In an era where higher education is increasingly viewed through the lens of transaction—tuition in exchange for a degree—Regis University in Denver stands as a defiant outlier. For nearly 150 years, this institution has championed a model of learning that transcends mere skill acquisition. By grounding its modern curriculum in Jesuit values, Regis has created a blueprint for an education that is as much about the heart and soul as it is about the intellect.
The influence of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) on contemporary pedagogy at Regis is not merely a nod to history; it is a living, breathing strategy that shapes how students solve problems, lead teams, and engage with a globalized society.
The Ignatian Legacy in a Digital Age
The foundation of Jesuit education dates back to St. Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus in 1540. He believed that education should be a tool for transformation. At Regis University, these centuries-old principles are translated into the 21st-century context, ensuring that technology and innovation are guided by an ethical compass.
Two primary concepts drive the modern experience at Regis:
- Cura Personalis (Care for the Individual): In a modern education system that often treats students as data points, Regis emphasizes the holistic development of the person. This means faculty are concerned with a student’s mental health, spiritual inquiry, and physical well-being alongside their academic performance.
- The Magis (The More): This value challenges students to strive for the “greater good.” In a business or tech context, it asks: “Is this innovation simply profitable, or does it serve humanity?”
Integrating Values into Diverse Disciplines
The impact of Jesuit values is most visible in how Regis structures its various colleges. Unlike traditional universities where ethics might be a single elective, at Regis, the “Values-Based” approach is woven into the very fabric of every major.
1. Ethical Leadership in Business and Technology
At the Anderson College of Business and Computing, the impact of Jesuit values is revolutionary. While many programs focus on maximizing shareholder value, Regis teaches “principled leadership.” Students learn that a corporation has a responsibility to the community and the environment. In the realm of Cybersecurity and Data Science—fields where Regis is a recognized leader—students are taught that technical capability must be matched by a rigorous moral framework to protect privacy and human dignity.
2. Compassionate Care in Health Sciences
The Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions is perhaps the clearest example of Cura Personalis in action. Nursing and pharmacy students are trained not just in biology and chemistry, but in the art of presence. The Jesuit value of “finding God in all things” translates into seeing the inherent dignity in every patient, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. This results in clinicians who are as skilled in empathy as they are in medicine.
The “Thinking to Doing” Pipeline: Service Learning
Modern education often suffers from a “theory-practice” gap. Jesuit values bridge this gap through Service Learning. This is not just volunteering; it is an academic methodology where community service is integrated into the course objectives.
- Social Justice Orientation: Students are encouraged to look at the “root causes” of societal issues. If a student is studying economics, they don’t just look at graphs of poverty; they engage with local non-profits to understand the systemic barriers to wealth.
- The Power of Reflection: A key component of Jesuit education is the “Examen”—a daily practice of reflection. At Regis, this is modernized into a classroom tool. After a service project or a complex lab, students are asked to reflect on their experience. This transforms a simple activity into a profound learning moment.
Global Citizenship and Solidarity
In a world that is increasingly polarized, Regis University uses its Jesuit identity to foster a culture of Solidarity. This value teaches students that they are part of a global family.
The impact of this value is seen in the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Regis actively works to dismantle barriers to education. The university’s “Global Engagement” initiatives ensure that students aren’t just learning about the world from a textbook but are engaging with it through immersion programs that focus on social justice rather than “voluntourism.”
| Jesuit Value | Modern Application at Regis |
| Finding God in All Things | Seeing the beauty and potential in diverse perspectives and scientific discovery. |
| Unity of Mind and Heart | Balancing rigorous intellectual research with emotional intelligence and empathy. |
| Contemplatives in Action | Moving beyond the library to apply knowledge for social reform. |
| Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG) | For the Greater Glory of God; doing one’s best in every task to honor the human spirit. |
Why It Matters: The “Regis Graduate”
The ultimate measure of the impact of Jesuit values is the quality of the alumni. Employers often note that Regis graduates stand out not just for their technical proficiency, but for their soft skills—critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and the ability to work in diverse teams.
In a job market that is increasingly automated, these “human” qualities are the most valuable assets a professional can possess. By teaching students to ask “How ought we to live?” alongside “How do I do this job?”, Regis prepares them for a life of meaning, not just a career of convenience.
Conclusion: A Compass for the Future
The impact of Jesuit values at Regis University is a testament to the enduring power of a values-based education. By refusing to separate the “how” from the “why,” Regis provides its students with more than just a degree—it provides them with a compass.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century—from climate change to the ethical dilemmas of AI—the world needs leaders who have been trained in the Jesuit tradition: individuals who are intellectually prepared, morally grounded, and ready to act in service of others.