Regis College President Robin L. Cautin, PhD, is proud to share that Regis College raised almost $700,000 for student scholarships at its Centennial Kickoff Gala on Oct. 28 at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston.
Hosted by Meredith Lynch ’09, a Regis alumna, writer, and TikTok sensation, the event brought together more than 200 alumni, donors, and community members to celebrate the impact of a Regis education and honor President Emerita Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN, with the Shining Example Award for her extraordinary leadership and service to the college. 
The evening also welcomed past Shining Example Award recipient Ophelia Dahl and Linda Sloane Kay, whose father, Marshall Sloane, was also a former honoree.
The gala marked the beginning of Regis’ yearlong Centennial celebration, commemorating the university’s founding in 1927 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston and celebrating the people who have shaped Regis over the past century.
The event was the first Let It Shine Gala for Robin L. Cautin, PhD, Regis’ 11th president. In her remarks, Cautin recognized Hays’ lasting contributions to Regis and our responsibility to carry its founding values into the next century.
“As I begin my presidency, I am grateful for the strong foundations you laid, and it is my privilege to continue to build upon them,” said President Cautin.
Looking ahead to Regis’ next century, President Cautin emphasized the importance of responding to the needs of the world through education, compassion, and service.
“One hundred years of service has brought us to this moment. We see what the world needs now: knowledge, wisdom, character, and compassion. Together, in keeping with the proud tradition of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the enduring generosity and commitment of the people in this room—we will respond,” said President Cautin.
The evening honored Hays, who served Regis for more than 41 years, including 15 years as president. During her tenure, she helped transform the campus, expanded academic programs, and strengthened opportunities for students across nursing, health sciences, and graduate programs. 
Student speaker Isabella George ’27, a biology major on the pre-dental track, shared how her Regis education has shaped her academic interests, leadership, and aspirations to become a dentist. Addressing guests and supporters, George reflected on the opportunities their generosity has made possible.
“Because of you, I have been able to pursue opportunities, participate in and lead research, serve others, lead, experiment, discover, and imagine my future,” said George. “You are not simply investing in what I, or any other student, am doing at Regis. You are investing in the impact we will make when we leave here.” 
The gala also premiered Rising for a Century, a video celebrating the people and experiences that have shaped Regis over the past 100 years.
Since its launch in 2016, Let It Shine has raised more than $7 million to support student scholarships, helping make a Regis education possible for students across generations.
To learn more about Regis' Centennial celebration, please visit https://centennial.regiscollege.edu/.