Let It Shine

Let It Shine Regis Gala raises more than $600,000 for student scholarships

Regis College held its seventh Let It Shine Gala on October 27, 2022, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, raising more than $600,000 for scholarships that will help provide greater access to higher education for students in need. Since it was launched in 2016, Regis’ gala has raised more than $5.1 million for student scholarships.

The 2022 Shining Example Award was presented to toxicologist and childhood cancer research advocate Courtney Horvath ’06, PhD, DABT—who is currently the Head of Strategy, Planning and Operations for Translational Medicine at Novartis. Throughout her career, she has been involved in the development of biopharmaceuticals across various therapeutic areas and modalities. As the parent of a pediatric cancer survivor, Horvath was inspired to become a passionate advocate for childhood cancer research and is now a national speaker on this topic.

“My time at Regis was so formative in who I have become as a scientist, leader, and advocate,” said Horvath. “The faculty at Regis saw potential in me that I never saw in myself and gave me the foundation and confidence to pursue my PhD and, ultimately, a successful career in research.”

Watch the video in honor of Courtney Horvath '06, PhD >> regisma.me/horvath

Thank you to our top sponsors!

Inspired Leaders

Regis College Board of Trustees

Regis College Domitilla Society

Change Makers

Dr. Ali Shajii and Dr. Haleh Azar P’21

Pearson

Brian Young

Global Citizens

Aramark

Consigli Construction Company

Eastern Bank

Enhanced Compliance, Inc.

Maureen Finn ’86

Anne Finucane and Michael Barnicle

Jean Jianos Gray ’79 and John M. Gray

Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN

Kathleen S. Jose ’87, ’94, MSN, RN

Patrice McCloskey

Bill and Jane Mosakowski

Elaine Richardson ’76

John J. Tegan, Jr., MEd

Maylin S. Truesdell ’05, ’06 and John Truesdell

Eileen Young

Doreen M. Zankowski '81, Esq. and Billie Jean Potter '83

“My incredible experience in the Regis lab empowered me to believe in myself, and after graduation I joined Aktis Oncology. It is clear to me that doing this research as a part of my undergraduate degree was incredibly valuable as I launched my career, and I am grateful that Regis provided an inclusive space for me to learn the valuable lessons and skills needed to start my work in industry.”

Hanna Barry '22

First-generation biology major and scholarship recipient on her Regis independent study focused on the early detection of ovarian cancer.

Visit the Let It Shine Gala website to view more photos and watch event videos >> alumni.regiscollege.edu/ letitshine

Lydia Miller

Class of 2023

Lydia Miller ’23 has an impressive resume: Pride Guide, Orientation Leader, Peer Tutor, Regis College Honors Program, Bethany Hill Service Group, member of the Regis Dance Company and cross-country team—all while achieving a 4.0 GPA as an undergraduate in the Young School of Nursing.

Although she was initially drawn to Regis for its distinguished, award-winning nursing program, Miller quickly learned the university had much more to offer.

“During my first week at Regis, a member of the Center for Ministry and Service stated that college is a time for growth and development as a whole person, in addition to our academic journey,” says Miller, who took this to heart. “Throughout my first year, I developed into a stronger leader while continuing to discover who I am as an individual.”

Miller put those leadership skills to good use outside of the classroom, volunteering at Bethany Hill Place—an organization that provides safe and affordable housing to families in need— as a reading and homework tutor for children. “This experience is meaningful to me because I am becoming an active member of the children’s lives,” says Miller. “It is so important to be able to build meaningful relationships and offer some stability to them.”

Miller was honored to receive the Sister Thérèse Higgins Sisters of St. Joseph Merit Scholarship that allowed her to pursue her passion of becoming a nurse. “My scholarship motivated me to succeed and become a nurse that positively impacts others, just as my life has been positively impacted by Regis."

After graduating in May 2023, Miller hopes to further her education and become a nurse practitioner with a doctorate degree.

“Attending Regis has helped me grow holistically, and my experiences here have molded me into the young lady I am today," Miller shares. “Thank you to my donors for giving me an opportunity that I will carry with me every day in my career and adult life."

As Rosa De Martinis ’22, MEd ’25 walked across the stage at Commencement 2022, she recalls thinking of her family and the sacrifices they made to get her to that day. In the 1970s, De Martinis’ family immigrated to the United States in hopes of giving themselves and future generations a better and more prosperous life.

“I am an example of their sacrifice and hard work,” says De Martinis. “And donor support has contributed to my success and my family’s legacy.”

Thanks to the Hamilton Family Scholarship, De Martinis had the opportunity to follow her dreams of becoming a teacher and graduated in May 2022 with a double major in secondary education and history.

“My scholarship motivated me to make my donor proud and not take this life-changing opportunity for granted," says De Martinis.

As an undergraduate, De Martinis made the honor roll each semester, was a member and editor of Regis’ literary magazine Hemetera, and worked at the library.

From her classmates and professors, De Martinis learned how to be committed, openminded, and accepting—all qualities that are imperative for a secondary education teacher.

“I am certain I will hold onto these attributes and qualities and apply them in all aspects of my life,” says De Martinis. “I believe we are all God’s children, and I want to make sure my students feel heard, validated, and taught in a way that meets their needs.”

De Martinis often thinks of a quote by Michelangelo that he said when he was 87 years old: “I am still learning.” She takes this thought to heart. De Martinis is currently enrolled in the Master of Education in Teaching Special Education (MEd) program at Regis and hopes to one day also receive her doctorate from Regis.

“My drive for learning will never be limited,” says De Martinis. “And the same is true for my gratitude—Regis donors have made a massive contribution to my life and education.”