Geger Draws Next Assignment F
or more than six years, Father Bart Geger, S.J., has inspired countless faculty, staff, students and alumni, from living the Jesuit mission to following their passions. He probably even inspired a great beard or two. He has left an indelible mark on the University community. But it’s time for him to move on. Geger will depart on his next mission in late December. Following a sabbatical, he is set to begin teaching graduate theology to Jesuits in formation, other religious orders and laypeople next fall. His superiors will determine his destination — Boston or Berkeley, California — later this fall. Geger recently spoke with Regis University Alumni Magazine about his Regis experience and his plans for the future. WHAT HAVE YOU TAKEN AWAY FROM YOUR REGIS EXPERIENCE? The one thing that has impressed me the most about Regis, and to be perfectly honest surprised me, is how passionate our lay colleagues are about the Jesuit mission. There is a deep desire to keep it going at the University whether they are Catholic or not. The buy-in here has been extraordinary. That’s been incredibly gratifying for me and gives me great confidence for the future of Jesuit education. YOU’RE BELOVED BY STUDENTS. WHAT HAS YOUR ROLE WITH THEM MEANT TO YOU? I love working with students. I have always been very mindful of the fact that their time at Regis is probably the last time that many of them will be exposed to “organized religion.” I’m very likely the last priest or clergy person that many of them will meet. It was always important to me to try to present a positive, welcoming image with them and to leave them with a good memory of faith and the Church, to the extent that I can. In the future, they hopefully will remember and hold onto that. This is our last, best chance to educate these students about faith.
First Phase of Donor-Funded Renovations Help Dress up ‘Old Main’ Following upgrades to Main Hall’s exterior in recent years — including a new roof, windows and masonry work — the interior of the historic building is getting some much needed attention. “Main Hall represents the face of the institution and it is so important that it positively reflects the best of the history
and tradition of Regis,” said Bill Fortune, RC ’69, and trustee. Backed by the President’s Excellence Fund, supported by generous donors like Fortune, the $1.2 million project has revitalized the heavily trafficked second floor. Improvements include a new ceiling, lighting and flooring. It’s part of a multi-
phased project that will continue through 2020 and revitalize each floor of the Pink Palace. “The building is an historic and iconic symbol of Regis and a cherished space much beloved by many,” said President John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J. “It is important that we invest in upgrading and improving it for the future.” REGIS.EDU/MAGAZINE
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