As students and faculty from kindergarten through college return to the classroom this fall, I was horrified to hear of the tragic school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. My heart breaks for the students, families, educators, and parish community affected by this terrible act of violence.
With a mission rooted in the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, we stand with Annunciation Catholic School and with all who suffer from the devastation of school violence. We renew our commitment to fostering environments where safety, dignity, and respect are at the core of learning.
We also mourn the passing of Emeritus Faculty Sister Therezon Sheerin, CSJ, who began teaching in the psychology department in 1962 and served faithfully for over 40 years. Sister Therezon was laid to rest yesterday. May God bless you, Sister Therezon, and keep you in His loving care. May she rest in eternal peace, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
We have much to look forward to as the countdown to the start of the fall semester is on. The staff summer schedule has concluded and regular business resumed this week.
Welcome, ASN Students!
This morning, we had the pleasure of welcoming more than 100 new and returning Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) students. During their introduction to Regis, the Young School of Nursing, and our dedicated faculty, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting them through their transition from the Lawrence Memorial Hospital nursing program to become fully integrated members of the Regis community.
OT Students Making a Global Impact
I’m incredibly proud of Occupational Therapy students Madeline Conover '26 and Alyssa Murnane '26 who traveled to Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) in Jamaica from Aug. 16–20 to implement a Sensory Integration Education program they developed during their community-based OT course with Assistant Professor Dan Houlihan.
On left: Madeline interacting with a resident
On Right: Alyssa introducing a resident to a new swing
After participating in a service immersion trip to MSC in March, Alyssa and Madeline identified a critical need for sensory integration training to better equip caregivers supporting residents with a range of disabilities. In response, they spent six weeks conducting in-depth research and collaborating closely with MSC staff and founder Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon to create a culturally responsive, accessible, and free 8-module training program for caregivers.
Upon their return, they reported their mission was accomplished and the caregivers were deeply grateful for the resources and support!
Alyssa and Madeline’s work is a powerful example of how Regis prepares students to create meaningful, real-world contributions. Guided by our values of service, justice, and the dignity of every person, they are not only enhancing the occupational performance and quality of life for MSC residents—they are also carrying the spirit and mission of Regis into the world.
Our connection with MSC remains strong. At the end of July, the Center for Ministry & Service was honored to host members of the MSC USA office for their annual retreat—including five team members from MSC’s headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. It was a joy to spend time with them, alongside Father Paul, Dan Leahy, and Mary Lou Bozza.
Student Receives CFP Conference Sponsorship
Leilany Rodrigue '26, financial planning major, was awarded a full sponsorship to attend the CFP Board Connections Conference this October in Chicago. The conference brings together professionals, educators and industry innovators to provide insights on timely topics such as AI and the psychology of financial planning. Congrats, Leilany!
President's Office
I was interviewed recently for the Mná Mheiriceá Podcast, a series that spotlights women trailblazers breaking barriers, shaping communities, and driving change across diverse fields. I was grateful to be part of this inspiring platform and to share space with many remarkable voices.
We have a lot to look forward to in the coming months! Here’s a list of upcoming events—mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details:
- Fri., Aug. 29: Make-up Undergrad Orientation | 11 a.m. | Student Center
- Sat., Aug. 30: First-year #RegisMoveIn | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Sign up to volunteer
- Thurs., Sept. 4: Mass of the Holy Spirit | 12:15 p.m. | College Hall Chapel
- Tues., Sept. 9: Convocation | 12:30 p.m. | Fine Arts Center
- Thurs., Sept. 11: Free Professional Development on Compassionate Leadership for Educators | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Fine Arts Center | Register and submit your reflective essay for an opportunity to be chosen for a fully-funded fellowship at Collegio Ghislieri in Pavia, Italy.
- Thurs., Sept. 25: Founders' Day
- Sat., Sept. 27: Regis Fest 2025
- Wed., Oct. 29: Let it Shine Gala | 5:30 p.m. | Four Seasons Boston
We can't wait to connect with you, celebrate milestones, and keep the momentum going. Until then, enjoy the last days of summer.