead stagger student formation and invite our seniors into even deeper immersion experiences before graduating from Regis Jesuit. Simultaneously, the new

Strategic Vision for Regis Jesuit was unveiled in the spring of 2020 which included a bold move of inviting 100% of our students to participate in an overnight service immersion by the time they graduate from our school. It was in this context that we devised an altogether new model for senior immersions.

Starting this year, Regis Jesuit began offering semesterlong senior level immersion courses that would both prepare and inspire seniors to use their gifts to build the Kingdom of God on earth. Rooted in every single tenet of the Grad at Grad (Open to Growth, Loving, Religious, Intellectually Competent and Committed to Doing Justice), these courses represent the pinnacle of Regis Jesuit education. They challenge both heart and mind, encourage excellence and inspire vulnerability and connection. This year, the courses offered were through the Theology and Fine Arts & Media Technology

departments, and students enrolled in the classes participated in overnight immersions mid-semester in Colorado, Tennessee, Mexico and Ecuador. In the coming years, we anticipate immersion courses being offered through most, if not all, academic departments so that students can choose where and how they feel called to use their gifts and talents in service of God and others. By the 2024-25 academic year, we will expand the capacity of our course offerings to a point where they will replace the current two-week senior immersions program.

While we are incredibly excited at the prospect of this new model, we recognize that this is a big and audacious goal, and we are incrementally implementing this program to ensure we are doing so in an ethical, sustainable and prayerful manner. We’ve designed these courses to help our students resist the temptation to “otherize,” and to focus humbly on their own formation as they learn to be compassionate listeners and informed allies of their vulnerable neighbors. In a world that is too frequently polarized by violence and division, we hope these courses will teach our students to be more compassionate listeners, to love those with different backgrounds, faiths and politics from their own, and to resist indifference in the face of others’ suffering.

“Reflecting on my immersion experiences, I see that the bonds I formed with the people I worked with and served were crucial to my growth and development. Through these relationships, I could better understand the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, and I was inspired to find ways to help them.”

ANDREW MASSIE ’23

RJ students, faculty and staff directly serving communities on their immersion trips.

While the content of each class is uniquely designed to hone the skills required by each academic department, they share many things in common such as prayer, reflection and social action. A major component these classes share is an emphasis on narrative and storytelling. Students in all immersion classes this year were invited to listen to numerous personal stories told by migrants, the unhoused, the disabled, activists and their peers, among others. Ultimately, the students were invited to write a story or two of their own; stories that illuminate experiences of pain, outrage, joy, wonderment, hope, helplessness or transformation. Together they found the courage to name their own vulnerability and celebrate their own humanity, not as heroes or saviors but as loved sinners.

After countless discussions about what our immersion program is and hopes to be, one word and image has resounded above all others: encounter. Pope Francis defines a culture of encounter as “…not just seeing, but looking; not just hearing, but listening; not just passing people by, but stopping with them; not just saying ‘what a shame, poor people!’, but allowing yourself to be moved with compassion…”

The ultimate learning objective of Jesuit education is to invite our students into sainthood by inspiring them to build the Kingdom of God on earth. In our Catholic faith, the Kingdom of God is the ultimate sign of hope, belonging, community, reconciliation and justice. Jesus reminds us that building the Kingdom of God will require us to embrace our own vulnerability as well as the vulnerability of others. Doing so will invite God’s grace to perpetually renew us through reconciliation with self, others and all of Creation.

Basílica del Voto Nacional

THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS

By Sofia Rivera ‘24

Just a few steps behind Facilities & Grounds Superintendent David Beasley on the edge of the Boys Division roof, Sam Koch ’24 opens a crate home to more than one hundred active bees and one royal queen. Despite the colony’s impressive size, it isn’t widely known that Regis Jesuit has housed a group of bees on the rooftop for more than a year. The colony began after then-current student Brodie Halker ‘22 pitched the idea to Principal Jimmy Tricco, who immediately approved the ingenious undertaking. The hive has been a proactive step for the RJ community to help the environment and teach students about bees' critical role in our ecosystem. Additionally, a business run by Koch sells honey from Regis Jesuit’s rooftop colony and has been expanding its beehive count every year.

“It’s fascinating and important for the environment,” says Koch. Making honey and pollinating plants is no simple task. Luckily, honeybees are diligent workers and excellent team members. Hives are often divided into individual groups: workers who forage for food, builders that protect the hive and bees who keep the pack clean. Each hive requires ongoing maintenance from its own bees, and occasionally from humans. Koch visits the RJ hive weekly during the school year and even over the summer. He routinely checks for parasites and losses in the bee population due to cold weather, and has facilitated the entry of a new queen bee.

60,000

These hives have been an unseen but significant part of the local environment since they began buzzing on campus. This is especially important today as scientists have reported a mass loss in bee colonies. This sudden loss in bees has had a massive impact on our flowers, fruits and vegetables that honeybees traditionally pollinate daily. RJ’s colony will not end the issue, but it is a step in the right direction.

This bee project has produced more than 60,000 workers from just the school’s hives, demonstrating the impact one student idea can have. And we won’t complain about a few gallons of honey each year!

Photo: Sofia Rivera ‘24

THIS BEE PROJECT HAS PRODUCED MORE THAN

WORKERS FROM JUST THE SCHOOL’S HIVES

RJ AROUND TOWN G

et ready to see a big RJ all around town driving safely and under the speed limit. Over spring break, the yellow school buses got a sash of red and some fresh new signs to show Regis Jesuit pride across the Denver area. Now our students will see their bus coming a mile away, and the whole neighborhood will know there is a Raider in their midst.

That’s the fun part of it, but there’s more to this than just getting people excited to see RJ where they live.

As part of an effort to increase awareness of bussing services for students, we have branded our buses so families near and far see that a Jesuit education is within reach. Access is essential to ensuring families from all backgrounds see Regis Jesuit as an attainable goal for their children, and transportation is a key factor for many in deciding what school is right for them.

Regis Jesuit offers multiple options for young men and women to commute to and from campus. The newly-branded yellow school buses offer pickups in central locations in Denver and the surrounding areas. Students can also ride RTD light rail and buses at no cost this year as part of a free youth ridership pilot program. Students can disembark at the bus stop conveniently located next to campus. Families can also set up carpooling with other RJ families facilitated by WaytoGO.

So keep an eye out for the RJ in your neighborhood, and tell your friends that Regis Jesuit is closer than they think!

The new bus signage is showcasing the RJ brand and increasing Raider pride everywhere the buses go.

VIA & MANRESA:

HELPING STUDENTS FIND THEIR PLACE AT REGIS JESUIT

By Fr. Eric Ramirez , SJ DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL MINISTRIES

By Nicolette Howell '07 MARKETING MANAGER

Making the transition from middle school to high school can be an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking time in a young person’s life. The beginning of ninth grade signals change both socially and academically. Freshman students are exploring new extracurriculars, classes and even beginning to think about college; all while navigating new friendships and a new environment. The Mission, Ministry & Diversity Office saw an opportunity to reenvision the first-year student experience and excitedly launched a new program called VIA in the fall of 2022. “VIA, a Latin word meaning ‘the way,’ is a program comprised of several events and activities designed to more thoughtfully orient, include and welcome our ninth-grade students and their families into the Regis Jesuit community,” explains Dr. Sajit Kabadi, Assistant Principal for Mission, Ministry & Diversity.

Guided by the Ignatian principle of cura personalis, or “care for the whole person,” the Pastoral Ministries Office carefully crafted VIA with the intention of instilling the values of faith, friendship and formation into freshmen early on in their high school career. Mentorship is at the heart of the program and, with the help of more than 100 junior and senior student-leaders, ninth graders are lovingly guided through their first year in their VIA small groups. Students are introduced to their small groups during Compass Day and meet several times throughout the year. Small group settings are the perfect avenue for freshmen to begin establishing bonds with their classmates and provide the opportunity for junior and senior leaders to share their faith and life experiences with our new students, ensuring they find their place and home here at Regis Jesuit.

In addition to mentorship, VIA programming incorporates several events that provide the opportunity for students to root themselves more deeply in the traditions of the school. Events including Compass Day, Magis Day, Freshman Run-In and Cannonball Day (a reference to St. Ignatius’ moment of conversion) are each designed to unite ninth-graders as a class and establish a sense of belonging while encouraging ongoing connection and shared values.

VIA programming reaches a crescendo of faith and fellowship at the Freshmen Retreat. A staple of the Regis Jesuit pastoral program since 2008, this retreat is an introduction for freshmen and their families to the RJ Retreat Program. Led by juniors and seniors and supported by hundreds of other students, the boys and girls participate in separate retreats hosted in their respective divisions over two days beginning Thursday evening and ending Saturday morning. “Together, throughout the retreat, the students pray, share reflections on their faith in God and discuss the real meaning of the sisterhood and brotherhood through the gift of authentic, loving relationships,” says Dr. Kabadi. All aspects of VIA intend to point the ninth grader to the way of RJ through love of Christ. The expression of this love in all its many ways is how we love, serve, praise and reverence God at Regis Jesuit.

Students making their own "cannonballs" into the pool during Cannonball Day.

With the success of the inaugural year for the VIA program, the Pastoral Ministries Office is now launching a similar program for sophomores called MANRESA. Borrowing from the life of St. Ignatius, MANRESA draws the imagination to Ignatius' second big step following his injury at Pamplona that prompted his conversion. A small town outside of Barcelona, MANRESA was a stopping point where Ignatius dug deep into his spiritual experience, met new friends and started to write the first drafts of the Spiritual Exercises

Much like MANRESA for St. Ignatius, sophomore year is the next big step for our students at RJ, bringing with it a whole new host of opportunities, challenges and places for growth. The desire, like in the life of Ignatius, is to go deeper. Our sophomores have officially crossed the threshold of high school and we want to continue to help them to grow in their sense of love for themselves, for and by the community, and most importantly for and by God.

MANRESA will place a greater emphasis on senior leadership than ever before, with the intention of senior leaders meeting more frequently with sophomores for peer mentoring and accompaniment. Additionally, Sophomore Retreat is currently being reimagined. Spearheaded by Ms. Amanda Houser ’17, our Retreat Coordinator, a small committee met to discern best practices for the retreats for both the girls and the boys to present a more universal experience between the two divisions, while still seeking to uphold the benefits our single-gender model allows us to offer in a retreat setting.

Deepening the experience, the MANRESA year will include two family events: the Sophomore Convocation and the Bridge Mass. The Convocation is a family affair where sophomores and their families come together at the beginning of the school year for Mass, a special speaker and breakfast. The event is intended to help the whole family begin to focus on the needs, challenges and graces that the second year of high school brings. The Bridge Mass bookends the year and gathers the sophomores back together with their families to celebrate the halfway point in their high school experience. We hope to mark this occasion by welcoming students into their junior year with an open invitation for them to take greater ownership of our school’s life.

Through both the VIA and MANRESA programs, we seek to accompany our students more closely through their transformative high school years, providing them a strong support system in their first years on which they can build a solid foundation for the rest of their time at RJ and beyond.

Ninth graders were welcomed into the student stands with the Freshman Run-In at the first football game last fall.

THE WISDOM OF WOMEN

Preparing to Celebrate 20 Years of Educating Young Women at RJ

The 2023-24 school year marks a major milestone for Regis Jesuit as we celebrate 20 years of the Girls Division. What started out as an unlikely proposal became a reality thanks in large part to the power of Ignatian discernment.

“There were not enough seats for families in the Archdiocese wanting their girls to attend a Catholic high school, and through prayer, reflection and determination, Regis Jesuit answered the call to go to the frontiers,” reflects Gretchen Kessler, founding principal of the Girls Division. Through prayerful discernment and the power of the Jesuit desire for the magis – striving for the qualitative more to better glorify God – Regis Jesuit opened its doors to young women and made history, becoming home to the first all-girls Jesuit school in North America. Now, two decades later, more than 2800 young women have graduated as people of conscience, competence and compassion, who are changing the world. We look forward to celebrating and honoring the many ways in which women contribute to the mission of RJ over the next school year.

A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH AND FRIENDSHIP

By Nicolette Howell '07 MARKETING MANAGER

This spring, 12 seniors set out on an experience of faith and adventure during the first-ever Regis Jesuit pilgrimage in New Mexico. The group of RJ young men and women, along with three members of the Pastoral Ministries Office and guides from Creatio, traveled 28 miles on foot over four days with the goal of encountering God through the beauty of His creation. Hiking from Taos to El Santuario de Chimayó Shrine, the group visited some of northern New Mexico’s oldest churches along the way. El Santuario de Chimayó, also called the “Lourdes of America,” is a place of reported healings. Built in the early 1800s right where a mysterious crucifix was discovered buried in the earth, this sacred site is known for its holy dirt and draws many faithful from all over the world in search of hope and healing.

The Chimayó pilgrimage is the Pastoral Ministries Office's latest faith formation offering for seniors. Designed to cultivate spiritual awareness and challenge students to grow in new ways, the Chimayó pilgrimage is different than anything students have experienced at Regis Jesuit. “Pilgrimage is a holy journey, an experience of movement, an experience of on the way,” Fr. Eric Ramirez, SJ explains. Intentionally created for seniors, the Chimayó pilgrimage is meant to further cement the idea that Jesus accompanies us on our journey through life, and especially through times of significant life transitions. As our seniors prepare to end one part of their journey and begin the next as they graduate, we want them to know that God is with them.

With the snowcapped Sangre de Cristo Mountains as their backdrop, our seniors certainly encountered natural beauty along their journey, but it was the experience of community and God’s presence that left a lasting impression. “It’s not just driving to a retreat center,” Fr. Ramirez, SJ says, “It’s a real pilgrimage, a real traveling experience – walking and seeing beautiful countryside with prayer and spiritual development as part of it.” During their four-day journey, students were invited to pray and reflect on two principles: 1. God’s immense love for us and 2. How are we called to respond to that love. While they had time to ponder these principles during daily hikes, examens and liturgies, it was the interactions with their peers that drove these lessons home. “The students were joyful! Everyone was involved, engaged and new relationships were formed as a result,” Fr. Ramirez remarks. While most retreat offerings are in a single-gender environment, this pilgrimage is open to both boys and girls, and the small-group format lends itself to students truly getting to know one another.

The bonds that were formed over their four-day adventure proved to be strong with many of the participants continuing to nurture their newfound friendships once back in the hallways of RJ. This tight-knit group that grew out of fresh friendships is the embodiment of how we’re called to respond to God’s love: give love freely to all of God’s people and be Men and Women with and for Others

The Pastoral Ministries Office is excited to be offering two of these incredible experiences to senior students next school year.

The RJ delegation inside El Santuario de Chimayó

Faculty and students take in the breathtaking views on their way to El Santuario de Chimayó

BUILDING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

By Arthur Knapp DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

“I like the business mindset of the class. Mr. Reif challenges us to think about things differently.”

SAMSON GHOLSTON ’23

Carl Reif came to Regis Jesuit with a lengthy resume spanning marketing work for the Philadelphia Archdiocese to risk management for clients like the U.S. National Parks. In his words, he’s “done every part of business” in his career. With his experience, the last place you might expect to find him is in a high school, but Regis Jesuit is exactly where he wants to be. “If I could do it all over again, I’d be a teacher from the start,” he says.

But the students in his Entrepreneurship class are clearly benefiting from all those years of experience outside the classroom. They are learning business fundamentals and practical skills that will give them an edge in any field.

“I like the business mindset of the class. Mr. Reif challenges us to think about things differently,” says Samson Gholston ’23.

Near the end of the spring semester, the class of mostly senior boys and girls presented business plans to the class in a “Shark Tank” style format, albeit with a bit less flash and a lot more substance. The students stood confidently in front of slick PowerPoint presentations showcasing their proposed businesses’ logos, marketing plans, market research, projected profits and expected growth potential. After each presentation, Mr. Reif and the class fired off questions you’d expect from a potential investor. They’d ask about known competitors, market share and corporate ethics.

“I’m teaching for real life,” Mr. Reif says, “They’re doing things they’ve never done before.”

And real is exactly how this class feels. Mr. Reif believes the best learning occurs in scenarios that are organic and unplanned. When a technical glitch cuts off a presentation, it isn’t a brief delay, it is an opportunity for students to problem solve and react as if it happened in a pitch meeting.

“One student’s mistake is a great learning opportunity for the entire class.” Mr. Reif says, “They’ll make mistakes in their life, so why not make them in a classroom first?”

This focus on problem solving is essential to the formation Regis Jesuit provides to all our students. RJ graduates are preparing to tackle issues affecting people and the natural world, and this course gives them the business skills they need to be successful leaders.

Beyond building business proposals and problem-solving, Mr. Reif’s Entrepreneurship course teaches RJ students applicable life and business skills like time management, self-advocacy and dealing with failure.

“I like that I get to figure things out myself and put my creativity into it,” says Rachel Hilty ’23, “Mr. Reif is supportive through everything, he truly wants us to be better at business.”

In talking about the course, Mr. Reif emphasizes building independence and maturity. The course has a unique structure that requires students to manage their own time, just as they will have to do in their future careers. And it isn’t just Mr. Reif teaching these students. He brings in industry experts and alumni to share their experience and answer questions from the students.

In just one semester, he sees students gain confidence in themselves, build skills that will serve them throughout their lives and become young adults poised to lead.

“I see greatness in all of them, more than they see in themselves.”

Students pitch their business plans to Mr. Reif and their classmates in a "Shark Tank" format

“I'm teaching for real life. They're doing things they've never done before.” CARL REIF

A FAREWELL SONG FOR FR. JIM GOEKE, SJ

By Charisse Broderick King DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Fr. Jim Goeke, SJ has a lot of wonderful memories of his six years at Regis Jesuit, but the one that stands out is when he decided to sing Unwritten, a song by Natasha Bedingfield about releasing fear and being open to the life unfolding in front of you, during his homily for the Class of 2019 Girls Division Baccalaureate Mass. “I had first heard the song when waiting out a lightning delay with the Girls Soccer team earlier that spring,” he recalls, “and the words stuck with me as I was preparing my homily for that Mass. I was debating whether to sing but decided to take the chance.” The gamble paid off as an impromptu, and very moving, singalong broke out with all the girls joining Fr. Goeke in singing the refrain.

Being willing to be vulnerable is one of the reasons Fr. Goeke is so beloved—he seeks authentic relationship with everyone he encounters. And his openness has endeared him to our community, especially to the students. When Fr. Goeke joined our community in 2017, it had been 24 years since he had been in a high school classroom. “I thought I would be a ‘high school Jesuit,’” he recalls. He taught math at St. Louis University High School, his alma mater, during his formation as a Jesuit and for five years following his ordination, but then was missioned to serve in a variety of other works including at a parish, as a hospital chaplain and as assistant novice director.

Returning to the classroom after such a long hiatus wasn’t without its challenges. “Previously, I had taught honors level math courses to upperclassmen, so in those first weeks, my expectations of what

freshmen in Algebra I were capable of were not realistic,” he recalls. In response, Goeke did what comes naturally to him—made himself vulnerable, first to his colleagues in the Math Department from whom he sought counsel, then to his students. At the advice of his mentor teacher, Spencer Wagner, Goeke asked his students to complete a non-anonymous survey of how the class was going and what they needed from him, which he committed to use to adjust his approach and recast his expectations. He recalls, “They were brutally honest, and it was the beginning of a much better relationship.”

That kind of relationship-building is what we will miss most about Fr. Goeke, who has also served as the superior of our Jesuit Community and a member of the Board of Trustees. Well, that and his incredible fandom of all things Raider athletics and activities. Fr. Jim will continue to serve on the RJ Board as he moves west to his new role as minister of the community at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. He will manage the practical aspects of that community of about 50 Jesuits, helping to mentor them in their final stage of formation prior to ordination, a role he is very well-suited to play. So, we send him forth with love and this reminder: “Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins.The rest is still unwritten.”

Fr. Goeke shares his talents and passions as a faith leader, educator and Raider fan.

“It's been a real blessing to share my faith with you all and accompany everyone at Regis Jesuit.”

Fr. Jim Goeke, SJ

Four years ago, MaryKate Berg '23 had never even heard of field hockey. She was about to begin her freshman year at Regis Jesuit and her mom signed her up for a field hockey beginners' camp hosted by RJ. MaryKate recalls thinking, “How can you play hockey on a field? Don't you need ice?”

Now she has two State Championship rings and has signed to play field hockey at Davidson College in North Carolina. From freshman year to senior, she went from not knowing a single rule of the game to becoming one of the most talented goalies in the state. But when she describes her tenure as a Raider, she notes the true value of her experience is not defined by victories or accolades.

“The whole foundation of our sports teams is to grow and be better women,” MaryKate says.

Winning two state titles in four years is not the story of every Raider athlete, but the formation provided in practice, competition and service is the leading narrative on every RJ team.

Zion Taylor ’23, a runner on the Boys Track & Field and Boys Cross Country teams shares how the positive team atmosphere made him grow as a person. “I learned how to be myself and how to find God in everything,” he says.

These themes are evident on every field and court the Raiders play or practice on, and that is by design. As one of our four Bold Moves in the Inspire & Ignite 2025 Strategic Plan, Regis Jesuit is committed to growing our athletics programs as conduits for mission and leadership. This means reorienting athletic programs around mission and leadership, establishing principles to guide athletic participation as well as expanding, upgrading and making more equitable athletic facilities. About two-thirds of all our students participate in one or more sports, and their experiences are a top priority for the school.

“Our athletic programs serve to animate our mission,” says Todd Schuler, Athletic Director. “We continue to build a more positive culture and focus on formation.”

The foundation for personal and faith formation on our sports teams is built into the infrastructure of our athletic programming, but the coaches are where the rubber meets the road, or maybe where the cleat hits the turf. Raider coaches are out there with our athletes before and after school, on weekend away games and on service opportunities.

“We hope to instill the values of integrity, character, compassion, sportsmanship, servant leadership, and teamwork,” says Boys Soccer Coach and Theology teacher Rick Wolf. “From classroom behavior, to grades, to participation in leadership roles, the soccer boys are impressive. We demand excellence and they respond in spades.”

A CONDUIT FOR MISSION

CONDUIT FOR MISSION

By

“I learned how to be myself and how to find God in everything.”

ZION TAYLOR ’23

Arthur Knapp DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Announcing the RJ & Nike Partnership

After an extensive selection process involving coaches, administrators and students, Regis Jesuit is excited to announce an exclusive partnership with Nike for the majority of our sports teams’ uniforms and apparel. Through Nike’s preferred fulfillment partners, GearUp and BSN, RJ athletes will be outfitted with top-tier gear to facilitate training and competition. This development will streamline processes, allowing coaches to focus more on their athletes and create cost savings for RJ families.

“Our students and coaches love Nike products. It builds strength in branding and identity to have our teams wearing Nike gear. You will immediately know when you arrive on a field or in a gym with RJ athletes. This partnership is creating a buzz and sense of pride amongst our athletes,” says Athletic Director Todd Schuler.

The partnership also means more RJ-branded Nike apparel in the Raider Shop. Be sure to stop by and pick up some Raider gear for the upcoming sports seasons!

Todd Schuler not only oversees the coaching staff, he also has two children, Carson ’24 and Mackenzie ’26, who benefit from the lessons and guidance of RJ coaches.

“Our coaches are a special group of people,” Schuler says. “They’ve opted into this journey; they believe in our mission.”

MaryKate Berg spoke of Girls Field Hockey Head Coach Spencer Wagner glowingly, noting how he did so much more than teach them to be competitors. “Coach Wagner told us our goal is to win state, but our purpose is to be Women with and for Others,” she shared. “Even after losses, Coach would have us reflect on what we’ve achieved and how much we’ve grown as a group.”

RJ coaches also play an important role in the faith formation of their players. From practice to championships, our athletes are shown how God works in and through them. “The faith piece is the most important aspect of what we do as a coaching staff,” says Coach Wolf. “Soccer is a convenient excuse to enliven the mission of Regis Jesuit High School as well as the Roman Catholic Church through our interactions with the boys on the pitch.”

With the support of our Office of Student Life and the guidance of our coaches, our athletes have a uniquely Jesuit experience. As teams and individuals, they find personal growth and maturity through practice, faith and mentorship. “We are creating something really special here,” says Zion Taylor.

But resting on our laurels is not the RJ way. RJ Athletics is poised to continue improving the experience for athletes, parents and coaches. Schuler has a number of things in the works, like a new Team Chaplain program that will create a team position for a faculty or staff member to lead Ignatian formation programming.

“I felt drawn here. I want to support our athletes and be an advocate for each coach and student.”

JORDAN KASEMODEL ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR & HEAD BASKETBALL COACH – GIRLS

The Athletics Office has already made an important move in the hiring of a new Associate Athletic Director. Jordan Kasemodel started in this position this summer, though she is not new to Regis Jesuit, having served as the Girls Basketball Coach since 2021, a role she will continue.

“I’m excited to be in the school full-time,” Kasemodel says. “I felt drawn here. I want to support our athletes and be an advocate for each coach and student.”

And our community is equally excited to be a part of our Athletics initiatives, supporting the fundraising efforts as part of Inspire & Ignite 2025, which will see seven tennis courts and two multi-sport turf fields built on campus. For more information on this and other Strategic Plan funding initiatives, please see p. 22-23.

Creating positive, formational experiences is the core of everything we do at Regis Jesuit. Whether our students are swinging a bat, diving into the pool, kneeling in prayer before a game or serving others with their teammates, they are being guided to become the best versions of themselves.

As always, our students say it best:

“We work to exemplify Christ, it’s the foundation of everything we do,” says MaryKate Berg.

“Whether it’s on the track, in the classroom, at home or out and about, I want to be a good, caring, loving person,” says Zion Taylor.

Summer Upgrades

RJ athletes are returning to some fresh renovations this fall. The Girls Division gym floor was torn out and completely replaced for the first time since it was built in 1990. The Rod Card ’61 track was stripped and fully redone. And the artficial turf on the field inside Kellogg Stadium was redone with new, environmentally-friendly materials.

Left: Boys soccer coach, Rick Wolf, leading the Raiders against Ponderosa High School.

Right: Girls field hockey assistant coach, Leah Malm, inspiring her team in the State Championship.

“The whole foundation of our sports teams is to grow and be better women.”

MARYKATE BERG ’23

REVELATION IN A NAME

By David Card ‘87 PRESIDENT

This has been a monumental year for the Regis Jesuit community. We have seen such generosity and enthusiasm for the initiatives of Inspire & Ignite 2025 from alumni, parents, grandparents and the larger RJ family. I am proud to share that the largest fundraising effort in Regis Jesuit’s history continues to have a significant impact in support of access, innovation and excellence at Regis Jesuit.

Our students face an even more hope-filled future with increased support for financial aid offerings that will enrich the RJ experience for all. Our student-athletes continue to live our mission while we invest in our Athletics Master Plan, beginning with tennis facilities, athletic fields and parking. And all our students will soon have expanded, hands-on opportunities to contemplate, collaborate and create together in the Science & Innovation Center.

I am passionate about the future we are building and that we are doing it on such a strong foundation of excellence and cura personalis. Regis Jesuit has been a community of educators, students and families for more than 140 years, but the tradition we follow is much older, rooted in the life and work of St. Ignatius of Loyola. I’d like to share with you how St. Ignatius’ life guided our decision to name the new chapel in the Science & Innovation Center.

I’ve known the story of St. Ignatius for many years, but it wasn’t until my recent pilgrimage to Spain that I came to understand the depth of his connection to Mary, our Blessed Mother. Indeed, he prayed in vigil to Mary through many nights of his own pilgrimage to Jerusalem, seeking confirmation for his calling to follow Christ. While his “laying down of his sword” in Montserrat, Spain at the altar of the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary was an extraordinary symbol of his moving from one vocation to another, it was his vigil to Mary there that moved me the most. Throughout his life, Ignatius relied upon the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for his care, direction and protection.

Our Lady of the Way Chapel

In 1540, Ignatius and the first Jesuits occupied a residence and a chapel in Rome, granted to this new order of Catholic priests by Pope Paul III. In the chapel was a late 13th century fresco depicting Mary holding a young Jesus. That fresco was given the name Madonna della Strada (Our Lady of the Way). For many years, this chapel and residence was the heart of the Society of Jesus.

It was this history that guided us to give the name Our Lady of the Way to the Science & Innovation Center’s sacred space. In every moment, I believe Mary and Christ are guiding us toward revelation and reconciliation, and it is my hope that this place on campus will serve our students in nurturing and following their faith.

Together, we celebrate our progress and accomplishments as signs that the mission of Regis Jesuit and St. Ignatius remains aligned with the values of the community we serve. The strategic initiatives of Inspire & Ignite 2025 represent a clear vision for furthering Jesuit education in Colorado for generations of Raiders to come.

And we are not done yet. We have opportunities for all members of our community to make their mark on the RJ student experience and the future of Regis Jesuit.

This sacred space is made possible by the commitment and generosity of Dick and Mary Pat McCormick.

A rendering of the chapel in the Science & Innovation Center

BELIEVING IN A BOLD VISION

We are grateful to our community for helping us reach a new milestone of $30 million raised toward our $42 million goal. But we know Inspire & Ignite 2025 will be successful only with the continued support of donors who believe in the mission of Regis Jesuit. In their own words, our Mission Partners share why they gave.

“We are inspired to help the Regis Jesuit mission continue because we have witnessed its blessings within our own family. With our gift, we desire to help give students a unique place to achieve their academic goals and develop their spirituality.”

SAM & ROBYN RASURE

Parents of Meggie '20, Ben '22 & Katie '27

“We hope our donation will be a small part of advancing Regis Jesuit’s mission, and we look forward to future students having access to an even more extensive and creative offering of courses and more developed tennis and sports facilities.”

ERICA & LOUIS BISSETT

Parents of Davis ’24

“As a young entrepreneur, the Science & Innovation Center strongly resonates with me and my experience at RJ. It will be a game changer for the students, and it also will bring more alumni—like me—back to the school to be mentors.”

JOHN LEO SCHMIDT ’14

Support Our Students

Regis Jesuit continues to move boldly forward with the Inspire & Ignite 2025 Strategic Plan – our vision to ensure that generations of future students will be formed to be creative, compassionate, complex problem-solvers for humanity, the natural world and the greater glory of God.

Gifts of all sizes contribute to the success of our students, and we hope you will join us in creating a bolder, brighter future for Regis Jesuit.

Funding Priorities

ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY

» Increase financial aid and scholarship resources for 1 in 3 students who receive it

» Grow our endowment to create longterm support of our financial aid program

ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENTS

» Complete the construction of the 65,000 sq ft Science & Innovation Center

» Outfit its new labs and learning spaces with the equipment our students need for expanded course offerings and hands-on learning

ATHLETIC UPGRADES

» Build seven new tennis courts and spectator seating

» Construct two multi-sport artificial turf fields and additional student parking

To learn more, visit » regisjesuit.com/BoldlyForward

SCAN HERE!

RJ CONNECT HIGHLIGHTS Alumni Engagement Vision

The objective of RJ Connect is to educate, cultivate and leverage the Regis Jesuit community network to inspire students to find, form and fuel a passion as global citizens to serve the betterment of humanity and the natural world.

THE VISION IS BUILT ON:

1 Helping students and alumni to network, discover their passions and secure their futures

2 Supporting RJ’s project-based learning initiatives to help form creative, compassionate and complex problem solvers

Ways to Get Involved

RJ Connect depends on volunteers for its success. Here are ways to get involved:

» Join the more than 1600 Regis Jesuit alumni on RJ Connect by registering at regisjesuit.com/RJConnect

» Participate in our job shadow program and provide an innovative learning experience for current RJ students

» Come back to campus for one of our alumni speaker series to share your career journey and insights with RJ students

3 Facilitating relationships between our industry partners and our academic departments

4 Connecting alumni with Regis Jesuit and our students with industry professionals as a means of discerning their passions

303.269.8047

RJ Connect 2022-23 Highlights

RJ continues to build connections for both alumni and students alike via access to a wide variety of meaningful mentorship and networking opportunities. Over the course of the school year, more than 500 students participated in at least one RJ Connect opportunity. Additionally, we proudly engaged with 100 alumni industry partners via seven different offerings, including our newly launched Job Shadow Program.

ALUMNI CAREER & NETWORKING FAIR

This annual event is hosted in virtual and in-person formats serving hundreds of attendees and dozens of industry partners including Ball Corporation, Northwestern Mutual and Travelers Insurance.

ALUMNI MENTORSHIP SERIES

Twice a year, a panel of 20 alumni mentors representing various industries visit campus to speak to current junior and senior students.

JOB SHADOW DAYS

This newly-launched program offers an innovative learning experience for students to discover and explore career paths through hands-on experiences and personal interactions with professionals and RJ alumni. This year, we had 15 students shadow alumni working at organizations including Zoom, Burns & McDonnell Engineering Firm, Inspire Osteopathy Denver and 5280 Pediatric Dentistry.

MENTORING MINI-SERIES

Our mini-mentorship program offers students intimate exposure to an industry and /or career path they’re interested in through small group events. This year, RJ hosted both first-responder and law mini-mentorship events led by alumni in their respective fields.

CLASS GUEST SPEAKERS

We offer the opportunity for alumni to partner with several classes as guest speakers. This year, we welcomed alumni back to campus to share their wisdom, advice and insights with our Entrepreneurship and Medical Explorations classes.

Coming Next Year!

» RJ Hire - Connecting graduating seniors and college-aged alumni to opportunities ranging from summer jobs and paid internships to professional career positions at every level. Please let us know if your company is hiring!

» RJ Connect is moving to the newlynamed McCallin Alumni Center, which will be located by the front door of the new Science & Innovation Center! Many of RJ’s new applied-learning courses –from the natural and hard sciences to studio arts, media and more – will draw alumni back to campus to share their expertise and mentor our students. We look forward to welcoming you to our new space in early 2024.

Save the date

ALUMNI HOMECOMING

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2023

Join hundreds of your fellow alumni on campus for the annual Alumni Homecoming BBQ. This family-friendly event is an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and celebrate the history we share. We are excited to welcome you back as we honor our alumnae and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Girls Division. Stay tuned – more events to be announced!

Left: Josephine Sullivan '23 spent the day at the Denver Zoom headquarters with Alumni Abe Queen ’17 and Tommy Gaessler ’16 as part of our newly-launched Job Shadow Program. Right: Alumna Christina Canino ’14 sharing her insights with students during the Law Mini-Mentorship series.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF LARK

Thank you to the 550 RJ community members who joined us on April 15, 2023, at the Denver Marriott Tech Center to celebrate and support the school’s mission. LARK: The Golden Jubilee, Regis Jesuit’s 50th annual auction, raised more than $700,000 in support of our students and mission.

Special thanks to our emcee and parent of 2021 and 2023 graduates, Kyle Dyer West auctioneer Marty Murad, current parents and LARK Co-Chairs Cheryl Hall and Shannon MacKenzie, as well as the entire LARK steering committee, event support crew, sponsors, underwriters and catalog supporters for partnering with the Advancement team on help

ing to make Regis Jesuit’s largest community event fundraiser of the year a success!

Raising $510,000 in Honor of Our Faculty

This year’s LARK Paddle Raiser supported the Faculty Endowed Fund. This initiative was started in 2011 to support compensation for our teachers. Investing in our people is important now more than ever to ensure retention of faculty excellence and provide our teachers with a competitive salary so they can continue their life’s vocation as Ignatian educators at Regis Jesuit. Through the generosity of our community, we raised $510,000 in support of the Faculty Endowed Fund for this exact purpose. Thank you to all the generous parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who created incredible momentum in support of our teachers and ultimately the unique RJ student experience! You can still make a gift online and grow the impact of the Faculty Endowed Fund at regisjesuit.com/LARKPaddleRaiser

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NEXT YEAR’S LARK, COMING APRIL 13, 2024.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

ALUMNI PROFILES

Regis Jesuit alumni are thought-leaders, changemakers and Men and Women with and for Others. In this issue, we’re celebrating the many ways our alumni are striving for the magis—the qualitative more—in all that they do.

Emma Braun '16

GEOTECHNICAL PROJECT ENGINEER

Industry: Engineering /Construction

Education: MS, Geotechnical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines; BS, Civil Engineering, Colorado School of Mines

Think back to senior year. Was this the job you dreamed of? Yes and no - I knew I wanted to be an engineer because at the root of engineering, you have to be a problem solver, something I felt was a fairly good goal. It was after I saw the applications of specifically civil engineering that I knew those were the kind of problems I wanted to solve.

Naomi Butler '13

FOUNDER/OWNER | BUTLER MEDIA MARKETING

Industry: Marketing

Education: BA, Advertising and Public Relations, University of Northern Colorado

How are you acting as a Woman for Others in your current role? I believe in using our skills and resources to positively impact the community. That's why we have incorporated an element into our business that allows us to give back through pro bono work for ministries. Through this initiative, we have had the privilege of partnering with numerous churches and organizations, helping them reach the people they serve and amplify their message. We strongly believe that giving back with our time and resources is a way to honor and serve God, and it aligns with our core values as a company.

Darius Ebrahimi '12

AUTHOR

Industry: Writing /Publishing

Education: MS, Finance, University of Texas - Austin; BA, Economics, University of Colorado - Boulder

What accomplishments are you most proud of? I’m proud of winning the 2023 IndieReader Discovery Award for fantasy, but regardless of any other accomplishment, holding my book, Till Myth Do Us Part, in print for the first time will be my proudest moment.

Fr. Micah Flores ’12

PAROCHIAL VICAR | MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD CATHOLIC PARISH  Ministry  STB, Sacred Theology, Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum); MDiv, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary; BA, Philosophy, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, accredited through Regis University

Who or what inspired you to pursue your field of interest? Two priests in particular, Fr. Kevin Dyer, SJ And Fr. Brady Wagner were, and still are, tremendous witnesses to me of faithfulness, joy, and holiness of life. Through their encouragement and guidance, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I left behind the ambitions of an engineering career to follow Jesus Christ more closely as his disciple and friend through seminary and now as a priest.

Lacey Henderson '07

ATHLETE, SPEAKER AND OWNER/SPORT PSYCHOLOGY PRACTITIONER | PARALLEL PERFORMANCE CONSULTING LLC

Athletics and Advocacy

MA, Applied Sport and Performance Psychology, University of St Thomas - Houston; BA, Spanish and French Language, Minor in International Studies with emphasis on Health, Development and Gender, University of Denver

What accomplishments are you most proud of? Definitely the passing of HB1136 into Colorado state law where insurance companies are required to cover costs for an additional recreational device for people with limb loss /difference. Becoming an American Record holder and Paralympian have been amazing, but I've treated that more as a platform to do bigger work.

Jessica Lewis-Cruz '15

CAPTAIN, UNITED STATES ARMY AND INTERN PHYSICIAN | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD

Military Physician, applying to Otolaryngology

MD, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences; BS, Life Science, United States Military Academy at West Point

Who or what inspired you to pursue your field of interest? My desire to be a military physician was inspired in part by the Jesuit ideals of service that I learned during my time at RJ. Still, I carry those ideals with me by caring for those in harm's way and their loved ones.

Jim Loehr '61

PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGIST, AUTHOR AND CO-FOUNDER | HUMAN PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE

Industry: Psychology

Education: EdD and MA, Psychology, University of Northern Colorado; BA, Psychology, Regis University

Do you have a favorite RJ teacher? Why? Coach Guy Gibbs was my hero. He reached out to me when I needed it most. I credit him in the acknowledgments of many of my books. Coach Gibbs was a truly extraordinary man.

Erika Manilla '16

#1 TEAM USA RACQUETBALL ATHLETE, #4 LADIES PROFESSIONAL RACQUETBALL TOUR ATHLETE, AND CO-OWNER | MANILLA ATHLETICS

Industry: Professional Racquetball

Education: MBA and BS, Biomedical Science with Minors Chemistry and Spanish, University of Northern Arizona

What advice would you give to our current students? Be kind. Respect those around you. Trust the traditions. Lean into your faith.

Jack McLaren '10

AQUATIC ECOLOGY PROGRAM MANAGER | HENRY’S FORK FOUNDATION

Industry: Conservation Non-profit, Scientist

Education: PhD, Ecology, Utah State University ; MPA, Water Resources Management, Indiana University Bloomington; MS, Environmental Science, Water Resources Management, Indiana University Bloomington; BS, Environmental Science, Minor in Sustainability, University of Notre Dame

How are you acting as a Man for Others in your current role? Ending up in the non-profit field was the direct result of a Jesuit education. Regis Jesuit encouraged me to seek a field where I could give my time and talent for the glory of God and betterment of humanity through the conservation of the natural world.

Bruce Murphy '59

SENIOR SCIENTIST | THE RESEARCH CENTER IN REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY, UNIVERSITY OF MONTREAL

Industry: Physiology, Reproductive Biology, Science and Education

Education: PhD, Reproductive Biology, University of Saskatchewan; MS, Physiology, Colorado State University ; BS, Biology, Colorado State University

What accomplishments are you most proud of? Although I have had a successful career as a scientist, I believe that my most important contribution has been training graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Sixty-five young scientists have passed through my laboratory, and are now working scientists all over the world. Those in academia have established research laboratories in Canada, USA, Mexico, Peru, Argentina and China among others. Some of my former trainees are working in the assisted reproduction and biotech industries, while some hold government posts.

Kathleen Kershisnik Seig '12

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PART OWNER | ROOTED IN REHABILITATION, LITTLETON Health Care / Physical Therapy

Education: Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; BS, Kinesiology and Health and Minor in Psychology, The University of Wyoming

What does the future of your industry look like? Physical therapists are now required to get doctorate degrees, and in many states, Colorado included, are direct access health care providers. This means that patients no longer have to go to a PCP to get a referral, but instead can come directly to a PT to be evaluated, treated and order any images (MRI, X-Ray, etc.) necessary. Physical therapists are now a primary source of care for patients of all ages to prevent injury and manage their pain before it gets bad enough to become a serious injury or require surgery.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Valedictorians Salutatorians

By the Numbers

Of those attending college,

Top Five Colleges Our Graduates Will Be Attending

1 University of Colorado at Boulder 50 students

98% or 380/389 will go to two- and four-year schools

384 of 389 or 99%

of the Class of 2023 were accepted into nearly 350 schools and will matriculate to 158 colleges or universities next year

of college attendees will stay in Colorado

90% of college- bound students received merit-based scholarships

2 Creighton University

21 students

3 Colorado State University

13 students

4 University of Kansas

20% of college attendees will enroll at Catholic institutions, including 14% who will attend a Jesuit college or university; RJ will have students matriculating to 14 of the 27 Jesuit colleges or universities

11 students

5 Gonzaga University

9 students

BOYS DIVISION Eshaan Palanati Cornell University

GIRLS DIVISION Karina Gasparyan University of Denver

BOYS DIVISION Seth Taylor University of Alberta

GIRLS DIVISION Kamrynn Kelly United States Air Force Academy

Academic Scholarship Winners*

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS

Jaden Behringer '23, Kamrynn Kelly '23, Maxwell Larson '23

NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS

Catelyn Billings '23, Gabriella Contos '23, Colin Ebner '23, Jacob Gold '23, Sophia Mitsuoka '23, Caitlin Neumann '23, Eshaan Palanati ’23, Allie Pallotta '23, James Ritsick '23, Seth Taylor '23, Miriam Tesfaye '23, Drake Woody '23

COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Cianna Canning ’23, Miriam Tesfaye ’23

COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL INDIGENOUS RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Cianna Canning ’23, Sophie Goldsbury ’23

COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Agustin Azcui González ’24, John Edwards ‘24, Sophie Goldsbury ’23, Aaron Payan ’23, Matthew Preiss ’24, Seth Taylor ’23, Zane Wilson ’24

COCA-COLA SCHOLAR SEMIFINALISTS

Jaden Behringer ’23, Rahel Seyoum ’23

DANIELS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Jenny Fu '23

UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM CANDIDATE

Seth Taylor ‘23

CHICK EVANS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Erika Kemp '23, Georgia Meysman-Sharpe '23

College Athletic Signings

Logan Able: Rugby University of Arizona

Samantha Aguirre: Swimming United States Naval Academy

D'Andre Barnes: Football University of Nebraska

Mary Kate Berg: Field Hockey Davidson College

Brooke Carey: Softball Campbell University

Jack Carey: Baseball Pepperdine University

Exander Carroll: Football Colorado Mesa University

Jack Casey: Lacrosse United States Military Academy

Spencer Day: Lacrosse Villanova University

Aidan Dore: Rugby Hampden-Sydney College

Logan Farrington: Lacrosse The Catholic University of America

Charlotte Ford: Lacrosse Brown University

Sophia Frei: Swimming University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Amery Galan: Volleyball Centre College

Grant Gedrose: Baseball Augustana College

Joshua Harvey: Football Emporia State University

Ethan Hughes: Lacrosse Sacred Heart University

Truman Inglis: Water Polo Chapman University

University of Missouri –Kansas City

Ronan Krauss: Swimming Georgetown University

Nate Lewis: Baseball Johns Hopkins University

Dylan McCollough: Football Colorado Mesa University

Sullivan Martin: Track & Field University of Puget Sound

Andrew Metzger: Football Kansas State University

Hayden Moore: Football University of Michigan

Dirk Morley: Wrestling Northwestern University

Ryan Morris: Lacrosse Roanoke College

Alex Plank: Rugby Cardiff Metropolitan University

Eloise Post: Soccer Illinois Institute of Technology

John Paul Robertson: Swimming

University of Saint Mary

Ava Rogala: Lacrosse

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona

Olivia Roumph: Swimming Indiana University

Clayton Scarth: Soccer Lewis & Clark College

Trevor Schweer: Rugby Central Washington University

Hailey Simco: Softball Lee University

Fletcher Sullivan: Lacrosse Monmouth University

*We list only the names of Regis Jesuit students who receive national level or full-ride scholarships. Annually, Regis Jesuit students receive numerous competitive monetary awards totaling tens of millions of dollars in academic scholarships. The numbers reflect what was reported to the school by the members of the graduating class, so may not be representative the total dollar amount awarded to the Class of 2023.

Every effort has been made to record accurately those who have been awarded scholarships or have signed to play sports in college. We sincerely regret any errors or omissions.

Carly Kennedy: Lacrosse Towson University

Brien Kenny: Baseball Chandler Gilbert

Community College

Harrison Kerscher: Swimming Emory University

Kendall Kersey: Softball

Zion Taylor: Cross Country, Track & Field Wartburg College

Julia Tierney: Soccer United States Air Force Academy

Madison Wei: Tennis Hope College

Hawkins Wendt: Swimming Seattle University

To see the full list of schools these new #GreatRaiders will be attending, please visit » regisjesuit.com/Classof2023Colleges

ACTIVITY & CLUB RECAP

Visual & Performing Arts

ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA

Cellist Claire Robertson ‘23 was selected to perform in the 2023 Colorado All-State Orchestra in February.

CONTINENTAL LEAGUE ART SHOW

Fourteen students participated in this year’s Continental League Art Show held in April where students compete to earn top prizes and the coveted Best of Show Award in 2D and 3D artwork in several categories.

ALL-STATE CHOIR

Vocalists Jason Lee ‘24 of Vox Lucis and Lucy Coughlon ‘23 and Carly Fischer ‘23 of the Canta Belles qualified for the competitive Colorado All-State Choir, performing as part of this prestigious ensemble at the All-State Choir Festival in February.

CONTINENTAL LEAGUE HONOR MUSIC FESTIVAL

Eighteen students were selected for the Continental League Honor Orchestra and Choir performing with other top musicians in the state at the Continental Music Festival in January.

CU DENVER SONGWRITING COMPETITION

OraVera Konadu-Acheampong ‘25 and Elise Kuhn ‘24 were finalists in the annual University of Colorado - Denver’s Colorado High School Songwriting Competition. This is the third year in a row Regis Jesuit had students selected to participate in this competition. Regis Jesuit has the unrivaled distinction of being the only high school in Colorado to qualify more than one student per year for this competition!

WESTERN STATES HONOR ORCHESTRA

Julian Kramer ‘25 was selected to perform the violin in the symphony orchestra as part of the 2022 Western States Honor Orchestra Festival in November.

THEATRE

The Drama Club’s student thespians offered three spectacular performances this year starting with its fall performance of Peter and the Starcatcher in The Z Theatre. In the spring, our thespians, stage crew and musicians presented four performances of Tarzan: The Stage Musical over two weekends. The efforts of Liz Barrios ‘24, Starnia Bleus ‘23, Juli Davis ‘24 and Paloma Paz ‘24 garnered them a nomination in the Outstanding Achievement in Hair & Makeup Design category in this year’s 2023 Bobby G Awards for their work on Tarzan. This is the fifth time since 2019 the school has earned at least one Bobby G nomination and the fourth time an RJ Theatre musical has received a Bobby G nomination. The club rounded out the year with three performances of the student-written and directed play Two Idiots in Cleveland in May.

Club Highlights

ARRUPE CLUB

The Arrupe Club organized a successful Polo Drive last July, selling more than 500 gently-used polos to incoming freshman students while raising $395 to benefit the Laudato Si movement, a Catholic response to ecological crisis and climate change. Their efforts not only helped keep uniform costs down for incoming students, but also saved additional clothing waste from ending up in landfills.

CHESS CLUB

STATE RUNNERS-UP! The Chess Club Team of Ryan Calabrese ‘24 Becky Gelfer ‘25 Phineas Hagg ‘24 Robby Manoogian ‘24 and Matthew Proctor ‘24 placed second at the Chess State Championship Tournament in February. The team has competed in the State Tournament each year since 2001, with this as the second consecutive year the Raiders finished as Runners-Up.

CODING CLUB

The Coding Club team of David Fales ‘24, Max Ficco ‘24, Oliver Howe ‘24 and Matthew Proctor ‘24 took second place in the In-Person Advanced Division at the Colorado School of Mines High School Programming Competition in April.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

In April, the Environmental Club sponsored its first-ever Care For Our Common Home Week supporting the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus. During the week, students cleaned up more than 400 pounds of trash from the Platte River and streets around campus. On campus, the week featured fun and informative activities including sharing prayers for creation, daily-themed challenges, information on environmental issues, themed dress days and live webcam footage from the Monterey Bay Aquarium on displays in every classroom. They also presented a screening of the documentary The Letter about Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si where more than 100 attendees learned about the impacts of the climate crisis and our call to protect all of creation.

ESPORTS CLUB

RJ’s first-ever Hearthstone Esports Team of Kona Burgess ‘25, Sean Speil ‘24 and Loten Vu ‘24 finished the regular season with a 7-1 record and competed in the Semifinal round of the Regional High School Esports Championship in April.

DECA CLUB

In its inaugural year, ten members of the DECA Club participated in the 2023 State Career Development Conference in February. Twelve members also competed in the 2022-23 Colorado State DECA Competition also in February where Petra Augustine ‘23 and Gabriela Contos ‘23 were selected as State Finalists. Caroline Gambrill ‘24 was chosen out of 1000 candidates by District 3 to be the State Voting Delegate responsible for interviewing and voting on 60 students across Colorado to be the next Colorado State Officers. The global DECA organization recognized the club with an Achievement Level award.

ETHICS CLUB

Led by new social studies teacher Frankie Xavier, the Ethics Club placed third in this year's State Ethics Bowl in January, an annual competition where students analyze and debate cases dealing with difficult moral and ethical questions as well as practice skills of debate and rhetoric, while increasing their knowledge of Catholic

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA (FBLA)

In April, 55 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club members participated in the State Leadership Conference competing against 3500 students from across Colorado. The team of Rachel Cooper ‘24, Drew Dougherty ‘24 and Connor Mohr ‘24 placed third in International Business, and Colin Dwyer ‘24 played fourth in Business Calculations, earning them an automatic bid to this year’s National Conference in June.

MOCK TRIAL

The Mock Trial A Team placed first and the B Team place third at the Regional Championship in February, where nine students were awarded individual awards for their outstanding performance. The B Team went on to place fourth at the State Tournament in March, narrowly missing a chance to qualify for the National Tournament. Erika Danzer ‘24 earned the Best Attorney Award on both direct examination and cross-examination as a plaintiff attorney, securing the best Overall Attorney Award out of all lawyers on all 24 teams! Kael Boucharel ‘24 received the first-place Best Witness Award. Kyra Graham ‘23 claimed fifth place for Best Attorney as a defense attorney as well as third place for best closing argument.

MOUNTAIN BIKING TEAM

Congratulations to the Mountain Biking Team of Ashton Goering ‘23 Elise Holt ‘24 Drew Nicotra ‘26 Nathan Sirovatka ‘24 and Noah Wills ‘26 on another strong season and successful performance at the State Championship competition in October in which the team placed 20th. Holt is the first rider for Regis Jesuit to compete in the Elite Division.

RJ STUDENTS FOR LIFE

The RJ Students for Life Club held another highly successful diaper drive, collecting more than 36,000 diapers to support Catholic Charities of Denver’s Bottom Line Diaper Bank.

ROBOTICS CLUB

The Robotics Team 3729 took third place out of 36 teams at the Heartland Regional in Olathe, Kansas in March, receiving a top award, the Innovation in Control Award. They finished their season after competing at the Colorado Regional Tournament held at the University of Denver in March where they were drafted onto the Eighth Team during Alliance Selection.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS/PROJECT UNIFIED

In January, the Special Olympics /Unified Club hosted a pep rally and Polar Plunge kickoff in the Guy Gibbs ‘47 Gym for a morning of basketball, prayer and community and also an inspiring presentation of faith and love by guest speaker and Great Raider Kyle Speller ’89 who currently serves as the Denver Nuggets’ Chaplain and in-arena announcer. The entire community came together for the “Minute to Win It” Venmo and cash challenge raising more than $500 in just 60 seconds. On April 1, more than 300 student plungers participated in this year’s annual Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) Polar Plunge and raised an incredible $34,000 in support of SOCO programming. In celebration of our successful efforts, Regis Jesuit was named the 2023 Hall of Fame School out of more than 600 participating schools. This is the third consecutive year that RJ has been recognized as a top fundraising school. Over the past three years of participation in the Plunge, Regis Jesuit students and supporters have helped to raise nearly $100,000 in support of local SOCO sports, health, educational and athlete leadership programs.

RJ MEDIA

RJ Media earned several top honors at the J-Day State Journalism Conference in September, taking second place in the Best of Show category for Video Program. Elevate Magazine, Concordia Yearbook and RJTV /RSN were awarded the All-Colorado Award for their work in the 2021-22 school year. In April, students earned seven top individual awards at the 2023 JEA /NSPA National School Journalism Convention. Gabby Chernoff ‘23, Hayden Oh ‘25, Andrew Massie ‘23 and Owen Weis ‘24 each earned first-place honors in their respective categories and RJTV was awarded seventh place in the Best of Show category for Broadcast News Programming.

SPEECH & DEBATE

INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPION! Three of the 12 members of the Speech & Debate Team who competed in the CHSAA 5A State Tournament in March earned top honors. Brigid Smith ‘25 won first place in Drama, Emile Ndikum ‘24 placed second in Humor and James Ritsick ‘23 took third in Lincoln Douglas Debate. The team placed fifth overall out of 37 teams and also finished in sixth place in Speech. Six members qualified for the 2023 National Speech & Debate Tournament in June.

Other Activities

MARCH FOR LIFE

In January, members of the RJ Students for Life Club participated in the annual March for Life Rally on Capital Hill in Washington D.C. joining tens of thousands of marchers for an inspiring, peaceful and joy-filled rally in support of human rights and to celebrate and dignify life from conception to death.

WISH WEEK

FIRST-EVER CHIMAYó PILGRIMAGE

A delegation of 12 students and three faculty members embarked on a new senior hiking pilgrimage in New Mexico in March. Joining Creatio’s pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayó, the group spent four days trekking a total of 28 miles to some of the oldest churches in northern New Mexico, including the sacred and holy ground of the El Santuario de Chimayó Shrine. The Pastoral Office will offer two of these incredible experiences to senior students next year.

GLOBAL ACTIVISM LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Over five days in August, five RJ students and three teachers participated in the Jesuit Global Activism Student Leadership Summit held virtually and coordinated by St. Louis University High School. Regis Jesuit was one of 21 Jesuit schools across 11 different time zones that took part in the summit, which focuses on a “common mission and vision to collaboratively explore solutions to the challenges and injustices we face as a global community.”

INTERNATIONAL SAMARITAN 5K RUN/WALK

In October, student and faculty runners, walkers and cheering fans united on campus for the third annual International Samaritan Global 5K race organized by the Ignatian Immersion & Solidarity Office. Through team fundraising efforts, including a fun inter-faculty challenge between English teacher Jaxson Schneider and science teacher Andrew Connor, the Regis Jesuit community raised a total of $35,195, exceeding the $30,000 goal to help bring clean running water to the Honduran Buen Samaritano neighborhood where the water supply has been contaminated by the local garbage dump.

In April, the RJ community participated in the school’s third annual Wish Week supporting David, a nine-year-old battling cancer and his wish to meet his favorite soccer player through the Make-AWish Foundation. Organized by the Servant Leadership Class, RJ hosted a week-long soccer-themed celebration including dressdown days, local restaurant nights, student-led fundraisers and a pep rally, ultimately raising more than $20,000 in support of David’s wish. Funds raised from our two prior Wish Weeks have made it possible for Make-A-Wish to fulfill the wishes of eight kids battling life-threatening illnesses.

VARSITY SPORTS RECAPS

Boys Athletics | Fall

CROSS COUNTRY: With new head coach Chris Boyle at the helm, the team placed fourth at Regionals and 17th at the 5A State Championship. David Flaig ’24 earned the team’s highest finish at State placing 19th in the 5000 Meter run and received All-State Honorable Mention honors on the season.

FOOTBALL: The team finished the season with a 7-5 overall record and had five senior players selected to the Class 5A All-State Teams. All-State First Team selectees Hayden Moore ‘23 and Andrew Metzger ‘23 were also named to the 2022 All-Colorado Football Team, as chosen by The Denver Post staff. Earning additional yearend accolades, Moore was selected as one of six Gold Helmet Finalists and as one of 15 Colorado athletes selected as National Football Federation Scholar Athletes.

GOLF: The Boys Varsity Golf Team qualified the entire team for the 5A State Tournament for the 16th consecutive season. Jake Irvine ‘23 finished in a tie for 36th place at State and was recognized with All-State Honorable Mention honors for the season.

SOCCER: The team took third place in the Continental League and finished the regular season with an 8-5-2 overall record. In a close match-up, they lost 1-0 in the first round of the 5A State Playoffs, the team’s eighth straight season qualifying for postseason play.

TENNIS: INDIVIDUAL STATE RUNNER-UP! The team won their Regional Championship sweeping all singles and doubles matches and finishing the season with an impressive 25-2 overall record. The team advanced to the Semifinal round of the Class 5A Team State Championship with Brady Jenkins ‘24 finishing as State RunnerUp in No. 3 Singles. Teammates KC Eckenhausen ‘25 and Liam McDonnell ‘23 took third place in No. 1 Doubles. Jenkins was also selected to the 2022-23 All-State Second Team for No. 3 Singles.

Girls Athletics | Fall

CROSS COUNTRY: New Head Coach Natalie Baldasare’s Girls Cross Country Team placed second at Regionals and finished the Class 5A State Championship in 17th place.

FIELD HOCKEY: STATE RUNNERS-UP! With an incredible 133-2 overall record, the Girls Varsity Field Hockey Team sought to defend their title with their fifth straight appearance in the 5A State Finals. They ultimately became the State Runner-Up with a hardfought loss to Colorado Academy. Five players earned All-State distinctions on the season with two Raiders, MaryKate Berg ‘23 and Carly Kennedy ‘23, each receiving First Team recognition.

RUGBY: The Girls Varsity Rugby Team took fourth place at the Colorado Interscholastic Rugby Association (CIRA) State Championship Tournament in November. Under the leadership of new head coach Ethan Pougnet, the team played tough all year and hopes to continue to build the program in 2023-24.

SOFTBALL: For the 2022-23 season, Regis Jesuit fielded a Junior Varsity Softball Team focused on developing fundamentals with a young group of athletes. A few upperclassmen competed at the Varsity level for their local high school teams, with three athletes, Kate Michalek ‘23, Jenna Patterson ‘24, and Natalie Shellhorn ‘24, earning post-season honors through those programs.

WRESTLING: INDIVIDUAL STATE RUNNER-UP! The Boys Varsity Wrestling Team placed third at the Continental League Championship where Richard Avila ‘26, Garrett Reece ‘25 and Dirk Morley ‘23 each earned League Championship titles. Five wrestlers were selected to the Sentinel Colorado All-Aurora Wrestling Team and all five went on to compete in the State Tournament, resulting in Reece finishing second and Morley finishing third in their respective weight classes. In addition, Reece and Morley earned All-State Second Team and Honorable Mention honors respectively.

Girls Athletics | Winter

VOLLEYBALL: After a solid first year at the helm of the Girls Varsity Team, Head Coach Kait Kozak looks to her second year with the program to continue to develop the young talent, gaining experience to compete in the All-Continental League, the strongest in the state. Amery Galan ‘23, the team’s starting libero, earned a spot on the All-Continental League first team for the season.

Boys Athletics | Winter

BASKETBALL: The Boys Varsity Basketball Team finished the season with an impressive 20-7 overall record and advanced to the Class 6A Final Four State Championship game. Three players, Joe Dorais ‘23 TaRea Fulcher ‘23 and Damarius Taylor ‘24, were selected to All-Continental League Teams as well as to play in the 2023 A-Town All-Stars Boys Basketball game. Fulcher was also selected to the CHSAA 6A All-State First Team, The Sentinel Colorado’s All-Aurora Boys Basketball Team and earned a spot on The Denver Post’s All-Colorado Team. He was also awarded the 9NEWS Swag Chain.

BASKETBALL: Ending the regular season with a 17-9 overall record under the leadership of second-year Head Coach Jordan Kasemodel, the Girls Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the Class 6A Great 8 round of the State Playoffs. Four players earned top honors on the All-Continental League Teams including First-Team selectees Hana Belibi ‘24 and Coryn Watts ‘24, who were also selected to the 2022-23 Sentinel Colorado’s All-Aurora First Team, and Iliana Greene ‘25 and Jane Rumpf ’25 who were selected to the Second Team. All four were also selected to play in the 2023 A-Town All-Stars Girls Basketball game.

HOCKEY: Under the leadership of new Head Coach Terry Ott, the Varsity Boys Hockey Team had another strong season, earning a bid to the Class 5A State Frozen Four match-up. Six players earned AllState and /or All-Conference honors, 11 were selected to the Sentinel Colorado All-Aurora Teams and 19 received CHSAA Academic AllState Honors.

POMS: Varsity Poms began the season earning a fourth-place finish in the Pom Division at the Continental League Spirit Championships. The team went on to place third out of 22 teams at the 5A State Spirit Championship, the highest finish at the State competition in RJ school history. Rounding out the year, the team competed in the Semifinals in both Varsity Small Jazz and Varsity Small Pom at this year’s UDA National Dance Team Championship. Erin Callahan ‘23 was selected to the 2022 All-Elite Spirit Team.

SWIM & DIVE: INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPION AND STATE RUNNERS-UP! The Continental League Champion Girls Swim & Dive Team celebrated Charlotte Burnham’s ‘24 individual win in the 100-meter breaststroke at the State Swim competition, helping the team secure a second-place finish. Diver Sarah Mann ‘24 led the Dive Team with a third-place finish in the 1-meter diving finals. This was the second straight season that the Raiders had three divers finish in the top 10. Both athletes also earned First Team All-State honors while the team earned First Team honors in ten events, Second Team honors in three events and Honorable Mentions in another three events on the 2022-23 Sentinel Colorado All-Aurora Team. Six swimmers were named to the prestigious National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) All-American list in which Burnham earned recognition in four events and Sophia Frei ’24 earned recognition in three events. Topping off a great season, longtime Head Coach Nick Frasersmith was selected as the 2022-23 Coach of the Year.

WRESTLING: INDIVIDUAL STATE RUNNER-UP! Girls Varsity Wrestling’s Alexis Segura ‘24 won the Regional Championship in her weight class and finished the CHSAA State Tournament as Runner-Up. The team finished 11th place out of 24 teams at Regionals; the first year the team earned a top placement at Regionals. Segura was selected to the 2022-23 Sentinel Colorado All-Aurora Girls Wrestling Team, earned Second-Team All-State honors and was named the Continental League Girls Wrestler of the Year.

Coed Athletics

CHEER: The Varsity Cheer Team won first place in Large Varsity Non-Tumbling Gameday at the UCA Colorado Regionals and had a spectacular showing at the Continental League Spirit Championships taking first place in the Game Day Division. The team advanced to the 4A /5A State Game Day finals, placing eighth out of 35 teams. Ross Smallwood ‘23, the first Boys Division Cheer Team member, was selected to the 2022 All-Elite Spirit Team.

Boys Athletics | Spring

BASEBALL: The Varsity Baseball Team completed their season with an impressive 20-9 overall record, took First Place in their Regional tournament and finished 2-2 in the Class 5A State Championship. Four players, Andrew Bell '24 Jack Carey '23 Christian Lopez '25 and Brody Chyr '24, earned All-Continental League recognition for the season. Bell and Lopez were also selected to The Denver Post’s 2023 All-Colorado team, highlighting the 40 best players in the state, as well as the 5A Colorado Dugout Club Coaches Association's (CDCCA) All-State Teams where Lopez earned First Team distinctions and Bell was selected to the Second Team. Bell was also named to the Class 5A CHSAA All-State Honorable Mention list.

LACROSSE: The Boys Lacrosse Team finished the season with an impressive 15-3 overall record and advanced in the post-season to the Semifinals round of the 5A State Championship. In a thrilling and hard-fought battle with Valor Christian, the team succumbed to a 13-7 loss to end the season. Four members of the team, Jack Casey '23, Fletcher Sullivan '23 Ethan Hughes '23 and Gordon Reynolds '24 earned recognition on the 5A All-State Teams for the season.

RUGBY: STATE CHAMPIONS! The Boys Rugby Team earned their third consecutive and eighth overall CIRA State Championship in Ethan Pougnet's first year as head coach. This is the first year the team competed in the Rugby National Championship in May.

SWIM & DIVE: BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPIONS! Earning their 24th State title in program history, the Boys Varsity Swim & Dive Team captured the 5A State Championship trophy for the second consecutive year. Truman Inglis '23 took first place in the 50 yard freestyle, and Carter Anderson '23, Ronan Krauss '23 and Hawkins Wendt '23 claimed the State Championship win in the 200 yard freestyle relay. The team also captured two third-place finishes in the 100 yard freestyle and in the 400 yard freestyle relay. Anderson, Inglis, Krauss and Wendt were each selected to the 2022-23 Class 5A AllState First Team, and a total of seven swimmers on three relay teams earned recognition on the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association’s (NISCA) Colorado All-American list for 2022-23.

Girls Athletics | Spring

GOLF: The Girls Varsity Golf Team took sixth place in the Continental League with three golfers, Caitlin Neumann '23, Audrey Whitmore '25 and Georgia Meysman-Sharpe '23 earning All-League honors. Placing third at Regionals, all four golfers qualified to compete at the Class 5A State Tournament where they finished in eighth place. Neumann and Whitmore were also selected to the Class 5A All-State Second Team.

LACROSSE: STATE RUNNERS-UP! For the first time in program history, the Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team advanced to the Final round of the 5A State Championship where they finished second in the state in a close match-up with reigning State Champions Colorado Academy. In Head Coach Crysti Foote’s second year with the program, the team had another strong season, boasting a 12-5 overall record. Charlotte Ford '23, Maddie Jokerst '25 and Carly Kennedy '23 were each selected to the 5A All-State Second Team.

SOCCER: The Girls Varsity Soccer Team played well all season, ending with a 7-9 overall record and earning a bid to the Class 5A State Tournament. Alexis Meyer '24 was selected to the Class 5A All-State Second Team as a midfielder. With a lot of young players returning next season, Coach Will Cropper ’98 is confident that the team will continue to compete against the best the state has to offer.

TENNIS: INDIVIDUAL STATE RUNNERS-UP! Under the leadership of new head coach Jen Armstrong, the Girls Varsity Tennis Team advanced to the Quarterfinal round of the Team State Tournament. All singles and doubles teams advanced to the Individual State Tournament where the No. 1 Doubles Team of Quinn Binaxas ‘23 and Mary Clare Watts ‘24 finished as State Runner-Up after a tough set of three matches. The team swept all singles and doubles spots on The Sentinel’s All-Aurora Team.

TRACK & FIELD: Led by new head coach Quinn Pack, the Girls Track & Field Team had two members qualify to compete at the 5A State Meet in May. Earlier in the season, the team celebrated a new pole vault record set by Reilly Mohr ‘23 with her jump of 9’9” at the Don Osse Invite, breaking the record previously set in 2018 by Allison Stephens ‘20 Jo Collins '23 was selected to the 2023 Sentinel Colorado All-Aurora Team along with members of the 4 x 800 Meter Relay team.

TRACK & FIELD: New Head Coach Quinn Pack sent 11 athletes on the Boys Track & Field Team to the 5A State Meet in May. Capping the season, David Flaig ‘24 took fifth place in the 1600 meter run and Sullivan Martin ‘23 placed seventh in pole vault. The team of John Burns ’23, David Flaig ’24, Braeden Focht ’25 and Zion Taylor ‘23 placed eighth in the 4 x 800 meter relay. These five athletes were also selected for the 2023 Sentinel Colorado All-Aurora Team.

VOLLEYBALL: The Boys Varsity Volleyball Team had an impressive season, boasting a 14-9 overall record. Logan Henry '23 earned a First Team spot on the 2022-23 All-Continental League Team, joined by teammates Ben Jeffords '23 and Gabe Sullivan '24 who were selected to the Second Team. With nine seniors on this year’s team, Coach Gauss looks to the younger players to lead the charge for next season.

TRIBUTE TO FR. WALLY SIDNEY, SJ

RJHS President 1995-2006

By Charisse Broderick King DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

On April 20, 2023, Fr. Wally Sidney, SJ passed away at the age of 75 in his native St. Louis. Succeeding Fr. Ralph Houlihan, SJ, Fr. Sidney served as the second president of Regis Jesuit High School, which had officially separated from Regis University in 1979.

During his tenure, Wally, as he preferred to be called, oversaw several key enhancements to the campus that had moved to its new location only five years prior to his arrival. Under his leadership, in the summer of 1996, the school purchased an additional 35 acres of land adjacent to the initial 27 originally donated by Dick ’54 and Dorothy Campbell. The pool with its original “bubble” cover was added to campus in time for the 2000 Boys Swim and Dive season where the Raiders secured their fifth straight State title.

Wally’s most enduring legacy at Regis Jesuit, however, will be the establishment of the Girls Division in 2003. Wally and the Board of Trustees saw the opportunity to strive for the magis in response to a request from parents seeking a Catholic education for their daughters. With the support of the Archdiocese of Denver, they moved to open a second division of the school that would offer the same high quality,

single-gender educational experience to young women as the school had offered young men and would respond to “a genuine need for the Church in Denver” for more spaces for girls in Catholic high schools. On the cusp of its 20th anniversary, Wally would be proud of how the Girls Division has flourished.

Wally will long be remembered for the kindness, joyfulness and quiet leadership with which he guided Regis Jesuit through a time of great change and growth.

Read the complete tribute to Wally including reflections and memories from his RJ colleagues at » regisjesuit.com/RememberingWallySidney

RJ Legacy Giving THE IMPACT OF A LIFETIME

Jerry Mornin ‘65

In the one life we are given, we have many opportunities to be a positive force for others. Jerry Mornin ’65 took every chance he had to be that positive force for students at Regis Jesuit High School. On October 25, 2021, Mornin passed away, but he left a legacy at RJ that will endure for generations.

“You can’t take it with you,” Mornin said in a video testimonial reflecting on his decision to include Regis Jesuit in his estate plans.

And what he left behind is beyond inspiring. Before his passing, Mornin sponsored the Fr. Philip G. Steele, SJ ’66 Performing Arts Scholarship, which was awarded to four students who expressed interest in participating in the performing arts program at RJ, a personal passion of his.

“Supporting these students through their four years of high school has been the most rewarding and dynamic thing I have ever done,” he said.

He was also a leader in the FOUNDATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE Campaign, which helped construct the Steele Center. RJ students have and will continue to pursue the self-actualization and expression through performing arts in this building, thanks to Jerry Mornin.

Throughout his life, he shared everything he could with RJ students because of the strong connection he felt for the school that he credited for his success in life.

Upon his death, Mornin left $250,000 to Regis Jesuit, a gift that has the power to transform the student experience for every young man and woman who chooses a Jesuit education. His generosity will establish the Rudy Brada Memorial Endowed Scholarship in honor of Mornin’s favorite science teacher. This scholarship will ensure the same RJ education that formed him will be accessible to even more students.

Jerry Mornin was unabashedly himself, a larger-than-life man who knew what he wanted. And what he wanted was to show RJ students that they have a community that loves them. In honor of his life and generosity, we are proud to announce the chemistry wing of the new Science & Innovation Center will be known as the Rudy Brada Chemistry Wing made possible by Jerry Mornin ’65 “Regis has always been a special place for me,” he said.

And it will continue to be a special place for Regis Jesuit students, thanks to him.

Your Legacy. Our Future.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ST. JOHN FRANCIS REGIS LEGACY SOCIETY

The St. John Francis Regis Legacy Society is comprised of alumni, current parents, parents of alumni, grandparents and friends who have made provision for Regis Jesuit High School by means of a planned gift. To become a member, simply advise the school of your intention to make a gift to the school in your will or living trust.

If you would like more info on making a legacy gift, please contact Mary Zimmerman, Director of Philanthropy and Legacy Giving at mzimmerman@regisjesuit.com or 303.269.8077

ST JohnFrancis Regis Legacy Society

“Supporting these students through their four years of high school has been the most rewarding and dynamic thing I have ever done.”

JERRY MORNIN ‘65

IN MEMORIAM

The entire community of Regis Jesuit extends its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of loved ones who have died recently. The following are remembered in our prayers:

Alumni

Listed in ascending order by year of graduation

THOMAS W. (TOM) PHELAN ‘42, brother of Gerry ‘55

ROBERT E. DICKMAN ‘44

WALTER J. (JACK) SEAMAN ‘45

JAMES F. ABTS ‘47

GUY H. GIBBS ‘47, brother of Grant† ‘52, father of Geoffrey ‘79 and Gregory ‘79

JOSEPH R. (JOE) ALBI ‘49, father of Joseph ‘76 and James ‘83

WILLIAM D. (BILL) HARDIGAN ‘49

FREDERICK T. (FRED) KOTTENSTETTE ‘50, brother of Thomas† ‘51, James ‘52, and William† ‘59

LAWRENCE J. (LARRY) PURCELL ‘50

CHARLES F. DAVIS ‘52

PAUL E. TAUER ‘52, grandfather of Ryan ‘07

WILLIAM R. (BILL) EARLEY ‘53, uncle of Joseph ‘00 and Philip

DONALD J. FISHER ‘53

REV. ROBERT L. (BOB) SULLIVAN, SJ ‘54 former RJ teacher, mentor and chaplain

KENNETH R. VENDENA ‘56

LARRY A. BROWN ‘57, grandfather of Jeremy ‘08 and Austin ‘11 Brown, Zach ‘10, Josh ‘12, and Geoff ‘15 Kice

G. MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER ‘57, grandfather of Zach ‘13 and Lexi ‘15

THOMAS M. (MIKE) KONING ‘57

THOMAS M. (TOMMY) LANDAUER ‘57

THOMAS J. (TOM) CONSTANTINE ‘58

ROBERT E. (BOB) SIMS ‘58

STANLEY E. HREN ‘59

JIM SAAVEDRA ‘59, brother of Don ‘62 and Lon ‘72

JOSEPH L. (JODY) DECOCK ‘60

WALTER L. (KIP) KAUTZKY ‘61, brother of Thomas† ‘64, James ‘66 and John† ‘68

DAVID T. (DAVE) MURRAY ‘61

JAMES P. (JIMMY) CURRAN ‘62

JOHN M. WALSH ‘62

TIM LEDUC ‘64, brother of Thomas ‘64, Richard ‘66, and Jim ‘74, uncle of Rich ‘93

DANIEL L. (DAN) REILLY ‘66, brother of Craig ‘65

BLASE W. BOETTCHER ‘68, brother of Anthony† ‘81

JOHN S. KAUTZKY ‘68, brother of Walter† ‘61, Thomas† ‘64, and James ‘66

EDWARD P. (ED) DRISCOLL ‘69

BRUCE E. LINDER ‘69

JOSEPH R. (JOE) SUBIA ‘69

PAUL F. BRUNGER ‘70

ROBERT (BOB) KINTZELE ‘70, brother of David ‘68

JOHN M. GARDELL ‘73

MICHAEL L. (MIKE) SCHUSTER ‘73, brother of Martin ‘72, John ‘79, and James ‘86, uncle of Zach ‘04, Amy ‘07 (Kubik), Anna ‘12, Nick ‘15

ROBERT M. ST. JOHN ‘73, brother of Marc ‘76, Paul ‘85 and Bill, uncle of Colin ‘01

BRIEN G. MCCOY ‘75

PAUL D. PIRO ‘76, brother of Rocky ‘72, cousin of Dan ‘74, Alexandra ‘15

JAY M. BOYENS ‘77

JOHN M. INKRET ‘77, brother of William ‘75, uncle of Luke Slouka ‘14 and Audrey Slouka ‘15

ANTHONY J. BOETTCHER ‘81, brother of Blasé† ‘68

TIMOTHY J. (TIM) TONER ‘81, son of Paul† ‘49, brother of Paul† ‘72 and Terry ‘76, uncle of Paul ‘99 and Tyler ‘01

RUSSELL K. (RUSS) SMITH ‘87

ROBERT J. (BOB) HEIM ‘88

PAUL M. THOMPSON ‘89

JON A. FREI ‘92

MICHAEL A. SWENSON ‘03, cousin of Ashley (Craven) Beall ‘09, Danielle Craven ‘12

CEIRE A. BRETT ‘12, sister of Jack ‘14

MARCUS A. STAERKEL ‘16, brother of Bryan ‘15, nephew of Michael ‘75 and Anthony ‘80 Tapia

CYNTHIA S. THOMPSON ‘16, sister of Chance ‘12 and Mason ‘14, cousin of Chris Franceschi ‘06

KEVIN D. MONAHAN ‘17, brother of Brian ‘11

SAVANNAH R. BARISH ‘23

Family & Friends

Listed alphabetically by last name

REV. JOHN APEL, SJ, former Chaplain of the Girls Division and Board of Trustees member at Regis Jesuit High School

KINSLEY H. ALEXANDER, former French teacher of the Girls Division at Regis Jesuit High School

MARY JO BORYLA, stepmother of Michael ‘69, Vince ‘77, Mark and Matt, grandmother of Mark ‘98, Matthew ‘03, Nick ‘05, Jon ‘06, Kip ‘15, great grandmother of Lukas ‘21

ERIC H. CAHN, father of Kevin ‘04

ANTHONY M. (TONY) CAPRA, father of Tony ‘82, Marco ‘84, and Nick ‘88, grandfather of Isabella ‘19 and Sophia ‘25

GLORIA A. CARUSO, mother of Steven ‘75, aunt of John '67 and Jerry '70

CYNTHIA L. (CINDY) CHAPMAN, mother of Tyler ‘17

LINDY CHURCHILL, wife of alumnus and former Regis Jesuit employee Glenn G. Churchill ‘69

KATHRYN E. (KATHY) CONWAY, wife of Daniel J. Conway ‘75

THOM DIGMAN, fundraising consultant to Regis Jesuit High School

MARY M. FINCH, mother of current Council of Regents member Larry ‘74, grandmother of Tony ‘10, Alyssa ‘11, Anna Fanning ‘13, and Christina

KELLY J. GALLOWAY, sister of John ‘23

RONALD GAROFALO, father of Payroll and Benefits Specialist Sue Heisler

JOHN O. GOATCHER, father of Greg ‘73

STEPHEN (STEVE) GUTRICH, father of Kaitlin ‘10, Alyssa ‘13, Sarah ‘17 and Charlotte ‘18, uncle of Morgan ‘13, Hannah ‘15, Addison Weissert ‘24 and Thomas Weissert ‘25

JO ETTA HEINEY, wife of James Heiney ‘61

JIM HILLMAN, former assistant wrestling coach, grandfather of Sean ‘21 and James ‘27

PATRICIA LEE HOUSTON, mother of Polica

Houston, member of the Board of Trustees

HERVE JOULIE, brother of French teacher Regine Joulie-Kuttner, uncle of Pierre ‘12, Nicolas ‘14, Thomas ‘17, and Daniel ‘20

DONALD E. (DON) LOVELACE, father of Thomas ‘76, William ‘78, Robert ‘84

GEORGE R. MALSAM, JR., father of Michael ‘77, Mark† ‘80 and mathematics teacher Paul ‘83, grandfather of Adam ‘14 and Rachel ‘16

KAREN A MARONEY, mother of Kelli ‘18

ROBERT J. (BOB) NIICHEL, father of Zach ‘23

CLAIRE JEAN NIX, mother of David ‘96 and Michael ‘99, mother-in-law of Luke Wiedel ‘01

REV. CHRISTOPHER P. (CHRIS) PINNÉ, SJ theology teacher and chaplain in the Boys Division (2007-11) and former member of the RJHS Board of Trustees

MARGARET A. REIDY, sister of William Burch ‘50 and Maurice Reidy† '51, mother of Mike ‘72, grandmother of Pat ‘04, Tim ‘05, Catherine (Reidy) Kress ‘09, Brendan Witt ‘09, Parker Witt† '09, Emily Witt ‘11 and Molly (Reidy) Montijo '11

FRANCES T. ROCHFORD, mother of chaplain and Fine Arts & Media Technology teacher and Board of Trustees member Fr. Tom Rochford, SJ ‘64

KELLY ROGERS, sister of theology teacher and Boys Head Golf Coach Craig Rogers, aunt of Bennett ‘16 and Matilyn ‘20

JAMES F. (JIM) RUSSELL, father of science teacher Kevin Russell

MICHAEL S. SAMUELS, father of Kevin ‘05 and Sean ‘08

REV. WALTER T. (WALLY) SIDNEY, SJ, former President (1995-2006), led the discernment to establish the Girls Division, and former Board of Trustees member at Regis Jesuit High School

WALTER J. SMITH, JR., father of Dennis ‘77, Brian ‘78 and Theresa, grandfather of Dylan ‘11 and Erin (Gust), Connor ‘12, Charles ‘16 and Quin ‘16

KATHRYN A. SORENSEN, mother of Harry ‘25

BARBARA J. TINUCCI, mother of Joseph ‘74, Mark ‘75, John ‘76, Thomas ‘78, James† ‘80, David ‘85 and Robert ‘88

ROBERT C.K. (BOB) WHITE, SR., father of Robert ‘04

RICHARD H. WILEY, father of Luc ‘16, Julia ‘18 and Olivia ‘20

JAN ZAPAPAS, former Board of Trustees member

Save the date

REMEMBRANCE MASS NOVEMBER

3, 2023

At this special First Friday Mass, we pray for those members of our community who have passed away during the past year in a special celebration of the Eucharist. More details will be shared closer to the event.

The names recorded in this section represent those made known to us between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023. Some of those listed may have passed earlier, but we only recently became aware. Any deaths occurring after May 31 will be listed in the 2024 issue.

We make every effort to account accurately for the passing of any alumnus/a, student, faculty or staff member as well as that of any of their parents, spouses, siblings or children including those who may not be RJ alumni. If we are aware of other relationships the deceased had to members of our community, we do our best to list them as well. We also share news of the deaths of all members of our extended community on the In Memoriam page of our website regisjesuit.com/InMemoriam. We sincerely regret any oversights or errors that may occur.

GROUNDED AGAIN AND AGAIN

Gratitude continues to abound for the 2022-23 school year. If you attended the Back to School Night, you may remember that I was not a fan at first of this year’s theme Grounded in Gratitude. I mean, who likes to be grounded? Pushing past my initial reaction, I realized that we all become grounded at some point, whether it be a life-changing event like Ignatius’ cannonball moment, or perhaps an ordinary encounter with emotion after a particularly full day. Groundedness (not a word, says my spellcheck) invites us to be present to the right now, a deeper sense of focus on our experience. We are grounded when we receive Communion. We are grounded while on retreat as words of love overwhelm the hearts of the group. We are grounded when we witness our seniors walk across the stage at graduation. We are most grounded when we recognize sacramental moments—the infinite in the finite. Our groundedness comes from God, and each time we are grounded, God is present there with us. Groundedness creates a space to practice gratitude. We are fully aware of the blessings in our lives, but also grateful for the challenges that shape us. Gratitude’s impact on family and friends is evident at Regis Jesuit. Personally, I’m inspired to be around young people and adults who expressly appreciate one another’s presence. I am grateful for our community and the hope it enkindles. My prayer for our students and families for the summer and beyond is that we may get grounded, again and again, in gratitude. And may we welcome God continuing to meet us exactly where we are.

JIMMY TRICCO | PRINCIPAL

UPCOMING EVENTS

8.19

PIG ROAST

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023

Jesuit Residence

11.3

REMEMBRANCE MASS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Blessed Rupert Mayer Chapel

9.13

THE RUDY CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

The Ridge at Castle Pines North

12.23

RED & WHITE CHRISTMAS - FIVE-YEAR REUNIONFRIDAY, DECEMBER 22

10.6

ALUMNI HOMECOMING BBQ

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2023

RJ Campus

4.13

LARK DINNER-AUCTION

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024

Denver Marriott Tech Center

10.22

GRANDPARENTS DAY MASS & BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2023

RJ Campus

5.18-5.19

GRADUATION WEEKEND

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 18-19, 2024

RJ Campus

For more events and details, scan the QR code or visit » regisjesuit.com/Calendar