THE IMPACT OF GIVING
Regis Jesuit High School
—a Catholic educational community— engages the gifts of young men and women in a single-sex environment, fosters faith in Jesus Christ and promotes justice and mercy, develops critical minds and nurtures compassionate hearts to serve others –all for the greater glory of God.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Regis Jesuit Community,
The annual President’s Report provides an opportunity for me to make something similar to the Ignatian Examen we practice each day at Regis Jesuit High School. This inspiring practice of spiritual reflection is rooted in Catholic tradition and always begins with gratitude for the gifts and graces given to us by God.
As we consider this past year, we continue to give thanks for the privilege of serving the transformational mission of Jesuit education, the students entrusted to our care and formation, and the selfless Ignatian educators who accompany them. And we give special thanks to our community of support who has ensured the vitality of it all.
The Regis Jesuit community has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and generosity by propelling the Inspire & Ignite 2025 campaign to the precipice of its ambitious $42.5 million goal, providing our students with new and deeper formational experiences. Your support, and the impact of your support, are tangible manifestations of God’s love.
Today, our new Science & Innovation Center is teeming with life providing students with hands-on learning experiences from imagination to design to creating solutions in a range of applications. New and expanded immersion experiences have touched the hearts of our students through encounters with communities on the margins.
Based on a personal donation and touching note we received this fall from one of our students, the relationship between gratitude and generosity becomes so joyfully clear:
This summer, I had the privilege of serving as a Junior Coach for a local swimming league, volunteering weekday mornings and Saturdays for eight weeks. At the end of the season, I received payment for my work, and I chose to save it for one purpose: to donate it to the Financial Aid fund at Regis. Regis Jesuit has been so much more than just a school to me. It is where I found strength when I needed it most, support when I did not know how to ask and the formation that shaped who I am today. Regis did not just educate me, it transformed me. Through its Jesuit values of service, reflection and justice, I learned what it means to live with purpose and to lead with the heart. I want this gift to help another student walk through the doors of Regis and feel what I felt: the power of a community that uplifts, challenges and believes in you. I want them to sit in classrooms where teachers care deeply and be surrounded by peers who inspire growth and courage. This donation is my way of planting seeds of possibility, with the hope that it will help someone who, one day, might change the world.
-John Paul Gunter ‘26
Thank you for helping us create the learning environment that has meant so much to John Paul and the rest of our students. Through your support, we are forming students in faith, intellect and character.
While so much has been achieved through the generosity of our community, opportunity yet remains. We look forward to finishing the Inspire & Ignite 2025 campaign and continuing to provide the learning environment and opportunities that allow our students to recognize God’s deepening life within them, and their own free response of love and generosity – ‘planting seeds of possibility.’
I hope you enjoy the stories inside that describe how our alumni, parents, grandparents and other mission companions have modeled commitment and generosity. Thank you for helping us to animate the mission of Regis Jesuit High School.
AMDG,
David Card '87 President
2024-25 GIVING HIGHLIGHTS
$1.6M IN NEW GIFTS TO THE ENDOWMENT which includes 7 new endowed scholarships, successfully surpassing our $35M endowment milestone goal
918 PERSONALIZED PAVERS TO DATE are featured on McNicholas Plaza.
209 DONORS SUPPORT RJ through recurring monthly gifts, providing a sustainable source of support.
228 DONORS CONTRIBUTED
$468,590 to Regis Jesuit on 2024 Colorado Gives Day
25 DONORS CAME TOGETHER to fund girls’ locker rooms directly behind the Girls Division. There are now 2 spaces totaling 2800 square feet for girls' outdoor sports to utilize . To view a complete list of Regis Jesuit’s mission partners, scan the QR code or visit » regisjesuit.com/2425donorlist
Community Engagement
$775,000 RAISED AT LARK SADDLE UP SOIRÉE in support of our students and mission. $390,000 of these funds were directed to the school's Endowment for Financial Aid, which helps ensure an RJ education remains accessible to the 1 in 3 students who receive tuition assistance . Thank you for all who supported Regis Jesuit's annual dinner and auction!
$88,000 RAISED AT THE RUDY CUP in support of the Rudy Brada Memorial Endowed Scholarship that supports Regis Jesuit's financial aid program .
Legacy & Future Vision
30 YEARS AT RJ
Our community celebrated a legend in the dedication of the newly established Robinson Room located in the McCallin Alumni Center of the Science & Innovation Center. This tribute honors the enduring legacy of Tom Robinson ’64—beloved teacher, coach, mentor and leader—who left an indelible mark on generations of students. It also honors his family, wife Cleo Parker Robinson and son Malik ’92, whose commitment to education, community and the arts continues to inspire generations of Raiders. Made possible through the generosity of alumni, faculty, friends and family, the Robinson Room ensures Tom’s wisdom, humility and spirit of service will live on at Regis Jesuit.
2 CUSTOM STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS
On May 22, 2025, a special blessing was held for Our Lady of the Way Chapel which is prominently positioned above the school’s main entrance of the Science & Innovation Center. This long-envisioned project, visible to all who visit campus, welcomes colorful light into the building and provides extraordinary views of the Colorado mountains. We are grateful to the community members who have generously gifted to this sacred space that is used daily by our students, faculty, staff and parents.
Student Support
31 STUDENTS
from the Class of 2025 were the first generation to go to college in their families.
251 SCHOLARSHIPS
from the Raider Opportunity Fund were awarded to 168 students , totaling $207,123, which assisted them with school-related costs beyond tuition, including: meal plans, transportation to and from school, dress code requirements, sports and activity fees and travel, as well as participation in school events and dances.
290 SENIORS
experienced Immersions that took them to nearly 20 national and international locations.
Strategic Partnerships
5 NEW MEMBERS
joined the St. John Francis Regis Legacy Society, successfully bringing our Inspire & Ignite 2025 bequest commitments to more than $7M.
542
ALUMNI
are members of the Raider Club for their consecutive years of giving.
20 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
have joined the Raider Partnership Program to support RJ athletics and promote their businesses within the broader RJ community.
100 ALUMNI & INDUSTRY
PARTNERS
participated in RJ Connect programs, engaging with more than 500 students.
Your Giving Matters
It is through the generosity of our mission partners – alumni, parents, grandparents, students, faculty, staff and friends – that Regis Jesuit High School continues to thrive in our commitment to forming Men and Women with and for Others. We are grateful for the 1672 donors who, during the 2024-25 school year, gave more than $5.1 million to enrich the lives of our students, enhance our programs and campus and advance the school’s strategic vision.
FUNDING AREAS OF SUPPORT
$2,323,000
CATHERINE & JOHN WINTER
Gifts Reflect the Heart
When Catherine and John Winter were looking for a high school where their daughters would thrive, they knew they wanted all-girl classrooms. The co-ed social experience was an added value that set Regis Jesuit apart and a community that welcomed diverse perspectives. Maeve '26 and her sister Nora '29 felt the same way. Regis Jesuit was the only place in Denver where they could have everything they wanted.
Catherine said, “John and I wanted our daughters to continue pursuing their education in a Catholic school, but we also loved the idea of finding a place where they could be educated in a single-sex classroom setting. We hoped that this kind of learning environment would give them the confidence and skills to become leaders in whatever field they chose in the future.”
As Maeve settled in as a student and athlete—she played soccer for RJ from the start and now plays flag football—Catherine found her place as a volunteer, first as a member of the Parent Diversity Committee, and later helping to plan LARK, the school’s annual gala. She now serves as the treasurer on the Raider Parent Association, co-chair of the Parent Diversity Committe and she has been invited to serve on the Advancement Committee to help the school build a culture of generosity amongst its parents, alumni, grandparents and friends.
It’s been important to Catherine and John as parents “how intentional” the RJ leadership has been about attracting and retaining a diverse student body, and a faculty to match. “I’m so impressed and humbled by how thoughtful the school is about welcoming families of all socioeconomic backgrounds, races and religions, and especially first-generation students,” she said.
At home, both Catherine and John make sure to reinforce RJ’s values, from the faith formation and athletic development of the girls to building lifelong friendships and their interests in the classroom. Though it’s too soon to predict Nora’s path, Maeve aims for a career in sports journalism thanks to her time with RJ Media.
When a member of the Advancement team reached out to Catherine and John inviting them to connect their passion for giving back to opportunities that spoke to them, they were happy to help. In addition to supporting the school’s scholarship program, the Winters have generously contributed to the new girls locker room project. John said, “For me, team sports, any sports, are really important for kids’ development. As the girls’ sports programs continue to thrive at RJ, it’s essential for our athletes to benefit from ample and high-quality facilities.”
He added, “As the church says, generosity can come in the form of time, talent or treasure. As a family, we try to give all three.”
Clearly the Winter family is all-in on supporting RJ. While they recognize the good the school does for the entire student body, they’re also thrilled with how their girls are thriving, especially Maeve, who has nearly four years under her belt. “Regis is just so good at developing the whole person,” said Catherine. “Character, a sense of confidence, good judgment, physical fitness, you name it. They wrap their arms around the kids and help them develop into amazing human beings. Maeve went into KAIROS with very high expectations, and even so, she was blown away. She came home and said those were some of the best days of her life.”
“As the church says, generosity can come in the form of time, talent or treasure. As a family we try to give all three.”
PARENT PARTICIPATION
The partnership and generosity of our current parents is essential in the success of Regis Jesuit’s mission and fundraising efforts. Thank you to each of the families who attended, volunteered and donated time and talent this past year. We are also grateful to those families that made philanthropic contributions to Regis Jesuit during the 2024-25 school year.
$1,320,647
Contributed by current parents
59 SENIOR PARENTS
became members of the 2025 Men and Women with and for Others Society, which honors families from the most recent graduating class (2025) who made philanthropic contributions each of the four years their student attended RJ.
418 FAMILIES made a philanthropic gift.
TIME, TALENT & TREASURE
The entire Regis Jesuit community benefits from the leadership and volunteer opportunities provided by our Raider Parent Association (RPA). We thank them for their generous service and commitment to the school.
2025-26 Current RPA Board of Directors
TIFFANY ARCHER Women's Club Chair
SHANNON R. BELL
School Events Co-Chair
SCOTT J. BLECHMAN
Fundraising Chair
JENNA CONNER
School Events Co-Chair
AMANDA DOUGHERTY Past Chair
SHASTA M. FISHER Chair
SHANNON NEVILLE
Communications Chair
GABRIEL (GABI) MYKONIATIS
Parent Diversity Co-Chair
MARK SCHUMACHER Men's Club Chair
GINNY STITCHERNATH
Spiritual/Service Co-Chair
RENA TSAPAKIS
Spiritual/Service Co-Chair
CATHERINE WINTER
Treasurer, Parent Diversity Co-Chair
AN ENDOWMENT TO SERVE OUR STUDENTS TODAY & TOMORROW
Endowed scholarships at Regis Jesuit High School help provide financial aid to talented students with qualified need. We are grateful to the donors of these scholarships who have made a significant investment to ensure future generations of Raiders can attend and benefit from a Regis Jesuit education. A named endowed scholarship requires a minimum contribution of $100,000 fulfilled up to five years.
Agape Scholarship
Alumni Class Scholarships
Armijo Family Scholarship
Armistead Family Scholarship
Belibi Family Scholarship
Vincent J. Boryla Scholarship
Rudy Brada Memorial Scholarship
Briarwood Partners Scholarship
Dan Campbell '54 Scholarship
Amanda Carlson Memorial Scholarship
Kate Carroll '11 Memorial Scholarship
Chairmen's Scholarship
Peter Chapman '98 Raider Scholarship
Cherveny Family Scholarship
Clark Family Scholarship
George '56 & Mildred Coughlin Scholarship
Marshall '62 & Jane Crouch Family Scholarship
Robert '48 & Annabelle Deline Scholarship
R.J. Demps '09 Memorial Scholarship
Ernie DeNapoli Scholarship
Michael Doherty Scholarship
Doty Family Scholarship
Jim Dunn '75 & Mike Dunn '78 Scholarship
Rick '57 & Pat Dutton Scholarship
Karyn Errington Memorial Scholarship
Clyde J. Fava Scholarship
Missy Franklin '13 Scholarship
Paul & Dolores Fry Family Scholarship
Paul & Helen Gargaro Scholarship
Guy Gibbs '47 Memorial Scholarship
Brenda Goscha Bright Minds Scholarship
Guadalupe Opportunity Scholarship
Edward Hanifen '44 Scholarship
Charles A. Haskell '55 Scholarship
Michael '67 & Maureen
Hendricks Theology & Science Scholarship
Barbara May Hoffmann Scholarship
Fr. Ralph Houlihan, SJ Scholarship
Ignatian Scholarship
Jake Jarman '12 Memorial Scholarship
Jesuits of the Central & Southern Province Scholarship
Regis Jesuit‘s Endowment Balance (as of 06.30.25): $35,775,464
Kessenich Family Scholarship
Kessler Family Scholarship
Alfred Kubiak Scholarship
Bill '66 & Sandy Lamberton Scholarship
Byron Levkulich '97 Family Scholarship
Melvin H. Levy '40 Memorial Scholarship
Fr. Edward Maguire, SJ & Br. Joseph Gockel, SJ Memorial Scholarship
Thomas J. Mahon '42 Scholarship
Tony Mangus '88 Memorial Scholarship
Brian Massey '97 Memorial Scholarship
Blessed Rupert Mayer, SJ Scholarship
Charles '50 & Mary McFadden Scholarship
Jane McLaughlin Davis Scholarship
Kevin & Mary McNicholas Scholarship
Meredith Family Scholarship
Matthew Mikulich
Memorial Scholarship
Milinazzo Family Opportunity Scholarship
J.K. Mullen Scholarship
Murray Family Scholarship
Tony '80 & Lori Naes
Family Scholarship
Brian '66 & Bonnie O’Meara Native American Scholarship
Fr. Chris Pinné, SJ Scholarship
Dennis '59 & Linda Primavera Scholarship
Hayley '14 & Kat '17 Purcell Scholarship
Reidy Family Scholarship
Reinert Brothers Scholarship
Current Endowment Distribution for Annual Operating Support: $1,385,073
Mary Elaine Reum Scholarship
Tom Robinson '64 Scholarship
William J. & Bernice T.
Sanko Memorial Scholarship
Saracino Family Scholarship
Bernie Sauer '97
RED Scholarship
Charlie Saulino Scholarship
Scarth-Fr. Charles Shelton, SJ Family Scholarship
Schuler Family Foundation Scholarship
Sherpa Scholarship
Rev. Walter Sidney, SJ Scholarship
Walter T. & Mary Jane
Sidney Scholarship
Smallwood Family Scholarship
Colette Smith Scholarship
St. Michael's Scholarship
Steele Hope-Challenge Scholarship
Pat & Aja Stokes Scholarship
Margaret J. Susac
Sofia Scholarship
Three Presidents Scholarship
Geneva Walbrach
Trust Scholarship
Richard G. & Karen L.
Walker Scholarship
Rev. Dave Wayne, SJ Scholarship
Parker Bailey Witt '09 Memorial Scholarship
Cale Woodley '16, Love in Action Scholarship
Number of Endowed Scholarships to Date: 89
Our new Endowed Scholarship Wall in the Science & Innovation Center honors these gifts and those who made them possible.
Membership Criteria
To join the Alumni Leadership Circle, members commit to a minimum annual gift of $5,000 or $417/month.
Your gift can be made as a one-time contribution or fulfilled throughout the fiscal year.
Exclusive Benefits & Experiences
Pathway to Leadership: Priority consideration for Board Committees and the Board of Trustees
Annual Networking Happy Hour at RJ
Virtual State of the School: A private alumni briefing on Regis Jesuit’s vision and priorities
Raider Pass: Complimentary admission to all RJ home games and theater productions
President’s Reception Invitation
Leadership Circle Recognition
ENGAGE. CONNECT. LEAD.
Regis Jesuit Alumni Leadership Circle
Regis Jesuit’s Alumni Leadership Circle is a network of missiondriven alumni who demonstrate their commitment through annual philanthropy and meaningful engagement. As a member, you help shape the future of the school—not just by supporting students, but by leading with purpose and example.
Members gain direct access to school leadership with opportunities to stay informed, offer insights that help guide RJ’s direction and serve as a voice within the community.
Make your gift today by scanning the QR code or visiting » regisjesuit.com/ AlumniLeadershipCircle
GEAR UP AT THE
ONLINE RAIDER SHOP!
Show your Regis Jesuit pride coast to coast! Get your RJ hoodies, hats, shirts, jackets and so much more at rjraidershop.com- the official online provider of Regis Jesuit spirit wear and accessories.
SHOP THE COLLECTION NOW!
“This year, I have particularly grown in my STEM studies such as Physics and Rocket Engineering. I plan to major in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Management.”
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2026
GRATEFUL HEARTS, BRIGHT HORIZONS
We are humbled and thrilled to share that thanks to the generosity of our community, Regis Jesuit’s endowment has reached its milestone goal of increasing the endowment from $20M to $35M by 2025! This achievement matters because the endowment contributes yearly to the school’s financial aid program helping to ensure that 1 in 3 of our students can attend Regis Jesuit. As the school’s endowment grows, so does its impact every year in serving more students who desire a Regis Jesuit education.
“The opportunities provided by Regis Jesuit have been incredible. I’ve broadened my experiences and deepened my understanding of the world through challenging academics and teachers who encouraged me to step beyond my limits.”
ALUMNA, CLASS OF 2025
“I am so thankful she has this opportunity and these tools to succeed and make a positive contribution to this world.”
GRANDPARENT OF CLASS OF 2028 STUDENT
Milestone Moments of Inspire & Ignite 2025
AUGUST 2020
Financial aid awards increase by 50% to serve 1 in 3 students
JANUARY 2024
First classes held in the new Science & Innovation Center
DECEMBER 2024
RJ history is made with 10 gifts of $1M or more in a campaign effort
MAY 2025
Blessing of the new Our Lady of the Way Chapel at the school’s main entrance, including the installation of two contemporary stained-glass art pieces conveying our Catholic, Jesuit mission
December
2025
Finish strong as we come together to cross the finish line of Inspire & Ignite 2025
AUGUST 2022
RJ Robotics’ “Digbot” breaks ground on Science & Innovation Center
AUGUST 2024
New tennis facility opens for our boys' and girls' tennis programs on SE development
MARCH 2025
More than 1,000 students have received 3,557 financial aid scholarships to attend their four years at RJ since the kickoff of Inspire & Ignite 2025
JUNE 2025
Endowment reaches the $35M goal 6 months early!
OCTOBER 2025
Our Immersion program expands to 17 international and domestic experiences, serving 75% of our seniors and realizing a strategic plan goal.
Join Us in
Finishing Strong
Over the past five years, through the Inspire & Ignite 2025 campaign effort, the Regis Jesuit community has come together with vision, heart and generosity to shape a future rooted in our mission and values. Currently we have reached $42M of our $42.5M fundraising goal and our students, faculty and mission need and value your generosity to finish strong!
We invite you to make a gift to Regis Jesuit in this final phase of Inspire & Ignite 2025 to support our students, faculty and mission!
To make your gift online, scan the QR code or visit »
MARCO CAMPOS
Denver’s Campos Foundation
Extends
its Generosity to RJ
Everywhere Marco Campos goes, he wants to “leave a footprint.” And Regis Jesuit High School, where his son Zander '28 attends, is no exception. His most notable impact at RJ so far is through the funding of the Campos Scholarship, which fully supports the financial aid of two high-achieving students from minority backgrounds pursuing STEM interests at RJ and beyond.
The two RJ Campos Scholars join 7,000 other students a year who are impacted in some way by the Campos Foundation, which is dedicated to creating opportunities for marginalized students who are interested in pursuing education and future work in STEM fields. Their focused generosity results in scores of graduates every year pursuing STEM degrees at universities across Colorado.
Campos is setting a powerful example. By the time he was 30, he had amassed enough capital and connections to start his empire of energy infrastructure companies, now under the umbrella Campos Companies. Because of his humble upbringing in west Denver by a single mother, and the opportunities he received through bridge programs and scholarships, he dedicates one percent of his profits every year to the Campos Foundation, which is led by his sister Deanna Campos-Miller. Their mother is still alive to see this powerful expression of the values she instilled.
“Especially if you’ve benefitted from support along the way—but even if you haven’t—it’s important to share your success with others who are less fortunate,” said Marco. “I wish more people, more corporations, felt the same way.” Notable Campos Foundation investments include a $5 million gift to CU Boulder, Marcos’s alma mater, to rename the CU Engineering Center and strengthen its programs; and a new $2.15 million student center at Syracuse University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, where his son is a student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Upon meeting the two RJ Campos Scholars, Blessing Ngalame ’26 and Isejah Joseph ’26, Deanna said, “We support students who we believe will make a difference in the world, and Blessing and Isejah are shining examples of that expectation. Not only are they underrepresented in STEM, they excel in their studies and set a great example for their peers. By investing in Regis Jesuit’s students, we know we are investing in the future, because the school’s curriculum and values—especially as expressed through the new Science & Innovation Center—are so relevant now and for the future.”
“By investing in Regis Jesuit’s students, we know we are investing in the future, because the school’s curriculum and values—especially as expressed through the new Science & Innovation Center—are so relevant now and for the future”
Thanks to investments from the Campos Foundation and other generous donors, Regis Jesuit is able to support one in three students with financial aid. This brings us back to the two Campos Scholars, who eagerly express their gratitude.
Thanks to her Campos Foundation scholarship, Blessing Ngalame says she loves the hands-on learning she is experiencing in the Science & Innovation Center. She said, “When I joined the Rocket Science class I was expecting to be listening to lectures and looking at slideshows of rockets. But instead, we were building them! It was such an amazing experience to be able to actually create something and learn about it at the same time. This is what excites me the most when I get to school and what makes me grateful. Very few schools encourage this type of learning as much as RJ does.”
Isejah Joseph, whose extracurricular activity includes playing on the rugby team, said, “I’m incredibly grateful to the Campos Foundation for their support. The opportunities they’ve made possible in partnership with RJ have fueled my passion for STEM and inspired me to get involved in all facets of the RJ experience. Isaac Asimov once said, ‘To brighten the light of science anywhere is to brighten it everywhere.’ The Campos Foundation has truly committed to that belief—which is something I strive to reflect in my own journey every day.”
“I was cleaning up the workspace where Isejah does his homework and saw his Campos box that was pretty heavy. When I opened it up I saw his collection of college mailers, some written drafts and brainstorms for college essays and a few other things that are paving the path for his future.
It was a moment of pause for me, in gratitude for what Regis and the Campos Foundation have provided for my son support in exploring the future, courage to trust the process and confidence to be his best self.”
LESLIE HAMDORF Mother of Isajeh
HONOR & MEMORIAL GIVING
This list represents gifts made to Regis Jesuit in memory of deceased members of the community or in honor of individuals who continue to advance the mission of the school.
Megan Bain
Hank Bangert '27
Andrew Bilyeu '25
John Bonnel '12
Joseph Bonnel '15
Coach Chris Boyle and the Cross Country Staff
Rudy† Brada
Daniel† P. Campbell '54
Amanda† Carlson Baskay
Kate† Carroll '11
Peter† Chapman '98
Joseph† F. Cleary '24
Sofia† Close
Marshall† '62 and Jane Crouch
Loyal† Darr
Robert† E. '48 and Annabelle† Deline
Ernie† DeNapoli
Michael Doherty
Grace Dreiling '24
Samantha Dreiling '21
James† A. Dunn '75
Michael† R. Dunn '78
Thomas† Durlin '66
Paul† A. and Geraldine† V. Fisher, Jr.
Philip G. Steele, SJ '66
Caroline Gambrill '24
Michael Gambrill '26
Paul† and Helen† Gargaro
Guy† Gibbs '47
Joseph† Gockel, SJ
Ella Goodwin '27
Lily Goodwin '27
Abbie Hanna '28
Audrey Hanna '26
Jeff Harrison, SJ
Ralph D. Houlihan, SJ
Caroline† Howard
Jacob† S. Jarman '12
Walter† L. (Kip) Kautzky '61
Gretchen Kessler
Alfred† Kubiak
Edward† Maguire, SJ '43
Tony† Mangus '88
Brian† Massey '97
Linda† Massey
Christian Meirink
Rex Meirink '28
Matthew† J. Mikulich
Kevin† D. Monahan '17
Paul Muller
Benjamin† M. Pauka '21
Christopher† P. Pinné, SJ
Vickie Puchi
Hayley Purcell '14
Kat Purcell '17
Eric Ramirez, SJ
Mary† Elaine Reum
Thomas† E. Robinson '64
Lawrence† G. Rust '78
Ed† Saindon '98
William† J. and Bernice† T. Sanko
Bernie Sauer '97
Charlie Saulino
Michael '18 and Kylie '18 Schmidt
Coach Ken Shaw and the Boys Basketball Team
Timothy† E. Shea '75
Charles† Shelton, SJ
Walter† T. Sidney, SJ
Colette† Smith
Jim Soran
David† A. Wayne, SJ
Nick Steiner '96
Ryan† P. Sullivan '03
Andrew† P. Vander Ploeg
Maureen Witt
Parker† Bailey Witt '09
Cale† D. Woodley '16
† Deceased
RICK DUTTON ‘57
The Legacy of a Regis Jesuit Education
While Rick Dutton ’57 is a modest man, he loves to talk about how Regis Jesuit High School—and the people he met there—shaped his life. His story, he likes to point out, starts with his father James.
James and his older brother Frank were raised by nuns at the St. Vincent Orphanage in Denver. The brothers were so close, and loved the place so much, that when James had the opportunity for adoption, he declined. He could not bear to leave his brother behind. When he eventually outgrew the orphanage at age 16, James was fortunate to find a new place to live on the former Regis North Denver campus, where he stayed in an upstairs room and attended what was named Regis High School at the time.
Rick said, “My dad served as an altar boy for the priests and graduated from Regis. Later, because he had been an orphan, he wanted his children to have the best of everything and that included school. According to my father, Regis was absolutely where I was going to go. So, my mother said her novenas. She just prayed and prayed that I would get in.” Two years later, Rick’s brother Ray Dutton ’59 also was accepted.
Rick has remained close with his classmates for seven decades, returning for reunions and keeping up with his friends’ careers. “It’s just amazing how many lawyers, doctors and scientists came out of that one small group of boys,” he said.
After Regis, Rick joined the Coast Guard and corresponded with Fr. Krieger, SJ, throughout his tour. Returning home, he attended the University of Colorado, where he was a ski jumper and downhill racer with what would now be the non-varsity CU
Ski Club. Rick crashed on the course at the DU Winter Carnival, where Pat, now his wife, was serving as a volunteer. She helped him up and the rest is history!
Pat graduated from the University of Denver with her teaching degree and she and Rick were married the next day. While Pat taught in Denver, she supported Rick through his own studies. Upon his graduation, they moved to California for Rick’s job at Crown Zellerbach while Pat taught in East Palo Alto. Still drawn to working with children, Rick—encouraged by Pat—returned to Denver, where he earned a teaching degree and later two master’s degrees from DU. He went on to teach, become a principal and eventually serve as Director of Elementary Schools for Denver Public Schools.
“I want for every child to have the opportunity for a Jesuit education because it can affect your whole life. It is not just four years and done. It is something that stays with you your whole life.”
He said, “I always wanted to work in the toughest neighborhoods with the children who needed the most support. Pat felt the same way.” Once their children went to kindergarten, Pat served for decades as a substitute teacher. Their son, Jeff Dutton ’87 went to Regis Jesuit; their daughter Kelly went to St. Mary’s.
Rick shared, “I can honestly say everything I have accomplished in my life goes back to my Regis education. Father Hahn, SJ, said, ‘Do your little bit when it's given.’ Father Krieger, SJ, said, ‘Don't skip steps to a solution,’ and of course, ‘Mr. Dutton, you ruined my test!’ Father Deeman, SJ, gave me my appreciation for the arts and theater in which Pat and I are still involved. And thanks to Father Bakewell, SJ, who taught our Pre-Cana classes, Pat joined the Catholic Church and we have a strong marriage.” Now in their 62nd year of marriage, Rick and Pat are retired.
Rick recalled: “Whenever you turned in a paper, you wrote at the top AMDG and BVMH. That was a reminder that whatever you do, you should be doing it for the Greater Glory of God and for the Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. If you keep that in front of you as you are making decisions, it is amazing how you will adjust your thinking.”
When pressed, Rick humbly agrees to share that he supports Regis Jesuit financially—initially through the annual fund and now through an endowed scholarship for minority students.
“I want for every child to have the opportunity for a Jesuit education,” he said, “because it can affect your whole life. It is not just four years and done. It is something that stays with you your whole life.”
The Rick ’57 and Pat Dutton Scholarship joins more than eighty other endowed scholarships at Regis Jesuit that are now featured on a wall in the Science & Innovation Center that reflect a commitment to making education accessible for generations to come.
Your Legacy. Our Future.
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.
We extend our deepest gratitude and honor our donors who have made the ultimate gift by recognizing Regis Jesuit and indicating in writing that they have made provisions for the school in their wills and estate plans.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ST. JOHN FRANCIS REGIS LEGACY SOCIETY
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 information on making a legacy gift, or if you have already included Regis Jesuit in your estate plans, please contact Mary Zimmerman, Director of Philanthropy & Legacy Giving at mzimmerman@regisjesuit.com or 303.269.8077. We would enjoy welcoming you into the SJFR Legacy Society and sharing membership benefits.
JohnFrancis Regis Legacy Society
Edward ’87 & Renee Adams
Don & Julie Alcorn
Tony & Christine Arnese
Gerald A. Baer, Jr. ‘65
Emily S. Ballinger
Tyler Ballinger ‘16
Vince & Mary Bartholomew
Stephen D. & Marnie M. Bell
Randy & Karen Blach
Leo J. Boyle ‘64
Keven A. & Lisha B. Burnett
William F. Burns ’69
Wayne & Roberta Buser
James P. ‘84 & Debra A. Campbell
Steve R. ‘88 & Kendall K. Carbone
David Card ‘87 & Janalee Chmel
Rev. Ronald W. Cattany ‘71
Kenneth J. & Eileen C. Cavanaugh
Patrick J. & Mary K. Chandler
Glenn G. Churchill ‘69
Robert J. & Susan B. Clark
Robert L. & Molly J. Cohen
Donald R. ‘57 & Sally† Cunningham
Mary V. Dancs
James M. Davis
Frank† C. Davis, Jr. ‘42
James M. ‘59 &
Cynthia DeFrancia
Martha Diss Sundby
John Donnellon
William V. ‘73 & Donna A. Dunn
Richard M. ‘57 & Patricia W. Dutton
Joseph E. Esposito ‘69
Robert† L. Ezkorn ‘56
James D. & Diane S. Evans
Katherine Fay
Lawrence P. ‘74 & Lori D. Finch
Stephen A. Finn
Steven R. Forness ‘57
Thomas† A. Fortune ‘28
Paul† J. & Delores† L. Fry
Tommy ‘16 & Katie Gaessler
V & Jan Gaines
Donald E. ‘51 & Cheri† Gallegos
Guy† H. ‘47 & Joan† Gibbs
Pam Gosda
Anna E. Gough ‘07
John† T. Grace ‘52
Donal & Lindsey E. Grogan
Laurence† M. ‘28 & Zena† Guilford
Rich Hamilton ‘53
Edward† F. ‘44 & Iris† Hanifen
David† L. Harris ‘69
James M. & Carleen V. Haselden
Russell K. ‘57 & Susan Haskell
Charles† A. Haskell II ‘55
Thomas† V. ‘30 & June† Healy
William† F. Hoover ‘47
John B. & Charlotte B. Jackson
Rev. Walter† R. Jaeger ‘40
David P. & Annette Jewell
Charles L. ‘58 & Debra† Johnson
Thomas J. & Pamela A. Kammer
Jon & Kristen Kraus
David J. Kasik ‘66 & Jan Levine
Joseph† D. Keating
Diane C. Keller
Margaret Kelley (DWK Foundation)
Frank Kelly ‘67
Richard† J. ‘48 & Mary† Kemme
Gretchen M. Kessler
Dorothy† W. King
Ellen L. Kiniry
Gerald J. & Alice L. Laber
William ‘66 & Sandra Lamberton
Robert S. & Elizabeth K. Lazzeri
Robert Lovelace ‘84
Lori R. Mahan
Thomas† J. Mahon ‘42
Linda† J. & Stanley P. Massey, Jr.
David A. ‘78 & Michelle Maybury
Daniel J. ‘67 & Eileen McCallin
Conor ‘98 & Heather McCallin
Christopher A. ‘78 & Collette M. McConnell
Anne McConnell
Richard & Mary Pat McCormick
William P. ‘45 & Jeanne M. McDonald
Charles† A. ‘50 & Mary† P. McFadden
Rob R. McGregor ‘87
Dr. Brian M. ‘63 & Patricia McGuire
Terry ‘63 & Kay McManus
John E. & Cheri Meyer
Paul L. ‘04 & Abbey Miller
Robert & Terri Monahan
Martin J. ‘66 & Cordelia Mooney
Gerald† A. Mornin ‘65
Daniel P. ‘74 & Denise Murray
Warren J. Olsen ‘74
Brian ‘66 & Bonnie O’Meara
Lee J. ‘78 & Olga L. Payne
Robert N. & Camille A. Pinkerton
David A. & Dinah Powers
Dennis K. ‘59 & Linda Primavera
George ‘58 & Maureen Reid
Michael L. ‘72 & Jean F. Reidy
Rev. James ReVello ‘65
Andrew F. Rogers ‘67
Lon V. Saavedra ‘72
Samuel F. Saracino ‘69 & M. Victoria Ries
Richard A. ‘66 & Linda F. Schierurg
Martin J. ‘75 & Megan Schmitz
Vincent† N. ‘44 & Marilyn† Schmitz
Lawrence† E. Schneider (Florence Schneider Trust)
Daniel Sheehan ‘70 & Cecilia Prinster
Patricia† A. Shepherd
John F. Sheridan ‘76
Kevin H. & Katherine E. Sherrard
Walter† T. & Mary Jane† Sidney
Kenneth P. & Katherine I. Simmons
Robert† E. Simons
Helen M. Simonson
Frank R. Smith ‘83
Kathryn L. Smith
Elsie† Stucka
Rick P. & Donna T. Sullivan
Rev. Robert† M. Syrianey ‘38
Michael & Betsy Tapp
Richard M. & Joan L. Todd
William† J. Webster
Michael† J. Werito ‘65
Timothy J. & Carmen Willard
John W. & Mary T. Zimmerman
Michael A. ‘74 & Nancy A. Zoellner
TOMMY GAESSLER ’16
Wise & Generous Beyond His Years
It’s unusual for a promising graduate of Regis Jesuit High School to postpone or forgo college to gain a skill, but Tommy Gaessler ’16 is a rare case indeed. His decision to enroll in a six-month coding boot camp at Galvanize in Denver to learn software engineering has helped him “zoom” ahead of most people his age and find personal and professional success.
At just 28 years old, Gaessler has recently been promoted to senior product manager at Zoom. The ubiquitous platform recruited him away from his first job as a software developer at Apostrophe, Inc., a startup in the health tech space whose founders he met through an RJ Connect event. As just the third employee at Apostrophe, he was immediately whisked along with the founders into a three-month intensive residence at Techstars in Boulder, the incubator that helps entrepreneurs refine their business model and gain access to capital and mentorship. For all he learned there, Gaessler likened it to business school.
“I've been sprinting since graduation,” he said of his career trajectory so far. “I had a full-time job before my friends were home for winter break, and I haven’t had summers off.” While he was often the youngest person in the room when he started, he has caught up quickly. He brought a unique combination of social and business savvy from his father, a startup entrepreneur, and faith and empathy modeled by his mother, who is now an ordained pastor. And, he says, “RJ taught me how to lead.”
Today, Tommy and his wife Katie own a home and have a newborn, Charlotte, who they love to dress in a pink RJ onesie. He’s already giving back to the RJ community, where he and his brother Michael Gaessler ‘18 overlapped for two years. He plays in The Rudy Cup Golf Tournament, raises his paddle at the LARK Dinner-Auction and returns to campus to mentor students through RJ Connect. For two years during Covid, he helped RJ run the LARK event over Zoom, breaking prior fundraising records.
But the most mature act of generosity for such a young family is that Tommy and Katie are thinking farenough ahead that they’ve included RJ in their estate plan. Through that decision, they became one of some 138 members of the school’s St. John Francis Regis Legacy Society.
“I love giving back to Regis because that’s my community. Because I didn’t have a college experience, most of my best friends are from there,” said Gaessler. “The brotherhood is real.” He not only visits campus for career fairs and RJ Connect events, he also hosts RJ seniors at Zoom for Shadow Days, showing them what it’s like to work not only in engineering, but also sales, marketing, design and accounting. Zoom has hired a few alums since Gaessler joined six years ago as a software engineer.
Looking back at his time at RJ, Tommy recalls choosing the school for the comfort he felt from his first visit and the opportunity to play baseball beginning in his first year. But an ironic and perhaps lucky break came in the form of not one but two broken arms, one playing baseball and the other skiing. By the middle of his junior year he decided to leave baseball behind and explore other extracurricular interests before he graduated. Among the many options, he found his way to RJ Media and
Adam Dawkins '98, where he learned about broadcasting, photography and filmmaking. Immediately, he saw the bigger picture, even though his years at RJ pre-dated the Science & Innovation Center.
“Everything we created had to live on a platform so it could be viewed and shared,” he said. While Gaessler won a national prize for a portfolio of eight photographs, he was even more fascinated by the creative infrastructure that connected his work to the world.
Gaessler says that while his career is lucrative, he also wants to have a positive impact on the world. For example, he’s now an angel investor in Campus Guardian Angel, a company that is able to deploy drones to protect a school’s interior and perimeter, or respond in real time during a threat. He recently organized a demonstration on the RJ campus.
He said, “Because of our education at Regis, where the spirituality and religious aspects are really important, a lot of people want their work to matter. So I tell them, you can take your skills to a company that will care about you and is doing great things. If you’re an engineer, you can build anything. You can bring your expertise and your values and also be well compensated. And that allows you to give back.”
“I love giving back to Regis because that’s my community...The brotherhood is real."
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Dear Regis Jesuit Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I offer my deepest gratitude for the generosity you continue to show in support of Regis Jesuit and your commitment to not only our mission today but also the promise of our future. As an alumnus and the parent of two RJ graduates, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this community shapes lives and we thank you for being part of that legacy.
One of the greatest privileges of serving as Chair of the Board is the opportunity to personally thank our donors. Making those phone calls and hearing your stories is a powerful reminder of the shared belief in the transformative impact of an RJ education. I’m humbled to say thank you:
» To our students for showing us what it means to grow with courage and compassion. You remind us that the Grad at Grad is not just a framework, but characteristics you put into practice and animate daily.
» To our parents and guardians for saying “yes” to Regis Jesuit. We do not take lightly the trust you place in us as we partner together to form your children in faith, intellect and character.
» To our faculty and staff for showing up with deep commitment and purpose. You aren’t simply educators; you form, mentor and provide a hope-filled future for all our students.
» To our alumni, benefactors and loyal supporters for believing in the vision of Inspire & Ignite 2025 , and what it takes to sustain and strengthen our mission.
As a Board, our role is both practical and deeply personal. We are stewards of the mission, ensuring that Regis Jesuit remains steadfast to its Catholic, Jesuit identity while also evolving to meet the needs of today’s students. We listen, we plan, we ask hard questions and we dream boldly.
The 2024–25 fiscal year was marked by responsible and trusted leadership, steady enrollment and purposeful investment in the programs and people who define our school’s commitment to an excellent student experience.
Thank you for your confidence, your generosity and your partnership. Together, we ensure that Regis Jesuit stands on a foundation of excellence and financial strength and empowers our students to be Men and Women With and For Others
With gratitude,
Robert Reich ’88 Chair, Board of Trustees
2025-26 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Lisha Burnett
David Card ‘87, Ex Officio
Rowena Cipriano-Reyes
James Goeke, SJ
Polica Houston
Conor McCallin ‘98
Irene D. McPhail May
Gerard E. Menard, SJ, Secretary
Jacqueline A. Millet
Christian S. O’Dwyer ’04, Treasurer
Drake R. Powell
Vickie Puchi
Diana R. Rael, Vice Chair
Robert J. Reich ‘88, Chair
Kathy J. Toole
Dan White, SJ
2025-26 COUNCIL OF REGENTS
Gregory Armstrong
Julie Bunsness
Richard O. Campbell ‘54
Molly J. Cohen
Kristin R. Cully, Ed.D.
Marion G. Curtis
Lawrence P. Finch ‘74
Patrick F. Gartland ‘65
Ralph D. Houlihan, SJ
Gerald J. Laber
William R. Leer
Daniel J. McCallin ‘67
Eileen McCallin
2025-26
Caleb Meyer ‘93
John E. Meyer
Daniel P. Murray, Sr. ‘74
Eugene A. Naes, Jr. ‘80, Chair
Margaret Nemechek
Michael L. Reidy ‘72
Thomas Rochford, SJ ’64
John M. Schmidt
John F. Sheridan ‘76
Philip G. Steele, SJ ‘66
Philip F. Vottiero
BOARD OF MEMBERS
James Goeke, SJ
Gerard E. Menard, SJ, Chair
Thomas Rochford, SJ ‘64, Secretary
ADVANCEMENT
Kathryn Bentfield
Kendra Blach '14
Cindy Bolin
Lisha B. Burnett
David Card ’87
Travis Crowe, SJ
Nicolle E. Davies
Zachary T. Fenoglio ’07
Jordan M. Hooper ’11
Drew Kelleher '03
Jonathan R. Kraus
Vickie Puchi*
Diana R. Rael
Robert J. Reich ’88
Mindae Russell
Catherine Winter
Advisory Staff
Mary Zimmerman
2025-26 Advisory Committees
To help facilitate the decision-making process of the Board of Trustees, these subcommittees advise the Board on various focus areas identified from the priorities of the school’s Strategic Plan. Regis Jesuit is grateful to these individuals for their time, dedication and expertise.
EXECUTIVE
AUDIT & FINANCE
Bryan Armstrong ‘99
David Card ‘87
Justin Carter ‘98
Neal D. Dermer
Thomas Dobbins
Charles H. Kay ‘07
Andrea M. Lassen ‘09
Gerard E. Menard, SJ
Jeffrey L. Nemechek ‘80
Christian S. O’Dwyer ‘04*
Robert J. Reich ‘88
Matthew J. Vandal ‘04
Ashley C. Zack ‘12
Advisory Staff
Stacey Fania
Mindae Russell
David Card ‘87, Ex-Officio
Irene D. McPhail May
Gerard E. Menard, SJ
Christian S. O’Dwyer ‘04
Vickie Puchi
Diana R. Rael
Robert J. Reich ‘88*
GOVERNANCE
David Card ‘87
Rowena Cipriano-Reyes
Kristin R. Cully
James Goeke, SJ
Polica Houston
Irene D. McPhail May*
Robert J. Reich ‘88
Mindae Russell
John Schmidt
Advisory Staff
Liane Cattelino
INVESTMENT
Subcommittee of Audit & Finance
Bryan Armstrong ‘99
David Card ‘87
Justin Carter ‘98*
Thomas Dobbins
Garrett T. Fitzgerald ‘03
Jordan M. Hooper ‘11
Conor McCallin ‘98
Christopher D. Milinazzo ‘09
Christian S. O’Dwyer ‘04
Ex Officio
Nicholas J. Pavlakovich ‘82
Robert J. Reich ‘88
Steven G. Rotello ‘88
John L. Schmidt ‘14
Advisory Staff / Consultants**
Stacey Fania
Paul Miller ‘04
Jeffrey L. Nemechek ‘80**
Meghan A. Nemechek ‘15**
MISSION & IGNATIAN STEWARDSHIP
Fr. David Bluejacket
Eric Brown
David Card ‘87
Trevor Jackson
Sajit U. Kabadi
Colleen B. Kessenich
Leah Malm
Gerard E. Menard, SJ*
Robert J. Reich ‘88
John M. Schmidt
Kathy J. Toole
Jimmy Tricco
Dan White, SJ
PLANNING & MAJOR PROJECTS
Pat Casey '85
David Card ‘87
Anthony De Simone
Lawrence P. Finch ‘74
Kevin Foltz
Jacqueline A. Millet
Christopher Nehls
Drake R. Powell
Diana R. Rael*
Robert J. Reich ‘88
Robert M. Rydel
Paul Wember
Jeffrey D. Willis
Advisory Staff
Thomas Dobbins
Mindae Russell
Ryan West
*Denotes Chair
