Regis, a leading Catholic university in Greater Boston, is soaring into the future with the launch of a $40 million comprehensive campaign. Now We Fly: The Campaign for Regis is the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the school’s 90-year history.

“Regis is in the midst of a massive transformation to enhance the campus environment and academic offerings for our students,” said President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN. “Now We Fly will build on this momentum by improving facilities, driving academic innovation, expanding scholarship assistance, and growing a culture of philanthropy to keep Regis strong for years to come.”

Now We Fly fundraiserMore than 200 people gathered on campus for the public launch of the campaign, which has already raised $24 million. A $5 million gift from an anonymous alumna is the largest in Regis history.

“I am proud to support the future of Regis students,” said trustee Tom O’Neill, CEO of O’Neill and Associates, who serves as campaign co-chair. “President Hays has proven that she can bring Regis flying to new heights.”

O’Neill joined fellow co-chairs Board Chairman John Tegan, and featured guest sculptor Nancy Schön to celebrate the campaign launch, which will support four key areas.

Building the community drives significant investments in physical infrastructures to enhance how the Regis community lives, learns, and works together. A new residence hall, renovated library and campus quad completed in fall 2015 represents the first phase. The next capital projects include renovations to the science building and athletic facilities.

Investing in students advances the tradition of Regis’ founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, of providing unlimited opportunities to deserving students of all backgrounds. Growing the endowed scholarship funds ensures the university can meet the expanding need for financial support to students at the bachelor, master and doctoral level.

Teaching and learning will expand student access to innovative academic initiatives that enable them to learn, serve, and soar—from honors programs to state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs to community service trips with global impact.

Growing annual support for the Regis Fund makes a critical difference in the daily lives of all who live, study, and work at Regis. The Regis Fund supports operating expenses associated with athletics, student life programs, study abroad opportunities, mentoring, and library resources.

“What we’ve accomplished in recent years is incredible,” said Hays. “What we will accomplish through this campaign will be even greater. It’s time for Regis to soar.”

The first Let It Shine Regis Gala in October 2016 raised $1 million in support of student scholarships for the Now We Fly campaign. The second Let It Shine Gala will take place October 24, 2017, at the Boston Park Plaza.